Major Influences on Early Christianity and the Islamic World

70 flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Early Christianity and the Islamic world, including significant movements, teachings, and historical contexts.

Abrahamic Faiths

Religions that claim descent from Abraham, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Judaism

Religion associated with God's first covenant with Abraham.

Christianity

Religion that views itself as a continuation of Judaism.

Islam

Religion that sees all three Abrahamic faiths as connected.

Apocalypticism

Belief in the imminent end of the world, prevalent among Jewish communities during Jesus' time.

Universalizing Religion

Religion that aims to be inclusive to all people, without ethnic restrictions.

Schism

Division within the early Christian community.

Monotheism

Belief in one God, contrasted with polytheistic practices.

Polytheism

Worship of multiple gods.

Seleucid Empire

Empire that contributed to Hellenistic influences.

Parthian Empire

Empire that engaged with regional politics affecting early Christianity.

Roman Empire

Empire that provided the context for Jesus' crucifixion and early Christian spread.

Ethics and Politics

Jesus’ teachings hinted at a passive stance towards political revolt.

Gnostics

Sect that offered mystical narratives about Jesus' life, often excluded from biblical canon.

Paul’s Influence

Significant author of the New Testament, shaping Christian theology through letters.

Gospels Composition

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written 50-100 years after Jesus' death.

Nicene Creed

Creed that outlines foundational Christian beliefs and affirms the unity of God.

Edict of Toleration

313 AD decree allowing Christianity to exist without persecution.

Theodosius I

Emperor who recognized Nicene Christianity as the imperial religion.

Council of Nicaea

325 AD council aimed at addressing ideological discrepancies in Christianity.

Arius

Theologian who posited Jesus as divine but not of the same essence as God.

Abu Bakr

First caliph after Muhammad's death, crucial in unifying the Arabian Peninsula under Islam.

Ali ibn Abi Talib

Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, considered by Shiites as the rightful leader.

Ridda Wars

Wars triggered by tribal challenges to Medina's authority after Muhammad's death.

Saqifah Meeting

Gathering where Abu Bakr was proclaimed the first caliph.

Shiites

Supporters of Ali, believing in his divine right to succeed Muhammad.

Sunni

Muslims recognizing the caliphate succession from community consensus.

Ummah

The Islamic community promoting unity among Muslims.

Five Pillars of Islam

Fundamental practices that define a Muslim's faith and actions.

Hajj

Required pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims able to undertake it.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, believed to contain the revelations given to Muhammad.

Hijra

Muhammad's migration to Medina in 622 CE due to persecution in Mecca.

Farewell Sermon

Muhammad's message emphasizing equality among all people.

Zakat

Charitable giving mandated in Islam based on wealth and social status.

Salat

Obligatory prayers performed five times daily by Muslims.

Sawm

Fasting observed during the month of Ramadan in Islam.

Jihad

Struggle or effort in the context of religious duties.

Abbasid Revolution

750 CE movement against the Umayyads leading to the establishment of the Abbasid Caliphate.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing and blending of cultural elements through trade and interaction.

Silk Road

Major trade network connecting East and West, facilitating cultural exchanges.

Cosmopolitanism

Cultural diversity and interconnectedness in societies, often seen along trade routes.

Monsoon Trade Winds

Seasonal winds crucial for navigation and trade across the Indian Ocean.

Thalassocracy

Political power derived from maritime dominance and trade.

Dhow

A traditional sailing vessel used in Indian Ocean trade.

Junk

A type of Chinese sailing vessel used in maritime trade.

Trade Guilds

Early forms of merchant unions aimed at protecting collective interests.

Medieval Period

An era coinciding with the rise of Islam, shaping trade dynamics.

Tetrarchy

Division of the Roman Empire into four regions for improved governance.

Golden Age of Islam

Period marked by significant cultural and intellectual advancements under the Abbasid Caliphate.

House of Wisdom

Intellectual center in Baghdad that facilitated knowledge and scholarship.

Shahnameh

A significant Persian literary work referring to Islamic history.

Porcelain

A trade good exchanged on the Silk Road.

Cultural Hybridization

The process through which distinct cultures merge and influence each other.

Market Dynamics

Changes in trade practices reflecting emerging economic conditions.