320986946 Notes of Islamic History 1 PDF

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NOTES OF ISLAMIC HISTORY & CULTURE PART – ISTUDY AREA – ONE : ANCIENT ARABIABABYLONIAN EMPIRE & CIVLIZATION:1. ESTABLISHMENT: It was established about 2200 B. 2. LOCATION: Lower Mesopotamia ( central and southern Iraq ) 3. CAPITAL: Babylon 4. MOST FAMOUS KING: HAMMURABI; 1696-1954 B ...

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NOTES OF ISLAMIC HISTORY & CULTURE PART – I STUDY AREA – ONE : ANCIENT ARABIA

BABYLONIAN EMPIRE & CIVLIZATION: 1. ESTABLISHMENT: It was established about 2200 B.C. 2. LOCATION: Lower Mesopotamia ( central and southern Iraq ) 3. CAPITAL: Babylon 4. MOST FAMOUS KING: HAMMURABI; 1696-1954 B.C  HEMMURABI was the 6th Babylonian ruler.  He conquered the neighbouring countries and strengthened Babylonian empire a great deal.  After remaining an unbeaten war champion for thirty years he also proved an equally great ruler for the rest of his life. 5. HEMMURABI’s Contributions: Hemmurabi’s Code  He collected and codified old laws of the country.  His code defined the rights and duties of husband and wife, master and slave, of merchants, of gardeners, of shepherds etc.  Punishments were severe in his code. 6. BABYLONIAN SOCIAL SYSTEM: Babylonian society was divided into three social classes.  THE AMELU: They were Babylonian aristocrats and constituted the upper class of the society. They were supposed to run the affairs of the state.  THE MUSHKINU: They were the middle class and were chiefly engaged in business. They were free from state obligations and need not serve an army unless danger of invasion was imminent.  THE SLAVES: They were the lower class. They had some specific privileges and could appeal to the law. However, they had no share in the state.

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7. INTELLECTUAL CONDITIONS: Intellectually they were progressed than any other nation of their time. They were masters of ancient astrology. They divided the ZODIAC into twelve signs and named its constellations. They could foretell lunar and solar eclipse. They had more improved the calendar then that of Egyptians. They devised a week of seven days. They further divided the day into hours and hours into minutes.

8. RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS:  Babylonians were worshippers of many gods.  The most prominent feature of their religion was their belief in evil spirits.  They sought to save themselves from the evil spirits by magic rites.  Secondly, they believed in astrology or foretelling of events by the aspects of the planets and stars. 9. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS:

 They were interested both in agriculture and commerce.  They were especially interested in rearing flocks.  No coinage was invented yet; trade and commerce was done through barter system.  The Babylonian merchants devised a system of keeping accounts and banking; they also fixed weights and measures.

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10. POSITION OF WOMEN: Women had exalted status and was recognized in society as an individual and citizen. She retained control over her own money and could go to the law independent of her husband. She had legal share in the estate of her father and her husband. She could possess her own business and slaves.

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11. DECLINE OF BABYLONIAN EMPIRE: Babylonian empire was overthrown by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. (539 B.C)

BYZANTINE EMPIRE AND CIVILIZATION 1. NAME: It is also known as Eastern Rome or East Roman Empire. 2. ESTABLISHMENT: In 324 A.D Constantine-I transferred the capital of Roman Empire from Nicomedia to the side of the Greek town of Byzantine.  He named the new capital “New Rome”.  But it somehow became Constantinople.  This Byzantine Empire got it separate recognition when the Roman Emperor Theodosius divided the empire between his two sons in 345 A.D 3. LOCATION: North Africa, Egypt, Syria, Palestine. 4. CAPITAL: CONSTANTINOPOLE 5. MOST FAMOUS KING: JUSTINIAN. 6. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS:  CONSTANTINOPOLE’S geographical location made it the cross roads of the east and the west.  It became not only a trading centre but also home of teeming industrial life.  Thus, it provided Christendom with innumerable products in gold, silk, perfumes, carpets, leather goods, textiles etc.  The Byzantine Empire regulated its economic life in much the same fashion as modern totalitarian states. 7. SOCIAL LIFE:  Due to material progress and affluence the Byzantinian social life was very colourful.  The centre of all social and cultural activities in the empire was Constantinople, the capital.  It was known far and wide for its palaces, groves, gardens, fountains, barracks, stables filled with costly race horses.  Constantinople was the largest and wealthiest European city in the middle ages.  

8. RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS: Christianity was the state religion of the Byzantine Empire. The emperor was master of both political and religious affairs.

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He claimed ‘Divine Right to Rule’.

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9. POLITICAL CONDITIONS: Byzantine was absolute monarchy surrounded by a well trained and centralized bureaucracy. The control of the emperor was absolute.

