Unit 2: The Growth of Empires and Governments
Chapter 8: The Islamic World
Section I: The Rise and Spread of Islam
Pages 170-179
1. Why was there so much trade in Arabia and the Middle East? (Why is “where” important?)
2. Why do you think Muhammad’s teachings were so radical to the people of Mecca and Medina?
3. What are the 5 basic beliefs of Islam?
4. What’s one way Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are all similar?
5. What’s one big difference in what Sunni’s and Shiites believe?
6. Why were the early years of the Abbasid Dynasty so prosperous?
7. What led to the decline of caliph rule in Islamic lands?
8. It seems to us like these people all “embraced” Islam. Do you think it was that simple – that they
just heard about these ideas and immediately figured out the meaning of their lives and why?
9. The Muslim people were able to unite and grow despite many different peoples and issues?
What’s a place in your world / our world where that may happen today (all different kinds of
people united in one common “cause”)?
10. If you end up suddenly being part of a new group, what makes you decide between becoming a
member or separating from the group? (How do groups determine unity and separation?)
11. We’re not suppose to, but do we have any places where government and religious beliefs mix?
Where?
12. How might the geography of the Middle East help spread the teachings of Islam?
One Side of the Crusades
(portions) from: http://harunyahya.com/en/works/735/islam-denounces-terrorism/chapter/1655
Muslims brought civilization to Jerusalem and all of Palestine. Instead of beliefs that showed no respect
for other peoples' sacred values, and which killed them simply out of differences of faith, there reigned the
just, tolerant and moderate culture of Islam. Christians and Jews lived together in peace and harmony in
Palestine. Muslims never tried to use force to make people convert, although some non-Muslims who saw
that Islam was the true religion did so of their own free will.
The peace and harmony in Palestine lasted as long as Muslim rule in the region. However, at the end of
the 11th century, a conquering force entered the region from abroad, and the civilized land of Jerusalem
was barbarically and savagely plundered, in a way never before seen. These barbarians were the Crusaders.
While members of all three religions were living peaceably together in Palestine, the Christians in
Europe decided to organize a crusade. Following a call by Pope Urban II, more than 100,000 people from
all over Europe set out for Palestine to free the Holy land from the Muslims and find the fabled wealth of
the East. After a long and wearying journey, and much plundering and slaughter along the way, they
reached Jerusalem. The city fell after a siege of nearly five weeks, and the Crusaders moved in. And they
carried out a savagery the like of which the world has seldom seen. All Muslims and Jews in the city were
put to the sword.
The peace and harmony in Palestine ended in terrible slaughter. The Crusaders violated all the ethical
laws of Christianity, a religion of love and compassion, and spread terror in the name of Christianity.
Saladin and the Muslims in his command treated the Christians with great mercy and justice, and even
showed them more compassion than their own leaders had. Not only the Christians but also Jews attained
peace and security with the conquest of Jerusalem by Muslims.
After Jerusalem, the Crusaders continued their barbarity and the Muslims their justice in other cities in
Palestine. In 1194, Richard the Lionheart, who is portrayed as a great hero in British history, had 3,000
Muslims, among whom were many women and children, executed in Castle Acre. Although the Muslims
witnessed this savagery, they never resorted to the same methods. They abided by Allah's command "Let
not the hatred of a people [who once] obstructed you from the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgress..." 2)
and never used violence against innocent civilians. They never employed unnecessary violence, not even
against the Crusader armies they defeated.
The savagery of the Crusaders and the justice of the Muslims once more revealed a historic truth: An
administration built on the principles of Islam allowed people of different faiths to live together. This fact
continued to be demonstrated for 700 years after Saladin, particularly during the Ottoman period
One Side of the Crusades
(portions) from: http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/crusades.html
Christianity first became a prominent religion during the Middle Ages. The fact that this new religion “preached a gospel of mercy
and hope, offered divine help, promised an afterlife, treated the sick, and aided the poor,” led to its rapid growth.. “During the fourth
and fifth centuries, a growing number of “Christians all over Europe made pilgrimages to visit the lands where Jesus had lived and
died, and the Emperors Constantine and Justinian had built churches there to encourage this practice”
“Muslims took control of Jerusalem in the eighth century, and by the eleventh century, Christian pilgrimage had become
severely restricted.” This was seen as a severe problem to Christians; they needed a solution that guaranteed their safety in their
pilgrimages to the “Holy Land.” The Crusades happened for many reasons; a safer pilgrimage being only one. Christians believed
strongly in their faith and felt the need to exercise it in every way possible. The desire to be at the places where Jesus once walked
compelled Christians to travel from near and far.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople) experienced much turmoil from attacks by Muslims
(Turks) during the 11th century. Because of these altercations and the wars being fought, Byzantium called upon Rome to help
them take back the Holy Lands and restore peace. Wanting to make amends with The Byzantine Empire, the Pope took these
requests into great consideration.
