Unit: Islamic Civilizations of the Middle Ages

State Standards Covered: 7.2 – Analyze the geography, governments, economy, religious ideas, and social relationships of the early Islamic civilizations.

Learning Targets & Progress 1st after before after Learning Targets Activities/Resources exposure activities assessment assessment

A.T.C. 53-55 H.A. 75-81

1. How did the geography of the Arabian Interactive Slides Peninsula have an influence on Arabic life? Adaptations Group Activity (poster)

A.T.C. 58-60 H.A. 85-88 2. Who was Muhammad and what influence did he have on the beginning of Islam? Muhammad’s Life Activity (with notes)

A.T.C. 61-64 H.A. 93, 95-102 3. How do the teachings of Islam affect the daily lives of Muslims? Interactive Slides (with notes)

4. Chooses four of the topics listed below A.T.C. 87-91 and explain the contributions that Muslims make in those areas. H.A. 105-116 1. architecture 2. science and technology Accomplishments 3. geography and navigation Partner Activity 4. mathematics (with notes) 5. medicine 6. bookmaking and literature 7. art and music 8. recreation

In addition to the above four learning target questions, you need to provide complete definitions for and sentences showing your understanding of the following terms:

1. sedentary 2. nomad 3. pilgrimage 4. caravan 5. mosque 6. monotheism 7. polytheism 8. Sunni 9. Shiite 10. prophet 11. caliph 12. Mecca 13. Medina Islam Exam Study Notes Learning Target Question #1 TO READING NOTES 7 Desert Environment Desert Adaptations sand, plains, and plateaus high summer temperatures winter and nighttime temperatures below freezing little rainfall violent sandstorms change landscape loose-fitting clothes nomadic life herding of goats, sheep, and camels tents camels for transportation herd animals for food, shelter, and NOTES 7 Oasis Environment Oasis Adaptations water trapped underground seeps to the surface fresh water, plants, and shade fertile land permanent settlements deep wells farming of dates, peaches, and grains palms trees for many uses towns trade with nomads GUIDE TO READING NOTES 7 Coastal Plain Environment Coastal Plain Adaptations damp air and regular rain dry riverbeds that sometimes fill with water natural harbors farming of grains, fruits, vegetables, and trees for frankincense and myrrh wells, dams, and irrigation extensive sea trade NOTES 7 Mountain Environment Mountain Adaptations 1,000–12,000 feet in elevation moist winds from the Indian Ocean good rainfall cool temperatures frost dry riverbeds that fill up during rainstorms terrace farming dams, irrigation, and storage of rainwater farming of melons, pomegranates, and trees for frankincense and myrrh ashes and manure for fertilizer Learning Target Question #2 birth, orphan, trader, marriage cave, Gabriel, Allah, Qur’an reject, followers, boycott, Night Journey Madinah, People of the Book, battles, Last Sermon

Few people noticed Muhammad’s birth. His family was poor, and he became an orphan. In time, Muhammad became a trader. When he was 25, a widow named Khadijah proposed marriage. She and Muhammad had several children, including a daughter named Fatimah.

Muhammad was a spiritual man. He often went to the mountains to pray. While he was praying in a cave, the angel Gabriel appeared to him. For 22 years, Muhammad listened to messages Gabriel brought from God, whom Arabs call Allah. Muhammad preached faith in one God and the values of compassion, honesty, and justice. Gradually, a small group of followers formed, who called themselves Muslims. Muhammad’s writings were later written down and became the Qur’an.

Muhammad began to preach his message to the Makkans. Most Makkans rejected his teachings, but Muhammad did gain followers. Powerful Makkans ordered a boycott of Muhammad’s clan to make them reject Islam. It lasted for three years. but Muslims did not give up their faith. In 619, Muhammad described being taken on a winged horse to visit Jerusalem and the seven levels of heaven and to meet earlier prophets and God. This was called the Night Journey.

