Islam

What does the term 'hijra' refer to in Islam?

The move from Mecca to Medina, serving as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

What title did Muhammad adopt while in Medina?

He referred to himself as the 'seal of the prophets,' meaning he would be the final prophet.

What holy book was issued during the 650s containing Muhammad's revelations?

The Quran (recitation), which became the holy book of Islam.

What is the hajj in Islam?

A pilgrimage that Muslims who are physically and financially able must undertake to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

What is sharia?

Islamic holy law that emerged after Muhammad's death, offering guidance on behavior in various aspects of life.

What empires did Islamic armies expand against under the Umayyad dynasty?

The Sasanid Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

What led to the emergence of the Shia sect in Islam?

Disagreements over succession after Muhammad's death.

What are the two major groups Islam split into after Muhammad's succession?

Sunnis and Shia.

What percentage of Muslims today are Sunnis?

The majority of Muslims are Sunnis.

What was the policy of the Umayyads regarding the Arab military aristocracy?

They favored the Arab military aristocracy by distributing land and positions of power among them.

What tax was levied on non-Muslims under Arab rule?

The jizya, a special head tax for those who did not convert to Islam.

Which dynasty ended the Umayyad dynasty?

The Abbasid dynasty.

How did the Abbasid dynasty differ from the Umayyad dynasty?

The Abbasids were not a conquering dynasty and showed no special favor to the Arab military aristocracy.

Where was the central authority of the Abbasid dynasty located?

In Baghdad, where they built a magnificent new city.

Does Islam recognize priests?

No, Islam does not recognize priests.

Who are qadis in Islamic law?

Judges who heard cases of law and rendered decisions based on the Quran and sharia.

What contributed to the widespread observance of Islamic law?

The roles of qadis and other authoritative groups.

What major event occurred in 1258 A.D. regarding the Abbasid Empire?

The Abbasid Empire was officially ended by the Mongols.

What area was known as Al-Andalus?

The Iberian Peninsula.

What governmental structure did Al-Andalus have?

It established its own caliphs and was not ruled by the Abbasid Dynasty.

What describes the patriarchal nature of the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Al-Andalus dynasties?

All were characterized by significant male dominance in social and political structures.

Who were the Sufis in Islamic tradition?

Islamic missionaries who focused on devotion to Allah rather than strict doctrinal mastery.

Which empires influenced both Umayyad and Abbasid administrative techniques?

Persian empires.

What two countries were most responsible for a golden age in Muslim civilization?

India and Greece.

What agricultural development contributed to growth in Islamic cities?

Increased agricultural production.

How did trade affect Islamic societies?

Islamic societies drew much of their prosperity from commerce.

What factors contributed to the surge of long-distance trade in early Islamic world?

Improved transportation, expanded banking services, and refined business techniques.

What was a characteristic of Islamic societies regarding legal decisions?

They relied on the Quran and sharia for legal decisions.

What is the significance of the term 'dar al-Islam'?

It refers to the 'house of Islam' under Umayyad rule.

Which dynasty continued the Umayyad’s expansionist policies?

The Abbasid dynasty initially continued the expansion.

What was the impact of Islamic banking on commerce?

It stimulated the commercial economy of the Islamic world.

How did the Umayyads' treatment of conquered peoples differ from the Abbasids'?

Umayyads levied a jizya tax on non-Muslims, while Abbasids did not show special favor to the Arab military aristocracy.

What role did Baghdad play in the Abbasid dynasty?

It served as the center of authority and governance.

What was the primary agricultural crop that traveled westward during this period?

Cotton and other important crops.