Islamic History and Key Concepts: Muhammad, Caliphates, and Golden Age

Muhammad

The founder of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the last prophet of God

Caravan

A group of travelers, often traders who move together across the desert for support and safety

Bedouin

Nomadic Arab people who traditionally live in the desert and travel in their groups.

Mecca

The holiest city of Islam; Muhammad's birthplace

Revelations

Messages or teachings revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel

Islam

A monotheistic religion that teaches belief in one God and follows the teachings of Muhammad

Muslim

A follower of Islam who believes in one God and follows the Qur'an

Prophet

The Messenger chosen by God to share his word with people

Mosque

Place of worship for muslims

Five Pillars

The five main duties of Islam: Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage to Mecca

Fasting

Going without food or drink for a set time, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan

The holy month when muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to grow closer to God.

Pilgrimage

A religious journey in Islam that refers to the trip to Mecca called the Hajj.

Ka'ba

A cube shaped building in Mecca that Muslims believe was built by Abraham and is the holiest site in Islam.

Hijrah

Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE marked the start of the Islamic Calendar.

Medina

The city where Muhammad and his followers went after leaving Mecca. Also referred to as the 2nd holiest city in Islam.

Caliph

A muslim leader or successor to Muhammad who led the Islamic community after his death

Jihad

Means struggle or effort but can refer to the personal effort to live a good life or to defend the faith.