Islam, Slavery, Women, and Spain (Video Notes)

Flashcards covering Islam's stance on slavery, the status and roles of enslaved women, pre-Islamic customs regarding women, Muhammad's reforms for women's rights, comparisons of Muslim and Jewish/Christian women, and the history of al-Andalus in Spain.

What was Islam's position on slavery?

Islam allowed slavery but with limits; Muslims couldn't enslave other Muslims, Jews, Christians, or Zoroastrians.

Did enslaved women have more independence under Islam?

Yes.

What role did enslaved women often serve as in early Islamic society?

Concubines to Muslim men.

Why did enslaved women have more freedom than legal wives?

They could go to markets and run errands.

How could enslaved women buy their freedom?

By dancing and performing to accumulate money.

What pre-Islamic cultural practice regarding women predates Muhammad?

Women covering their heads and faces.

Aside from showing love and devotion to his wives, how did Muhammad raise the status of women?

By insisting dowries be paid directly to the wife, forbidding female infanticide, and recognizing women's abilities.

What change did Muhammad advocate regarding dowries?

Dowries should be paid directly to the wife.

What practice related to female infants did Muhammad forbid?

Female infanticide.

What did Muhammad do regarding women's abilities?

He recognized women's abilities.

Name five ways Muslim women enjoyed a higher status than Jewish and Christian women of the time.

They could inherit property and keep ownership while married; could remarry if widowed; could receive a cash settlement if divorced; could initiate divorce under certain conditions; could practice birth control.

What is the significance of the Battle of Tours?

It stopped Muslims from expanding further into Europe.

Which part of Europe did Muslims rule, and for how long?

Spain, for seven centuries.

What was the Islamic state in Spain known as?

Al-Andalus.

What did al-Andalus become known for?

A center of learning.