People in Madinah invited Muhammad to live there and promised to protect him. Muhammad created a Muslim community in Madinah that respected people of other faiths. Christians and Jews were to be treated with respect as “People of the Book.” Fighting broke out between Makkans and Muslims. After several battles, Muhammad’s army captured Makkah without a fight. Muhammad destroyed idols at the Ka’ba and dedicated the shrine to Allah. He forgave his enemies, and the war ended. Before his death, Muhammad delivered his Last Sermon. He told Muslims to be faithful and to treat each other well. Learning Target Question #3

9.3 The Qur’an and the Sunnah 1. What is the difference between the Qur’an and the Sunnah? The Qur’an is Islam’s sacred book and is considered to be the words of God. The Sunnah is the example set by Muhammad. 2. How is the Qur’an related to the Christian Bible and the Jewish Torah? (See Section 9.2 for more information.) Several of the figures in the Torah and the Bible are also found in the Qur’an. The Qur’an states that God “earlier revealed the Torah and the Gospel as a source of guidance.” 3. How do Muslims show their reverence for the Qur’an? They do not let the book touch the ground or get dirty. Most Muslims memorize all or part of the Qur’an. 4. How are hadith related to the Sunnah? The Sunnah are Muhammad’s actual words and deeds. Hadith are a written record of the Sunnah.

9.4 The First Pillar: Shahadah (Profession of Faith) 1. What phrase do Muslims repeat as an expression of shahadah? “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” 2. According to Muslims, who is Allah? Allah is the one, all-powerful God who created the universe. 3. How does Allah relate to the God of Christians and Jews? (See Section 9.2 for more information.) Muslims believe that all three of these religions worship the same God. 4. What do Muslims believe about angels and judgment? Muslims believe that angels do Allah’s work throughout the universe. They believe that everyone will face God’s judgment; some will go to paradise, others to hell. GUIDE TO READING NOTES 9 9.5 The Second Pillar: Salat (Daily Worship) 1. Where and how often do Muslims pray? Muslims pray five times a day, wherever they are. 2. Toward what city do Muslims pray? Muslims pray toward Makkah. 3. What are Muslims required to do before they pray? They must perform ritual washings of their hands, face, arms, and feet. 4. What do beads, rugs, mosques, the qibla, muezzins, and imams have to do with worship? Prayer beads are used in reciting God’s characteristics, rugs are for kneeling on, mosques are where Muslims gather to worship, the qibla is the direction of Makkah, muezzins call others to prayer, and imams are prayer leaders.

9.6 The Third Pillar: Zakat (Almsgiving) 1. Why is charitable giving important to Muslims? Muslims believe that wealth is purified by giving some of it away, that sharing helps control greed, and that giving reminds people of God’s gifts. 2. How much of their wealth do Muslims give? They give about one fortieth of their surplus wealth and possessions. 3. What kinds of things does zakat pay for? Zakat pays for orphanages, hospitals, soup kitchens, and clothing and shelter for the poor. It pays debts for the poor and helps stranded travelers. 4. Are Muslims the only religious group that emphasizes giving? Explain your answer. No; Jews and Christians, for example, also believe in giving a portion of their wealth to support others. GUIDE TO READING NOTES 9 9.7 The Fourth Pillar: Siyam (Fasting) 1. What is siyam? When is it performed? Siyam is daily fasting. It is performed from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. 2. What rule about food do Muslims observe during Ramadan? Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. 3. How do Muslims break their fast during Ramadan? How is the end of Ramadan celebrated? Muslims break the daily fast at sunset, with dates and other food and drink. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with prayers, special foods, an exchange of gifts, and giving to the poor. 4. What does Ramadan encourage? Ramadan encourages generosity, equality, and charity. Muslims are also encouraged to avoid arguments and bad deeds, to give thanks, and to forgive people.

