Background Introduction to Early Islam
Geographic Context - 6 th C Middle East
Close- up - Arabia c. 600 CE
Situation in Arabia, c. 600 Semi-civilized, semi-nomad peripheral area to more advanced urban Byzantine & Persian civilizations Traditional Arabia culture: male-led, clan- centered, polytheist Clans = excellent camel-mounted warriors & traders; good contact with border civilizations’ ideas, technologies
Muhammad’s Arabian Origins Born c. 570, to parents from minor clan of Quraysh tribe that dominates Mecca, runs desert caravans Raised by grandfather & then uncle because father died before his birth – both men strong in disappearing desert codes of behavior Became caravan trader; travels took him to Syrian cities (sees Christianity & Judaism) At about age 25 married Khadija, a wealthy, greatly respected Mecca widow Khadija & Muhammad have children but only girls survived
Muhammad’s 1st Revelation 610 Muhammad has 1 st vision Angel Gabriel tells Muhammad he is God’s Final Messenger, given final, correct version of earlier, now flawed, revelations (including Jewish & Christian) Crux of Message: Allah (God) is all powerful; there is a heaven & hell, Allah wants humankind to worship him and live ethical, moral lives Persian Miniature: Muhammad & Gabriel
Qur’an Leaf, Recording One of Muhammad’s Revelations from God
Following Slides - Islamic Empire
Islam 632 Don’t click again to advance another slide until automatic advance shows 1000 CE
Islam 634
Islam 661
Islam
Islam 778 – c. 900
Islam 935
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Islamic World as of 1500
Islamic Civilization & Society
Mosque Architecture Shows Widespread Islamic Dominance, Regional Vitality
Islamic Learning Flourishes Preserves, builds on Greek, Roman learning & ideas Develops mathematics, science, medicine (building on Indian numerals, Central Asian and other astronomy, etc)
Islamic learning Astronomy teacher “Arabic” numbers Madrasah (“University”) Ibn Rushd Great Philosopher