Islam Midterm Flashcards
Ibn Khaldun
Wrote a book on history of Arabs and Berbers. Theorized that simple aggressive communities conquered an existing state and develop dynamic communities. Nomads become corrupted and loyalty based authority is rejected
Mongols
The 13th century Mongol conquest caused huge damage on Iraq and Khurasan. Caused mass migration to areas not under immediate threat. This caused change to the ethnic composition of much of the Muslim world
Constitution of Medina
A treaty to accept Muhammad betwen the immigarants and Jewish. Jewish allowed to maintain their religion and possession and not forced to conform to Islam
Ibn Ishaq
Wrote the biography of Muhammad. He was a slave descendant
Three Main Jewish Tribes of Medina
Nadir, Qurayza, and Qaynuqa. Were not included in the Constitution of Medina
Quran
The literal word of God. 114 chapters (surah’s). Must complete ritual purity to even touch it. The longest surah is the 2nd,
Isnad
Tool used to authenticate hadiths. Afraid of forgeries.
Hadith
Collection of the words of the prophet Muhammad. Compiled over decades. If mistranslated, the person will be sent to hell
Sunna
Muhammad’s way of life
Prophet Muhammad
Born into Qurayah tribe in Mecca 570 and his parents died when he was young. Married to a wealthy widow. Recieved his first revelation at 40-52 and spreads word in Mecca. He fled to Medina (immigrated) to escape persecution and spread word in 622. His initial followers were his close family including his wife and cousins. Died at 63 in 633
Caliph
Successor of Muhammad and ruler of the Muslim people
Umar- The second Caliph
Decided that all conquered lands passed into state rule to ensure Arabs would not become landlords and peasants when conquered. This was bad because it made tribesmen depend on the state and people believed it to be unfair distribution. Tribe leaders gained more power than those who followed Muhammad earlier on.
Ali
Had his legitimacy questioned because of his rise to power. Fought in the Battle of Camel in Bastra 656 (the first fitna) against those trying to avenge the death of Uthman. Fought the killers of Uthman in battle of Siffin 657 to avenge Uthman. One by one lost power of all provinces in Muslim empire. Was murdered in 661 by a Kharijite’s poisoned blade
The Kharijites
Group of Muslims who originally fought for Ali but turned against him when they recognized that he would accept judgment from anyone other than God. Were massacred in the battle of Nahravan, found to be the most problematic event in Ali’s reign
Mu’awiya
Became caliph after the downfall of Ali. His rise marks the beginning of the Umayyad Dynasty. Gained power while Ali was losing his own
Ramadan
9th holy month of Islamic calendar. Fast from dawn to dusk the whole month. Month ends with celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. Marks the event of Muhammad receiving the quran from allah, called the night of power.
Dominating Powers of Late Antiquity
Mesopotamia and Egypt, Mesopotamia disappeared after arab conquest
Uthmanic Codex
A compilation of the Quran that was sent to unify and delete confusion of differing texts. One text for all
Line of Caliphs after Muhammad (Rashidun Caliphs)
Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali
Fitna
War, civil war. The first one was to due to the death of Uthman.
Aisha
Prophet Muhammad’s wife, conspired to kill Ali because she did not believe in his succession
Direction of prayer
Used to be Jersuelem but Muhammad changed it to be in the direction of Mecca (Northeast)
Christian view on Islam
Christians thought that jesus was the son of god but Islam believed that Jesus was the prophet of God.
The Muqaddimah
The most important history of the Islamic world. Written by Ibn Khaldun. Focuses on the rise and fall of civilizations
Surah Baqarah (the cow) 2nd surah
Argument between Moses and Israelites over a cow and how they should sacrifice it in order to acknowledge the murder of a man. Teaches us to submit to Allah in all circumstances no matter the difficulty
Surah Joseph (12th surah)
Story of a man who went through trials of life and came out victorious. Key to his success was his belief in one God.
Psedos-Sebeos
Anonymous author; shows historical issues in a biblical light; first non Muslim to show theory for the rise of islam
