Dar al-Islam and Interactions of Major Religions (1200 – 1450)

Introduction

• Dar al-Islam: Translates to "House of Islam"
• Indicates regions where Islam was the dominant religion around 1200
• Key religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Judaism

• Ethnic religion: Originated in the Middle East
• Monotheistic: Worshiped one God
• Influence: Foundation for Christianity and Islam

Christianity

• Founded by Jesus Christ: Jewish prophet
• Messiah or Savior: Claimed by Jesus
• Spread: After crucifixion, through followers
• Adopted by Roman Empire: Significant influence on society
• Hierarchy: Bishops, Cardinals, etc. led states in Europe and Africa

Islam

• Founded by Muhammad: 7th century, Arabian Peninsula
• Final Prophet: Claimed by Muhammad
• Salvation: Through actions like almsgiving, prayer, fasting
• Spread: Rapid spread after Muhammad’s death in 632, across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South Asia
• Trade: Significant influence due to Muhammad’s background as a merchant

Islamic Empires: 1200 - 1450

Abbasid Caliphate

• Golden Age of Islam: Science, Mathematics, Literature, Technology
• Fragmentation by 1200: Decline and loss of power
• Umayyad Caliphate: Defeated by Abbasids

New Turkic Empires

• Rise of Turkic Muslim states as the Abbasid power waned
• Seljuk Empire: 11th century, Central Asia, originally military force for Abbasids
• Mamluk Sultanate: Egypt, originally enslaved Turkic warriors, seized power after Saladin
• Delhi Sultanate: South Asia, established by invading Turks, ruled over Indian population for ~300 years

Spread of Islam

Methods of Expansion

1. Military Expansion: Example - Establishment of Delhi Sultanate
2. Merchant Activity: Trade networks facilitated spread
   • North Africa: Ruled by Muslims, stimulated trade
   • Empire of Mali: Converted to Islam for trade benefits
3. Missionary Efforts: Sufism, mystical experiences accessible to all, regardless of class/gender

Intellectual and Scientific Advancements

Innovators and Contributions

• Nasir al-Din al-Tusi: Invented trigonometry to understand planetary movements
  • Influenced Copernicus's heliocentric theory
• House of Wisdom, Baghdad: Major library, preservation of Greek philosophy
  • Scholars translated Greek works into Arabic
  • Basis for the European Renaissance

Conclusion

Watching and Resources

• Further videos on related topics
• Video notes available for comprehensive study