Origins and Expansion of Islam
Origins and Rise of Islam
Islamic civilization is based on the religion of Islam. This religion originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century. The Arabian Peninsula was occupied by tribes without a unifying political power. Their religion was polytheistic. They had different ways of life: northern tribes were nomads dedicated to grazing goats and camels; tribes of the central desert were caravan traders; in the south, they were sedentary and farmed the fields. Despite their differences, all of them spoke the same language and considered Mecca a sacred city.
Muhammad was a caravan trader until he claimed to have received the call of Allah, the Arabic name for God. From that moment, he began preaching about a new monotheistic religion – Islam – which means submission. His followers were called Muslims, which means “those who submit.” Muhammad’s preaching was not well accepted in his city because he opposed polytheism. So, Muhammad was expelled from Mecca in 622. This date is known as the Hegira, and it is the date that starts the Muslim calendar.
The prophet and his followers took refuge in the city of Yathrib (Medina), where he became a military chief. All idols and their temples were destroyed, except for the Kaaba, where he introduced Islamic rites. After this time, Muslims rapidly gained territory, aided by the weakness of the Byzantine Empire. Over the period of a century, the Muslims gained control over a vast territory. The key to the expansion lay in the warlike zeal of its followers, who were convinced that paradise awaited them if they died in combat, or a large booty if they managed to survive. However, the most effective factor was the intelligent policy of assimilating non-Arabs, who had been conquered. They gradually submitted to Islam and contributed to its expansion.
Key Concepts and Questions about Islam
- How and when did Islam originate? In the 7th century when Angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad.
- In what ways does Islam relate to Judaism and Christianity? It was a radical reform as a consequence of monotheism.
- How does the Quran differ from the Hebrew and Christian Bible? It is much more narrative and is the written record of the revelations Muhammad received.
- What are some key themes of the Quran? One is strict monotheism, and another is the importance of taking care of those in need.
- What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (prayer five times a day), Sawm (Ramadan), Zakat (almsgiving), Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca).
- What is Sharia? A body of law.
- What important action occurred to Muhammad in 622 AD? He and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina (the Hegira).
- How were Muslims able to spread their influence throughout the world? Because several Muslim dynasties would entrench themselves.
- Why is it significant that Islamic followers spawned an explosion of trade and were keepers of classic texts? Because they saved many Classical texts.
Medieval Islamic Cities
How were medieval Islamic cities structured? Cities were walled with an irregular structure and narrow streets.
What kind of craftsmen worked in its streets? Craftsmen worked with iron, leather, ceramics, and textiles, and produced luxury goods.
In which part of the city did the ruler reside? In the alcazar.
How was it? It was a fortified palace.
What was the mosque built for? They were used for Islamic worship.
Why were souks important? Because it was the square where people traded goods.
Why were suburbs built? Suburbs appeared because of the growth of cities. These were groups of houses located outside the city walls.
Who lived in them? They were usually designed for the lower classes.