PRIM SOURCES hist 2340 midterm 1

• Q: What prompted the Ibn Sina’s deep dive into the study of philosophy and logic?

• A: The narrator's father invited a philosopher, Abu Abd Allah al-Natili, to stay with them, which inspired him to master Logic and other sciences.

• Q: What was Ibn Sina’s method for solving problems and studying during his intense period of learning?

• A: He studied through sleepless nights, used wine to stay awake, and prayed for solutions to problems, often finding answers in dreams.

• Q: Ibn Khaldun's historical cycle theory?

• A: Nomadic invasions create dynasties, which weaken and are replaced by new invaders.

• Q: Influences on Ibn Khaldun’s theory?

• A: Turkish migrations, Mongol invasions, North African nomadic movements.

• Q: Modern view vs. Ibn Khaldun?

• A: Dynasties fell due to internal strife and decentralization, not just invasions.

• Q: Main impact of the Crusades on the Middle East?

• A: Shaped later European-Arab relations, with minimal direct influence.

• Q: Which Crusade established lasting European footholds in Syria?

• A: The First Crusade (1095–1099).

• Q: Key figures who drove the crusaders out of Jerusalem?

• A: Salah al-Din (Saladin).

• Q: Hulegu Khan's ultimatum to the caliph?

• A: Submit or face destruction; refusal led to Baghdad’s siege and massacre.

• Q: Caliph al-Mustasim’s response to Hulegu?

• A: Dismissive and confident, claiming divine support and dismissing Mongol threats.

• Q: Plague impact in Cairo, October 1348?

• A: 1200 deaths daily, bodies abandoned; plague worsened in winter.

• Q: Effects of the plague on Cairo’s society and economy?

• A: Disrupted funerals, increased wages, and closed mosques; harvests abandoned

• Q: Additional plague impacts reported in Egypt?

• A: Animals also died, prices dropped, and workers were scarce; epidemic lasted 15 years.

• Q: How does Rabia describe her relationship with her Beloved?

• A: The Beloved is the speaker’s constant companion and ultimate source of joy and solace; their love is the central focus of their life.

• : What symbols does Rabia use to express her devotion?

• A: The Beloved is likened to a "mihrāb" (niche in a mosque) and "qibla" (direction of prayer towards Mecca).

• Q: How does Rabia describe her love for the Beloved?

• A: The speaker experiences both selfish love (focused on remembrance) and a higher, worthy love (which reveals the Beloved’s presence).