Jonah Patel
Islam and Muslims constitute a new civilization with a rich history and diverse cultures, dating back to the 7th century CE with the prophet Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina. This civilization has encountered numerous challenges, including internal divisions, external influences, economic disparities, and technological advancements. The concept of civilization itself is complex, and while Islam has historically reigned supreme across vast territories, the expression of Islamic identity today is influenced by a variety of factors, including national identities and state projects. Islamic civilization has flourished in various regions, including the Mediterranean islands, Southern Italy, and the Iberian Peninsula, and has influenced literature, music, dance, and the visual arts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic was the lingua franca for generic Andalusians, as it was for urban elites or in literature and public life. |
| Geography | Islamic civilization has existed in parts of the world that were rarely or never mostly Muslim. |
| Architecture | Andalusian architecture drew from North Africa and the Levant. |
| Culture | Islamic culture has a great deal in common with other cultures across the medieval Islamic world. |
| Religion | Islam is an international religion, with Muslims predominating in some 30 to 40 countries. |
| History | The history of Islam is believed to have originated with Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE. |
| Identity | Muslims grapple with preserving their distinct identities while participating in the global community. |
| Economics | Many Muslim countries struggle with economic disparities and slow economic growth. |
| Education | Lack of access to quality education is a challenge faced by many Muslim countries. |
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What You'll Learn
Islamic identity and non-Muslim critique
Islamic identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that varies across individuals and communities. Muslims constitute a diverse group of people with different cultural, ethnic, and national backgrounds, and their religious identity as Muslims is just one aspect of their overall identity.
In understanding Islamic identity, it is essential to recognize the distinction between "Islam as a religion" and "Islam as a civilization." While Islam as a religion refers to the spiritual beliefs and practices of Muslims, Islam as a civilization encompasses the broader cultural, social, and historical context in which Muslims and their faith have been prevalent and socially dominant. This civilization includes the arts, literature, architecture, and scientific achievements associated with Muslim societies throughout history.
Non-Muslim critique of Islamic identity often stems from a perception of incompatibility between Islamic values and those of western societies. Critics argue that the Quran, the Islamic holy book, promotes hate and violence against people of other religions. For instance, Sam Harris interprets certain verses of the Quran as sanctioning military action against unbelievers. Additionally, critics have targeted the life of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, scrutinizing both his public and personal life.
The relationship between Islamic identity and western societies has been a subject of debate, with some claiming that Islam is incompatible with western values. This perception has influenced how Muslims living in western countries navigate their religious and national identities. For example, a poll suggested that most British Muslims identify more with their faith than with their nation, indicating a complex interplay between Islamic identity and national identity.
It is worth noting that Islamic civilization has incorporated new peoples and cultures throughout its history, resulting in a diverse and multifaceted entity. The spread of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula led to the integration of different cultural and religious groups, contributing to a rich and complex Islamic civilization. This includes the contributions of non-Muslims, such as Christians, Jews, and Sabians, who played a significant role in the Islamic Golden Age under the Abbasid caliphs.
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Arabic as the lingua franca
The spread of Islam and the emergence of a new Islamic civilization cannot be separated from the spread of Arabic as a lingua franca. The Islamic world is a complex interplay of societies and cultures in which Muslims and their faith have been prevalent and socially dominant. Islam is a global phenomenon, with Muslims constituting majorities in some 30 to 40 countries, stretching from the Atlantic eastward to the Pacific and across northern Africa, Central Asia, and the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
Arabic has been integral to the spread of Islam and the formation of a new Islamic civilization. The language has served as a unifying force, with adherents of different religious groups in some regions, such as Andalusia, identifying as "Andalusian" and adopting Arabic as their lingua franca in literature and public life. This contributed to the development of a distinct Islamic civilization with its own architecture, culture, and identity.
The promotion of Arabic as the language of government and the translation of important records and texts into Arabic during the rule of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan further solidified the status of the language. The spread of Islam to new territories, such as the Mediterranean islands and Southern Italy under the Abbasids, also contributed to the expansion of Arabic influence.
