Islamic Civilization Overview and Key Concepts

Muhammad

The founder of Islam.

Islam

Submission to the will of God; the religion of the Muslims.

Hajj

The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca that takes place in the last month of the year, and that all Muslims are expected to make at least once during their lifetime.

Hijrah

Muhammad's escape to the city of Medina.

Medina

The city of Yathrib, which means 'City of the Prophet'.

Qur'an

The body of law which governs all aspects of a Muslim's life; also considered Islam's holy text.

Caliph

Chief Muslim civil and religious ruler in Baghdad (successor).

Muslim

Follower of the religion Islam; one who has submitted to God.

Mosque

Muslim place of worship, used for work and education; weekly services on Friday afternoons.

Sunni

A major sect of Islam that believes the Caliph may be any righteous Muslim.

Shi'a

A major sect of Islam that believed the Caliph must be descended from Muhammad.

Abu Bakr

The first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs who succeeded Muhammad as the ruler of the Islamic Civilization.

Ali

His death leads to a permanent schism within the Islamic world.

Al-Khwarizmi

The mathematician who developed Algebra.

Five Pillars

The basic tenets (beliefs) of Islam.

Shahadah

To show belief in one god and in Muhammad's prophethood.

Salat

Meaning purification; 5 prayers daily; pray in mosques facing towards Mecca.

Zakat

Meaning charity; wealth becomes pure by giving some away; must share 2.5% of their wealth each year.

Siyam

The fasting for a whole month to teach self-control; encourages generosity, charity, and equality; occurs in the 9th month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

Ka'aba

The shrine also known as 'the cube'; a sacred place of worship.

Great Mosque of Damascus

A significant mosque in Islamic history.

Battle of Tours

The battle where Muslims were defeated, stopping the spread of Islam into Western Europe.

Battle of Hastings

Not related to the spread of Islam.