Rise of Islam Unit 5 Topic 2

Arabian Peninsula

The region located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Bedouins

Arab nomads who were organized into clans.

Polytheistic

Believing in multiple gods.

Islam

Submission to the will of Allah.

Muhammad

The prophet of Islam who lived from c. AD 579 - 632, claimed to have received revelations from Archangel Gabriel.

Muslims

Followers of Islam, meaning 'one who has submitted.'

The Five Pillars of Islam

Essential beliefs and practices including Faith, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, and Hajj.

Qur’an

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the perfect revelation of God’s word to Muhammad.

Shari'a

Islamic religious law that regulates family life, moral conduct, business, and community life.

Jihad

Striving against evil; also signifies armed struggle against unbelievers in the context of Islamic expansion.

Sunni

The majority branch of Islam who accepts the successors of Muhammad as caliphs.

Shi'a

The minority branch of Islam that believes only a direct descendant of Muhammad can lead.

Ecumenism

Dialogue among Christian churches.

Inter-religious Dialogue

Conversation and understanding between Christians and non-Christian religions.

Abbasids

The dynasty that took control after the Umayyads and moved the capital to Baghdad.

Umayyads

The dynasty that ruled during a time of significant expansion and wealth in Islamic history.