Chapter 11

Abbasid Caliphate Theme: Social Interactions and Organization

The third of the Islamic caliphates to succeed the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was founded by a dynasty descended from Muhammad's uncle, Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, from whom the dynasty takes its name. Significance: The Abbasid historical period lasting to the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258 CE is considered the Islamic Golden Age. The Islamic Golden Age was inaugurated by the middle of the 8th century by the ascension of the Abbasid Caliphate and the transfer of the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. Gold

Mecca Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

A desert valley in western Saudi Arabia, is Islam's holiest city, as it's the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith itself. Only Muslims are allowed in the city, with millions arriving for the annual Hajj (pilgrimage). Dating from the 7th century, the central Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) surrounds the Kaaba, the cloth-covered cubic structure that's Islam's most sacred shrine. Significance: As the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of Muhammad's first revelation of the Quran (specifically, a cave 3 km (2 mi) from Mecca), Mecca is regarded as the holiest city in the religion of Islam and a pilgrimage to it known as the Hajj is obligatory for all able Muslims. Gold

House of Wisdom (abbasid) Theme: Technology and Innovation

A major Abbasid public academy and intellectual center in Baghdad or to a large private library belonging to the Abbasid Significance: Built primarily as a library, the House became the home of ancient and modern wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age, preserving important works of scholarship from across Europe and the Middle East. Read on to explore the wonders of this lost icon of intellectual thought. Gold

Sharia Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

A religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Significance: Sharia literally means "the clear, well-trodden path to water". Sharia law acts as a code for living that all Muslims should adhere to, including prayers, fasting and donations to the poor. It aims to help Muslims understand how they should lead every aspect of their lives according to God's wishes. Gold

Dar al-Islam Theme: Governance

A term used by Muslim scholars to refer to those countries where Muslims can practice their religion as the ruling sect. Significance: The term dar al-islam, which literally means "the house or abode of Islam," came to signify Islamic territory in juridical discussions. Gold

Islam Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

An Abrahamic, monotheistic religion teaching that there is only one God, and that Muhammad is a messenger of God. It is the world's second-largest religion with over 1.9 billion followers or 24.4% of the world's population, commonly known as Muslims. Significance: All of its teachings and beliefs are written out in the Quran (also spelled Qur'an or Koran), the holy scripture of Islam. Believers of Islam are called Muslims. They believe that the Quran was spoken to Muhammad by the angel Jibril, and that it is the word of Allah. They view Muhammad as a messenger. Gold

Jihad Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

An Arabic word which literally means striving or struggling, especially with a praiseworthy aim. Significance: He explained to his followers that fighting against an outer enemy is the lesser jihad and fighting against one's self is the greater jihad (holy war). This quotation is regarded as unreliable by some scholars. They regard the use of jihad as meaning 'holy war' as the more important. Gold

Imams Theme: Governance

An Islamic leadership position. It is most commonly used as the title of a worship leader of a mosque and Muslim community among Sunni Muslims. In this context, imams may lead Islamic worship services, serve as community leaders, and provide religious guidance. Significance: Leaders in the community and religious guides for in a mosque among Sunni Muslim. Gold

Quran Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

The central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God. It is widely regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature. Significance: The Origins and Importance of the Quran The Quran is the Islamic Holy book. The word Quran means recitation and its verses are recited by Muslims throughout the world. The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, in the year 610CE. Gold

Hijira Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

The migration or journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib, later renamed by him to Medina, in the year 622. Significance: Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. Gold

Hadiths Theme: Cultural Developments and Interactions

The record of the words, actions, and the silent approval of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Hadith have been called "the backbone" of Islamic civilization, and within that religion the authority of hadith as a source for religious law and moral guidance ranks second only to that of the Qur'an. Significance: record of the traditions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, revered and received as a major source of religious law and moral guidance, second only to the authority of the Qurʾān, the holy book of Islam. Gold