After the death of Muhammad, Islam spread across parts of three continents as Muslim empires expanded. During the 700s and 800s, the Islamic world experienced a golden age of peace and prosperity. The early Muslim caliphs successfully united the Muslims and conquered territories through military campaigns, spreading Islam across regions of the Byzantine Empire, Persia, the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Sicily, India, and Southeast Asia. Islamic scholars developed sharia law to help interpret the Quran and apply it to daily life, regulating various social and political aspects. The Islamic civilization made significant achievements in arts, literature, mathematics, science, and economic areas like trade and manufacturing during its golden age.

1. Islamic Civilization

2. Background After the death of Muhammad, Islam spread across parts of three continents Muslim Empires ruled over parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia Islam experienced a golden age during the 700’s and 800’s A golden age is a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity when a civilization reaches its peak

3. The Spread of Islam Islam arose on the Arabian Peninsula in the early 600’s In 632 Muhammad died and Abu Bakr was elected the first caliph or successor to Muhammad The period when Muslims were ruled by caliphs was known as the caliphate, this is when the Islamic world expanded Abu Bakr was successful in uniting the Muslims. Through military conquests they conquered parts of the Byzantine Empire, Persia, Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Sicily, India, and southeast Asia

4. The Spread of Islam

5. Reasons for Muslim Success The Arabs were strong fighters The Byzantine and Persian Empires were weak from fighting wars United belief in Islam Muslim rulers treated conquered people fairly Non-Muslims were allowed to practice their own religions freely, as long as they paid a tax to the Muslim Empire Many conquered people will convert to Islam

6. Islamic Law As Islam spread, Islamic scholars developed a system of laws to help people interpret the Koran and apply it to everyday life The system of law developed is known as Sharia. It regulated moral behavior, family life, business, and government Basically, Sharia applied the Koran to all aspects of life, not just spiritual aspects

7. Divisions within Islam Two different groups of Muslims emerged, Sunnis and Shiites Sunnis believed the caliph should be chosen by Muslim leaders Shiites believed that only the descendents of Muhammad should be his successor This split continues today and often results in violence

8. Islams Golden Age Muslims blended and absorbed customs and traditions from many of the peoples they ruled Preserved the Greco-Roman culture Muhammad stressed the importance of learning Arts and architecture – Muslims architects built mosques and beautiful palaces. Artists were excellent at calligraphy, which decorated artwork and buildings. Literature – adopted the ideas of Greek, Indian, and Chinese writers Math and Science – Muslims studied Indian and Greek mathematics, pioneered the study of algebra and geometry, and calculated the circumference of the earth to within a few thousand feet Muslim doctors had to pass very difficult tests before they could practice medicine

9. Arabic Painting of Socrates

10. Golden Age Examples

11. Economic Achievements Trade – Muslims developed an extensive trade network across their empire Manufacturing – organized manufacturing in the Muslim world produced steel swords, leather goods, and carpets Agriculture – farmers grew sugarcane, cotton, herbs, fruits, and vegetables

12. Muslim Trade Routes