1. Development of Islam
Post Classical Era

2. Islam and Arabic combined flexibility of the military
How was Islam was able to spread from Spain to India in a relatively short amount of time, dominating a wide range of territories and societies?
Islam and Arabic combined
flexibility of the military
conquered vast empires.
strength of the Muslim economic, military, and political systems
conquered territories were weak in those same areas

3. Describe the evolution of Islamic civilization and its impact on Europe.
Shari’a, the law of Islam.
a community of believers who are brothers and sisters and who share the same moral values
provided a common cultural and secular set of laws
The growth of urbanization
cities became a centerpiece for conversion activities and the sharing of cultural traditions
Intercity and long-distance trade flourished = linking of city dwellers and the countryside
market economy grew under the strong influence of Islamic ethics and law
Science and medicine also flourished; Muslim doctors and astronomers developed skills and theories far in advance of Europeans
The Spanish cities were larger and richer than comparable European cities due to extensive trade with Islamic civilizations

4. Compare and contrast the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, particularly regarding religion, politics, and the military
The Umayyads - seventh century C.E.
political system was closely linked to their Byzantine and Sasanid roots
less than 10 percent of the population consisted of converts to Islam.
Rebellions against the legitimacy of the Umayyads were frequent.
The Abbasid Caliphate was defined by its Islamic foundation.
converts were attracted into the military and politics
emphasis on theology and religious law
Translated Persian, Greek, and Indian scholarship and thought.
new capital was built in Baghdad

5. These conflicts result in three sects:
After Muhammad’s death why was there fragmentation in the Empire ultimately creating three different paths?
Ali has a personal relationship with Muhammad that leads to the conflict over the legitimate ruler and the formation of the new position of caliph.
This continues with the Battle of the Camel and the martyrdom of Husayn.
These conflicts result in three sects:
the Sunni
Shi’ite
Kharijite

6. Compare the status of Muslim women with the status of women in other parts of the world at that time.
Nowhere in the world offered women equality.
Muslim women did have certain rights guaranteed them by Quranic law
Rights to property, divorce, and to testify in court were all granted
The topic of veiling is of particular interest as well.
adopted from the Byzantine and Sasanid Empires
Elite women were restrained from public view more strictly than lower status women
By covering or staying secluded, some women were given access to the public world or the world of scholarship
Some elite women also were permitted to study and become literate
Women play an indirect role in public affairs through their husbands and sons.