Muslim vocab

muhammad

Islam’s prophet, born in Mecca in 570 AD, who received a message from the angel Gabriel.

kaaba

A temple in Mecca that once held idols but was later rededicated to God and became Islam’s holiest site.

hijra

The journey Muhammad took from Mecca to Yathrib in 622 AD after being forced to flee; marks the turning point in Islam.

quran

The holy book of Islam, based on messages revealed to Muhammad.

sunni

The larger Muslim group who believed any devout Muslim from Muhammad’s tribe could lead and interpret the Quran.

abbasid

Caliphate from 750–1258 AD, based in Baghdad; spread Islam through cultural diffusion.

house of wisdom

A major intellectual center in Baghdad during the Golden Age, known for translating and preserving ancient works.

savanna

Grassland region in central Africa; hot, dry, supports grain farming and wildlife.

mansa musa

A wealthy Muslim ruler of Mali who made a pilgrimage to Mecca, famously distributing gold along the way.

great zimbabwe

A southern African civilization known for controlling coastal trade and leaving behind massive stone ruins.

sahara

Largest desert in the world; separates North Africa from Sub-Saharan Africa.

medina

The city where Muhammad fled in 622 AD and gained followers; formerly called Yathrib.

sharia

A religious and legal system based on the Quran and Muhammad’s teachings.

shiite

Muslims who believe leadership should stay within Muhammad’s family; only Imams can interpret the Quran.

mecca

Holy city in Arabia; birthplace of Muhammad and site of the Kaaba.

hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must make at least once.

mosques

Muslim houses of worship; Friday is the holy day.

umayyads

Caliphate from 644–750 AD, based in Damascus; spread Islam through conquest.

golden age

A period from 700s–1200s when Islamic culture, science, and learning flourished.

songhai

axum

Wealthy East African kingdom (modern Ethiopia) that dominated trade; ruled by King Ezana.

arabic numerals

Number system borrowed from India that included the concept of zero.

ethiopia

 Modern country; site of ancient Axum.

timbuktu

Trade and learning center in Mali; capital during Mansa Musa’s reign.

ghana

First wealthy West African kingdom (800–1076 AD), controlled gold/salt trade.

mali

Replaced Ghana, rich from trade; ruled by Mansa Musa.

mansa musa

King of Mali; made pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324; gave out so much gold it caused inflation.

songhai

Final West African kingdom (until 1591); expanded under Askia Muhammad.

great zimbabwe

Southern African kingdom (1100–1500s) with stone ruins; wealthy from trade.

Declaration of Faith (Shahada)

Muslims declare: “There is only one God, and Muhammad was his messenger.”

• This belief unites all Muslims and reflects monotheism.

Daily Prayer (Salat)

• Muslims pray five times a day, always facing Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm)

• During the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

• This is to honor the month when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad.

Charity to the Poor (Zakat)

• Based on Muhammad’s own charitable giving, Muslims are expected to help those in need.

The Hajj

• Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are able.

• This reflects unity and devotion among Muslims worldwide.

Arabic Number System

• Borrowed from India via the Silk Road.

• Organized in groups of ten and introduced the concept of zero.

Algebra

• Developed a method for solving complex math problems called “Al-Jabar.”

• Introduced use of variables like x, y, and z.

Chemistry

• First to separate compounds.

• Believed metals were mixtures of sulfur and mercury; gold was seen as a perfect balance.

Navigation

• Improved the astrolabe (Greek invention).

• Helped determine direction, longitude, and latitude — vital for sailors and finding Mecca.

Banking

• Muslim caliphs set up widespread banks.

• Allowed merchants to cash checks at any Islamic bank, which boosted trade.

Education – House of Wisdom

• Major learning center in Baghdad.

• Translated works from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources.

• Contained libraries, debate halls, and multilingual teaching.

Art

• Featured geometric and floral patterns, avoiding images of people and animals.

• Created a unique style that became popular in global markets.

Chess

• An Indian game made popular by Muslim scholars.

• Played widely at the House of Wisdom.

Literature

• Poetry was a major art form — short and often sung.

• Famous collection: Arabian Nights, including tales like that of the genie and the magic lamp.

Architecture

• Built beautiful mosques to honor Allah and Muhammad.

• Used domes, columns, and geometric designs in their construction.