Islamic Civilization

Trade The Muslim empire was at the center of a trade network that linked Europe, Asia, and Africa. Muslims produced goods such as silk, cotton, wool, gold and silver. Other cultures had high demand for these goods. The high level of trade made the Islamic empire very wealthy.

Trade Muslims also exchanged ideas and customs with cultures from around the world. Spain was an important center for education. Christian and Jewish scholars carried Muslim ideas to other parts of the world. Many Europeans considered the Muslim world as an important source of advanced knowledge.

Government Under Arab rule, the Muslim Empire was organized into provinces – an area similar to a district or territory. Originally, the entire empire was ruled by one caliph. Problems arose with this system so the empire was divided into 3 areas called caliphates – Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba. Each caliphate was ruled by a caliph.

Society Muslims lived according to the Quran. It guided religion life and daily life. The Quran gave detailed instructions about how society should be organized and about how people should live. All Muslims were expected to follow Islamic laws. Slavery was common, but the Quran encouraged people to free their slaves. Those that chose to keep their slaves had to treat them humanely. No free Muslim could be enslaved. The child of a female slave and her master was automatically free.

Family Life The family was the center of Muslim life. Each person in the family had a specific role & duties. Men responsible for meeting the needs of the family. Women were treated fairly and could own property, but were not responsible for meeting the needs of the family. Most marriages were arranged by the parents. The women could refuse the arrangement. Men were required to give a gift of money or property to the bride.

Family Life It was common for men to have multiple wives. Limit of 4 wives – all must be treated equally. The government supported schools and libraries, but the family was also considered responsible for the children’s education. All students attended religious study groups at their mosque. Advanced students could attend schools for studying science, math, or law.

The Sciences The Muslim world provided many great developments in medicine, geography, and mathematics. They combined the ideas of Greece, Rome, Asia, India, and China.

The Sciences Medicine Used herbs, foods, and prepared drugs for medical treatment. Developed procedures for dissection to study the body. Developed surgical instruments. Learned to diagnose diseases. Doctor’s had to pass difficult tests in order to practice medicine. World’s first school or pharmacy. Opened a public hospital in Baghdad. A famous Muslim doctor, al-Razi, Learned to diagnose and treat small pox and measles. Another Muslim scholar, Ibn Sina, wrote a medical textbook (Canon of Medicine) that was used in Europe for hundreds of years.

The Sciences Geography Muslims became interested in astronomy, navigation, and maps as a result of their involvement in trade. Improved the method for measuring distance on Earth. Used measurements to make more accurate maps that included the physical features of the area. Invented the astrolabe – allowed observers to chart the positions of the stars and calculate their own position on Earth.

The Sciences Mathematics Learned a new numbers system that represented any number using the figures 0 through 9. Had a concept for zero – meaning an empty place. This is the same Arabic numeral system used today. Got the idea for decimals from India. Developed algebra.

The Arts Islamic art mostly consists of very detailed geometric and floral designs. Islamic teachings forbid the use of images to show God. Most art avoided showing human or animal forms. Developed calligraphy. Very advanced architecture. Domed buildings, etc. Outstanding poetry and literature.