Chapter 10 section 1 notes Deserts, Towns, and Trade Routes • Arabian Peninsula crossroads to three continents: Africa, Europe, Asia • Mostly desert inhabited by Bedouins (Arab nomads) • Bedouin ideals became part of Islamic life (courage, loyalty to family, warrior skills) • Trade routes crossed the peninsula carrying products and ideas • Trade caravans stopped in Mecca to worship at ancient shrine called Ka’aba (associated with Abraham) • Over time, worship of many gods was introduced in the Ka’aba (360 idols). • Monotheism was practiced by Jews and Christians living in Arabian Peninsula. Some Arabs believed in one God called, Allah. • Muhammad born in Mecca around 570. The Prophet Muhammad • At age 25 became trader and business manager for future wife, Kadijah. • At age 40 believed he heard the voice of angel Gabriel. Muhammad believed Allah was telling him to become the last prophet. • Began to teach that Allah was the one and only God and that all other gods must be abandoned. • Islam- “submission to the will of Allah” • Muslim- “one who has submitted” • 613- many Meccans rejected his Monotheistic teachings. Some of Muhammad’s followers were attacked • 622- Muhammad and followers undertake Hijrah (migration to Yathrib later called Medina). • Muhammad attracted many followers in Medina. Became skilled leader. • 630- Muhammad and followers take control of Mecca. Destroyed idols in Ka’aba. Meccans joined umma (Muslim religious community) • Muhammad died at 62. Had unified much of Arabian Peninsula under Islam. Beliefs and Practices of Islam • Five Pillars- duties that Muslims must carry out 1. Faith- “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” 2. Prayer- five times a day facing towards Mecca. Preferably in a Mosque. 3. Alms- give money to the poor through special religious tax. 4. Fasting- Fast between dawn and sunset during Ramadan. 5. Pilgrimage- undertake Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) at least once. Way of life/sources of authority/links to Christianity and Judaism • Forbidden to eat pork or drink intoxicating beverages. • Friday afternoons set aside for worship. • No priests, Muslims worship Allah directly. Ulama- scholar class • Source of authority is Allah. Holy book is Qur’an. Written in Arabic. • Only Arabic used in worship. Common language for prayer united conquered peoples under Muslim control. • Sunna, Muhammad’s example, is best model for proper living. • Shari’a- body of law that regulates Muslim life. • Linked to Christianity and Judaism. Muslims believe Allah is same God as worshipped in Christianity and Judaism. View Jesus as a prophet. Trace ancestry to Abraham. • Refer to Jews and Christians as “people of the book” • Shari’a required religious tolerance. .