The main issue at hand was whether or not a Holy War was the Christian task to undertake. Much discussion of the issue
took place in the Western Christendom on the notion of a holy war. Finally Pope Urban II made a speech that told of the churches
and Holy Places that had been destroyed and defiled by heathens. The pope called upon all men to help their Christian brothers in
the east and to restore peace to Christendom.
The Crusades were also seen as a way to unite European Christians in a common cause. Pope Urban saw this as a chance
to make the kings and nobles be submissive to him under his spiritual leadership. Soon knights and soldiers left their petty quarrels
and traveled to the East to fight against the infidel. “To reward them for their service they might take possession of the lands and
receive spiritual benefits. Also many lower class men could have their taxes cancelled and resist arrest by joining the Crusades.
These efforts to help the Eastern Church of Byzantium against the Muslims and recapture the Holy Lands to make for an
easier, safer route of pilgrimage led to many different attacks. Each different attack or “war” was given a number as to which
Crusade it was to be called. Historians focus on four major crusades, but list up to as many as twelve.
Due to many reasons—poor tactics, lack of strong leadership, etc…—the Crusades failed in their overall goals.
Many things—good and bad—occurred due to the Crusades. “The suffering inflicted on Muslims and Christians alike was
appalling, and most crusaders died not of wounds but of illness. Many Eastern Christians, too, died at the hands of crusaders
because they were mistaken for Muslims.” Christianity was also being seen as promoting the ideal of a soldier who kills for
religious reasons, which was an idea very foreign to the teachings of Jesus. However, many benefits for Europe came out of the
Crusades. “When crusaders returned home from Israel and Syria, they brought back foods and recipes, medicines, Persian
carpets, architectural ideas, songs and musical instruments, poetry, and new ways to appreciate life.” Also hospitals run by
religious workers were established along Crusade routes.
Ultimately, the Crusades did not succeed in regards to their primary purpose. Christianity did not keep control of the Holy
Lands, and ties with the Eastern Church were not strengthened. Many people looked down on the Crusades and saw then as
“religious enthusiasm gone badly astray.”
Unit 2: The Growth of Empires and Governments
Chapter 8: The Islamic World
Section II: Islamic Achievements
Pages 180-185
1. What effect did Islam have on family life?
2. What were two of the features of Islamic cities?
3. What was an advantage of living in the Islamic Empire?
4. What was the Islamic role in preserving Greek and Roman culture?
5. How far do you have to go before you “trust” information?
6. How did the religion of Islam affect Islamic art and architecture?
7. Muslims put their important messages on libraries, courthouses, schools, public buildings and
spaces. Do we have any place where you’re able to consistently read/hear messages?
8. If you lived in Baghdad during the early Islamic Empire, what would your life have been like?
9. Which of these Islamic achievements in arts and sciences most affect your life today?
10. All people place values on things in their lives. What do you think these Muslims valued the
most and why? (What do people value and why?)
Facts or Opinions
Facts are something you can prove, like, 'Rob has a jump rope.' And with opinions, different people
might have different thoughts about it, like, ' My grandfather is the best.' There is no way you can
physically prove that. When deciding whether a statement is a fact or an opinion, think whether or not
you could physically prove that. 'Obama is the president.' You can prove that physically, just go into
the White House. 'That baby is cute.' This one might be confusing, because, in a way, you CAN prove
it. But other people might not think that the baby is cute.
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“Can this statement be proved?
“Does this tell a thought or feeling?”
“Would the statement be true all of the time?”
