A standard ICSE 7th History chapter titled “Rise and Spread of Islam” generally commences by describing the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula, encompassing its societal organization (tribal systems), commercial routes, and dominant polytheistic religious practices, with particular attention to Mecca and Yathrib as key locations. The chapter then chronicles the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the revelation of the Quran, his central doctrines stressing the oneness of God, societal fairness, and equality, alongside the initial resistance he faced in Mecca. The crucial Hijra, the migration to Yathrib (Medina), is presented as the genesis of the first Islamic society and state, where the Prophet (PBUH) acted as a religious, political, and military figurehead. The narrative continues with the eventual capture of Mecca and the establishment of Islam as the primary religion within the city. Subsequently, the chapter examines the period after the Prophet’s (PBUH) death, concentrating on the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the early, swift expansion of the Islamic realm into adjacent lands formerly under Byzantine and Sassanian control. Typical explanations for this rapid dissemination include the zeal of the nascent faith, military capabilities, the appealing nature of Islamic principles, and the weaknesses of the existing empires. Lastly, the chapter usually offers a succinct summary of the core beliefs and rituals of Islam, often emphasizing the Five Pillars and the importance of the Quran. Depending on its extent, it might also briefly touch upon the initial contributions of Islamic civilization to diverse areas of learning.
Time To Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. Prophet Muhammad was bom at _____ in AD _____ .
Ans: Mecca , 570.
2. Muslims worship only one God ______ .
Ans: Allah.
3. Muhammad preached against _____ worship.
Ans: idol
4. Prophet Muhammad’s successors were known as Caliphs or Khalifas.
Ans: Caliphs or Khalifas.
5. The greatest king of Abbasid dynasty was Harun-Al-Rashid.
Ans: Harun-Al-Rashid.
II. Match Column A with Column B:
Answer:
III. State whether the following statements are True or False:
- Muhammad was born at Medina.
False.Muhammad was born at Mecca.
- He shifted from Mecca to Medina in AD 615.
False. He shifted from Mecca to Medina in AD 622.
- A Muslim should not worship an idol.
True.
- Abu Bakr was the last Khalifa.
False.Ali Bakr was the last Khalifa.
- The Ottoman Turks Captured Constantinople in AD 1480.
False.The Ottoman Turks Captured Constantinople in AD 1453.
IV. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Discuss the early life of Muhammad.
Ans:
Born in Mecca around 570 CE as an orphan, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle, Abu Talib. He worked as a shepherd and accompanied his uncle on trade journeys, gaining exposure to different cultures. Even before prophethood, he was known for his trustworthiness (“Al-Amin”) and truthfulness (“As-Sadiq”), earning the respect of the Meccan community and displaying an aversion to idolatry.
Question 2.
Describe the teachings of Muhammad.
Ans:
He declared himself the final messenger in a lineage of prophets, entrusted with God’s ultimate revelation, the Quran. His message underscored the reality of the afterlife and the significance of accountability for earthly deeds. Central to Islamic practice are the Five Pillars: the profession of faith, ritual prayer, obligatory charity, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Furthermore, he stressed profound moral and ethical conduct, societal fairness and equality, and his own actions and sayings (Sunnah) provide essential guidance for Muslims.
Question 3.
What are the five main religious obligations of Islam.
Ans:
The five main religious obligations of Islam are:
- Shahada: Declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and Muhammad as his messenger.
- Salat: Five daily prayers.
- Zakat: Obligatory charity.
- Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (if able).
Question 4.
Discuss the spread of Islamic civilisation after the passing away of Prophet Muhammad.
Ans:
- Early Military Conquests: Establishing vast empires under the early Caliphates.
- Flourishing Culture & Scholarship: Leading to the Golden Age of Islam with advancements in various fields, spread through trade and learning.
- Political Fragmentation & Regional Powers: New Islamic states emerged, continuing cultural and religious expansion.
- Sufi Missionary Work: Spreading Islam through teachings and personal example, especially in Asia and Africa.
- Trade Networks: Muslim merchants carrying their faith and culture along trade routes.