10. POSITION OF WOMEN  Women played an important part in the byzantine society.  Empress Theodora, Irene and many other prominent women exercised great influence in social affairs. 11. DECLINE OF BYZANTINE EMPIRE: 1

SASSINID EMPIRE AND CIVILIZATION: 1. ESTABLISHMENT: Empire was founded by Ardashir I and lasted from 224 A.D to 651 A.D 2. LOCATION: It encompassed the present Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Caucasus ( Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Dagestan ), South Western Central Asia and Persian gulf area. 3. CAPITAL: Ardshir-khwarrah ( Present Firouzabad in Iran ).

4. RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS:  Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Sassanid Empire.  Besides Zoroastrianism, Christianity was also recognized by Yazd Eger I as allowable faith within the premises of Sassanid Empire. 5. SOCIAL CONDITIONS: According to historians, the Sassanid society was divided into four classes. 1 Priests 2 Warriors 3 Secretaries 4 Commoners 5 Apart from these, the royal princess, petty rulers and great landlords together constituted a privileged class. 6 At the centre of Sassanid caste system was the ‘SHEHNSHAH’, ruling over all the nobles. 6. INTELLECTUAL CONDITIONS: 1 The Sassanid kings were enlightened patrons of letters and philosophy. 2 Khusro I had the works of Plato and Aristotle translated into ‘Pehlvi’ and even read them himself.

3 Under his patronage, the college of ‘Gundi Shahpur’, founded in 5th Century, became the greatest intellectual centre of the time. 4 The art flourished tremendously in Sassanid Empire and influenced Islamic culture and architecture in the years to come. 7. POLITICAL CONDITIONS: 1 The Sassanid empire was absolute monarchy with the ‘Shehnshah’ being the absolute and ultimate ruler. 8. DECLINE AND DOWNFALL OF SASSANID EMPIRE: 2 After a series of wars, with the Sassanids, the Muslims brought the downfall of the empire, in the 651 A.D

ARABS BEFORE THE ADVENT OF ISLAM ( JAHLIYA PERIOD ) “Never in the annals of history of the world was the need so great, the time so ripe, for the appearance of a deliverer.” ( Ameer Ali ) 1. POLITICAL CONDITIONS: Politically Arabia was the under great chaos and unrest due to following reasons:  The absence of a central government.  Tribal wars on petty issues resulted into unending bloodshed and barbarism.  The nomadic Bedouins were land pirates. They plundered their neighbours, caravans, the helpless and the weak.  Political power depended solely on availability of man to kill and be killed. 2. MORAL CONDITIONS: “War, Women and Wine were the three absorbing passions of the Arabs.” (Khuda Bux)  Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs were indulged in all vices; drinking, debauchery, robbery, murder and infanticide.  Polygamy and polyandry were in vogue.  Prostitution was a recognized profession.  Women had no inheritance in property. 3. SOCIAL CONDITIONS: “For them, their existed only tribe and family but no Arab nation. What they further lacked was the sense of subordination.” ( Joseph Hell )  Socially, the Arabs had collapsed the fabric of society.  Chaos, disorder, violence was rampant.  Building a civilized and rule based society was regarded by them as hindrance to their freedom.  Slavery was immanent in Arab society.  Slaves were treated most inhumanly. 

4. RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS: Religiously, the Arabia painted a lamentable picture.

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They were indulged in idolatry and nature worshiping. They did not believe in oneness of God and life hereafter. The house of Ka’aba had become the house of idols. Only it had 360 idols. Magicians exploited the poor who believed in evil spirits and superstitions.

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5. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS: Barren soil and non-navigable rivers and dry climate made cultivation of Arab desert impossible. Poverty made the most penniless Arabs to commit infanticide. Bedouins mainly reared flock and cattle. Camel acted as ship of the desert. In TRADE, Makkah was the a great commercial centre. South Arabia supplied super fine leather and valuable materials for dress. North Arabia supplied corn and weapons. Trade was carried out through barter system.

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6. INTELLECTUAL CONDITIONS: The Arabs excelled the whole world especially in their poetry, memory power and eloquence. They had wild love for their language, Arabic. Amral Qais was the most prominent pre-Islamic poet. Education in the modern sense was yet to develop.

7. CONCLUSION: “The stage was set; the moment was psychological for the rise of a great religious and psychological leader. The Prophet came as a mercy towards the creatures and raised the Arabs from a fallen state to the highest pitch of glory.” ( Philip K. Hitti )

Significance of Islam as a Revolutionary Force  

1. RELIGIOUS REFORMS BROUGHT BY ISLAM: Shift from polytheism to monotheism. Belief in one God, prophet, day of judgment. 2. 1 2 3 4 5 6

SOCIAL REFROMS Shift from tribal to egalitarian society. Muslim brotherhood prevailed. No more social evils. Blood thirsty enemies became brothers. Best example at Madinah after hijrah. End to all social classes existing in pre-Islamic world.