9.8 The Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage) 1. What values does the hajj promote? The hajj promotes fellowship and equality. 2. How do Muslims dress for the hajj? They wear simple white clothing. 3. What is the Ka’ba? The Ka’ba is a shrine built by Abraham to honor God. 4. What other important sites do Muslims visit during the hajj? They travel along a passage between two small hills, as Hagar did when she searched for water. They camp in tents at Mina, pray at the plain of Arafat, and some climb Mount Arafat. Before leaving Makkah, they circle the Ka’ba seven more times. GUIDE TO READING NOTES 9 9.9 Jihad (Struggle) 1. How does jihad relate to Muslims and their personal struggles? Jihad gives Muslims a way to respond positively to external and internal challenges. 2. What is the “lesser jihad”? The “lesser jihad” relates to the external struggle against oppression, the outer battle. 3. What is the “greater jihad”? The “greater jihad” is the fight against evil within oneself. 4. What standards did the Qur’an and Muhammad set for Muslims’ conduct during war? The Qur’an and Muhammad say that Muslims should honor agreements made with enemies and that they should not mutilate the dead, harm innocents, or destroy property, orchards, crops, sacred objects, or houses of worship.

9.10 Shari’ah: Islamic Law 1. What is shari’ah, and how did it develop? Shari’ah is the body of Islamic law based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It guides Muslims in their personal behavior. It was developed by caliphs and scholars who used the Qur’an and the Sunnah to solve problems that arose. 2. What values does shari’ah promote? It promotes obedience to the Qur’an and respect for others. 3. What are three examples of behaviors that shari’ah regulates? Muslims may not eat pork, drink alcohol, or gamble. They must dress modestly. 4. How has shari’ah changed over the years? Western codes of law have replaced or supplemented shari’ah in many Muslim countries. Shari’ah continues to develop in response to modern ways of life. Learning Target Question #4

City Building and Architecture – Baghdad- Capital of the Abbasid Empire. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Connected trade routes throughout the empire. Mosque- Muslim house of worship. Usually contains a minaret (tower), a fountain for washing before prayer, a prayer room, a pulpit or minbar (raised platform from which someone speaks), and the mihrab locating the direction of Mecca.

Science and Technology – Zoology- the scientific study of animals. Astronomy- the study of objects in the universe. Irrigation and Underground Wells- due to the dry climate of most Muslim countries, wells, canals, water wheels, dams, etc. were developed.

Geography and Navigation– Muslims created more accurate maps. They compiled these maps into books (similar to our atlases) with important facts such as climate, vegetation, water resources, physical features, trade routes, etc. They improved and used such instruments as the compass and the astrolabe.

Mathematics – Developed algebra. Spread the Indian concept of zero.

Medicine – Pharmacists made medicines using herbs, minerals, plants, and animals. Muslims established the first hospitals.

Bookmaking and Literature – The discovery of paper making from the Chinese allowed Muslims to begin the process of bookmaking which in turn, increased the availability and demand for literature (books). Bookmaking became an art form.

Art and Music – Geometric and Floral Design- Muslims created art using shapes in random, but repeated patterns. They also used flower pedals, stems, and leaves from plants to create random patterns that were then repeated. This type of art form is called arabesque. Calligraphy- The art of beautiful handwriting. The Qur’an was, as first, only copied using calligraphy. Textiles- Manufactured cloths such as rugs, blankets, towels, robes, shirts, etc. The making of these items became an art form. Clothes often showed one’s rank or status. Music in Muslim Spain- Baghdad, Damascus, and Cordoba, Spain were centers of Muslim Music. Europe’s first school of music (conservatory) was located in Cordoba, Spain and taught by Ziryab, a talented Muslim musician from Baghdad.

Recreation – Polo- a sport where teams on horseback hit a ball through a goal using a mallet. Horses, and polo were a sign of status in the Muslim world. Muslim advanced the game of polo which has become popular around the world. Chess- Muslims advanced the game of chess and spread it throughout Muslim lands and eventually around the world.