- Later Empires: Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires further expanding and consolidating Islamic civilization in new regions.
Question 5.
Describe the main contributions of the Umayyads and the Abbasids.
Ans:
The Umayyad dynasty significantly shaped the early Islamic world through its focus on political consolidation and territorial expansion. They transformed the nascent caliphate into a more centralized and hereditary empire, establishing Damascus as its capital. Under their rule, the Islamic realm expanded dramatically, encompassing vast territories across North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Central Asia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. This expansion created one of the largest empires in history and laid the geographical foundation for future Islamic civilization. Furthermore, the Umayyads introduced crucial administrative innovations, modeling their system partly on Byzantine structures. This included the development of government departments for finance, the military, and taxation, leading to more efficient governance of their extensive holdings. A pivotal step towards unity was the Arabization policies, particularly under Caliph Abd al-Malik, which made Arabic the official language of administration and coinage, fostering communication and a shared identity across the diverse empire. They also invested in infrastructure, such as roads and a postal service, and were patrons of early Islamic architecture, exemplified by iconic structures like the Dome of the Rock and the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.
The Abbasid dynasty, which succeeded the Umayyads, ushered in what is widely regarded as the Golden Age of Islam.The Abbasids were strong patrons of scholarship and learning, establishing institutions like the “House of Wisdom” in Baghdad, which became a central hub for the translation of classical Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic. This effort preserved and built upon ancient knowledge in diverse fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Culturally, Arabic literature and poetry reached new heights, producing iconic works, and Islamic art and architecture flourished with distinctive styles. The Abbasids fostered a more inclusive and cosmopolitan society, integrating non-Arab Muslims into positions of influence and promoting an exchange of ideas and cultures, making Baghdad a vibrant international center. The empire also experienced significant economic prosperity due to its strategic location along major trade routes. They further developed a sophisticated bureaucracy and oversaw technological advancements, such as the adoption of paper-making, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge.
Additional Questions
(Rise and Spread of Islam)
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. Prophet Muhammad, the founder of _______ , was bom in ______ in the year ______ .
Ans: Islam , Mecca, 570 ce.
2. Muhammad forbade ______ worship and stressed the importance of ______ and ______ behaviour.
Ans: idol, God and kind
3. The two holy places of the Muslims are________ and ________ .
Ans: Mecca and Medina.
4. Muhammad was succeeded by _________ , who was known as Caliph. He transformed the Arabs into an excellent _________ force and inspired them to carry the word of _______ throughout the world.
Ans: Abu Bakr, fighting, Allah
2. The first Arab expedition to India took place in ________ under the leadership of _______________.
Ans: 712 ce, Muhammad bin Qasim.
B. Match the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
- As a young man, Muhammad worked as a trader/farmer/ craftsman.
Ans. As a young rhan, Muhammad worked as a trader. - During Muhammad’s time, the Arabs were divided into a number of kingdoms/tribes/empires.
Ans. During Muhammad’s time, the Arabs were divided into a number of tribes. - Muslims must say their prayers four/five/six times a day.
Ans. Muslims must say their prayers five times a day. - The Abbasid Caliphs shifted the Caliphate from Damascus to Medina/Mecca/Baghdad.
Ans. The Abbasid Caliphs shifted the Caliphate from Damascus to Baghdad. - The Arab traders established trade settlements on the eastern/western/southern coast of India.
Ans. The Arab traders established trade settlements on the western coast of India.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- The Medieval Period in India stretches from the 8th century CE to the 16th century
False.
Correct : The Medieval Period in India stretches from the 8th century CE to the 18th century ce. - Before the rise of Islam, the Arabs practised idol worship.
True. - The Arab empire under the Abbasid Caliphs was one of the most powerful and enlightened regions in the world.
True. - The occupation of Sind ended with the death of Muhammad bin Qasim.
True. - In the 9th century ce, the power of the Caliphs declined.
True.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1. Where was Prophet Muhammad born?
Ans.
Prophet Muhammad was bom in Mecca
2.What important event took place in Muhammad’s life around 610 ce?
Ans.
