Islam History Test

Test is next Tuesday!

Geography of Arabian Peninsula and its impact on nomadic life

The Arabian Peninsula lies between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. This region is very dry and hot, because it is covered by mostly desert. For nomadic life it fit their needs for short term life. The nomads would gather around the oasis, and had many trade routes available to them. 

How the Umayyads lost power

Some Muslims resisted the Umayyad’s rule, because the caliphs (successors) weren’t relatives to the Prophet. This caused a widespread controversy about whether to still follow under the Umayyad’s rule. This led to the loss of power. 

What are the 5 Pillars of Islam

1st Pillar Shahadah which is a declaration of Muslims faith. 2nd Pillar Salat means “pray”. 3rd Pillar Zakat means “charity and giving”. 4th Pillar Siyam which means “fasting” this Pillar is mainly about Ramadan. 5th Pillar Hajj which is about the pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca.

Changes Umayyads brought to Spain

It became a golden age of learning. Cordoba was established as the capital. They put a lot of mosques, and their style of architecture. 

Advances of the Golden Age of Abbasids

The Abbasids advanced in art, they created calligraphy. They built the House of Wisdom which is an intellectual center. Al-Razi one of the greatest physicians of the Muslim wrote a medical encyclopedia called the Comprehension book. Algebra was created in this time. A mathematician made a book called Optics which was about how vision existed. This book was used for developing telescopes and microscopes.

Who spreads Islam after Muhammads death?

Abu-Bakr, who was Muhammad’s father-in-law was elected as caliph (successor) after Muhammad died. Abu-Bakr, and the next 3 caliphs used the Qur’an and Muhammad’s actions as leadership. Abu-Bakr invoked jihad which means “to strive”, he had applied this meaning to encourage and justify the expansion of Islam. The caliphs spread faith to the north because Muhammad wanted to. Their teachings had been a success. Muslims fought to defend Islam and were willing to struggle to extend its word.