Session Four

Islam: Empire of Faith

Introduction: The fourth session session looks at the Islamic empire that developed after Muhammad's demise. Our review begins with reading chapters 4-6 in Islam: Faith & History and then viewing the PBS documentary "Islam: Empire of Faith" which details the history of Islam, from the birth of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad to the Ottoman Empire.

After having completed the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying video you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Reading: Islam: Faith & History (Chapters 4-6)

Video:Islam: Empire of Faith

Study Questions:

  1. What was the Islamic state of Medina like under Muhammad's rule?
  2. After Muhammad died the first Caliphate was formed. Who led that Caliphate and what was it like over the first 30 years after Muhammad died?
  3. During Umar's reign what states were conquered and added to the Islamic State?
  4. The Islamic state was a theocracy. Please explain in what ways it was theocratic.
  5. Describe the Umayyad Caliphate and indicate how long it lasted.
  6. What are differences between the Sunni and the Shiites?
  7. Describe the Abbasid Caliphate and how long it lasted.
  8. Describe the spread of the Islamic state in North Africa and Spain.