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History of Islam
The history of Islam goes back over 1400 years to Prophet Muhammad and his creation of the first Islamic State in Medina Munawarra. Since that point, Islamic culture, custom and tradition have spread all across the world in numerous empires and by peaceful conversions. Muslims have been prominent in science, government, religion, philosophy, literature and numerous other areas of human endeavor. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Islamic World, its development over the centuries and its contributions to society, here is a good place to start asking your questions.
1,088 Questions
Saladin or Salah Al-din is remembered for being a unselfish kind ruler who captured the holy city of Jerusalem and repelled the crusades. He eventually made an agreement to let all people pray there. He Gave to society and not to himself and treated his prisoners with respects, not as slaves
Why did the war against the taliban start?
The U.S. government claimed that they sent troops into Afghanistan because there were 'weapons of mass destruction'. They later declared that this was not the case but have continued the war since.
What was saladin's personality like?
he was a natural warrior, courageous, loyal, generous, a man with a vision, confident, principled, humble, noble, brave, a great fighter and a reluctant leader who inspired a lot of arab leaders.
How did Islam spread through military conquest and treaties?
Answer 1
It spread because they conquered lands which able them to spread the word
Answer 2
Islam was not spread by war as some claim. War in Islam is waged just for defense and for lifting up oppression on some peoples to allow them to practice their own faiths at their own free choice. Islam was spread due to its logistics and simplicity and due to authenticity of Muslim Qur'an holy book, due to Islam good morals, and due to prophet Muhammad good characters and morals. Refer to questions below.
Answer 3
Islam was also a political force, i.e the Islamic Caliphates. The armies of these Caliphates were also fighting an expansionary war for territory just as every other empire did in those days. The call to "convert or die" was very rare, but when countries were annexed to the Caliphates, many citizens did convert either because they saw the Truth of the religion or to gain from the tax, work-related, and legal benefits that came from conversion. It was also easier for Imams and other parts of Islamic culture to reach individuals in Islamic States then outside of them due to simple proximity issues as well as religious intolerance in non-Muslim areas. Islam did not gain anything in particular from treaties.
What are the reasons why Muslims were so successful in building an empire?
The Islamic Empire grew pretty much the same way that the 'Christian' empire did. They took over by force, ordered the inhabitants to convert or face punishment, which more often than not was NOT the death sentence. It was often punitive taxes etc. Most of the 'heathens' (ie native religions) felt that conversion was often the better part of faithfulness. However, unlike Islam the Roman Catholic empire often allowed the previous Gods to be worshipped as saints, quite often under the same names and ceremonies.
Do the taliban still exist today?
Yes. While the Taliban does not control the Afghan government anymore, it does control sections of southeast Afghanistan and the Waziristan region of Pakistan. It is actually quite powerful.
Did islam spread fast or slow?
Answer 1
Islam spread in the middle east, Africa, some part of Europe and in some parts of Asia as well as in far unfurled countries like Indonesia, Malaysia etc. and it spread so quickly when companions of Prophet (PBUH), (Sahabas) conquered those lands and after conquering they did justice well with local people and preached them well and as a result most of the people of those regions reverted to Islam due to the just and kind behavior of Muslim rulers. Moreover, it was the power of Islamic faith which attracted non-muslims to gain shelter in Islam and still today Islam is the fastest spreading religion in the world today.
Answer 2
Islam spread so fast for many reasons. Most of important of them are:
- Islam is a true and logic God religion. It is the religion and mission of all God prophets to humanity since Adam, through Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them All), that calls for worship Allah (God in English) as the one and only one God with no partner, no son, no companion, no associate, and no equivalence.
- Islam calls for justice among all people irrelevant to their beliefs, colors, or social classes
- Islam calls for practicing good morals
- Islam honors human free will of choice and thinking
- Islam is against racism and discrimination based on color, culture, gender, or anything else except piety.
- Quran, Muslims holy book, is authentic as true God words without single letter change
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a true human model of good conduct. character, and leader in all aspects of human life.
- Quran scientific miracles had been validated only with current scientific discoveries and achievements.
