1. Islamic Society

2. Social Structure Spiritual equality (not wealth)
Elite were ruling families and wealthy merchants
Non-Muslims lower in society
Paid jizya, or religious tax
Slaves used for war and labor
Treatment supposed to be reasonable

3. Economy and Trade Trade routes increased wealth and improved diet
Advanced banking system
Introduction of credit and use of banking
Farming estates controlled by the wealthy

4. Rights of Women Quran granted spiritual and social equality
Could own property and divorce
Husbands paid dowry, or sum of money, to wife’s family
Older traditions restricted rights
Required women to cover all parts of their body

5. Scholarship and Philosophy
Translated Greek works into Arabic
Eventually recorded works in books
Philosophic commentary on Aristotle
أرى كل إنسان يرى عيب غيره ويعمى عن العيب الذي هو فيه
“Everyone is critical of the flaws of others, but blind to their own.”
أشد الفاقة عدم العقل
“Lack of intelligence is the greatest poverty.”

6. Mathematics and Astronomy
Mathematics borrowed from India
“Hindi” numerals now known as “Arabic” numerals
Trigonometry and algebra
Developments in Astronomy
Astrolabe used positions of stars to tell direction

7. Medicine and Science Al-Razi Ibn al-Hazen Medical encyclopedia
Contagious diseases
Translated works sent to Europe
Ibn al-Hazen
Best known for work with optics and astronomy

8. Art and Architecture Arab, Turkish, and Persian traditions Arabesques
Geometric patterns repeated over and over again

9. Mosques represent glory of Islam
Muezzin calls Muslims to prayer
Tower he calls from known as a minaret

10. Great Mosque of Samarra

11. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

12. Mosque of Djenne – Mali, Africa

13. Jami Ul Alfar – Colombo, Sri Lanka

14. Grand Mosque, Dubai

15. Mosque – Tempe, Arizona