The Islamic Civilization

during the Arab Empire

The 8 Features of Civilization
 Cities
Cairo- one of the greatest and most famous cities in
all the world, filled with stately and admirable palaces.
Syria-
Baghdad
The bazaar a covered market, was important
part of every Muslim city or town. There were
many goods available from many different
regions. Many rules to enforce the quality of the
goods.
 Religion
Arab Empires official religion was Islam-
followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Islam is monotheistic- Allah
Holy Book is called the Quran
Strict guidelines- Muslims can not gamble,
eat pork, drink alcoholic beverages, or
engage in dishonest behavior.
Believe in the Five Pillars
 Five Pillars
Belief- there is only Allah and his prophet
Muhammad.
Prayer- five times a day
Charity- giving ones wealth to the poor
Fasting- refraining from food and drink from
dawn to sunset during the Holy month of
Ramadan.
Pilgrimage- Making a pilgrimage to
Makkah once in a lifetime.
 Government
Theocracy- government based on divine
authority. Islams theocracy began when
Muhammad became a religious and political
leader.
The Islamic Empire based its rule and laws on
the teachings of the Quran. Muslims believe that
questions concerning politics, economics, and social life are
answered by following Islamic teachings, such as the Five Pillars.
The Islamic code of laws is called shari`ah- it regulates
all aspects of life- both political and civil. ( politics,
business practices, government and moral conduct)
 Job Specialization
There are many different types of jobs
Merchants, farmers, landowners, ruling
families, soldiers, and slaves.
 Social Classes
According to Islam, all people are equal in the
eyes of Allah, however, this is not the reality in
the Arab Empire.
There was a rigid class structure.
Ruling family, senior officials, merchants
More Information on Social Classes
Slaves were not considered equal, Muslims could
not be slaves, most slaves came from Africa or
non-Islamic population.
Male slaves served in the Army
Women slaves were used as domestic servants.
Islamic law made it clear that slaves should be
treated fairly and it was considered a good act
to free them.
Social Class Pyramid

Ruling
Families

Merchants

SLAVES
Role of Women not a feature but helpful
out side information

The Quran granted women spiritual and social

equality with men.
Women had the right to own property and to
work and to enter freely in marriage.
As Islam spread women rights began to vanish
Women were allowed to leave the home on few
occasions.
The custom of a women covering herself when
appearing in public is still practiced today for
women protection.
Photos
 Public Works- advancements
Science- Idn Sina- discovered how diseases
spread in contaminated water.
Islamic Scholars developed algebra
Omar Khyyam wrote Arabian nights a
collection of folktale and fables, and romance
that blend with the supernatural.
Scientist perfected the astrolabe- an
instrument used by sailors to determine their
location by observing the positions of the stars
and planets.
 Art and Architecture
Islamic art is a blend of Arab, Turkish, and Persian
traditions.
The best example of Islamic art is found in the Mosques-
a Muslim house of worship.
Great Mosque- is located in present day Iraq and is the
worlds largest Mosque- it covers over 10 acres.
The Arab empire is also known for its elaborate palaces.
The most famous being Alhambra- located in Granada.
There are no paintings of Muhammad
Most art is done as arabesques- a pattern of Arabic
letters, natural plants, and abstract figures that repeat
over and over.
The Great Mosque
Alhambra at Granada
Arabesques
 Writing
Most writing of the Arab Empire was done
in Arabic letters

 Wrap up Quiz-
on the back of your graphic organizer answer the following questions!

List three aspects about the Islamic

Religion
The sacred book of Islam is called
the_____
The Islamic government is a _________
because__________________________
List two things that you learned today
Make one connection to Islam to another
civilization that we have studied