The origin and spread of Islam

oasis

scattered springs in the desert that provide water and fertile soil

Arabian peninsula

also called Arabia, is the homeland of the Arabian people and where Islam began.

peninsula

a body of land surrounded by water on three sides.

caravans

a group of merchants and animals traveling together across deserts.

cultural diffusion

the spread of cultural elements from one place to another

siege

a military action in which a place is surrounded, and attacked over and over until the people surrender

Islam

The religion of the Muslims; a monotheistic faith as revealed through the prophet Muhammad

Muslim

a follower of the Islamic faith

Muhammad

a man born around 570 C.E who taught the faith of islam; was a prophet

Allah

God of Islam; Allah is god’s name in arabic

Qur’an

the holy book of Muslims

mosque

a Muslim house of worship

imam

religious leader of Islam

Sunnah

the example that Muhammad set for Muslims about how love through his words and actions

Hadith

written accounts that provided evidence of Muhammad’s Sunnah

Makkah

1st holiest city to the Muslims; city where Muhammad was born

Medina(“city of the prophet”)

2nd holiest city; where Muhammad established a Muslim community after his escape from Mecca; Muhammad’s body is entombed here in the Prophet’s Mosque

Jerusalem

3rd holiest city; where Islamic prophets worshipped; where Muhammad ascended to heaven to meet with the prophets and Allah

Ka’bah

a small shrine built by Abraham located in the city of Mecca; Muslims holiest site; believed to be the metaphorical house of God

Five Pillars of Islam

the most basic acts of worship for Muslims

Ramadan

the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims are required to fast

Hajj

pilgrimage or journey to Mecca; to be preformed once in a Muslim’s life to honor Abraham’s journey to see Hagar, and son Ishmael

Shari’ ah

the code of Islamic law based on the Quran, and the Sunnah

Jihad

the spiritual struggle within oneself against sin; a struggle or fight against enemies against Islam

caliph

the main Muslim civil, and religious leader, successors of Muhammad-their goal was to protect and spread Islam

caliphate

area ruled by the caliph

Umayyads

leaders of Muslims empire after the first four caliphs; based in the city of Damascus in Syria

Sunni

Muslims who respect the rule of the Umayyad caliphs

Shia

Muslims who believe the descendants of Ali should rule