11 The Islamic World Free Online FlashCards

What was the Hijra, and why is it significant?

The Hijra was Muhammad and his followers’ migration from Mecca to Medina in 622; it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Was the Islamic world one unified empire?

It was a connected but politically diverse network of societies, not a single unified empire.

Did conquest lead to immediate conversion to Islam?

Muslim political rule expanded through conquest, but conversion was generally gradual; many conquered communities kept other religions for generations.

What was the Umayyad caliphate’s capital?

Damascus was the Umayyad caliphate’s capital.

Which city did the Abbasids make their capital in 762?

The Abbasids established Baghdad as their capital in 762.

What disagreement contributed to Sunni and Shiʿa traditions?

Disagreement over leadership after Muhammad’s death contributed to the development of Sunni and Shiʿa traditions.

What roles did ulama perform?

Ulama are religious scholars who taught, interpreted law, and advised rulers.

What was the role of qadis?

Qadis served as judges.

Name two major trade networks used in Muslim-ruled lands.

Trade used Mediterranean and Red Sea ports, Persian Gulf shipping routes, Silk Roads across Central Asia, and trans-Saharan caravan routes.

How did Islam spread beyond areas conquered by early caliphates?

Merchants and religious teachers helped Islam spread gradually into parts of East and West Africa, Central Asia, and South and Southeast Asia.

What did scholars do with Greek, Persian, and Sanskrit traditions?

Scholars studied and translated Greek, Persian, and Sanskrit works while also producing original research.

What religious tradition did the Safavids make official in Iran?

The Safavid dynasty established a powerful state in Iran in 1501 and made Shiʿa Islam its official tradition.