Unit 0 Islam (WHAP)

WHAP Unit 0: Postclassical Civilizations (Islam Only)

Spread of Islam

The rapid expansion of Islam in the 7th century, uniting diverse religious groups in the Middle East.

Muhammad

A merchant on the Arabian Peninsula who received revelations from God, later recorded in the Quran.

Quran

The sacred scriptures of Islam containing the teachings and revelations received by Muhammad.

Muslims

Followers of the teachings in the Quran who believe Muhammad is the last prophet.

Five Pillars of Islam

The core principles of Islam, including belief in one god (Allah), ritual prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sharia

The law code based on the Quran that regulates both religious and civic behavior for Muslims.

Sunnis

Muslims who believe the caliph can be selected from among all leaders in the Islamic community.

Shi’a

Muslims who believe the caliph should be a blood relative of Muhammad.

House of Islam

The term used to describe the regions united under Islam, including southern Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India.

Abbasid Caliphate

The influential rulers of Dar al-Islam from 750 to 1258, known for a golden age of Islamic culture.

Trade under Abbasids

The revival of trade along the Silk Roads and trans-Saharan routes, facilitating the exchange of ideas and goods.

Center of learning

Baghdad became a hub for advancements in medicine, astronomy, algebra, and the preservation of classical texts under the Abbasids.

Religious toleration

The practice by the Abbasids allowing non-Muslims to maintain their faith by paying a tax called jizya.

Women's rights under Abbasids

The strengthening of marriage and property rights for women, along with the continuation of veiling and polygamy.