The Islamic Civilization during the Arab Empire The 8 Features

The Islamic Civilization during the Arab Empire The 8 Features of Civilization

Cities Cairo- “one of the greatest and most famous cities in all the world, filled with stately and admirable palaces.” Syria Baghdad The bazaar – a covered market, was important part of every Muslim city or town. There were many goods available from many different regions. Many rules to enforce the quality of the goods.

Religion Arab Empire’s official religion was Islamfollowers of Islam are called Muslims. Islam is monotheistic- “Allah “ Holy Book is called the Quran Strict guidelines- Muslims can not gamble, eat pork, drink alcoholic beverages, or engage in dishonest behavior. Believe in the Five Pillars

Five Pillars Belief- there is only Allah and his prophet Muhammad. Prayer- five times a day Charity- giving one’s wealth to the poor Fasting- refraining from food and drink from dawn to sunset during the Holy month of Ramadan. Pilgrimage- Making a pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime.

Government Theocracy- government based on divine authority. Islam’s theocracy began when Muhammad became a religious and political leader. The Islamic Empire based its rule and laws on the teachings of the Quran. Muslims believe that questions concerning politics, economics, and social life are answered by following Islamic teachings, such as the Five Pillars. The Islamic code of laws is called shari ah- it regulates all aspects of life- both political and civil. ( politics, business practices, government and moral conduct)

Job Specialization There are many different types of jobs Merchants, farmers, landowners, ruling families, soldiers, and slaves.

Social Classes According to Islam, all people are equal in the eyes of Allah, however, this is not the reality in the Arab Empire. There was a rigid class structure. Ruling family, senior officials, merchants

More Information on Social Classes Slaves were not considered equal, Muslims could not be slaves, most slaves came from Africa or non-Islamic population. Male slaves served in the Army Women slaves were used as domestic servants. Islamic law made it clear that slaves should be treated fairly and it was considered a good act to free them.

Social Class Pyramid Ruling Families Merchants SLAVES

Role of Women – not a feature but helpful out side information The Quran granted women spiritual and social equality with men. Women had the right to own property and to work and to enter freely in marriage. As Islam spread women rights began to vanish Women were allowed to leave the home on few occasions. The custom of a women covering herself when appearing in public is still practiced today for women protection.

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Public Worksadvancements Science- Idn Sina- discovered how Science- diseases spread in contaminated water. Islamic Scholars developed algebra Omar Khyyam wrote Arabian nights – a collection of folktale and fables, and romance that blend with the supernatural. Scientist perfected the astrolabe- an instrument used by sailors to determine their location by observing the positions of the stars and planets.

Art and Architecture Islamic art is a blend of Arab, Turkish, and Persian traditions. The best example of Islamic art is found in the Mosques- a Muslim house of worship. Great Mosque- is located in present day Iraq and is the world’s largest Mosque- it covers over 10 acres. The Arab empire is also known for its elaborate palaces. The most famous being Alhambra- located in Granada. There are no paintings of Muhammad Most art is done as arabesques- a pattern of Arabic letters, natural plants, and abstract figures that repeat over and over.

The Great Mosque

Alhambra at Granada

Arabesques

Writing Most writing of the Arab Empire was done in Arabic letters شكرت أنت النهاية !

Wrap up Quiz- on the back of your graphic organizer answer the following questions! List three aspects about the Islamic Religion The sacred book of Islam is called the The Islamic government is a because List two things that you learned today Make one connection to Islam to another civilization that we have studied