Islam: History, Beliefs, Five Pillars and Islamic Architecture
Islam
Islam is a religion that began in Arabia, Saudi Arabia, in the 7th century. It is the second largest religion in the world.
Arabia
The Kaaba was a popular pilgrimage site in the city of Mecca. The most important cities were Mecca and Yathrib (Medina).
Islam Characteristics
It is a strict monotheistic religion: Allah means God and Muslim means believer.
It was founded by Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet.
The Quran (or Koran) is the holy book.
Islamic law, a code of conduct for Muslims, is called Sharia.
The 5 Pillars of Islam
Faith: One God; Muhammad is His prophet.
Prayer: 5 times a day, facing toward Mecca.
Alms-giving: Compulsory charity.
Fasting during Ramadan.
Pilgrimage to Mecca.
No alcohol or eating pork is permitted.
No gambling (apostar).
Polygamy is accepted (having several wives).
Muhammad
Founder and prophet of Islam: 570–632 AD. He was born in Mecca in 570.
Orthodox Caliphate (632–661)
When he died, the successors of Muhammad, called caliphs, were among his family and close friends.
The 4th caliph was Ali.
Umayyad Caliphate (661–750)
A civil war started between two factions: supporters of Ali and those who supported the Umayyad family.
Capital: Damascus.
Arabs occupied most of the public offices.
Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258)
Abu al-Abbas started a rebellion, and they murdered the Umayyads.
Capital: Baghdad.
The Persians now controlled political power.
The Mongols conquered and destroyed Baghdad.
Organisation
Caliph: He had complete religious and political power.
Taxes: People paid two types of taxes:
Based on the land they owned.
A personal tax for non-Muslims.
Society
Arabs: They were the aristocracy.
Free people: Converted people in the conquered lands, called muladi.
Non-converted people were Jews and Christians.
Slaves: Prisoners. There was an important slave trade.
Muslim City Characteristics
Medina: The part of the city inside the walls.
Arrabales or suburbs: Quarters outside the walls.
Public Spaces
Fortress = kasbah
Souk = market
Islamic Art
Painting or sculpture is not important. The main buildings are mosques, palaces, fortresses, or funeral buildings.
Architecture
Buildings were made with poor materials: brick, wood, plaster.
The exterior decoration is not important.
Internal decoration is very rich.
Includes columns and pillars.
Horseshoe and pointed arches.
Flat or vaulted roofs.
The most common designs include vegetables, geometric figures, and inscriptions from the Koran.