Islamic Society

Social Structure Spiritual equality (not wealth) Elite were ruling families and wealthy merchants Non-Muslims lower in society Paid jizya, or religious tax Slaves used for war and labor Treatment supposed to be reasonable

Economy and Trade Trade routes increased wealth and improved diet Advanced banking system Introduction of credit and use of banking Farming estates controlled by the wealthy

Rights of Women Quran granted spiritual and social equality Could own property and divorce Husbands paid dowry, or sum of money, to wife’s family Older traditions restricted rights Required women to cover all parts of their body

Scholarship and Philosophy Translated Greek works into Arabic Eventually recorded works in books Philosophic commentary on Aristotle أرى كل إنسان يرى عيب غيره ويعمى عن العيب الذي هو فيه “Everyone is critical of the flaws of others, but blind to their own.” أشد الفاقة عدم العقل “Lack of intelligence is the greatest poverty.”

Mathematics and Astronomy Mathematics borrowed from India “Hindi” numerals now known as “Arabic” numerals Trigonometry and algebra Developments in Astronomy Astrolabe used positions of stars to tell direction

Medicine and Science Al-Razi Ibn al-Hazen Medical encyclopedia Contagious diseases Translated works sent to Europe Ibn al-Hazen Best known for work with optics and astronomy

Art and Architecture Arab, Turkish, and Persian traditions Arabesques Geometric patterns repeated over and over again

Mosques represent glory of Islam Muezzin calls Muslims to prayer Tower he calls from known as a minaret

Great Mosque of Samarra

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Mosque of Djenne – Mali, Africa

Jami Ul Alfar – Colombo, Sri Lanka

Grand Mosque, Dubai

Mosque – Tempe, Arizona