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Origins of Islam including the role of Muhammad. What was significance of pre-Islamic Mecca? What is the importance of Mecca and Medina to the Islamic faith?
Origins of Islam: Islam began in the early 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. Prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 CE, received revelations from Allah (God) that became the Quran. These teachings emphasized worshipping one God, social justice, and moral responsibility.
Role of Muhammad: Muhammad is considered the last prophet in Islam. His role was to deliver God’s message to the people of Arabia and beyond. He unified the Arabian tribes under the teachings of Islam, establishing a new religion.
Significance of Pre-Islamic Mecca: Mecca was a major trade and religious center. The Kaaba, a sacred building in Mecca, housed idols of different gods worshipped by various Arab tribes. Mecca's role as a pilgrimage destination made it an important spiritual hub even before Islam.
Importance of Mecca and Medina:
Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba. It’s considered the holiest city in Islam. Muslims pray towards Mecca (the qibla) and perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) there.
Medina is where Muhammad and his followers migrated (the Hijra) in 622 CE. It became the first Muslim community, and its mosque (the Prophet’s Mosque) is one of Islam's holiest sites.
Earliest preserved Islamic building (Dome of Rock). What were the reasons for its construction. Be prepared to discuss earlier (pre-Islamic) sources of influence on this building in terms of form and function.
Reasons for Construction: The Dome of the Rock was built in Jerusalem in 691 CE by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik. It’s one of the oldest surviving Islamic buildings. The mosque was built to mark the site where Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey.
Pre-Islamic Influences: The Dome of the Rock’s architecture was influenced by earlier buildings like the Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia. Its central dome and octagonal shape reflect Byzantine and Roman architectural styles, but it also has Islamic elements like Arabic inscriptions and geometric designs. Its purpose was to signify the importance of Islam and to show its strength in comparison to Christianity and Judaism.
Plans and standard features of Umayyad and Abbasid congregational mosques.
Umayyad Mosques: The Umayyad mosques, like the Great Mosque of Damascus (built around 705 CE), typically had a large open prayer hall, a courtyard, and a minaret (tower for the call to prayer). They often used classical Roman and Byzantine architectural features.
Abbasid Mosques: Abbasid mosques, like the Great Mosque of Samarra (built around 851 CE), became more elaborate. They often had large, spacious prayer halls, grand minarets, and domed structures. The focus was on creating a space for community worship with emphasis on decoration and art.
Standard Features:
Courtyards: Open spaces for communal prayer.
Prayer Halls: Large, columned halls for worshippers.
Minarets: Tall towers used to call people to prayer.
Mihrab: A niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca (qibla).
Dome: Often used to emphasize the space’s importance.
Umayyad Desert Palaces
Purpose and Function: The Umayyad Caliphs built desert palaces as both luxurious retreats and administrative centers. These palaces were used for leisure, but also for controlling and governing the newly expanded Islamic empire.
Architecture: The palaces, such as Qusayr Amra in Jordan, often featured grand structures with courtyards, baths, and mosaics. They mixed Islamic, Roman, and Persian styles, with extensive decoration (including early Islamic art) and private spaces for the caliphs and their court.
Role of Baghdad, capital of Abbasid Empire, in the production of books, ceramics, and textiles
Capital of the Abbasid Empire: Baghdad, established in 762 CE, became the heart of the Abbasid Caliphate. It was a center for culture, knowledge, and commerce.
Production of Books: Baghdad was home to the House of Wisdom, where scholars translated Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic. It played a key role in preserving and advancing knowledge in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy.
Ceramics and Textiles: Baghdad was a major producer of fine ceramics and textiles. The city was known for its intricate pottery, often decorated with geometric patterns, as well as its luxurious silk fabrics. These products were traded widely, helping spread Islamic culture.
