Islam

Week 10 Overview

• Topic: New Religion, New Empire and Common Culture (600-1000)

Recap of Last Week

• Key Questions:

  • What was the tension between Roman Authority and Christianity?

  • What happened to Vedic Religion from the 4th to 7th century?

  • How was Buddhism introduced to China and why was it appealing to people and rulers?

The Pre-Islamic World

• Known as "The Age of Ignorance" or Jahiliyyah.

• Central Arabia:

  • Largely independent; organized into tribal confederations.

• Byzantine Empire influenced Levant and northern Arabia.

• Sasanian Empire controlled parts of Iraq and eastern Arabia.

• Kingdom of Aksum at times controlled parts of Yemen.

• Ghassanids and Lakhmids were Arab client kingdoms of Byzantine and Sasanian empires respectively.

Features of Pre-Islamic Societies

• Predominantly polytheistic beliefs with various gods and goddesses.

• Rich oral tradition due to low literacy rates.

• Predominantly a male-dominated society.

• Lack of formal government; reliance on tribal customs for law enforcement.

• Significant tribal identity; trade was established despite desert challenges.

The Advent of Prophet Muhammad

• Islam founded by Prophet Muhammad (ca. 570-632 CE).

• Muhammad's revelations compiled into the Qur’an, known as “recitation.”

• Migrated to Medina in 622; established the first umma (community).

• Unified followers across tribes and gained military success, capturing Mecca.

• By 632, Muslim forces had conquered the Arabian peninsula.

Historical Manuscript Evidence

• Radiocarbon dating places manuscript between 568 and 645 CE.

• Suggests a close connection to the early Islamic period and the Prophet’s lifetime.

Core Beliefs of Islam

• Central message: One God (Allah).

• Fundamental concept is submission to Allah's will; every Muslim has a duty called jihad.

• Key declaration: "There is no deity but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God."

The Four Caliphs of Islam

• Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar (Al Farooq), Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Ali (Al Ghani).

• Rashidun Caliphate era (632-661).

Geographic Expansion of Islam

• Map shows expansion under Prophet Muhammad (622-632), Rashidun (632-661), and Umayyad dynasty (661-750).

Reason for Rapid Islamic Expansion

• Byzantine and Sasanian Empires exhausted from warfare.

• Militarily innovative Islamic armies with mobile cavalry.

• Religious motivation from Islam, advocating Kihad for conquest.

• Successful integration strategies, converting enemies into allies.

Umayyad Caliphate (661 CE)

• Established after assassination of the fourth Caliph Ali;

• Shift from elected leaders to hereditary rule.

• Arab Muslims held high positions in a vast governed population of non-Arabs.

Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE)

• Emerged from coalition defeat of the Umayyads; lasted 500 years.

• Focused on inclusivity of religious minorities and support from non-Arab populations.

The Abbasid Golden Age

• Moved capital from Damascus to Baghdad (762).

• Diverse Muslim ethnicities in government; emphasis on Persian scholars.

• Baghdad became a significant trade hub, controlling Silk Road.

• Unique urban development with a round layout.

Islamic Technology and Culture

• Significant advancements in technology and education during the Abbasid era.

• Cultural expressions included poetry celebrating same-sex love.

Sunni and Shi'a Muslims Differences

• Sunni: first four caliphs were legitimate, follow Sunna.

• Shi'a: Ali (the Prophet's son-in-law) should have succeeded Muhammad.

• Contemporary demographic distribution indicates about 83% Sunni and 16% Shi'a globally.

Cultural Interaction with China's Tang Dynasty

• Abbasid rise noted in Chinese records; referred to as "Black Dress Dashi."

• Beginnings of Chinese Tang Dynasty after the fall of Han, leading to stability and cultural outputs.

• Innovations in military systems such as the Fubing system to maintain a large professional army efficiently.

Tang Cultural Diversity and Religious Tolerance

• Coexistence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism; with Buddhism gaining favor under Wu Zetian.

• Introduction and influence of Nestorian Christianity in China.

• Interaction with various populations enhanced cultural diversity.

The Zenith of Tang Dynasty

• At its peak under Emperor Xuanzong (712-756); influenced by outside envoys, merchants, and ideas.

• Cosmopolitan era with significant global interaction and exchange including multiple religions and philosophies.

Emerging Christendom in Europe

• Post-Western Roman Empire fragmentation into Germanic kingdoms.

• Rise of the Carolingian dynasty as a powerful Christian political entity, culminating with Charlemagne's reign.