Background Introduction to Early Islam

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Background Introduction to Early Islam
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Geographic Context - 6th C Middle East
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Close-up - Arabia c. 600 CE
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Situation in Arabia, c. 600

• Semi-civilized, semi-nomad peripheral area to
  more advanced urban Byzantine Persian
  civilizations
• Traditional Arabia culture male-led,
  clan-centered, polytheist
• Clans excellent camel-mounted warriors
  traders good contact with border civilizations
  ideas, technologies

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Muhammads 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

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Muhammads 1st Revelation

• 610 Muhammad has 1st vision
• Angel Gabriel tells Muhammad he is Gods 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

Persian Miniature Muhammad Gabriel
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Quran Leaf, Recording One of Muhammads
Revelations from God
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Following Slides - Islamic Empire 632-1000
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Islam 632Dont click again to advance another
slide until automatic advance shows 1000 CE
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Islam 634
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Islam 661
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Islam 661 - 750
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Islam 778 c. 900
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Islam 935
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Islam c. 1000Start clicking again to advance
rest of presentations slides
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Islamic World as of 1500
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Islamic Civilization Society
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Mosque Architecture Shows Widespread Islamic
Dominance, Regional Vitality
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Islamic Learning Flourishes

• Preserves, builds on Greek, Roman learning
  ideas
• Develops mathematics, science, medicine (building
  on Indian numerals, Central Asian and other
  astronomy, etc)

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Islamic learning
Arabic numbers
Madrasah (University)
Ibn Rushd Great Philosopher
Astronomy teacher