Spread of Islam

Khadijah

was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and the first person to convert to Islam. A successful businesswoman, she provided crucial support to Muhammad during the early years of his prophetic mission.

Abu Talib

was the uncle of Prophet Muhammad and a key protector in the early years of Islam. He supported Muhammad despite facing social and economic pressures from the Quraysh tribe.

Abu Bakr

The first caliph of Islam after the death of Prophet Muhammad, was a close companion and supporter who played a vital role in the early expansion of the Muslim community.

jibril

is the archangel in Islam who delivered revelations from Allah to the prophets, including the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Sunnah

the example that Muhammad set for Muslims about how to live through his words and actions.

Ali ibn Abi Talib

Cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, was the fourth caliph of Islam and a key figure in Islamic history, recognized for his leadership and wisdom.

Arabian Peninsula

is a large peninsula in Southwest Asia that is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the northeast, the Red Sea to the west, and the Arabian Sea to the southeast. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Peninsula

a landform surrounded by water on three sides, often characterized by its geographical and cultural significance.

oasis

a fertile area in a desert where water is available, supporting vegetation and wildlife, often serving as a crucial resource for trade and travel.

caravans

groups of traders traveling together across deserts or trade routes, often for safety and efficiency.

Hadith

written accounts that provided evidence of Muhammad’s Sunnah.

cultural diffusion

the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities between different groups through trade, migration, and communication.

siege

a military action in which a place is surrounded and attacked over and over until the people surrender.

Islam

The religion of the Muslims; a monotheistic faith as revealed through the prophet Muhammad.

Muslim

a follower of the Islamic faith

Muhammad

a man born around 570 C.E. who taught the faith of Islam; was a prophet

Allah

God of Islam; Allah is God’s name in Arabic.

Qur’an

the holy book of Muslims

mosque

a Muslim house of worship

imam

religious leader of Islam

Makkah

1st holiest city to the Muslims; city where Muhammad was born.

Medina

2nd holiest city to the Muslims; city where Muhammad was born.

Jerusalem

3rd holiest city to Islam; where Islamic prophets worshiped; where muhammad ascended to heaven to meet with the prophets and Allah.

Ka’bah

a small shrine built by Abraham located in the city of Mecca; Muslims holiest site; believed to be a metaphorical house of God.

Five pillars of Islam

the most basic acts of worship for Muslims.

Ramadan

the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims are required to fast.

Hajj

pilgrimage or journey to Mecca; to be performed once in a Muslims lifetime to honor Abraham’s journey to see Hagar and son Ishmael

shari’ah

the code of Islamic law based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah

jihad

the spiritual struggle within oneself against sin; a struggle or fight against enemies of Islam.

caliph

the main Muslim civil and religious ruler; successors of Muhammad - their goal was to protect and spread Islam

caliphate

area ruled by the caliph

Umayyads

leaders of Muslim empire after the first four caliphs; based in city of Damascus in Syria.

Sunni

Muslims who accept the rule of the Umayyad caliphs.

Shia

Muslims who believe the descendents of Ali should rule.