Islamic Culture & CivilizationIslamic Culture & Civilization

A.A. Law & DogmaLaw & Dogma

1. Islamic law: Shari’aShari’a— evolved from the need for a uniform legal system

- law of Abbasid Empire

2. Shari’a developed over centuries

IdeaIdea: all Muslims are equal; are brothers & sisters & share same moral values

The Five Pillars of IslamThe Five Pillars of Islam

One God

AllahAllah

Prayer5 times

a day

-facing MeccaMecca

The hajjhajj to Mecca

Fasting during month of RamadanRamadan

Giving of charity

B.B. Converts & CitiesConverts & Cities1. Religious conversion & urbanization were related:

-converts moved to wealthy, expanding urban areas

2. Social life & the practice of Islam were varied due to NO CENTRAL AUTHORITY

-treatment of females varied by region

3. Dar-al-IslamDar-al-Islam: “House of Islam” where Muslims can practice freely

C.C. Islam, Women, & SlavesIslam, Women, & Slaves1. Muslim women were veiled & secluded (haremharem)

-women could be influential in the family, but NOT in public

2. Muslim women DID have rights under Islamic law

- right to own property- to divorce- to remarry- to testify in court- to go on hajj

3. Muhammad’s 3rd wife A’ishaA’isha (married her at age 6 & consummated at 10) created idea about women:

- sexual infidelity & meddling in politics

4. Not permitted to enslave others EXCEPT when taken as prisoners of war

D.D. The Recentering of IslamThe Recentering of Islam

1. Decline of caliphate & internal conflict in 12-13th cen. caused new sources of religious authority:

a. madrasas (religious colleges)b. Sufi brotherhoods

2. Sufi brotherhoodsSufi brotherhoods: fraternities of rituals & everyday training

Islamic Caliphates

Location Society Trade Achievements

UMAYYADS

ABBASIDS