RELG 102 1nd Edition Lecture 10 Current Lecture Origin of Islam Following the death of Muhammad Islam spread rapidly throughout the Byzantine Empire Persia Syria Iraq Egypt North Africa Europe and the Mediterranean Resulting in the Muslims conquering territories that were Christian ruled Christians felt threatened politically socially and theologically Why would Christians or Jews welcome Islamic rule at all The were respected by many Muslims as fellow people of the book They possessed scripture and revelation from God Many Muslim rulers allowed religious freedom for most subjected peoples Pledged allegiance to the Islamic state and paid pull called jizya under Islamic rule After Muhammad died he left to system causing the elders to take over leaving the Muslims n a crisis Abu Bakr Muhammad s first caliph successor The first four traditional caliphs Abu Bakr Umar Uthman Ali Abu Bakr Islamic history and military leader not a prophet successful in claiming victory over rebels increased revenue and produced a powerful army Umar noted for his conquests of Syria Israel Egypt Iraq and Persia organized the format for appointing future caliphs instituted the Muslim calendar Uthman accused of mishandling finances later killed in his house These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute Ali son in law of Muhammad during his reign Muslims started separating into two groups after his death Utham relative became successor Islamic Denominations Two major issues Succession and authority Two split groups Sunnis meaning tradition agree that Muhammad died without a replacement 85 percent of Muslims are Sunnis no formal system of clergy Imams are spiritual leaders that help lead prayers and regulate Islamic law Shi ites meaning part as in political party believed Ali was the first legitimate successor to Muhammad 90 percent of Muslims are Shi ites Period of Muhammad First this is when God sent down divine revelation the Qur an to Muhammad The Muslim state itself is created The source of Islamic law originated at this time All Muslims view this time period as the key reference point for all revival and reform This era marked and incredible geographical expansion of Islam itself