Section 1
Who were the Arabs?
They were a Semitic-speaking people who lived in the Arabian Peninsula. They were nomads who were forced to move constantly to find water and food for their animals.
What was jihad?
The Koran permitted fair, defensive warfare-”struggle in the way of God”.
List the major Islamic cities.
Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, Cordoba.
What are the similarities between the Rubaiyat and The Arabian Nights?
Both were originally told orally and not written down until much later.
Where is Mecca
South of Palestine and Jerusalem in modern day europe
Who ruled each tribe?
A sheikh who was chosen from one of the leading families by the council of elders.
What eventually happened with the Mongol rulers?
They converted to Islam and began to intermarry with the local people.The Mongol Empire began to split into separate kingdoms. As a result of the Mongol destruction of Baghdad, the new center of Islamic civilization became Cairo in Egypt.
Identify the basic differences in the roles of Muslim men and women.
Men were rulers, warriors, and providers for their families. Women were mothers and wives.
Does the Koran forbid representational paintings?
No. Why do no representations of figures appear in Islamic art? The Hadith, an early collection of the prophet’s sayings, warns about any attempt to imitate God by creating pictures of living beings.
What nation borders India
Persia
Tell about the early life of Muhammad.
He was born into a merchant family, orphaned by the age of five. He grew up to become a caravan manager. He married a rich widow named Khadija who was his employer. He became troubled by the growing gap between the simple honesty of most Mecca and the greediness of the rich trading elites in the city. He began to visit the hills to meditate.
Who were the Mongols?
They were a pastoral people who swept out of the Gobi in the thirteenth century to seize control over much of the known world. These invaders were destructive in their conquests. They burned cities to the ground, destroyed dams, and reduced farming villages to the point of mass starvation.Their goal was to create such terror that people would not fight back.
Describe how life in the Arab Empire did not reflect the principle of equality.
According to Islam, all people are equal in the eyes of Allah; however, there was an upper class. Slaves were not considered equal although they were supposed to be treated fairly. Some slaves were freed or purchased their freedom. The Koran instructs men to treat women with respect. Every woman had a male guardian. Women had the right to own and inherit property.
Name three contributions by Muslims scholars in the fields of mathematics and the natural sciences.
They passed on the Hindu numerical system; created algebra, and perfected the astrolabe (an instrument used by sailors to determine their position through the positions of stars and planets.) The astrolabe made it possible for sailor to sail to the Americas.
Who took Muhammad's place after he died
What is the Hijab?
It is the journey of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina because of persecution. This journey took place in 622 and became year 1 in the official calendar of Islam.
How did the Arabs benefit from expansion?
They had better access to trade. By expanding almost out to India, they would have better access to both Indian and Chinese goods. Also, larger empires are more secure.
A) Explain how high standards were ensured at bazaars.
B) What was sold at the bazaars?
A) Markets inspectors enforced rules. Guidelines were established for food.
B) Food and goods from around the world.
What is considered to be the finest expression of the Muslim palace?
Describe. It is the Alhambra in Granada,Spain. Every inch of the palaces’ surface is decorated in floral and abstract patterns. Much of the decoration is plaster work that is so finely carved that it looks like lace.
Why did Muhammad soon become both a religious and political leader?
Muslims saw no separation between political and religious authority. Submission to the will of Allah meant submission to the will of his prophet, Muhammad. His political and military skills enabled him to put together a reliable military force to defend himself and his followers.
List the Five Pillars of Islam.
Belief- There is no God but Allah. Muhammad is his prophet.
Prayer- Must perform the prescribed prayers five times a day.
Charity- Must give alms(part of one's wealth) to the poor.
Fasting - Must refrain from food and drink from dawn until sunset through the month of Ramadan
Pilgrimage (Hajj) Must make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
Islam split into two groups. Name and explain each.
Shiite Muslims- Accept only the descendents of Ali (the son-in-law- of Muhammad) as the true rulers of Islam
Sunni Muslims - did not all agree with the Umayyad rule but accepted them as rulers.
The Sunnis are the majority in the Muslim world, but most of the people in Iraq and neighboring Iran consider themselves to be Shiites.
Describe the differences between the lifestyles of the wealthy and the poor.
The houses of the wealthy were constructed of stone or brick around a wooden frame, often having an inner courtyard and several stories with balconies. Houses for the poor were made of clay or unfired bricks. The poor survived on bread and either boiled millet or peas. The rich had lamb, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and sweets.
What are the characteristics of Islamic art and decorations?
Most decorations on all forms of Islamic art consisted of Arabic letters, natural plants, and abstract figures. These decorations were repeated over and over in geometric patterns that completely covered the surfaces of objects. No representation of the prophet Muhammad ever adorns a mosque, in painting or in any other form.
Organize the following events and give the year that they happened
Trade Begins to flourish during the Abbasid Dynasty
Baghdad reaches its height of prosperity
The Quaran is Compiled
Extra - How big is the city of Baghdad circumference
Order
The Quaran is compiled 635 anno domini
Trade begins to flourish during the Abbasid Dynasty 750 Anno Domini
Baghdad reaches its height of prosperity - 800 Anno Domini
Extra - Baghdad is 20 miles in circumference