Section 3: Islamic Civilization Trade flourished in the Arab Empire. Baghdad called the City of Peace was one of the greatest cities in the world. The Fatimid, a new dynasty in Cairo, Egypt shifted trade making it the greatest city in the world.

Role of Cities The bazaar, or covered market, was an important part of every Muslim city. Merchandise Inspectors guaranteed high standards: “Grilled meats should only be made with fresh meat, not meat coming from a sick animal.” Most people still lived in the country, making their living by farming or herding animals.

The Bazaar

Social Structure To be a Muslim is not simply to worship Allah, but also to live life according to Allah’s teachings as revealed in the Quran. According to Islam, all people are = in the eyes of Allah. This is not always the case….

Social Structure Muslims could not be slaves; slaves were taken from Africa and other parts of Asia for hard labor, military, and domestic servants (women).

The Role of Women Men dominate in Muslim society. All women had a male guardian. A Muslim man could have up to four wives. Muslim men were required to pay a dowry (a gift of money or property) for their brides (most could only afford one). Right to divorce; adultery forbidden

Role of Women After the spread of Islam, older customs eroded the rights enjoyed by early Muslim women. Some became secluded from social contact: “some…have said that a woman should leave her house on three occasions only: when she is conducted to the house of her bridegroom, on the deaths of her parents, and when she goes to her own grave.

Understanding the Hijab Read 202 The practice of having women cover virtually all parts of their bodies when appearing in public is still followed today in some parts of the Muslim world.