Reading 115 - THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Foundations of Islam

Islam began in 7th-century Arabia with Muhammad preaching submission to Allah, emphasizing monotheism and social equality.

Hegira

The migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina due to conflict with Mecca’s elite.

Qur'an

The divine and poetic revelation in Islam that shapes religious, social, and political life.

Sunni-Shi'a split

A division in Islam arising from leadership disputes after Muhammad's death, with Sunnis supporting elected leaders and Shi'as advocating for leadership from Muhammad’s family.

Umayyad dynasty

A ruling dynasty (661–750) that centralized power and established dynastic rule in the Islamic world.

Abbasid dynasty

A dynasty (750–1258) that moved the capital to Baghdad and fostered a thriving Islamic culture and scholarship.

Five Pillars of Islam

The codified essential religious duties in Islam: confession, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and almsgiving.

Trans-Saharan trade

A major trade network that connected North Africa with sub-Saharan kingdoms, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

Mansa Musa

The famous ruler of Mali known for his wealth and his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 that boosted Mali’s international recognition.

Swahili city-states

Coastal cities like Kilwa and Mogadishu that thrived on trade, blending Bantu and Arabic cultures.

Ethiopia's identity

The kingdom's unique Christian identity was influenced by Egyptian and Coptic traditions and claimed descent from King Solomon.

Devshirme system

The Ottoman practice of recruiting Christian boys to be converted to Islam and trained as elite soldiers (janissaries).

Cultural synthesis in Africa

The blending of indigenous beliefs and Islamic influences that shaped African societies.

Trade networks

Complicated systems such as trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes, crucial for spreading Islam and wealth.

Polygamy in Islam

The practice of having multiple wives, reflecting gender inequalities in religious and cultural norms.

Ibn Battuta

A traveler whose accounts provide valuable insights into the customs and societies of African regions during the 14th century.

Social structure in Islamic societies

A combination of religious unity (umma) and persistent tribal and class distinctions.

Coffeehouses

Societal hubs in the Islamic world that supported social and political life but were scrutinized for potential dissent.

Ethiopian royal mythology

The Kebra Negast linked Ethiopian rulers to Solomon, reinforcing their legitimacy and national identity.

Transatlantic slave trade

The forced movement of millions of Africans to the Americas, where many played roles in abolition movements.

Slavery in African societies

An institution integrated into social and economic systems, initially not based on race, involving various forms of servitude.