The Origins and Spread of Islam

Vocabulary flashcards related to the origins and spread of Islam

Kaaba

A revered sanctuary in Mecca that was a site of pilgrimage.

Muhammad

The prophet of Islam, born in Mecca around 570 CE.

Hijra

Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

Five Pillars of Islam

The five essential duties required of all Muslims.

Shahada

Proclaiming that there is no God but God and Muhammad is His Prophet.

Salat

Praying five times each day facing Mecca.

Sawm

Fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.

Hajj

Making a pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible.

Zakat

Aiding the poor.

Rightly Guided Caliphs

Successors to Muhammad, especially the first four: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali.

Jihad

Means struggle and was used to expand territory under Islam.

Dar al-Salam

The world of Islam.

Dar al-Harb

The world of warfare.

Umayyads

An Islamic dynasty that ruled from 661 to 750 CE, with its capital in Damascus.

Abbasids

A dynasty that overthrew the Umayyads in 750 CE and shifted the capital to Baghdad.

Sharia

A body of Islamic law that covers all aspects of practical and spiritual life.

Ulama

Muslim legal scholars.

Shiites

A religious branch of Islam that believed the descendants of Muhammad's son-in-law, Ali, should be the leaders of Islam.

Sunnis

A religious branch of Islam that believed the leader of Islam should be elected.

Fatimids

A Shiite dynasty that established a rival caliphate in North Africa and Egypt from 909 to 1171.