Islam, the Reconquista, and the Age of Exploration

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the early history and divisions of Islam, the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula, and the key developments and figures of the European Age of Exploration.

Greater Jihad

In Islamic theology, this refers to the internal struggle against one's own ego and the striving for spiritual growth.

Lesser Jihad

Within Islamic theology, this term refers to legitimate self-defense conducted within specific guidelines.

Hijra

The migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in $622$ CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Rashidun Caliphate

The period from $632$ to $661$ CE following Muhammad's death, led by four "Rightly Guided Caliphs": Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

First Fitna

A period of civil war from $656$ to $661$ CE triggered by the assassination of Uthman, which marked the beginning of the division within Islam.

Sunni Islam

The majority branch of Islam that believes the caliph should be chosen by the community and emphasizes the importance of consensus (ijma) and analogy (qiyas).

Shia Islam

The branch of Islam that believes leadership should remain within the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt), whom they consider divinely appointed Imams.

Reconquista

The centuries-long process ($722$-$1492$ CE) by which Christian kingdoms in Iberia retook territory from Muslim rule, ending with the fall of Granada.

Battle of Covadonga

A symbolic Christian victory in $722$ CE in northern Iberia against the Umayyad Caliphate, marking the start of Christian resistance.

Age of Exploration

A period from the $15^{th}$ to the $17^{th}$ centuries characterized by unprecedented European maritime expansion and global interaction.

Columbian Exchange

Initiated by Christopher Columbus in $1492$, this was a massive transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Caravel

A highly maneuverable sailing ship developed under Prince Henry's patronage, crucial for navigating the Atlantic's winds and currents.

Henry the Navigator

Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal ($1394$-$1460$), a pivotal figure who served as the architect of early European maritime expansion.

Sagres

A navigation school and research center founded in $1419$ by Prince Henry to bring together experts like cartographers and astronomers.

Zakat

One of the Five Pillars of Islam emphasizing a tradition of philanthropy and charitable giving to support poverty alleviation and community development.

Greater Jihad

In Islamic theology, this refers to the internal struggle against one's own ego and the striving for spiritual growth.

Lesser Jihad

Within Islamic theology, this term refers to legitimate self-defense conducted within specific guidelines.

Hijra

The migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in $622$ CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Rashidun Caliphate

The period from $632$ to $661$ CE following Muhammad's death, led by four "Rightly Guided Caliphs": Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

First Fitna

A period of civil war from $656$ to $661$ CE triggered by the assassination of Uthman, which marked the beginning of the division within Islam.

Sunni Islam

The majority branch of Islam that believes the caliph should be chosen by the community and emphasizes the importance of consensus (ijma) and analogy (qiyas).

Shia Islam

The branch of Islam that believes leadership should remain within the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt), whom they consider divinely appointed Imams.

Reconquista

The centuries-long process ($722$-$1492$ CE) by which Christian kingdoms in Iberia retook territory from Muslim rule, ending with the fall of Granada.

Battle of Covadonga

A symbolic Christian victory in $722$ CE in northern Iberia against the Umayyad Caliphate, marking the start of Christian resistance.

Age of Exploration

A period from the $15^{th}$ to the $17^{th}$ centuries characterized by unprecedented European maritime expansion and global interaction.

Columbian Exchange

Initiated by Christopher Columbus in $1492$, this was a massive transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Caravel

A highly maneuverable sailing ship developed under Prince Henry's patronage, crucial for navigating the Atlantic's winds and currents.

Henry the Navigator

Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal ($1394$-$1460$), a pivotal figure who served as the architect of early European maritime expansion.

Sagres

A navigation school and research center founded in $1419$ by Prince Henry to bring together experts like cartographers and astronomers.

Zakat

One of the Five Pillars of Islam emphasizing a tradition of philanthropy and charitable giving to support poverty alleviation and community development.