Arabic has influenced various aspects of Islamic civilization, including the development of Arabic prose and poetry, which flourished under Abbasid caliphs like Harun al-Rashid and al-Ma'mun. This period, termed the "golden age" by The Cambridge History of Islam, saw the advancement of commerce, industry, arts, and sciences within the Islamic world.
However, it is important to note that Islamic civilization has always been diverse and inclusive of multiple languages and cultures. While Arabic may have been the lingua franca in certain regions or contexts, other languages like Persian and Turkish have also played significant roles in Islamic history. Additionally, Islamic civilization has incorporated and been influenced by the cultures of conquered territories, including Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Greece, and India.
Today, the Islamic world faces challenges from internal divisions, external misconceptions, economic disparities, and technological advancements that threaten cultural erosion. Addressing these challenges requires unity, education, and thoughtful adaptation to modernity while preserving the diverse cultural and religious identities within the Islamic world.
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Islamic rule and caliphates
The Islamic world is a complex interplay of societies and cultures in which Muslims and their faith have been prevalent and socially dominant. Islam is a global phenomenon, with Muslims constituting majorities in some 30 to 40 countries, stretching from the Atlantic eastward to the Pacific and across northern Africa, Central Asia, and the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
The history of Islam is believed to have begun with the prophet Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina in the early 7th century CE. Muhammad is said to have received divine revelations calling for submission to the one God, preparation for the Last Judgement, and charity for the poor. As his message gained followers, he also encountered increasing hostility from Meccan elites, prompting his migration to Medina in 622 CE, where he began to unify the tribes of Arabia.
The death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE left a leadership vacuum, as he had not appointed an heir, and this led to a conflict. Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, became the first caliph, or "successor of the Prophet", with the support of the majority of the Muslim community, who became known as Sunnis. The first four caliphs, including Abu Bakr, were collectively known as the "rightly guided caliphs" due to their close association with Muhammad. They established the administrative and judicial organization of the Muslim community and led the conquest of new lands, including Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and Egypt.
The Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE), established by Muawiya, was marked by the expansion of the Islamic empire, with North Africa and new territories in Asia coming under its dominion. However, internal divisions and power struggles weakened the Umayyads, leading to their overthrow by the Abbasid dynasty in 750 CE. The Abbasids presided over a golden age of Islamic civilization, with significant advancements in art, music, literature, science, commerce, and industry.
The Abbasid Caliphate lasted until 1517, when it was succeeded by the Ottoman Caliphate, which ruled until the secularization of Turkey in 1924. These caliphates, along with the Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE), constituted the major Islamic empires that shaped the course of history and civilization in the regions they ruled.
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Islamic art and architecture
The history of Islamic art and architecture is deeply intertwined with the spread of Islam and the development of Islamic civilizations. It began with Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina in the early 7th century CE, marking a return to the original faith passed down by the Abrahamic prophets. As Islamic communities expanded and encountered new peoples, their art and architecture evolved, incorporating influences from various cultures, including Roman, Byzantine, and Sassanid traditions.
Islamic architecture is known for its religious significance, with mosques and palatial gardens of paradise serving as prominent examples. The design of mosques, with their walled courtyards and columned porches, is said to be inspired by Muhammad's home in Medina. Another important religious structure is the Kaaba, a pre-Islamic cube-shaped monument in Mecca that was rededicated by Muhammad and became the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Islamic art is particularly renowned for its focus on intricate patterns, vegetal ornaments (arabesque), geometric designs, and Arabic calligraphy, rather than human or animal figures. This avoidance of figurative representation stems from the belief that depicting the human form is idolatry and forbidden in Islam. However, Islamic secular art, such as paintings on palace walls or illuminated poetry books, does include human and animal depictions. Additionally, Islamic art often incorporates religious inscriptions, especially in secular contexts, giving artistic and religious significance to calligraphy.
