The Golden Age of
Muslim Civilization
The Spread of Islam
• Within 150 years of Muhammad’s death in 632
AD, Islam had spread west to North Africa, and
into present day Spain.
• It also spread north into Persia and east to India
and China.
Spread of Islam
Many New Converts
• Arab merchants helped to spread the Islamic
religion by trading in many areas.
• Arab armies also spread the religion by
conquering neighboring lands and converting
the defeated people.
Reasons for Success
• Muslims were able to expand their empire
because the major empires that had controlled
the area before Muhammad had been defeated.
(Romans, Byzantines, Persians)
Under Muslim Rule
• Unlike the Byzantines, Muslims tolerated other
religions.
• Muslims allowed Christians and Jews to worship
freely and pursue businesses.
• Non-Muslim citizens were not allowed to carry
weapons or serve in the military. They also paid
a special tax.
Age of the Caliphs – Golden Age of
Muslim Culture (800 – 1100 AD)
• Under the rule of the caliphs, the Muslim empire
grew rich. The wealth came from both trade
and conquering neighboring lands.
• Baghdad was the capital of the Muslim empire
during the golden age.
Harun ar-Rashid: Powerful Caliph
• Harun ar-Rashid became caliph of Baghdad in
786 AD. For 23 years, he ruled over the world’s
most glamorous court.
• His court ate off gold plates and drank from
goblets studded with jewels.
• Harun paid many artists to live in Baghdad. He
treated them very well during his reign.
Achievements in Math and Science
1. Made significant contributions to algebra.
2. Organized separate pharmacies, which sold
medicines to the public.
3. Ibn Sina - Organized the medical knowledge
of the Greeks and Arabs into the Canon of
Medicine.
Literature
• Muslim writers created many lasting works of
literature. Poetry considered to be very
important.
• One group, the Sufis – believed they could draw
close to God through prayer, fasting, and a
simple life.