Current LectureOrigin of IslamRELG 102 1nd Edition Lecture 10Current LectureOrigin of IslamFollowing 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 ruleAfter Muhammad died he left to system causing the elders to take over, leaving the Muslims n a crisisAbu Bakr- Muhammad’s first caliph (successor)The first four traditional caliphs- Abu Bakr- Umar- Uthman- AliAbu Bakr: Islamic history and military leader, not a prophet, successful in claiming victory over rebels, increased revenue and produced a powerful armyUmar: noted for his conquests of Syria, Israel, Egypt, Iraq, and Persia, organized the format for appointing future caliphs, instituted the Muslim calendarUthman: accused of mishandling finances, later killed in his houseThese 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, afterhis death Utham relative became successorIslamic Denominations- Two major issues: Succession and authorityTwo 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