- The Islamic principles control all aspects of human life in a way that lead to both individual benefits and society benefits in a wonderful balance
- Muslim traders who were traveling every where and demonstrating the good morals and principles of Islam
- The deviations of former religions from the main call of all God prophets to worship God (Allah) as one and only one God without a partner, son, father, partner, or companion.
Some claim that Islam was spread by war or by sword. This is a false argument for many reasons. One of these reasons is that the Muslim country of the biggest population is Indonesia while Muslims never invaded Indonesia. The claim that Islam spread by war or by sword is a false claim and is a lie propagated by enemies of Islam. For more information on this refer to related questions below.
Answer 3
Where did Islam spread: Islam spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, and to the edge of the Indian Subcontinent during the Umayyad Period. It expanded beyond that to West Africa, East Africa, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as well as much of Southeastern Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent.
How did Islam spread so quickly: Islam spread quickly due to a number of factors. It is notable that although there are a few occurrences of Muslims carrying out the "Convert or Die" scenario, this is not the most common reason for Islam's expansion both in terms of territory and belief. It is also important to note that just because the religion of Islam spread by peaceful means, does not mean that the territorial expansion of Islamic Empires also occurred by peaceful means. No Empire has ever acquired more territory by just asking for it (except perhaps the Nazis with Sudetenland).
1) Arabia - What's that?: Prior to Mohammed, Arabia had been seen as a cultural and political backwater barely worth notice and therefore Mohammed's consolidation of the Arab Tribes was not seriously considered by the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires. This lead to a very porous southern defense and miscalculation of the Islamic Armies.
2) Byzantine-Sassanian Wars: Since the Byzantines and Sassanians considered each other the only real civilizations in the region, they fought each other numerous times in the early 600s C.E. over control of what is today East Turkey and Iraq. These were intense religious wars (Christian vs. Zoroastrian) and greatly weakened both empires at just the wrong time.
3) Tribal Command Structure: Arab Tribes and warriors owed their loyalty to their Sheikhs and leaders without fault because the Sheikh provided each person with all of the amenities and protection necessary to live a full life. Whenever the Arabs went to war, the Sheikhs could count on the ability to muster their tribesmen as soldiers without issue.
4) Support of the Locals: Since the Byzantine Empire and Sassanian Empire were engaged in religious zealotry, it stands to reason that they did not tolerate their religious minorities very well. The Muslims professed to (and did) treat minorities far better than either of these Empires. This led to religious minorities (especially Jews) from within the conquered territories helping Muslims to secure outposts and positions, freeing the Muslims to continue to spread the religion.
5) Citizenship by Conversion: The Islamic Empire was interesting in that being the leader or a person of import in the Empire was not contingent on ethnicity or place of birth as was the case of most prior empires. All a person had to do to gain power and prestige was to convert to Islam. This simple integration mechanism resulted in massive number of Persians, Berbers, and Turks converting to Islam. In fact, the furthest expansions of Islam (Spain, India, West China, South Russia, the Balkans) were all accomplished by non-Arabs (respectively Berbers, Persians/Mughals, Turkmen, Azeris, and Ottomans).
6) Warfare: The leaders charged with expanding the influence of Islam were thoughtful and diligent military leaders. Caliph 'Omar, who conquered much of the Levant, Egypt, Persia, and Iraq was well-known as a strategist and a fighter. It was this knowledge of warfare that allowed Muslim forces to expand the territory's influence.
7) Universality: Islam, as a religion, claims salvation for all people in all places, making the religion very attractive, especially to people born into low castes and bad economic positions.
8) Commerce: Islam, like most religions, spread also through peaceful means of commerce and education whereby non-Muslims learned of the faith and adopted as their own amidst business dealings with Muslims.
A small hint:
The concept of "convert or die" is against Islam and Quran teachings and I don't believe that anyone practiced it. It could some claims of non Muslims who are attacking Islam without any justification. Quran says in many verses that no compulsion in religion. As an example Quran says:
"There shall be no compulsion in religion; the right way has become distinct from the wrong way. Whoever renounces evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handle; which does not break. God is Hearing and Knowing. " (2:256).
Refer to related questions.
The other point is that the Romanian empire was not following Christianity but when the emperor converted to Christianity (and he was considered as their God),
the people whoi are following him converted automatically to Christianity.
