Key Dates and Concepts in Islamic History

These flashcards cover key dates, concepts, and figures from Islamic history as discussed in the lecture notes.

Muhammad's Birth Date

570 CE, the year Muhammad was born.

First Revelation

610, the year Muhammad received his first revelation.

Hijra

622, the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

Conquest of Mecca

630, the event when Muhammad and his followers captured Mecca.

Death of Muhammad

632 CE, the year Muhammad passed away, marking the end of revelation.

Canonization of the Qur'an

650, the process of officially compiling the Qur'an.

Ibn Ishaq

An early Islamic historian who died in 737 CE, known for his Sira (biography of Muhammad).

Meccan and Medinan Verses

Types of verses in the Qur'an categorized by the period of revelation, with different themes and emphases.

Asbab al-nuzul

Literature explaining the occasions of revelation for specific Quranic verses.

Al-Fatiha

The Opening Surah of the Qur'an, recited in daily prayers.

Canonical Text

The officially recognized version of the Qur'an established under Caliph Uthman.

Majority Consensus on the Qur'an

The view that the Qur'an's structure dates back to the time of Caliph Uthman.

Variants of the Qur'an

Different readings and versions of the Qur'an that existed alongside the Uthmanic text.

Abrogation in the Qur'an

The concept that certain verses were superseded or replaced by later verses.

Interpreter's Toolkit

The essential knowledge needed for interpreting the Qur'an, including Arabic, hadith, and the context of revelation.

John Wansbrough’s Argument

A critical perspective asserting that the Qur'an was not compiled until the 3rd/9th century.

Counter-arguments to Wansbrough

Responses emphasizing the evidence of early Islamic presence and the limitations of biblical scholarship methods.