Chapter 9: The Birth of a New Religion

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the birth of Islam, the formation of the Arab empire, and early Islamic civilization.

Abraham

Patriarch linked to both Jews and Arabs in the sense of a shared monotheistic lineage.

Quran

Islam’s sacred scripture, believed to be the direct word of God revealed to Muhammad.

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah

Prophet of Islam (570–632); orphaned, merchant, and recipient of the Qur’an’s revelations.

Umma

The community of the faithful in Islam, united by faith and social justice.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core duties: faith in Allah and Muhammad, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Greater Jihad

Inner struggle to purify the self and resist sin.

Lesser Jihad

External struggle to defend the Muslim community, sometimes by force.

Sharia

Islamic law system integrating religious and civil law with no separate church.

Dhimmi

Non-Muslims living under Islamic rule granted protected status as ‘people of the book.’

Jizya

Tax paid by Dhimmi in lieu of military service in the Islamic state.

Sunni

Major Islamic branch that supports caliphs chosen by the community; early post-Muhammad leadership dispute.

Shia

Branch of Islam that emphasizes leadership by the Prophet’s descendants and developed distinct beliefs.

Abbasid

Caliphate (750–1258) based in Baghdad; overthrew the Umayyads and later fell to the Mongols.

Ulama

Scholars and jurists who form the educated religious elite in Islam; no priesthood.

Madrassas

Islamic schools focused on Quran memorization and Islamic learning; spread widely.

Sufi

Mystical branch of Islam emphasizing personal experience with the Divine through meditation and rituals.

Sufi shaykhs

Sufi masters who teach and guide followers in devotional practices.

Rumi

Renowned Sufi poet whose works popularized mystic Islam beyond its borders.

Hadj (Hajj)

Annual pilgrimage to Mecca required (when possible) as one of the Five Pillars.

Cordoba

Center of Spain’s Golden Age under Muslim rule; hub of learning and cultural exchange.

Al-Andalus

Muslim-ruled Spain; region of cultural flourishing and later Christian reconquest.