Islamic Golden Age

Medieval Islamic Empire

A collection of regions where Islam was practiced and spread from the mid-600s across the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, and present-day India.

Caliph

The chief Muslim ruler, originally the successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Umayyad Dynasty

The early Islamic dynasty that ruled from Damascus and expanded the empire into Spain and India from 661 until 750.

Abbasid Dynasty

The dynasty that emerged in 750, establishing Baghdad as the capital and marking the Golden Age of Islam.

Five Pillars of Islam

The five fundamental acts of worship in Islam: Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.

Shahadah

The declaration of faith in Islam, stating there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.

Salat

The ritual prayers performed five times a day in Islam.

Zakat

Charitable giving in Islam, aimed at contributing to the welfare of the poor.

Sawm

The fasting observed during the holy month of Ramadan in Islam.

Hajj

The annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca that every Muslim must complete at least once in their lifetime.

Golden Age of Islam

The period marked by significant cultural, scientific, and economic advancements during the Abbasid Dynasty.

Algebra

A branch of mathematics introduced by Islamic scholars that uses letters and symbols to represent numbers and quantities in formulas.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used by Islamic astronomers to measure the position of stars and planets.

Urban Planning

The organization of city spaces, emphasized in Islamic civilization with advancements like sewage systems and public baths.

Calligraphy

A visual art form of writing, favored in Islamic art for its intricate and decorative styles.

Trade in Islamic Empire

Islamic merchants engaged in extensive commerce, trading goods like silk, spices, metals, carpets, and glassware across various regions.