Look for clue words such as feel, believe, always, never, none, most, least, best, and worst
To see if something is a fact, ask yourself,
To check for opinions, ask yourself,
1. ___ "Allah" is an Arabic word that means “God.”
2. ___ All Muslims live in the Middle East.
3. ___ Muslims feel that it is their duty to Allah to dominate the western world.
4. ___ There are five pillars of practice in Islam.
5. ___ Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (the Gospel of Moses) and the original Bible.
(the Gospel of Jesus) since they were revealed by God.
6. ___ Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.
7. ___ Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (the Gospel of Moses) and the original Bible.
(the Gospel of Jesus) since they were revealed by God.
8. ___ Muhammad is the greatest of all the religious prophets.
9. ___ Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life.
10. ___ “There is no God but Allah.”
11. ___ Islam restricts the all rights of all their women.
12. ___ Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life.
13. ___ "Islam" means "Peace through the submission to God".
14. ___ Most Muslims believe that terrorist attacks are against the wishes of Allah.
15. ___ Islam teaches that each person is responsible for his or her own actions.
16. ___ If all Qur'ans in the world today were destroyed, the original Arabic would still remain.
17. ___ About 50% of Muslims are Sunnis and about 50% are Shiites
18. ___ Islam has over 1.5 billion members worldwide.
19. ___ There are about 3 million Muslims living in the United States.
20. ___ Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all people and all creation.
Unit 2: The Growth of Empires and Governments
Chapter 8: The Islamic World
Section III: Islamic Rulers in India
Pages 186-189
1. How do you feel when someone totally unfamiliar to you assumes a leadership role in your life?
2. What changes did the Delhi sultanate bring to India?
3. How was Tamerlane different from other rulers?
4. Why is Akbar remembered as a great ruler?
5. Akbar called: he needs you to make one decree or policy of religious tolerance. What is it?
6. Which element of the Mughal Empire do you think had the most lasting effect on the world?
7. What’s your “best action to take” when you really have to understand something deeply?
8. What’s one way tolerance by people in charge can create a more open and productive
environment? (How is power gained, used, and justified?)
9. What are two factors which contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
Unit 2: The Growth of Empires and Governments
Chapter 8: The Islamic World
Section IV: The Ottoman and Safavid Empires
Pages 190-193
1. What should we / you do if the leader(s) of our empire want to force us to follow their dreams and
ideas – even if they’re not ours?
2. What are the two most important achievements of Suleiman?
3. Why do you think the sultan in the Ottoman Empire wanted non-Muslims organized into millets?
4. Do you agree or disagree with the idea of Christians having to give their sons to the sultan – why?
5. Why were the Ottomans and the Safavids opposed to each other?
6. What were two of the achievements of Shah Abbas I?
7 and 8. What did Shah Abbas do to strengthen his empire? Is that okay if it worked to make the
empire stronger? (How is power gained, used, and justified?)
The Muslims'Contributions to Medicine
Islam is a religion of mercy and clemency. It calls for curing the sick, relieving their pain, and treating them. It
commands the Muslims to search for new medicines and consult a specialized physician when they are ill.
Islam also highlighted a system of medication and protection against illnesses which is similar to medical quarantine
that was adopted by modern countries to prevent diseases and epidemics.
 Prophetic Medicine
The Muslims attached great attention to medicine and the Muslim caliphs took care of physicians and also built
hospitals. The Abbasid caliphs also paid close attention to medicine and during the Abbasid Dynasty. The rank of
physicians was very high in the Muslim society. They became the closest among the people to the caliph or the ruler.
Some physicians even became trustworthy ministers and scholars who had a high rank before all other statesmen.
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The Great Generation of Muslim Physicians
The great generation of Muslim physicians started to appear in the fourth Hijri century. The first of whom was
Muhammad Ibn Zakariyya Ar-Raazi who is considered the most renowned Muslim physician. He was an encyclopedic
scientist who wrote more than 200 books, the most important of which is "Al-Haawi" or The Comprehensive Book.
This book was published in India.
Ar-Raazi developed sutures which he extracted from animals in order to join tissues. He was the first to know about
allergies and he distinguished it from epidemic hepatitis. He was the first to use sutures in the treatment of wounds. He
drew on his chemical experience in developing some compounds that were used in treatment for the first time, such as
mercury salts, lead, and copper especially after he tried these compounds on monkeys.
