The Muslim World and Africa Study Guide Flashcards
Before officially starting a new religion what were Muhammad’s basic religious beliefs?
He doesn’t believe in the Pegan gods; he believes in one God
What role does the Ka’ba play in Islam?
It is a small shrine in the center of the great mosque in Mecca; before the mosque, there were statues of Pagan gods as idols
List and explain the five pillars of Islam.
- statement of faith to Allah
- give alms/money for the poor
- fast between Dawn and Sunset between the Holy Month of Ramadan
- pray five times a day
- pilgrimage to Mecca
What events caused the decline of the Abbassid dynasty?
- taxation was heavy
- farming and livestock were low
- society was falling apart
Then the Mongols came in and destroyed the dynasty
Describe three main qualities of Islamic art.
- floral motifs
- geometric designs
- calligraphy
Describe the main difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Shia believe only the descendants of Muhammad can lead
What did Muhammad and Islam say about trade and commerce?
Hoarding of wealth is discouraged; you should give your income to your family and the poor; Trade help spread Islam
What are janissaries and how do you become a Janissary in the Ottoman Empire?
An elite standing force of infantrymen; they were chosen randomly in trade for their village being burned down
List five accomplishments from Islam Golden Age.
- algebra
- great mosque
- geometry
- medicine
- literature
What was the political effect of the Ottoman’s Siege of Constantinople?
It led to the hatred of Turks by many European countries and damaged trading in Europe; It also led to the fall of Constantinople
Why do historians think that Great Zimbabwe was the center for trading commerce?
They found beads from India and porcelain from China which shows that it may have been part of a great trading network
Describe Mansa Musa as king of Mali.
The Greatest Mali ruler who extended his great kingdom Westward toward the Atlantic Ocean; pushed north to conquer many cities and he converted to Islam; he builds mosques; he gives so much gold that he causes inflation
How did the kingdom of Ghana become wealthy?
It controlled the gold-salt trade and was then called the land of gold
How did the kingdom of Ghana become an Islamic kingdom?
Muslim merchants and traders pass through the kingdom, along with their faith
Who was Ibn Battuta and why was he important to history?
His journey became one of the greatest of all in medieval times; he writes a travel journal that compares all different societies on the East African coast and Swahili coast
Describe religion in the kingdom of Axum.
The kingdom was Christian which led to its decline since the surrounding kingdoms were Muslim; They felt isolated
Describe African tribal politics of the medieval period.
A council makes small decisions; large decisions are made by the ruler and his court
What languages are combined to create Swahili?
Arabic and Bantu?
What were griots?
People who wandered and told stories and historic events
What was a social reason that gave people a sense of community and shared responsibility in medieval African culture?
They extended lineages
What is the importance of the Qu’ran?
It is the Muslim holy book written in calligraphy to show the beauty of holy words
Why was Shah Abbas the Great an important Safavid ruler?
He revived the glory of ancient Persia, and put on a strong government, strengthened the military, made alliances, and tolerated all religions
How did geography affect trade and migration in Africa?
Desertification push people out of Sahara and to other places
Describe the importance of the Songhai Empire
They were united states that were formally conquered by the Mali Empire
What is the hijra?
The journey that Muhammad and his followers made from Mecca to Yathrib after Muhammad was threatened with murder.
What are Sufi’s?
Muslim mystics who wanted to commune with God.
How did Sufi’s spread Islam?
Traveling, preaching, and being good examples
