Historical Context of the Rise of Islam Flashcards
When and where did Islam rise?
7th century CE amongst Arab nomads in Arabian peninsula.
Where was Arabia located in the 5th-6th centuries CE?
Between two rival superpowers: the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian (Persian) Empire.
What previous religions is Islam based on?
Christianity and Judaism, because its roots are also found in the tradition of Abraham.
It is closer to Judaism.
What role did Mecca play before the rise of Islam?
It was a spiritual and economic center.
Spiritual because of the temple; economic because it was a place of spice trade.
What society existed in Mecca previous to the rise of Islam?
A sedentary, patriarchal society hierarchically organized by tribes and subdivided into clans.
Which was the most powerful tribe in Mecca previous to the rise of Islam?
The Quraysh
Where was Muhammad born?
In Mecca, Hejaz, c. 570 into the Quraysh tribe.
What religions were practiced in Mecca before the rise of Islam?
A mixture of Paganism and polytheism.
Did the religious, intellectual and social milieu out of which Islam grew influence the development of the faith and of its art? Provide examples.
Yes.
- Haram* - Ancient Semitic notion. Often large area, mapped out crudely, both holy and forbidden except to certain people and at certain times.
- Qubba* (dome) - From pre-Islamic Arabs. A tent or cloth-covered dome frame where an idol was placed.
Source: Ettinghausen, Grabar and Jenkins-Madina. Islamic Art and Architecture, 650- 1250.
What is a haram? (not the opposite of halal)
Ancient Semitic notion. Often large area, mapped out crudely, both holy and forbidden except to certain people and at certain times.
Source: Ettinghausen, Grabar and Jenkins-Madina. Islamic Art and Architecture, 650- 1250.
How did Islam spread after Muhammad’s death in 632?
Arab armies spread the new faith to the shores of the Mediterranean and the East of Iran.
Syria, Palestine, and Egypt were conquered from Byzantine empire.
Iraq and Iran were conquered from the Sasanians.
What became the prototype for the mosque? *
Muhammad’s house in Medina, which developed into a center for the Muslim community.
What important elements were present in Muhammad’s house in Medina?
The early structure, known as the hypostyle mosque, included a columned hall oriented toward Mecca and an adjacent courtyard surrounded by a colonnade.
