WHI.9 (2015) Islam Vocab

Mecca

- Birthplace of Muhammad

- Kaaba located here

- Muslims face the direction of this city when praying

- Holiest place in Islam

- Located in Mecca

- Muslims encouraged to make a Hajj (pilgrimage) to this site

Kaaba

Muslim Faith

- Monotheistic

- Allah (Arabic for God)

- Muhammad as prophet

- Koran (Qur'an) holy text

- Five pillars of Islam

Battle of Tours

Charles Martel and European armies defeat Muslim armies in France and stopping the spread of Islam in Europe

Spread of Islam

- Began on Arabian Peninsula

- Diffusion along trade routes

- Asia, Spain, and Northern Africa

- Saharan Desert prevented significant spread into western Africa

Death of Ali (the Sunni Shi'a division)

A permanent split in the Muslim religion over the authority of the caliph (leader)

Caliph

civil and religious leader of a Muslim state

- spread by Muslim traders

- helped trade and stimulated intellectual activity

Arabic Language and Calligraphy

Muslim mosque in Jerusalem located on the Temple Mount, which houses the spot where Muslims believe Muhammad rose into heaven

Dome of the Rock

Islamic Contributions

- Arabic numerals

- Medicine

- Geographic knowledge

- Preserved Greek and Roman texts through translation

Koran (Qur'an)

The holy book of Islam

Muhammad

Arab prophet; founder of religion of Islam