CHAPTER 6THE WORLD OF
ISLAM
INTRODUCTION
The religion of Islam arose in the Arabian
Peninsula and gave birth to an Arab empire and
a rich civilization. Across a massive expanse of
territory, Islam provided the inspiration for art,
architecture, literature, and philosophy. As
dynasties rose and fell, power shifted to different
centers, such as Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo.
RISE OF ISLAM
For centuries the Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by loosely connected
tribes. The tribes were polytheistic, but they placed special emphasis on
the god Allah and on the KAABA, a central place of worship in the town
of MECCA. Muhammad, who grew up in Mecca, believed that he
received revelations from God. Out of these revelations came the
Quran, the holy book of Islam. Islam is a monotheistic religion with an
ethical code consisting of the Five Pillars of Islam (pg 194). Muhammad
started preaching, but he and his followers were persecuted in Mecca and so
moved to Medina. There Muhammad became both a religious and a political
leader. After eight years, he led a military force that easily conquered Mecca.
VOCABULARY SEC. 1
Sheikh
Quran
Islam
Hijrah
VOCABULARY (CONT)
Hajj
Shari’ah
Five Pillars of Faith
SECTION 2 OVERVIEW
After Muhammad’s death, his
successor organized the Arabs and set
in motion a great expansion.
Internal struggles weakened the
empire and, by the close of the 13th
century, the Arab Empire had ended.
ARAB EMPIRE AND ITS SUCCESSORS
After Muhammad's death, the Arabs rapidly embarked
on a period of massive conquest. Since there was no
established line of succession, disputes and
assassinations marked the rein of the early Muslim rulers,
or caliphs. Under the Umayyad dynasty, an ill-fated revolt led
to a permanent schism that divided Islam into two
branches—Shiites and Sunnis. The Abbasid dynasty
displayed a greater openness to non-Arab participation in civic
life and oversaw a thriving trading empire
ARAB EMPIRE (CONT)
. However, Seljuk Turks began to take over parts of the Arab
empire. When they threatened the heart of the Byzantine
Empire, European crusaders came to the aid of the
Byzantines. The century of Crusades did not have an enduring
influence, except to create enmity between Christians and
Muslims. A century later, Mongol invaders swept through
the region, destroying entire cities. Egypt, which
remained free of Mongol control, became the center of
Islamic civilization.
VOCABULARY SEC.2
Caliph – successor to Muhammad
Jihad – struggle in the way of God (fair,
defensive warfare)
Shiite – only accepted the descendants
of Ali as the true rulers of Islam
VOCAB (CONT)
Sunni – did not agree with Umayyad rule
but accepted the Umayyads as rulers.
Vizier – prime minister who advised the
caliph
Sultan – Turkish leader “holder of power”
Mosque – Muslim houses of worship
ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION
Overall, the period of the Arab Empire was prosperous.
Aided by the development of banking, the Arabs carried
on extensive trade by land and by sea. Cities such as
Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus were the regional
centers. Meanwhile, farming remained the source of
livelihood for most people. In this diverse context, Islam
offered answers concerning politics, economics, and
social life.
ISLAMIC (CONT)
Islam held that all people are equal in the eyes of
Allah. In reality, however, equality was not strictly
the case. Class divisions were common, and both
slaves and women faced various restrictions. Slaves,
though, sometimes could gain their freedom. Early
Muslim women enjoyed many rights, but these rights
were eroded by older customs and traditions.
SECTION 3 ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION
Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus were the centers of
administration, cultural, and economic activity for their
regions.
Islamic law made it clear that slaves should be treated
fairly, and it was considered a good act to free them.
The Quran granted women spiritual and social
equality with men. After the spread of Islam, older
customs eroded the rights enjoyed by women.
VOCABULARY SECT. 3
Bazaar – covered market, important
part of every Muslim city or town
Dowry – gift of money or property
paid to bride
CULTURE OF ISLAM
A major cultural contribution of the
Arabs was the translation of the
works of major Greek philosophers
into Arabic. It was through the Muslim
world that Europeans recovered the
works of Aristotle and others. The
Muslims were also thinkers and creators
in their own right.
CON’T
Islamic scholars wrote commentaries on Greek philosophy, developed algebra, and made important contributions in astronomy, navigation, and medicine that would be adopted in Europe. In a major work, the Arab historian Ibn-Khaldun argued for a cyclical view of civilizations.
CULTURE OF ISLAM (C0NT)
The great works of Middle Eastern literature
included the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and The
1001 Nights. Mosques from Iraq to Spain
offered magnificent examples of Islamic art
and architecture. Ornately decorated palaces,
such as the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, also
reflected the glory of Islam.
CON’T
Islamic art typically consisted of
Arabic letters, natural plants, and
abstract figures repeated in
geometric patterns called
arabesques. However, human
representations were avoided in
accordance with Islamic tradition.
CULTURE OF ISLAM (CONT)
Muslim scholars made great advances
in the areas of mathematics and the
natural sciences.
Muslim art and architecture
incorporated innovative, geometric
styles of decoration.
VOCABULARY SEC. 4
Astrolabe – instrument used by sailors to
determine their location by observing the
positions of stars and planets.
Minaret – tower of a Mosque from which
the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer five
times a day.
VOCAB CON’T
Muezzin – the crier who calls the Muslim faithful to prayer from the minaret of a mosque.
Arabesques – geometric patterns repeated over and over to completely cover a surface with decorations.