AP world history modern chapter 13

1. Where did Islam develop?
Islam originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the cities of Mecca and Medina.

2. How was this area a hub for trade?
The Arabian Peninsula was strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, facilitating robust economic interactions and cultural exchanges.

3. Who is Muhammad? Explain his early life.
Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born around 570 CE in Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, he grew up in the care of his grandfather and uncle, eventually becoming a successful merchant known for his honesty.

4. What was Muhammad's "spiritual transformation"?
At the age of 40, Muhammad experienced a spiritual awakening following a revelation from the angel Gabriel, which marked the beginning of his prophetic mission and the subsequent teachings of Islam.

5. How did the Quran come to be? What is it?
The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad over 23 years. It was compiled by his followers after his death, serving as the spiritual and legal foundation for Muslims.

6. A. Why was Muhammad persecuted early on for his beliefs?
Muhammad faced persecution from Meccan leaders who viewed his teachings as a threat to their social and economic status, challenging the polytheistic traditions of the city.
B. What is the Hijra?
The Hijra refers to Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of a Muslim community.

7. When Muhammad lived in Medina, he organized his followers into a cohesive community called the Umma. Explain this community.
The Umma was a community of Muslims bound together by their shared faith, which emphasized unity, social justice, and mutual support among its members, transcending tribal affiliations.

8. Read the "Seal of the Prophets". Explain this saying.
The "Seal of the Prophets" indicates that Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet in Islam, bringing the last revelation from God to humanity, thus ending the line of prophetic messages.

9. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Briefly explain each.
The Five Pillars are: 

1 Shahada: The declaration of faith, testifying that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger. 

2 Salah: The performance of ritual prayers five times a day. 

3 Zakat: The giving of alms or charity to support the community and assist the needy. 

4 Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, promoting self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate. 

5 Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if financially and physically able.

10. What is Islamic law?
Islamic law, or Sharia, encompasses a system of guidelines derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing aspects of daily life, morality, and legal matters for Muslims.

11. Look at the map on page 265. Where did Islam eventually spread to and conquer?
Islam rapidly spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula to regions in the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Europe, and Central and South Asia.

12. A. Who took over after Muhammad's death?
After Muhammad's death, leadership passed to a series of caliphs, beginning with Abu Bakr.
B. Why couldn’t anyone take Muhammad’s place?
No individual could truly replace Muhammad, as he was seen as the final prophet, and no one could claim prophetic authority.
C. Which empires were weakening as the Muslims were expanding?
The Byzantine and Sassanian Empires were declining during this time, facilitating Muslim conquests.

13. What led to the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims? What are the differences in beliefs?
The split arose from a disagreement over Muhammad’s rightful successor; Sunnis believed in electing leaders, while Shia Muslims held that leadership should stay within Muhammad's family, particularly through Ali, his cousin and son-in-law.

14. A. Where did the Umayyad build their capital?
The Umayyad Caliphate established its capital in Damascus, Syria.
B. Describe the Umayyad’s rule.
The Umayyads expanded the Islamic empire significantly, focusing on administrative efficiency and military conquests, often prioritizing Arab supremacy in governance.
C. What was their policy toward the people they conquered?
They generally allowed subject peoples to practice their religions in exchange for a tax but emphasized Arab culture, which sometimes led to resentment among non-Arab Muslims.

15. A. Which dynasty came after the Umayyad?
The Abbasid dynasty succeeded the Umayyad dynasty.
B. How did they differ from the Umayyad?
The Abbasids focused on inclusivity for non-Arabs and promoted cultural and intellectual flourishing, contrasting with the Umayyademphasis on Arab privilege.
C. Where did they move their capital?
They established a new capital in Baghdad, which became a center of learning and culture.

16. Who did they get their administration techniques from?
The Abbasids drew heavily on administrative practices from the Persian Empire, incorporating bureaucratic systems that facilitated governance.

17. How did the Abbasid decline?
The Abbasid Caliphate declined due to internal strife, political fragmentation, economic challenges, and the rise of regional powers, leading to the loss of centralized control.

18. How did the expansion of Dar al Islam lead to the spread of new crops? What new crops were brought into the Islamic world?
The expansion of Dar al Islam facilitated agricultural exchange along trade routes, introducing diverse crops like rice, sugar, and citrus fruits into the Islamic world.

19. How did these new crops help the Islamic world?
These new crops enhanced food security, supported population growth and contributed to economic prosperity through new agricultural practices.

20. What was the most important new crop? Why?
Rice became a crucial crop due to its high yield and adaptability, significantly impacting diets and agricultural practices across the Islamic Empire.

21. How did the Muslims travel overland? What are camel caravans?
Muslims utilized camel caravans for overland trade, taking advantage of camels’ endurance and ability to traverse harsh desert conditions, vital for long-distance travel.

22. How did they travel overseas? What technology did they use to help them?
Overseas, Muslims traveled using advanced sailing ships and navigational technologies such as astrolabes and compasses, enhancing maritime trade.

23. What new commercial/economic technologies helped them to trade? What is sakk?
Technological innovations included credit systems and banking practices; the Sakk represented a check or promissory note facilitating trade and financial transactions.

24. What was Islamic Spain known as?
Islamic Spain was known as Al-Andalus, a vibrant center of culture, learning, and religious tolerance during the medieval period.

25. How did women's status change in the Islamic world? What did the Quran include that changed their status? What other practices did they learn from Mesopotamia?
The Quran included provisions for women’s rights in marriage, inheritance, and education, promoting greater rights compared to pre-Islamic societies. Additionally, practices from Mesopotamia influenced views on women's roles in family and society.

26. Who are Sufis? What was the Sufi missionaries' role?
Sufis are Islamic mystics known for their spiritual practices aimed at achieving direct experiences of God. Sufi missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Islam through their inclusive teachings and practices.

27. Persia influenced Islam primarily through its administrative practices, cultural traditions, and the incorporation of Zoroastrian concepts, which helped shape early Islamic governance and legal principles. India contributed to Islamic thought and culture through the introduction of diverse philosophical ideas, and artistic expressions, and the development of syncretic traditions in regions like the Deccan and Bengal. Greek philosophy, particularly through scholars such as Aristotle and Plato, significantly impacted Islamic intellectualism, fostering developments in science, mathematics, and metaphysics during the Islamic Golden Age, leading to a rich synthesis of Greek and Islamic ideas.