Module 9: The Rise of Islam

From its point of origin in Arabia, Islam developed into a global civilization that eventually encompassed large portions of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Based upon the teachings of the prophet Mohammad, the Islamic religion was based upon several universal principles—a feature that attracted diverse ethnic groups to the faith. Although initially shunned by the nomadic Berber tribes in Arabia, Islam was eventually accepted in the Middle East; it served as the core of several Islamic empires, including the powerful Umayyads and Abbasids. However, despite the purported religious homogeneity of Islam, the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties were punctuated by religious discord and political conflicts.

In this unit, we will examine the main tenets of Islam and consider why so many diverse people adopted the faith. We will also study the rise and fall of the Umayyad and Abbasid empires and examine the reasons behind the only major schism in Islam—the Sunni-Shi’a split.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 9 hours to complete.

Section 9.1 The Arabian World and the Birth of Islam: 5 hours
Section 9.2 The Arab Empire of the Umayyads: 2.5 hours
Section 9.3 From Arab to Islamic Empire: The Early Abbasid Era: 1 hours
Section 9.4 Module 9 Quiz: 0.5 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Describe the rise of Prophet Muhammad, and identify the tenets of Islam.
Describe the elements of Islamic law and its practice.
Identify and compare the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties and empires.
Identify the causes, main events, and consequences of Islamic expansion in the Mediterranean.

Section 9.1 The Arabian World and the Birth of Islam

Please read the entire article "The Birth of Islamic Civilization" (PDF).

The Birth of Islamic Civilization Download The Birth of Islamic Civilization

Please read the entire webpage for a historical and theological overview of Islamic civilization.

Islam and Islamic Civilization Links to an external site.

Please read the entirety of this article in order to get a sense of the historical context of the emergence of the Islamic faith. Click on “View Slideshow” at the top of the webpage to explore images and descriptions of the art.

The Birth of Islam Links to an external site.

Please read this text in its entirety to get an understanding of the principles of the Muslim faith.

Element of Belief in the Qu'ran Links to an external site.

Please “Understanding Islam” in order to get a sense of the main tenets of the Islamic faith.

Understanding Islam Download Understanding Islam

Please read the section entitled “Islamic Law” in order to get a sense of the system of Islamic jurisprudence and the section entitled “Islamic Society” in order to get a sense of the Islamic system of ethics as well as the role of the individual and community in Islam.

A Concise History of the Middle East: Islamic Law and Islamic Society Links to an external site.

Question & Answer

Section 9.2 The Arab Empire of the Umayyads

Please read "The Umayyads," about the emergence and decline of the Umayyad dynasty.

The Umayyads: The First Muslim Dynasty Download The Umayyads: The First Muslim Dynasty

Please read “Sunnis and Shiites” for an overview of the definitions of “Sunni” and “Shi’a” Islam.

Sunnis and Shiites Download Sunnis and Shiites

Question & Answer

Section 9.3 From Arab to Islamic Empire: The Early Abbasid Era

Please read "The Abbasid Dynasty," about the emergence and decline of the Abbasid dynasty.

The Abbasid Dynasty Download The Abbasid Dynasty

Please read the short article on this webpage. Then click on the images at the top of the page to read about individual artifacts from the Abbasid era.

The Art of the Abbasid Period Links to an external site.

Question & Answer

Section 9.4 Quiz

Please take the assigned quiz and submit for grading. This quiz pertains to Chapter 11 of the textbook World Civilizations: The Global Experience, published by Pearson Education.

Module 9 Quiz