World History / Unit 4: The Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World and Medieval Europe
4.2 The Rise of Islam
Notes
Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula in the 600s CE. Its followers are called Muslims.
- Muhammad was born in Mecca about 570 CE. Muslims believe that beginning in 610 CE, the angel Gabriel brought him revelations from God (Allah).
- Opposition in Mecca led Muhammad and his followers to move to Medina in 622 CE. This journey, the Hijra, marks year 1 of the Islamic calendar.
- Muhammad returned to Mecca in 630 and died in 632 CE; by then much of Arabia had accepted Islam.
- Islam is monotheistic. Its holy book is the Quran. Muslims also follow the Sunnah, the example of Muhammad.
- Five Pillars of Islam: the shahada (declaration of faith), salat (prayer five times a day), zakat (giving to the poor), sawm (fasting during Ramadan) and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca if able).
- Muslims see Jews and Christians as "People of the Book" because they share belief in one God and prophets like Abraham and Moses.
Practice
The Hijra in 622 CE refers to:
The Hijra begins the Islamic calendar.
Which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam?
Zakat is required charity; the other pillars are faith, prayer, fasting and pilgrimage.
Why did Muslims call Jews and Christians "People of the Book"?
Islam recognizes earlier prophets and revealed scriptures.
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