Islam
Definition
Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It was founded by Prophet Muhammad and its followers are called Muslims. The teachings of Islam are based on the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word of God.
Analogy
Think of Islam like a tree. The roots represent the faith's origins in Mecca, while the trunk symbolizes the core beliefs and practices (like prayer and charity). The branches can be seen as different interpretations and sects within Islam, all growing from the same foundation but reaching out in various directions.
Related terms
Sharia Law: This is Islamic law derived from both the Quran (Islam's holy book) and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). It covers all aspects of life including religious obligations, daily routines, business ethics, etc.
Sunni & Shia: These are two major sects within Islam. Sunni Muslims form majority and believe that any righteous Muslim can lead the community whereas Shia Muslims believe leadership should stay within Prophet Muhammad's family line.
Jihad: In Islamic context, it refers to striving or struggling for a moral cause. While often misinterpreted as "holy war", Jihad primarily refers to an internal spiritual struggle towards self-improvement.
"Islam" appears in:
Study guides (8)
AP World History: Modern - 1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam from 1200-1450
AP World History: Modern - 1.5 State Building in Africa from 1200-1450
AP World History: Modern - 1.6 Developments in Europe from 1200-1450
AP World History: Modern - 2.1 The Silk Roads
AP World History: Modern - 2.5 Cultural Effects of Trade
AP World History: Modern - 2.7 Comparison in Trade from 1200-1450
AP World History: Modern - 3.3 Belief Systems of Land-Based Empires
AP World History: Modern - 9.9 Continuity and Change in a Globalized World
Practice Questions (15)
Which empire is known for its deeper connection between Islam and Hinduism leading to popular religious movements such as Sufism and the Bhakti Movement?
Who was significant in propagating Islam across India during this period?
How did Islam impact sub-Saharan Africa during the period from around AD1200 to AD1450?
What might have been a potential outcome if the Mali Empire, under Sundiata Keita, had not adopted Islam in the 13th century?
Who played similar roles in the spread of Buddhism in East Asia and Islam in West Africa during this period?
What is a characteristic shared by both Orthodox Christianity and Islam between periods from (1200 -1450)?
How did Islam spread through Southeast Asia as a result of Indian Ocean trade routes?
How did the introduction of Islam in the 7th century impact the Indian Ocean trade routes?
How did Islam impact societies connected by trans-Saharan trade?
How did the introduction of Islam to Sub-Saharan Africa affect the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?
How did Islam's spread impact social structures along Trans-Saharan Trade Routes in medieval times?
What if Islam had not spread into North Africa before the development of Trans-Saharan Trade Routes?
How did the introduction of Islam affect political and social structures in West Africa during the period 1200-1450?
How did Islam influence Swahili city-states differently than it did West African empires like Ghana and Mali during this period?
What was an outcome of Islam spreading into Sub-Saharan Africa between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries?
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