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Ibn An-Nafees Discovers the Circulatory System
Ibn An-Nafees is one of the most famous Muslim physicians of the seventh Hijri century. He was born in Damascus and
he became a famous physician in Cairo where he was the manager of the Mansoori Hospital which was, back then, the
best hospital in the world. Ibn An-Nafees discovered the minor circulatory system. One of his most famous medical
writings was his book "The Comprehensive" which consisted of tens of volumes.
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Muslim Surgery
Muslim physicians performed surgical operations. They used cauterizing in treating some illnesses and they excised tumors
from various parts of the body. They also performed surgery on the nose, ear, throat, mouth, and teeth, etc. In closing wounds
or joining tissues, they used sutures made of animal intestines especially cats and they used some anesthetic drugs in order to
relieve pain.
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The Most Famous Muslim Surgeon
Abu Al-Qaasim Az-Zahraawi was the author of "Clarifications for Non-Writers". This is the book on which Europe relied for
several centuries after it was translated into Latin. It is a 30-volume medical encyclopedia and is considered the first
encyclopedia on medicine and surgery.
Az-Zahraawi was the first surgeon to perform surgical operations on blood vessels such as suturing arteries after they had
been cut or joining them while they are bleeding. He was also the first surgeon to use silk fibers in closing wounds and gold
ligaments in correcting teeth. He was also the first to develop plastic suturing, and he developed many surgical instruments
that were not previously known. He drew pictures of these instruments, and gave details of their size and the material used in
manufacturing them, such as hooks for excising tonsils and tumors, hot iron rods for cauterizing, and pronged hooks for
taking out teeth.
He was also the first surgeon to perform surgical operations such as lithotomy or the removal of gall stones, tonsillectomy,
and fissuring the throat to facilitate breathing. Az-Zahraawi recommended seeking the assistance of female nurses and
helpers in performing surgical operations on women because females are kinder and patients would feel more comfortable
with them as opposed to men.
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Ophthalmology
In this field, a number of ophthalmologists became very famous such as Abu Al-Qaasim `Ammaar Ibn `Ali Al-Mawsili. He
was one of the most famous ophthalmologists in the world. The Europeans came to know about him through his medical
writings; the most important of which was "The Selected on Treating Eye Diseases". He conducted a profound research on
cataract operations. He was accredited for developing a hollow needle used in performing the surgical operation of the
cataract. Among the most famous ophthalmologists also was Hunayn Ibn Is-haaq, who wrote "The Ten Essays on Eyes".
Hunayn also wrote another book which contained all the required information for the proper treatment of eye diseases. The
significance of this book was attributed to the fact that it was the first academic scientific reference on ophthalmology since
the time of the ancient Greeks.
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Muslim Hospitals
In the early Islamic era, the Muslims built hospitals to receive and treat patients. They built hospitals throughout the various
parts of the Muslim world in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and other cities. Such hospitals offered their services free of charge
under the supervision of excellent physicians.
The Muslims were the first people to perform a bed checkup in order to diagnose the patient's case. They are accredited for
introducing this system to Europe in modern medicine. In the light of such checkups, the disease is diagnosed and the patient
is moved to the department specialized in treating that type of illness. The Westerners adopted this system after a total of six
centuries. The Muslim physician used to check the temperature of the patient by sensing his palm, measure the pulse using his
fingertips, check the liver and the intestines, and look at the urine flask in order to make a laboratory diagnosis.
The patient admitted to the hospital would leave his clothes and personal belongings in the hospital personal deposits and
would be given a new garment. Then, a financial aid would be issued to him to support his family while he was in the
hospital. Once he was discharged, this aid would be increased so that he would not be forced to work during convalescence.
From: http://www.islamweb.net/kidsen/Kids%20Corner%201,2/subjects/eshamatteb.html
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Introduction
Attention Getter:
Part A:
Part B:
Part C:
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(Part B)
Main Idea:
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(Part C)
Main Idea:
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Concluding Thoughts (including parts A/B/C):
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Conclusion
Thesis Statement (Main idea)
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(Part A)
Main Idea:
“Big Finish”: