Islamic Civilization

The Islamic Civilization is in reality an amalgam of wide variety of cultures, from North Africa to the western periphery of the Pacific Ocean, and from Central Asia to sub-Saharan Africa.

A Way-Too-Brief History of Islam

The traditional beginning of the Islamic civilization is associated with the Prophet Muhammed [about AD 570-632]. In 610, Muhammad received his first relevations from God via the angel Gabriel. By 615, a community of his followers was established in Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia. In 622, Muhammed moved his community (the movement is called the hejirae) to Medina (also in Saudi Arabia). There he formally established the Muslim community, beginning the Muslim calendar in that year, renaming it Year One of the Anno Hegirae (AH).

Chronology of the Spread of Islam

Islam spread quickly over the next century and by about 725 was established in Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula and most of sub-Saharan Africa.

• AD 622 [AH 1] Muhammed establishes Medina
• AD 632 [AH 10] Muhammed dies
• AD 632-661 Orthodox Era
• AD 661-750 Umayyad Dyansty
• AD 750-1258 Abassid Dynasty

The Qur'an

The Qur'an is the holy book of the Muslim religion, as revealed to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel; but it is not the only part of the Islamic faith. Contained in the Qur'an are the Five Pillars of Islam, which included an absolute monotheism, a ritual prayer to be said five times toward Mecca, a fast at Ramadan, a tithe consisting of 2.5-10% of one's wealth to be given to the poor, and hajj, in which each follower must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in life if possible.

Archaeology and Islam

Archaeologically, Islamic sites can be identified using the Five Pillars. For example, the presence of inscriptions which report on prayers and alms, or the dedications of hospitals, mosques, and schools could be present at Islamic sites. Waystations and other types of sites have been identified on the roads to Mecca.

Further, mosques and residences have specific architectural layouts; and Moslem burials have set rituals and grave goods. Dietary restrictions are in evidence at Islamic sites; and distinctive art and calligraphy are known as well.

Interesting archaeological sites for the Islamic civilization include Qandahar (Afghanistan), Samarra (Iraq), Qusayr' Amra (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Shanga (Kenya), al Rafiqa (Syria) and Hamdallahi (Mali).

Sources

Insoll, Timothy. 2003. Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge World Archaeology, Cambridge University, Cambridge.

Meloy, John L. 1996. Islamic Civilization. pp. 355-357 in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology, edited by Brian Fagan. Oxford University Press, Oxford.