What was the porpose of the reconquista?
The action took by the Spanish to reclaim Spain from th e Muslims.
What year did the moors invade Spain?
The Moors invaded Spain in the year 711. They officially left in 1492 as per a treaty signed with Ferdinand and Isabella. (This freed up money that had been supporting the military to be used for exploration. That's why Columbus was able to sail in 1492.)
What did crusaders do to Muslims and Jews when they captured Jerusalem?
The Crusaders came to liberate the Holy Land from the "infidels" and woe to any Jews who lived along the route. Numerous Jewish communites encountered by traveling Crusaders were subjected to the increased religious fervor of the Crusaders, and were pillaged and massacred. There were several extensive pogroms, especially in Germany and France.
When the Crusaders conquered Jerusalem at the end of the First Crusade, they initiated a massive slaughter of the Jewish and Muslim inhabitants of the city.
It was formed by the terrorist groups that emerged victorious after the Soviet Occupation of Afghanistan. The reason they were able to do both feats is because of gorrila tactics and US assitence.
Where did the taliban origanate?
The Taliban originated / came to power during Afghanistan's long civil war in 1996. Immediately, Taliban forbade women and children to go to work and school. Then followed a series of rules and regulations.
It was long ago Islam was spread.It was at Egypt,Arab...Yemen...it was spread from a religious man..
How has the difference between the Sunni and Shia sects affected the history of Islam?
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.
The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).
P.S i am a sunni :)
MOORS
The proper term for the "Moors" is "AMAZIGH", as they are known in their language, or "Berbers" as both Westerners and Arabs have identified them. Amazigh are the indigenous people of the Maghreb or northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.) Amazigh come in nearly every color, from pale white skin to dark black skin. They had recently converted to Islam when Arab Islamic Armies had barrelled their way across North Africa.
OTHER MUSLIM GROUPS IN SPAIN
However, in addition to the Amazigh, there were numerous significant minorities of Muslims who lived in Spain. The largest minority were ARABS or Muslims coming from Middle East. They were a mix of people from Arabia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Arabs were actually the rulers of all of Islamic Spain from 711-1038 C.E., after which the Amazigh became much more powerful and prominent, especially with the Almoravid and Almohad Caliphates. However, the last Islamic nation in Spain was the Arab Nasrid Emirate of Granada, which existed alone from 1252-1492.
Another major group were the MULADIS who were indigenous Iberians/Spaniards who converted to Islam. Muladis very rarely wielded political power and were often taxed as Non-Muslims, but there were occasions when they were able to gain power in the Taifa Kingdoms, which were Islamic city-states in southern Spain which developed after the fall of Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba, but before the Almoravid invasion and again after the Almohads were excised from Spain, but before the Christian North conquered all of them save the Emirate of Granada.
The last major group of Muslims in Spain were the former Slavic Slaves called SAQALIBA. The Muslims had a massive slave trade throughout the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe (as well as with Sub-Saharan Africa). One of the largest places of origin for Islamic Slaves was southeastern and eastern Europe, where numerous Slavic peoples were sold into slavery. Many of these Slavs became slaves in Islamic Spain. However, some were able to earn their freedom, usually by a combination of luck, physical ability to overpower their master, and conversion to Islam. These now-freed Slavs who had been born in Spain and were now Muslims were called Saqaliba. Saqaliba very rarely wielded political power, but there were occasions when they were able to gain power in the Taifa Kingdoms (like the Muladis). The Saqaliba famously ruled the Taifa of Denia, which controlled parts of the Balaeric Islands and Valencia.
What did Moors bring to Spain?
MOORS
The proper term for the "Moors" is "AMAZIGH", as they are known in their language, or "Berbers" as both Westerners and Arabs have identified them. Amazigh are the indigenous people of the Maghreb or northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.) Amazigh come in nearly every color, from pale white skin to dark black skin. They had recently converted to Islam when Arab Islamic Armies had barrelled their way across North Africa.
