Question

key terms, people, and ideas

1. what role does the mosque play in muslim worship?
2. what is the function of the sharia in islamic societies?
3. how did the selection of the caliph cause conflict between sunni and shiite muslims?
4. what contributions did ibn khaldun and ibn rushd make to scholarship?
5. how did janizaries serve the ottoman empire?
6. what are the geographic characteristics of african savannas?
7. according to tradition, what west african empire was founded by sundiata?
8. how did swahili originate?
9. what is the difference between a matrilineal family and a patrilineal family?

critical thinking

1. draw conclusions what is the main significance of the hijra? why do you think it became the starting point of the muslim calendar?
2. summarize summarize three major factors that contributed to the growth of the muslim empire.
3. draw inferences muhammad taught that “the ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr.” what do you think he meant? how might this attitude have contributed to the development of muslim civilization?
4. compare in what ways was the rule of suleiman in the ottoman empire similar to that of shah abbas in the safavid empire?
5. identify cause and effect what attracted invaders to the great kingdoms and cities of africa?
6. cite evidence from your studies of both the islam world and africa, cite at least two pieces of evidence that religious beliefs and practices often strongly influence artistic traditions.

Explanation:

1. The mosque is a central place for prayer, community - gathering, and religious education in Muslim worship.
2. Sharia is Islamic religious law that guides all aspects of life in Islamic societies, including moral, social, and legal matters.
3. The selection of the caliph led to a split between Sunni and Shiite Muslims as Sunnis believed the caliph should be elected by the community, while Shiites believed it should be a descendant of Muhammad.
4. Ibn Khaldun made contributions to historiography, economics, and sociology, and Ibn Rushd was known for his work in philosophy and the interpretation of Aristotle.
5. Janizaries were elite infantry units in the Ottoman Empire, serving as the sultan's personal guard and key military forces.
6. African savannas are characterized by vast grasslands with scattered trees, a warm climate, and seasonal rainfall.
7. The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata according to tradition.
8. Swahili originated as a Bantu - based language with influences from Arabic and other languages due to trade in East Africa.
9. A matrilineal family traces descent through the female line, while a patrilineal family traces descent through the male line.
10. The hijra, Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina, is significant as it marked the establishment of the first Muslim community. It became the starting point of the Muslim calendar as it was a pivotal event in Islamic history.
11. Three major factors for the growth of the Muslim empire include military conquests, trade networks, and the appeal of Islam as a religion.
12. Muhammad's statement emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning in Islam. This attitude contributed to the development of Muslim civilization by promoting scholarship, the translation of works, and the advancement of various fields such as science, philosophy, and literature.
13. Both Suleiman in the Ottoman Empire and Shah Abbas in the Safavid Empire were known for their military successes, patronage of the arts and architecture, and efforts to centralize and strengthen their empires.
14. Invaders were attracted to the great kingdoms and cities of Africa by their wealth in gold, ivory, and other valuable resources, as well as their strategic trade - routes.
15. In Islamic art, geometric patterns and calligraphy are used instead of figurative representations due to religious beliefs against idolatry. In African art, masks and sculptures are often used in religious ceremonies, showing the influence of religious practices on artistic traditions.

Answer:

1. The mosque is a central place for Muslim worship, community - gathering, and religious education.
2. Sharia is Islamic religious law guiding moral, social, and legal aspects of life in Islamic societies.
3. The caliph - selection split Sunnis (elective caliph) and Shiites (descendant - based caliph).
4. Ibn Khaldun: historiography, economics, sociology; Ibn Rushd: philosophy, Aristotle interpretation.
5. Janizaries were elite Ottoman infantry, sultan's guard and key military force.
6. African savannas: vast grasslands, scattered trees, warm climate, seasonal rainfall.
7. The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata.
8. Swahili is a Bantu - based language with Arabic and other language influences from trade.
9. Matrilineal: descent through female line; Patrilineal: descent through male line.
10. The hijra marked the first Muslim community's establishment and became the Muslim calendar start due to its pivotal nature.
11. Military conquests, trade networks, appeal of Islam.
12. Emphasizes knowledge's importance; promoted scholarship and civilization development.
13. Both had military successes, patronized arts/architecture, and centralized their empires.
14. Wealth in gold, ivory, resources and strategic trade - routes attracted invaders.
15. Islamic art: geometric/calligraphy over figurative due to religion; African art: masks/sculptures in religious ceremonies.