Transcript Islam Emerges - College in Kansas | College Degree

Background Introduction to
Early Islam
Geographic Context - 6th C Middle
East
Closeup Arabia
c. 600
CE
Situation in Arabia, c. 600
 Semi-civilized, semi-nomad peripheral area to


more advanced urban Byzantine & Persian
civilizations
Traditional Arabia culture: male-led, clancentered, polytheist
Clans = excellent camel-mounted warriors &
traders; good contact with border civilizations’
ideas, technologies
Muhammad’s Arabian Origins
 Born c. 570, to parents from minor clan of




Quraysh tribe that dominates Mecca, runs
desert caravans
Raised by grandfather & then uncle because
father died before his birth – both men strong in
disappearing desert codes of behavior
Became caravan trader; travels took him to
Syrian cities (sees Christianity & Judaism)
At about age 25 married Khadija, a wealthy,
greatly respected Mecca widow
Khadija & Muhammad have children but only
girls survived
Muhammad’s 1st Revelation
 610 Muhammad has 1st vision
 Angel Gabriel tells Muhammad

Persian Miniature:
Muhammad & Gabriel
he is God’s Final Messenger,
given final, correct version of
earlier, now flawed, revelations
(including Jewish & Christian)
Crux of Message: Allah (God) is
all powerful; there is a heaven &
hell, Allah wants humankind to
worship him and live ethical,
moral lives
Qur’an Leaf, Recording One of
Muhammad’s Revelations from God
Following Slides - Islamic
Empire 632-1000
Islam 632
Don’t click again to advance another slide until
automatic advance shows 1000 CE
Islam 634
Islam 661
Islam 661 - 750
Islam 778 – c. 900
Islam 935
Islam c. 1000
Start clicking again to advance rest of
presentation’s slides
Islamic World as of 1500
Islamic Civilization & Society
Mosque Architecture Shows
Widespread Islamic Dominance,
Regional Vitality
Islamic Learning Flourishes
 Preserves, builds on Greek, Roman learning &

ideas
Develops mathematics, science, medicine
(building on Indian numerals, Central Asian and
other astronomy, etc)
Islamic learning
“Arabic” numbers
Madrasah
(“University”)
Astronomy teacher
Ibn Rushd
Great Philosopher