OTHER MUSLIM GROUPS IN SPAIN
However, in addition to the Amazigh, there were numerous significant minorities of Muslims who lived in Spain. The largest minority were ARABS or Muslims coming from Middle East. They were a mix of people from Arabia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Arabs were actually the rulers of all of Islamic Spain from 711-1038 C.E., after which the Amazigh became much more powerful and prominent, especially with the Almoravid and Almohad Caliphates. However, the last Islamic nation in Spain was the Arab Nasrid Emirate of Granada, which existed alone from 1252-1492.
Another major group were the MULADIS who were indigenous Iberians/Spaniards who converted to Islam. Muladis very rarely wielded political power and were often taxed as Non-Muslims, but there were occasions when they were able to gain power in the Taifa Kingdoms, which were Islamic city-states in southern Spain which developed after the fall of Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba, but before the Almoravid invasion and again after the Almohads were excised from Spain, but before the Christian North conquered all of them save the Emirate of Granada.
The last major group of Muslims in Spain were the former Slavic Slaves called SAQALIBA. The Muslims had a massive slave trade throughout the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe (as well as with Sub-Saharan Africa). One of the largest places of origin for Islamic Slaves was southeastern and eastern Europe, where numerous Slavic peoples were sold into slavery. Many of these Slavs became slaves in Islamic Spain. However, some were able to earn their freedom, usually by a combination of luck, physical ability to overpower their master, and conversion to Islam. These now-freed Slavs who had been born in Spain and were now Muslims were called Saqaliba. Saqaliba very rarely wielded political power, but there were occasions when they were able to gain power in the Taifa Kingdoms (like the Muladis). The Saqaliba famously ruled the Taifa of Denia, which controlled parts of the Balaeric Islands and Valencia.
Did the Taliban control all of Afghanistan?
No.They didn't.Well,not ALL of it. (I know this because I'm a 9 year old girl from Afghanistan.)
The Northern Alliance, a group of warlords and sheikhs that controlled the country prior to the Taliban held some of the rural areas in northeastern Afghanistan (10% of the country) throughout the 1990s and up to the American Invasion. However, the Taliban controlled all major urban centers in Afghanistan and were the dominant political force in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.
Which is the CORRECT order of dynasties ruling the Islamic Empire from 661 A.D. to the 13th century?
Umayyad dynasty ruled from 661 to 750. The Abbasid dynasty rose to power in 750 through 813. Then the Empire became fragmented, but the Abbasid dynasty survived as a weaker and weaker state until 1258 C.E.
What are some bad things about Saladin?
Most of the "bad things" about Saladin reflect on the fact that, to his enemies, he was not a Christian and was a better person and leader than the Christian rulers he was fighting. It should be remembered that Saladin did not kill the innocent Christian inhabitants of cities he captured, The Crusaders however killed all Muslims, leaving the streets knee deep in blood
- He was a self made man, not a hereditary ruler
- He united the Muslims of Syria
- He defeated the Christians at a great battle near the lake of Galilee and conquered the Christian cities of Syria and Jerusalem.
- He essential defeated the three greatest rulers of Europe - King Philip Augustus of France, King Richard I of England, and the German emperor, Frederick Barbarossa in the second crusade.
- During the Third Crusade when King Richard the Lionheart was sick with a fever, Saladin supplied him with delicacies, sent him a gift of the choicest fruits of the land.
- When Richard's horse had been killed in battle, Saladin sent a fine Arabian steed as a present for his rival.
- He forced Richard to sign a truce when Richard could not regain Jerusalem
- The terms of Saladin's truce were honorable and generous. As an example Christians were permitted to visit Jerusalem without paying tribute, that they should have free access to the holy places, and remain in undisturbed possession of the coast from Jaffa to Tyre.
What Muslim Empire captured Constantinople in 1453?
The Ottomans were the responsible for the conquest on the 29 May 1453. Specifically, Sultan Mehmed II el-Fatih (the Opener/Conqueror) of the Ottoman Empire was the leader who broke the defenses of Constantinople and brought it under Ottoman control.
Why did Columbus have to wait until after the reconquista to start his voyage?
In the later 1400s, Christopher Columbus' ambition to discover a westward passage to the Indies was delayed by numerous factors. One of these was a successful (and final) conclusion to the famed "Reconquista", as this military (and religious) venture demanded as top priority the attention and, even more, the funding of Columbus' royal patrons.
