Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 7Chapter 9: World Religions

Lesson 3: Islam and Safavid Persia

In this Grade 7 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, Chapter 9, students examine how Sufism spread Islam across the medieval world, exploring the distinctive practices and beliefs of Sufi missionaries, including their emphasis on devotion, poetry, and virtuous living over formal theology. Students analyze why Sufi missionaries were effective at converting populations in regions such as Anatolia, Central Asia, Persia, India, and Indonesia, where Zoroastrianism and Hinduism had long been practiced. The lesson also connects the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate to the continued expansion of the Islamic world through trade, conquest, and missionary activity.

Section 1

Sufi Missionaries Spread Islam

Key Idea

Sufism is a mystical form of Islam where followers seek a direct, personal connection with God. Sufis often chose a simple life, focusing on spiritual devotion rather than worldly possessions.

This personal approach to faith was spread by traveling missionaries. They journeyed to places like Southeast Asia, sharing Islam through poetry, music, and stories. Their emphasis on love and emotional expression helped attract many people to the religion, making it a global faith.

Section 2

A Disagreement Splits Islam

Key Idea

After the Prophet Muhammad died, a disagreement began over who should lead the Muslim community. Some believed the next leader, or caliph, should be chosen by the community. Others believed Muhammad had chosen his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor.

This disagreement created a division in Islam. Those who followed the community's choice became known as Sunni Muslims. Those who believed leadership should stay in Muhammad's family, starting with Ali, became known as Shia Muslims. This split became permanent and shaped the future of the Muslim world.

Section 3

Trade and Cities: The Economic Engine of the Islamic World

Key Idea

During the Islamic Golden Age, great cities grew into powerful urban centers. The capital of Baghdad, for example, became one of the largest cities in the world, attracting people from across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Cities like Baghdad and Cairo were major crossroads of exchange. Merchants traveled vast trade routes, bringing goods like spices and paper. This constant movement of people and products connected diverse cultures and made the cities very wealthy.

Section 4

Safavids Use Gunpowder to Build an Empire

Key Idea

In the early 1500s, the Safavid Empire rose to power in Persia. Its leaders aimed to unite the region under their authority and the Shia branch of Islam. To accomplish this, they built a strong, modern army.

The Safavids were one of three major Islamic gunpowder empires. They successfully used advanced weapons like cannons and muskets to conquer new lands and defend their territory. This military advantage was essential for creating and controlling their vast empire for over two centuries.

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Chapter 9: World Religions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: A Reformation in Christianity

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Catholics and Protestants

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  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: Islam and Safavid Persia

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  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Religious Change in South Asia

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Section 1

Sufi Missionaries Spread Islam

Key Idea

Sufism is a mystical form of Islam where followers seek a direct, personal connection with God. Sufis often chose a simple life, focusing on spiritual devotion rather than worldly possessions.

This personal approach to faith was spread by traveling missionaries. They journeyed to places like Southeast Asia, sharing Islam through poetry, music, and stories. Their emphasis on love and emotional expression helped attract many people to the religion, making it a global faith.

Section 2

A Disagreement Splits Islam

Key Idea

After the Prophet Muhammad died, a disagreement began over who should lead the Muslim community. Some believed the next leader, or caliph, should be chosen by the community. Others believed Muhammad had chosen his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor.

This disagreement created a division in Islam. Those who followed the community's choice became known as Sunni Muslims. Those who believed leadership should stay in Muhammad's family, starting with Ali, became known as Shia Muslims. This split became permanent and shaped the future of the Muslim world.

Section 3

Trade and Cities: The Economic Engine of the Islamic World

Key Idea

During the Islamic Golden Age, great cities grew into powerful urban centers. The capital of Baghdad, for example, became one of the largest cities in the world, attracting people from across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Cities like Baghdad and Cairo were major crossroads of exchange. Merchants traveled vast trade routes, bringing goods like spices and paper. This constant movement of people and products connected diverse cultures and made the cities very wealthy.

Section 4

Safavids Use Gunpowder to Build an Empire

Key Idea

In the early 1500s, the Safavid Empire rose to power in Persia. Its leaders aimed to unite the region under their authority and the Shia branch of Islam. To accomplish this, they built a strong, modern army.

The Safavids were one of three major Islamic gunpowder empires. They successfully used advanced weapons like cannons and muskets to conquer new lands and defend their territory. This military advantage was essential for creating and controlling their vast empire for over two centuries.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 9: World Religions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: A Reformation in Christianity

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Catholics and Protestants

    LearnPractice
  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: Islam and Safavid Persia

    LearnPractice
  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Religious Change in South Asia

    LearnPractice