Unit+2+Work

Unit 2

1. The life of Muhammad has helped to shape the way Islam has developed throughout history. Muhammad was known as the only prophet of god in Islam. The first teachings of Muhammad have developed into the modern day Quran. Muhammad also helped to set up the first pilgrimage to Mecca, a very important part of modern day Islam. Because of these and much more I feel that the life of Muhammad is very essential for Islamic history. Without Muhammad much of today’s Muslim culture would be very different. 2. While Islam was rapidly expanding, difficult problems of governance and administration started to occur. Disagreements over succession led to the emergence of the Shia sect. The Shia sect is the most important and enduring of all the alternatives to the original faith. This original faith is known as Sunni Islam. The Shia and Sunnis continually disagreed on who they thought should be the successor of the empire after the passing of Muhammad. This event represent s the first true disruption in the development of Islam. The split has led to two successful parties which are both still fully alive and still together today. 3. The start of the Muslim conquests led to the first true expansion into foreign areas. With the ability to now perform quick razzias ,or lightning raids, expansion became very easy for the Muslims. As well as be very successful in battle, they were also taught their captured areas very well. They gave the people that they captured the chance to convert to their religion and face no extra punishments. With the ability to now perform successful conquests, expansion into the farthest parts of the known world was not out of the question. Expansion into areas in all directions helped to get Islam out into a greater part of the world, much like it is today.

1. Life of Muhammed 2. Sunni/ Shia Split 3. Muslim conquests begin 4. Muslim empire reaches its furthest extent 5. West Africa begins to convert to Islam 6. Crusaders take Jerusalem 7. Mongols capture Baghdad 8. Islam spreads to the West 9. Osama bin Laden’s life 10. 9/11 [[http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/timeline.htm|http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/timeline.htm

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