Islam
In the 20th century new religious
and political movements and newfound wealth in the Islamic world led to both rebirth and
conflict.
Rise of the caliphate (632750)
Muhammad began preaching Islam at Mecca before migrating to Medina, from where he
united the tribes of Arabia into a singular Arab Muslim religious polity. With Muhammad's
death in 632, disagreement broke out over who would succeed him as leader of the Muslim
community. Umar ibn alKhattab, a prominent companion of Muhammad, nominated Abu
Bakr, who was Muhammad's intimate friend and collaborator. Others added their support and
Abu Bakr was made the first caliph. This choice was disputed by some of Muhammad's
companions, who held that Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin and soninlaw, had been designated
his successor. Abu Bakr's immediate task was to avenge a recent defeat by Byzantine (or
annaabi.ee 
