SSWH5: Examine the political, economic, and cultural interactions within the Medieval Mediterranean World between 600 CE/AD and 1300 CE/AD.

a. Analyze the origins of Islam and the growth of the Islamic Empire.

b. Understand the reasons for the split between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

c.Assess the economic impact of Muslim trade routes to India, China, Europe and Africa.

d. Identify the contributions of Islamic scholars in science, math, and geography.

e. Analyze the relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Prelude

Judaism followers are called Jews. Abraham is the father, and is believed to have founded the Covenant with God.

The Covenant is the special relationship between Jews and God. The Torah is the Jewish holy book.

Synagogues are the Jewish place of worship. Worship takes place from sundown on Friday till Saturday night.

Followers of Chritianity are called Christians. Christians believe Jesus to be the Messiah, or son of God.

Christians worship their faith at Church. Church takes place on Sundays.

Christians believe Jesus was sent to free God's people from sin and death. Their holy book is called the Bible.

Islam means "submission to Allah." Mohammed is Allah's prophet. The Muslim holy book is called the Qu'ran.

Islam followers are called Muslims. Allah is their God. The term "Muslim" means one who has submitted.

Muslims worship at Mosque. Mosque takes place on Fridays.

Abraham is recognized in all 3 religions. All religions believe Moses to be a prophet of God. All 3 religions share the same old testament in their holy book.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all monotheistic religions. This means they all believe in one God.

All 3 religions were founded in the Middle East. Christianity rose from Judaism, and Islam developed from both Christianity and Judaism.

Chapter 1:Origins of Islam

The Islamic religion starts with a man named Mohammed. Mohammed was in born in Mecca. He often prayed and meditated alone in caves.

At the age of 40, while meditating in a cave, Mohammed heard the voice of Gabriel. Gabriel told him he was the messenger of Allah. Mohammed realized he was the last prophet, and began teaching that Allah was the only God.

Due to Muslims being attacked for worshiping Allah, Mohammed left Mecca for Medina. There, he became a political, religious, and military leader.

Chapter 2: Sunni and Shi'a Muslims

Mohammed gained lots of followers in Medina. In 630 C.E., he returned to Mecca with his followers to take over the city.

The leaders of Mecca surrendered. People pledged their loyalty to Mohammed, and many converted to Islam.

Mohammed died in 632 C.E. Abu Bakr was elected as his successor, given the title caliph. There were 4 rightly guided caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Ali is Mohammed's son and cousin-in-law.

In 656 C.E., Uthman was murdered, and civil war broke out. Ali, being the natural successor, was challenged by the Syrian government for his right to rule. In 661 C.E., Ali was assassinated.

After Ali's death, Umayyads took over. They moved the capital to Demascus, and lived a luxurious life instead of simple. Majority of Muslims supported them, but a small group did not. This is where a split between the Islamic religion happens.