NoteSheet 10.3 Muslim Culture (pg. 273)

1. What were the four social classes in Muslim society? Upper Class Muslims at birth Second Class Converts to Islam Third Class Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians Lowest Class (fourth class) Slaves POW’s, all non-Muslim Performed household work or worked for the military

2. What was the role of women in the Middle East? Qu’ran says “Men are the managers of the affairs of women.” “Righteous women are therefore obedient.” Qu’ran also says Men and women , as believers, are equal Expected to submit to men If the husband wanted to divorce his wife all he had to say 3 times “I dismiss thee.” The divorce became final in 3 months Responsibilities depend on wealth Poor = fields Rich = supervise servents

3. What are examples of Muslim advances in science and art? Literature Qu’ran Poems about nature and the pleasures of life and love Art and Architecture Calligraphy The art of beautiful handwriting Blended with cultures of the past Intricate and colorful Doesn’t usually contain images of living beings Medical Advances Al-Razi was the greatest physician between A.D. 500-1500 Wrote and encyclopedia called the Comprehensive Book that drew on knowledge from Greek, Syrian, Arabic, and Indian sources Math and Science Would conduct experiments rather than logical reasoning Astronomy by charting stars, comets, and planets