A History of the World: Chapter 14: Islamic Civilization

Water is available only at scattered springs and water holes. Such a spot is called an oasis. At an oasis, trees and other plants grow.

Long distances and the severe Arabian climate had kept these civilizations from invading the peninsula. This isolation, however, was not absolute, as trade brought some outside ideas and practices to the Arab civilization.

The leader of each tribe was called a sheikh.

For protection against bedouin raids, some made journeys in caravans, or groups of traveling merchants and animals.

Most wealthy merchants and religious leaders, however, thought Muhammad was trying to destroy their authority.

Over centuries, Islamic scholars created a code of law called the shari'ah. Shari'ah is based on the Quran. According to shari'ah, Muslims may not gamble, eat pork, or drink alcoholic beverages.

A group of Muslim leaders chose a new type of leader called the caliph, or "successor."

The Shia and the Sunni agreed on the major principles of Islam. They both believed that there was only one God. They also believed in the Quran as Islam's holy book and the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Abbasids focused on improving trade and culture.

The Seljuk ruler called himself sultan, or "holder of power."

Mosques are Muslim houses of worship. They also served as schools, courts, and centers of learning.

Another important feature of every Muslim city was the bazaar, or marketplace. Like shopping malls today, bazaars were full of shops and stalls where goods were sold.

Muslim astronomers improved the Greek astrolabe. Sailors used this tool to determine their location at sea. Muslim scientists used the astrolabe to measure the distance around the Earth.

Based on their measurements, they confirmed that the Earth is round.

Muslim doctors shared their knowledge by publishing their findings.

The most prominent features of a mosque are its minarets. These are towers from which an announcer calls Muslims to prayer five times each day.