Around 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad experienced his initial divine revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel in a cave on Mount Hira. This event signifies the start of his prophethood and the revelation of the Quran.
3.What does the term Hijrat mean?
Ans.
Hijrat marks the departure of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 ce.
4.What title did Abu Bakr assume after he succeeded Prophet Muhammad?
Ans. Abu Bakr took the title of Khalifa or Caliph.
5.Under whose reign did the Arabs achieve their greatest heights of intellectual and cultural excellence?
Ans.
Under the Abbasid Caliphate (roughly 8th-10th centuries CE), particularly during its early reign in Baghdad, the Arabs reached their peak of intellectual and cultural excellence, a period known as the Golden Age of Islam. They heavily supported scholarship, leading to significant advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy through the translation of ancient texts and original contributions. This era also saw a flourishing of Arabic literature, art, and a cosmopolitan environment that fostered the exchange of ideas.
6.Why was the House of Wisdom established?
Ans.
The institution you are describing is the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah), a legendary center of knowledge in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate. It was a key player in the Islamic Golden Age.
Purpose and Function of the House of Wisdom
The House of Wisdom served multiple critical functions that went far beyond being a simple library. It was a dynamic intellectual hub for scholars from various backgrounds.
- Translation and Preservation: A primary purpose was to translate scholarly works from antiquity. It was a central component of the Abbasid “Translation Movement” that made an effort to translate and preserve works from ancient civilizations. Scholars fluently translated works from Greek, Syriac, Persian, and Indian languages into Arabic. This included significant texts on philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.
- A Repository of Knowledge: Beyond translation, the institution was a massive library that housed a vast collection of books and manuscripts, likely one of the largest in the world at the time. Its comprehensive collection ensured that knowledge from across the globe was not only preserved but also made accessible to scholars.
- Center for Intellectual Discussion: The House of Wisdom was a place where scholars from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds—including Muslims, Christians, and Jews—met to engage in research, debate, and intellectual exchange. This open environment encouraged original thought and collaborative discovery.
- Advancement of Science: The institution was a research center where scholars didn’t just translate and preserve ancient texts; they built upon them. This led to significant original discoveries and advancements in various scientific fields, such as the development of algebra by Al-Khwarizmi. The House of Wisdom also funded astronomical observatories and other large-scale scientific projects.
- Support for the Government: The scholars at the House of Wisdom provided practical expertise to the Abbasid government. They served as astronomers to create accurate calendars, as engineers and architects for public works, and as physicians and consultants to the caliphs and the court.
- Reputation and Prestige: By actively supporting intellectual pursuits and becoming a world-renowned center of learning, the House of Wisdom significantly enhanced the Abbasid Caliphate’s reputation. It showcased the caliphate as a sophisticated and powerful civilization, attracting brilliant minds from all over and establishing Baghdad as the intellectual capital of the world.
7.Which Arab city became the preserve of the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world?
Ans.
During the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad became the primary center for the preservation of ancient cultural heritage. This was largely due to the establishment and flourishing of the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah), an intellectual academy and library founded during the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid and greatly expanded by his son, al-Ma’mun.
The House of Wisdom was a central component of the Translation Movement, which saw scholars from various religious and cultural backgrounds—including Muslim, Christian, and Jewish—collaborate to translate, study, and expand upon texts from ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Persians, and Indians. They translated works on a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and astronomy to medicine and philosophy. This systematic effort not only preserved classical knowledge that might otherwise have been lost, but also led to new discoveries and intellectual breakthroughs.
The city’s strategic location and the caliphs’ patronage of arts and sciences transformed Baghdad into a bustling cultural and intellectual hub. It was a melting pot of ideas and a place where a vibrant academic community thrived. Scholars like al-Khwarizmi (the father of algebra) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), whose medical encyclopedias were used in Europe for centuries, made significant contributions that would influence the world for generations.
8.What were the chief items of export and import in India’s trade relations with the Arabs?
Ans.
India to Arabs (Exports): Spices (pepper, cardamom, etc.), textiles (cotton), indigo, precious stones, timber.
Arabs to India (Imports): Horses, dates, dried fruits, luxury goods (perfumes, glass), camels.
