CHAPTER 2 SECTION 3
MAJOR CROSSROADS BETWEEN EUROPE, ASIA & AFRICA
Began in the early 600s with the prophet Muhammad Sacred book – Quran Spread rapidly because of trade & conquest
1. Shahada – act of bearing witness 2. Prayer – 5 times a day 3. Almsgiving – assisting the poor – “purifying” their wealth 4. Fasting – month of Ramadan – 9 th month of the Islamic calendar – dawn to sunset no: food, drink, or smoking 5. Pilgrimage – visit Mecca once during lifetime if physically & financially able (hajj)
Trade route between Middle East & China Very dangerous but very prosperous
EAST AFRICA Coast Strong city-states Great Muslim influence Swahili WEST AFRICA Mali & Songhai & Timbuktu Mansa Musa from Mali – showed wealth of Africa & influence of Islam to world
Most lived outside of kingdoms in villages Living based on herding, fishing & farming Most people lived with their extended families
Society centered around one emperor Suspicious of outsiders Zheng He caused trade to boom Ended with his death – China very isolated