The Muslim World - Movements and Achievements

Essential Questions What caused the split between the

Sunni and Shi’a? How are these two groups still similar

to one another? What were five science or math

advancements of the Muslim World? What other influences does the Muslim

World have on us today?

Movements within Islam Notes

When & Why

In 661 C.E., the prophet Muhammad passed away and a family known as the Umayyads rose to power.

They set up a hereditary system of succession and moved the capital of the Muslim World to Damascus in Syria.

They also began to surround themselves with wealth and ceremony similar to that of non-Muslim rulers.

Abbasid Dynasty

750 C.E. Shiites revolted

against Umayyaads created own dynasty called “Abbassid” dynasty

Capital: Baghdad Period of

enlightenment achievements

Sunni

caliph should be chosen by leaders of the Muslim community

viewed caliphs as leaders, not religious authorities

comprise 90% of Islam followers

Shi’a (Shi’ite)

believed that the only true successor to Muhammad were descendents of Muhammad’s daughter and son-in-law (Fatima and Ali)

believed descendents were divinely inspired

most are located in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen

Sunni and Shi’a

one God

look to Qur’an for guidance

make hajj to Mecca

Muslim Achievements Notes

City Building and Architecture

City of Baghdad 100,000 architects,

workers, etc. to build the city

“round city”

City Building and Architecture Mosques

Usually had a minaret (tower) and a prayer room inside

Variety of design styles that reflected the diversity of Muslim lands

The Great Mosque in Mecca

Scholarship and Learning

Arabic language Became the

language of learning and scholarship

Scholarship and Learning

World’s first universities

Ibn Sina Most famous

philosopher All knowledge from

God, had proof that the soul was immortal

Science and Technology Zoology

The scientific study of animals Astronomy

Compasses used to locate the direction of Mecca

Figured out the exact times for prayer and length of Ramadan

Science and Technology

Underground Wells Used to bring water to

cities from reservoirs, sometimes 50 feet underground

Geography and Navigation

Calculated Earth’s circumference within 9 miles of its correct value

Produced a world atlas with dozens of maps

Compass

Mathematics Al-Khwarizmi “the father of algebra” Spread Indian concept of zero, used Arabic

numbers

Medicine First world hospitals Al-Razi realized that infections were

caused by bacteria

Bookmaking and Literature

A Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights)

Rumi, wrote Islamic mysticism

Art and Music

Rejected images of humans or animals in visual art, used shapes and patterns Calligraphy, beautiful handwriting mosaics First conservatory, or music school

Recreation

Polo: “sport of kings” and on horseback Chess: adapted and improved the game