9. Why were the Indians not receptive to Arab learning and civilization during this period?
Ans.
Indians weren’t fully receptive to Arab learning because they already had advanced intellectual traditions in fields like philosophy, math, and medicine. They focused on their own strengths and had cultural/religious differences. Initial Arab contact was limited geographically, and later interactions involved conquest rather than seamless integration of learning. Instead of wholesale adoption, Indians selectively adapted useful Arab knowledge, like in astronomy and math, into their existing systems.
10.Name any one independent state established by the Turks in Central Asia.
Ans.
Here’s an approach to generating content about the Seljuks that focuses on quality and uniqueness of perspective:
The Seljuk Ascendancy: A New Force in the Islamic World
The Seljuk Empire was a pivotal force in the medieval Middle East, reshaping the region’s political and cultural tapestry. Originating from the nomadic Oghuz Turkic tribes of Central Asia, the Seljuks capitalized on the fragmentation of the Islamic world in the 11th century. Their rise marked a significant transfer of power, shifting the center of military and political authority from the traditional Arab and Persian dynasties to a new Turkic elite.
The Seljuks first made their mark by migrating into Khorasan, a region in northeastern Persia, where they converted to Sunni Islam. Under the leadership of figures like Tuğrul Bey, they began a series of military campaigns. The decisive Battle of Dandanqan in 1040 was a turning point, where they defeated the Ghaznavid Empire and effectively established their control over Persia.
Political and Religious Dynamics
Once in power, the Seljuks positioned themselves as the protectors of the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate, which had been weakened by the rise of the Shi’a Buyid dynasty. In 1055, Tuğrul Bey entered Baghdad, ousting the Buyids and restoring the authority of the Caliph in a symbolic gesture. This act granted the Seljuks legitimacy and the title of “Sultan” (meaning “authority”), which signified their effective military and political control, while the Caliph retained his religious and spiritual role. This arrangement created a new political model in the region, with the sultan holding the temporal power and the caliph the spiritual authority.
The Seljuk Empire’s territorial expansion was rapid and extensive. Under Alp Arslan and his son Malik-Shah I, the empire reached its zenith. They expanded into Anatolia, most notably after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, which saw the defeat and capture of the Byzantine Emperor. This victory opened the door for Turkic settlement in Anatolia, fundamentally altering the region’s demographics and setting the stage for the future Ottoman Empire. The Seljuks also controlled Syria and parts of Central Asia, creating a vast, multi-ethnic empire.
Cultural and Intellectual Contributions
The Seljuk era was not just defined by military conquest; it was also a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing. Seljuk rulers and their viziers, particularly the famous Nizam al-Mulk, were patrons of the arts and sciences. They established the Nizamiyyah network of madrasas (religious schools) throughout the empire, which promoted Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and theology. These institutions became models for later universities and played a crucial role in the Seljuk’s campaign to counter Shi’a influence.
Architecture during the Seljuk period was also distinctive, characterized by the use of brick, intricate tile work, and monumental scale. Notable examples include mosques, caravanserais (inns for travelers), and mausoleums, which can still be seen across Iran and Turkey. The Seljuks’ patronage of Persian arts and literature also led to a cultural synthesis, where Turkic military traditions merged with Persian administrative and artistic excellence. The Seljuk Empire, though relatively short-lived as a unified entity, left a profound and lasting legacy on the Islamic world, influencing the Mamluks, Ottomans, and other successor states.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Why did Muhammad shift from Mecca to Medina? Discuss the events that followed this move.
Ans:
Muhammad’s move to Medina (Hijra, 622 CE) was due to Meccan persecution and a Medinan invitation for safety and community building.
In Medina, the first Muslim community formed, the Constitution of Medina was established, and mosques were built. There were economic challenges and conflicts with Mecca, leading to battles and treaties. Ultimately, Mecca was conquered, Islam’s influence grew, and key Islamic practices and laws were established, making the Hijra a pivotal event for Islam’s growth.
Question 2.
State the main principles of Islam.
