1. Cultural Contributions of Islam

2. Muslim Artistic Contributions: Mosaics
Muslims were influenced by Byzantine mosaics
Mosaics were used to decorate mosques
The Muslims mosaics differed from that of the Christian Byzantines
They did not depict religious figures
Consisted of geometric shapes and patterns

3. Muslim Artistic Contributions: Arabic Calligraphy
Calligraphy is artistic or decorative hand-writing
Arabic calligraphy is a trademark of Islam
Ancient texts (Greco-Roman) were translated into Arabic
Many universities were created to teach the Arabic language and Islam

4. Muslim Architectural Contributions: Minarets
Minarets are slender towers that are often built around mosques
The minarets primary function is to issue the call to prayer
They may also serve as a lighthouse or beacon for worship

5. Muslim Architectural Contributions: Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
This was the site of the 1st and 2nd Temples of the Hebrews
The Dome of the Rock was built after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem
It serves as a Muslim shrine and is arguably the most well-known piece of Muslim architecture

6. Muslim Architectural Contributions: The Kaaba
The Kaaba is the most sacred Muslim site in the world and is located in Mecca
Muslims must pray facing the Kaaba and during the Hajj they must walk around it “7” times counter-clockwise
It is considered the first House of Worship and was believed to be rebuilt by Abraham (Ibrahim) and Ishmael

7. Muslim Mathematical Contributions
The study of Algebra (Al-jabr) is accredited to Muslims
They at least popularized and advanced the study
Muslims are also given credit for the development of Arabic numerals, including the number “0”
This was adapted from the Gupta Empire in India

8. Muslim Scientific Contributions
Islam established advancements in medicine and public health:
They established a standardized test that one must pass in order to practice medicine
They established large hospitals (based off the Zakat tax) with doctors who would travel to see patients