Download Islamic Civilization (600 AD to 1000 AD)

Islamic Civilization (600 A.D. to 1000 A.D)
The revelations of Muhammad form the
basis of the Islamic religion, a
monotheistic faith.
Muhammad and his followers spread
Islam. Islam traditions and customs
developed over centuries and created a
distinct Muslim culture. Islam=Muslim.
Origins of Islam:
- Muhammad, the Prophet.
- Mecca and Medina on the Arabian Peninsula were early Muslim cities.
Spread of Islam:
- Across Asia and Africa, and into Spain.
- Geographic extent of the first Muslim Empire.
- Hijrah refers to Muhammad’s emigration to Medina/Yathrib in 622 A.D., the beginning
of Islamic Era.
Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Islam:
- Monotheism (Allah, Arabic word for “God.”)
- Qur’an (Koran): The word of God.
- Five pillars of Islam (discussed below).
- Acceptance of Judeo-Christian prophets,
including Moses and Jesus.
- Kaaba (pictured right) is an Islamic shrine in
Mecca. According to Islamic beliefs, it holds a
piece of heaven.
- A Mosque an Islamic place of worship, law,
or shelter.
- The Qur’an/Koran a book that means “recital” which is the final authority on Muslim
faith and life style.
The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the Foundation of
Muslim Life:
- Iman or Faith: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God
and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad.
Muslims must make a declaration that "There is none
worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God."
- Salah or Prayer: Establishment of the daily prayers (5 times a day).
- Zakah or Financial Obligation: Concern for and almsgiving to the needy.
- Sawm or Fasting: Self-purification through fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj or Pilgrimage: The pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) for those who are able.
Geographic Influence on the Development of Islam:
In the first three centuries after Muhammad’s death, Muslim rule expanded rapidly,
overcoming geographic barriers, and facilitated by weakened political empires.
Geographic Influences on the Origin and Spread of Islam:
- Diffusion along trade routes from Mecca and Medina.
- Expansion despite great distances, desert environments, and mountain barriers.
- Spread into the Fertile Crescent, Iran, and Central Asia, facilitated by weak Byzantine
and Persian empires.
- At times, Islam was spread by a holy war to introduce Islam to other countries (called
jihad). Much of Islam was spread through aggressive conquest.
Geographic Influences on Economic, Social, and Political Development:
- Political unity of the first Muslim empire was short-lived. Political unity and the Arabic
language facilitated trade and
stimulated intellectual activity.
- Arabic language spread with
Islam and facilitated trade
across Islam lands.
- Slavery was not based on
race.
The Spread of Islam
Major historical turning points marked the spread and influence of Islamic civilization.
The spread of Islam came at the time when the Persian and Byzantine Empires were
weak. That, combined with good administration of the Muslim government and efficient
fighting styles, allowed the Muslims to conquer lands in
the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Accomplishments of Caliphs:
- Umayyad Caliphs ruled from 661 A.D. to
750 A.D. Caliph is a Muslim term for
leader which means successor. A Vizier is
a chief advisor in a Muslim government
position.
- Abbasid Caliphs ruled from 750 A.D. to
1258 A.D. and moved the capital to
Baghdad.
Historical Turning Points:
- The Death of Ali in 661 led to the Sunni-Shi’a (Shiite) division. Ali was regarded by
many Muslims as the successor to Muhammad.
- Muslim conquest of Jerusalem and Damascus. This marked major gains in the spread
of the empire.
- Islamic capital moved to Baghdad by the Abbasid Caliphs.
- Muslim defeat at the Battle of Tours. This battle stopped the Muslim advance into
Europe.
- Fall of Baghdad to the Mongols in 1258.
Cultural and Scientific
Contributions of the Islamic
Civilization:
Early Islam was characterized
by achievements in science and
the arts that transformed the
Islamic world and contributed
to world civilization.
Cultural Contributions and Achievements:
- Architecture such as Dome of the Rock (Top Right).
- Mosaics (Middle Right).
- Arabic alphabet. The art of the elegant Arabic handwriting was called calligraphy
(Bottom Right).
- Universities.
- Translation of ancient texts into Arabic.
- Arabesques – Decorative Islamic geometric designs (Left).
Scientific Contributions and Achievements:
- Arabic numerals (adapted from India, including zero).
- Algebra.
- Medicine.
- Expansion of geographic knowledge.
Other Islamic scientific achievements include:
- Principles of chemistry.
- Classification system into animal, mineral, and vegetable.
- Science of optics; study of the eye.
- Astronomical observations about the position of stars, eclipses, movements of planets,
and improvements on the astrolabe (instrument used to make astronomical
measurements, pictured below to the right).