Islam is not just a religion, but a political entity. It began when, at the age of 40, Muhammad believed he was hearing from God in the form of visions. His revelations were later written down by a follower into the Quar’an.
Muhammad was called prophet. His strong military leadership along with his promise of peace with God united the local tribes. He then led these tribes to conquer Medina & Mecca, and continue expansion. Throughout much of the Middle Ages the Byzantine Empire fought the Muslims for control of the eastern Mediterranean.
In class activities:
- Reviewed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, & the subsequent re-expansion under the Byzantines
- Learned about the origins of Mohammed and his rise as a powerful religious and military leader
- Mapped the expansion of the Islamic empire and compared it to the Roman and Byzantine empires
- Discussed various forms of government and added the Islamic State to the list.
- Compared Christ's "one way to the father"John 14:6 vs. the pillars of Islam
- Carved our names into soap to remind us that God has engraved us on the palms of his hand. Isaiah 49:16 We can do nothing to earn our way into heaven.
Optional at-home lesson extension activities:
- Read The Golden Age of Islam by Linda George or a similar book from your library
- Click through this interactive map showing the powers in control of the Mediterranean region
- Watch a 10 minute Crash Course video explaining the basics of Islam and discuss it with your parents
- For more advanced students (or curious parents): This professor at Yale does an excellent job of explaining why this particular religion has such a significant impact on politics: http://oyc.yale.edu/history/hist-210/lecture-14
