Iridian Figueroa
Oct. 07, 2011
Period: 2
Islamic and Chinese Societies
The Islamic world and the Chinese society have similar social developments such as a
patriarchal society. Also, they have many economic developments in common which are the
introduction of new crops and population growth. However, they differ in their cultural
developments. Both Islamic and Chinese societies during the post-classical era developed social
and economic similarities, however they differed in their cultural developments such as their
religion and philosophical beliefs.
First, both Islamic and Chinese societies had similar social developments. Both of them
had a patriarchal society. For example, in Islam upper class women had to veil themselves and be
accompanied by a servant outside her home in order to prevent the attention of a man from
another family. While in China foot binding was encouraged to upper class women. However,
because of the damage of foot binding women are placed under the supervision of their husband.
These traditions are symbols of male authority demonstrating two different patriarchal societies.
Second, Islam and China also had similar economic developments. Both were introduced
to new crops. For example, Islam was introduced to staple crops like rice, wheat, etc. merchants
traveled from India to Persia. Similar to the Dar al-Islam China benefited from new crops such as
the fast-ripening rice. Because of the introduction of these crops both societies began agricultural
experimentation and techniques. Meanwhile, in China they increased iron plows, built pumps
and water wheels which placed water into irrigation systems. Do to these new technology it was
possible to extend cultivation to many other lands. Also, due to the growth of food supply there
was a growth in cities in both societies. For example, cities flourished in the Islamic world
making textiles and industrial productions. Likewise, in China there was population expansion
especially in Chang’an. Because of these economic developments both Islam and China are
similar.
Third, Islam and China had distinct cultural developments. Both had different religions.
For example, in Muhammad’s faith he values the Five Pillars of Islam which require the
acknowledgement of Allah as your God and Muhammad as his prophet, pray to Allah
daily facing Mecca, fast during Ramadan, help the weak and the poor, and make at least
one pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike in China they believed in Buddhism which supported
Nirvana “personal salvation that comes after and individual soul escapes from the cycle
of incarnation”. Another difference is their philosophical beliefs. For example, in Islam
they use the Sharia which is the Islamic social and moral standards. Where as in China,
philosopher Zhu Xi’s most influential writing, Family Rituals, give moral instructions for
family ceremonies. Therefore, I believe Islam and China have different cultural
developments.
In conclusion, the Islamic world and China share many cultural differences due to
their religious and philosophical beliefs however they both share plenty social and
economic developments regarding their patriarchal society and their population
expansion.