Ans:
The main principles of Islam are encapsulated in two core sets: the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith. The Five Pillars are the fundamental practices obligatory for Muslims: the Shahada, the declaration of faith in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad; Salat, the performance of five daily prayers; Zakat, the giving of obligatory charity; Sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan; and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able. These pillars represent the practical framework of Muslim life and worship.
These include belief in Allah, the one and only God; belief in the Angels, God’s messengers; belief in the Divine Books, including the Quran as the final revelation; belief in the Prophets, with Muhammad as the final prophet in a line of messengers; belief in the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be held accountable for their deeds; and belief in Divine Decree (Qadar), the understanding that God has ultimate knowledge and control over all that occurs, while still acknowledging human free will and responsibility.
Question 3.
The greatest intellectual and cultural excellence was seen during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphs. Discuss.
Ans:
The Abbasid Caliphate’s reign, especially during the Golden Age of Islam, saw the greatest Arab intellectual and cultural excellence due to:
- Royal patronage of scholars and artists.
- The establishment of the House of Wisdom for translation and learning.
- A massive translation movement of ancient texts.
- Significant scientific advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
- A flourishing of arts and literature.
- A cosmopolitan environment in Baghdad fostering intellectual exchange.
- Economic prosperity supports these endeavors.
Question 4.
What knowledge did the Arabs gather from
(a) Indian and
(b) various other ancient civilizations?
Ans:
Arabs gathered knowledge from:
(a) India:
- Mathematics: Numeral system (including zero), algebra, trigonometry, geometry.
- Astronomy: Concepts of Earth’s rotation, planetary movements.
- Medicine: Medical practices, pharmacology (Sanskrit texts translated).
- Philosophy & Administration: Some aspects explored.
- Literature: Stories translated and adapted.
(b) Other Ancient Civilizations:
- Greece: Philosophy, science, medicine (major source).
- Persia: Administration, literature, astronomy, mathematics.
- China: Papermaking, compass.
- Egypt & Mesopotamia: Medicine, engineering, astronomy, mathematics (to a lesser extent).
The Arabs synthesized and built upon this knowledge, later transmitting much of it to Europe.
G Picture study:
This is a picture of a mosque where Muslims go to pray
Question 1.
Name (a) their religion (b) their holy book and (c) the founder of their religion.
Ans:
(a) Islam, (b) Quran Sharif, (c) Prophet Muhammad.
Question
2. Name the two holy places of the Muslim.
Ans:
(a) Mecca (b) Medina
Question 3.
Why does the Muslim calendar begin from the year 622 ce?
Ans:
The Muslim calendar’s epoch is 622 CE, the year of the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. This event is foundational as it marks the establishment of the first organized Muslim community.
Question 4.
Mention any four important principles of the religion.
Ans:
Islam’s core tenets include four significant principles. Secondly, the belief in Prophethood recognizes God’s communication with humanity through various prophets, with Muhammad considered the final messenger in this lineage, delivering the complete revelation in the Quran. Thirdly, the belief in the Hereafter (Akhira) posits a Day of Judgment and an eternal afterlife based on one’s earthly actions, emphasizing accountability and the consequences of one’s choices. Lastly, Islam strongly emphasizes Justice and Social Responsibility, mandating fairness in all aspects of life and urging believers to actively contribute to the well-being of their community and care for the vulnerable.
Question 5.
Briefly describe the role of Abu Bakr in the spread of the this religion.
Ans:
Abu Bakr, the first Caliph after Prophet Muhammad’s death, played a crucial role in the early spread and consolidation of Islam. Facing widespread rebellion among Arab tribes (the Ridda Wars), he resolutely maintained the unity of the nascent Muslim community through military campaigns. These actions were vital in preventing the disintegration of Islam and ensuring its survival beyond the Prophet’s lifetime.
Furthermore, Abu Bakr initiated the first military expeditions beyond the Arabian Peninsula, sending forces towards the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. While these were initial forays, they laid the groundwork for the future expansion of the IslamicCaliphate and the subsequent spread of the religion into new territories. His firm leadership and decisive actions in the face of early challenges were instrumental in establishing Islam as a stable and expanding force in the region.