The Islamic world extended from the Atlantic Ocean eastward to the Pacific, covering a vast geographical area that included Spain, Morocco, Central Asia, Indonesia, and the Indian subcontinent. This diverse cultural landscape is reflected in the art and architecture of Islamic civilizations, with regional variations and adaptations influenced by local traditions and craftspeople. The exchange of goods, ideas, and artistic styles across these regions contributed to the rich diversity of Islamic artistic traditions.
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Islamic empires and multiculturalism
Islam and Muslims constitute a new civilization through the development of Islamic empires and multiculturalism. The history of Islam is believed to have originated with Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and Medina in the 7th century CE, marking a return to the faith passed down by Abrahamic prophets. The Islamic era begins with Muhammad's migration to Medina in 622 CE, where he unified the tribes of Arabia.
The potential for Muslim empire-building emerged with the rise of early civilizations in western Asia and was refined by the spread of Abrahamic and Mazdean religions, later influenced by Christianity. The Muslims inherited and built upon the knowledge of ancient civilizations, creating societies that bridged time and space, from ancient to modern and from east to west.
The Islamic civilization flourished under various dynasties and caliphates, such as the Abbasids, who ruled from 750 CE onwards. During this period, Arabic prose and poetry thrived, and commerce, industry, arts, and sciences prospered. The Islamic world extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Sea, encompassing a diverse range of territories and cultures.
Multiculturalism played a significant role in Islamic civilizations, with port cities on the coast becoming centres of cultural development. Coastal communities' open-minded and egalitarian cultures facilitated the acculturation of traders, contributing to the dominance of Islamic civilization in regions like Insular Southeast Asia. The Islamic world accommodated various religious groups, with caliphs providing protection for holy places of different faiths and encouraging progressive social and cultural changes.
However, it is important to note that the concept of "civilization" is complex, and Islamic civilization has fragmented over time. While Islam once reigned supreme across diverse territories, contemporary Islamic communities are influenced by state projects and national identities. Despite this fragmentation, Islam remains a global phenomenon, with Muslims predominating in numerous countries and the Islamic faith continuing to expand.
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Frequently asked questions
The history of Islam is believed to have originated with Prophet Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina in the 7th century CE. Muhammad received divine revelations in 610 CE, calling for submission to the one God and preparation for the imminent Last Judgement. After facing increasing hostility from Meccan elites, Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622 CE, unifying the tribes of Arabia. After his death in 632 CE, the growing Islamic community was led by four caliphs, all followers and friends of Muhammad. The Islamic empire expanded under the Umayyads, who ruled from Damascus and consolidated power over former Byzantine and Sasanid territories. The Abbasids seized power from the Umayyads in 750, marking the beginning of a golden age of Arabic prose and poetry, commerce, industry, arts, and sciences.
Islamic civilization faces several challenges, including internal schisms and divisions, the rise of atheism among Muslim youth, economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, technological gaps, and Islamophobia. Muslims also struggle against negative stereotypes and misconceptions that portray Islam as inherently violent and responsible for global conflicts. Additionally, globalization poses challenges to preserving cultural and religious identities while participating in the global community.
Islamic civilization has had a profound impact on the world, contributing to literature, music, dance, visual arts, architecture, and science. The Islamic empire, at its height, stretched from Central Asia to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing a diverse range of cultures and societies. Islamic rule influenced the development of distinct architectural styles, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and the use of Arabic as a lingua franca. Islamic societies also fostered advancements in commerce, agriculture, and the sciences during the Abbasid rule.
Despite the challenges faced by Islamic civilization, the Islamic faith continues to expand, with Muslims predominating in 30 to 40 countries across the globe. Embracing diversity, promoting true Islamic teachings, and actively participating in global discourse are crucial for Muslims to navigate challenges and contribute positively to the global community. Addressing issues such as underdevelopment, lack of education, and technological advancements can help foster progress and stability within Islamic civilization.
