Islam

Bedouins

Nomadic people in the desert who raised camels, goats, and sheep.

Sheikh

Leader of a tribe, responsible for carrying out the decisions of elders.

Hijrah

The migration of Muhammad and his followers to Yathrib in 622 AD, marking the first year of the Muslim calendar.

Kaaba

A sacred religious site in Makkah, originally housing the statues of Arabian gods, now a center for Islamic worship.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad, meaning 'surrender to the will of Allah'.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, consisting of revelations received by Muhammad.

5 Pillars of Islam

Fundamental acts of worship and practice in Islam, including faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Shari’ah

Islamic law derived from the Quran and teachings of Muhammad, providing guidelines for Muslim conduct.

Sufis

Islamic mystics who preached and sought followers by combining local traditions with Islam.

Abbasid Empire

A dynasty that replaced the Umayyads, known for cultural and trade advancements, with Baghdad as a central hub.

Seljuk Turks

A group that seized control of Baghdad, reducing the power of the Abbasid caliph.

Ottoman Empire

A historical empire established by Turkish clans, known for its military strength and extensive governance.

Sikhism

A religion founded in India that emphasizes one God and a lineage of teachers.

Makkah

A city that became crucial as a crossroads of commerce and a pilgrimage destination for Muslims.

Alms

Charitable donations to the poor, one of the 5 Pillars of Islam.

Monotheistic

Belief in a single all-powerful God, characteristic of Islam and other Abrahamic religions.

Caliph

A successor to Muhammad and leader of the Muslim community.

Umayyad Dynasty

The first dynasty to rule the Islamic Empire, governing from Damascus.

Madinah

The city to which Muhammad and his followers migrated; also known as Yathrib.

Caravans

Groups that traveled together for safety, often used to conduct trade by transporting goods.

Oasis

A fertile area in a desert where water can be found, crucial for survival and agriculture.