3. POLITICAL REFORMS 1 Islamic political system based on equality, liberty and fraternity. 2 No more tribal warfare.

3 Concept of pan-Islamism. 4 Establishment of Islamic Empire which is one of the greatest empire of all the time. 4. INTELLECTUAL REFORMS 1 Islam brought a revolutionary change in the pre-Islamic intellectual domains. 2 Islam promoted learning and education. “It is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge.” (Al-hadith) 3 Arabs who were previously known as lizard eaters became the most civilized people on the face of earth. 4 Muslim rulers patronized educational, cultural and intellectual development in the cities of Baghdad, Damascus, Cordova and Granada which proved to be greatest centers of civilization in the world. 5. ECONOMIC REFORMS 1 Islam introduced the best economic system the human society ever witnessed. 2 Measures like Zakat, Charity, ensures the circulation of wealth and discourage its accumulation into few hands. 3 Islam strictly prohibits economic exploitation of people in any form or shape. 4 Islam gives right of inheritance to woman which the Arabs during Jahliya Period denied.

STUDY AREA – TWO: THE HOLY PROPHET ( P.B.U.H)

HIJRAH: 13th Nabvi ( Sept 24, 622 A.D ) “ The years of rejection, persecution, and seemingly failure came to an end, and years of honour and success dawned in the life of Muhammad (P.B.U.H).” ( Philip K Hitti ) “Leaving the city of his birth as a despised Prophet, he entered city of adoption as an honoured chief.” ( Philip K Hitti ) CAUSES OF HIJRAH: 1. The refusal of Quraish to embarrass Islam. 2. The atrocities of Quraish. 3. the precedent of Hijrah to Habsha (Abyssinya). 4. The love and considerations of Madinites. 5. The death of Hazrat Khadija (R.A) and Abu Talib. 6. The assassination plan by infidels. 7. The divine revelation. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HIJRAH 1. Helpless minority in Makkah turned into powerful majority in Madinah. 2. Priendly climate of preaching.

3. Madinah, a centre for Muslims with strong defense. 4. Unshared political powers of Muslims. 5. Establishment of Islamic Society in Madinah. 6. Spread of Islam. 7. Economic growth of Muslims. 8. Separate identity for Muslims. 9. Emancipation from Quraish. 10. Beginning of Islamic calendar. “Seventeen years later, the caliph Umar (R.A) designated that lunar year in which the Hijrah took place as the official starting point of the Muslim era.” (Philip K Hitti) EVENTS OF HIJRAH 1 Departure from Makkah to Madinah with Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A). 2 Stay in Thawr Cave (3 miles from Makkah) for three days. 3 The chase by Quraish. 4 Arrival at Quba and stay for fourteen days. 5 Warm welcome at Madinah. CONCLUSION 1 Hijrah proved a turning point and a new chapter for both Muslims and the preaching of Islam. 2 Islam could have died down forever if Hijrah had not been carried out.

CHARTER OF MADINAH IMPORTANT CLAUSES 1 Common nationality for all communities. 2 Common defense. Common enemies/Common friends. 3 (All parties are bound help each other in case of foreign assault. None among the stakeholders can sign a separate peace while Muslims are fighting in the path of Allah.) 4 Common interest against Quraish. (No non-believer in Madinah will intervene in favour of Quraish.) 5 Religious freedom for all. 6 Equal Rights for all. (Social, Legal and Economic Equality.) 7 Protection of the oppressed. 8 Muslims help other Muslims. 9 Mutual advice and consultation. 10 Sanctity of Madinah. 11 Muhammad (P.B.U.H) will be the sole arbitrator. IMPORTANCE OF THE CHARTER “The constitution reveals Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H) great diplomatic skills for it allows the ideal that he cherished of an Ummah.” (Encyclopedia of Islam) “The charter of Madinah was a social contract derived from a treaty and was built upon the concept

of one community of diverse tribes.” (L. Ali Khan, Legal Scholar) “The holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) of Islam had been neglected and abused by his own people at Makkah, while at Madinah he was not only received as an honoured chief but also made president of the republic.” (Hugh Kennedy) 1 First written constitution of the world. 2 Magna Carta of early Islam. 3 Statesmanship of holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) 4 Civil liberties and equal rights for all. 5 Defence of Madinah. 6 Protection of the Muslims. 7 Islam as politico-religious entity. 8 Legitimate right of Muslims to spread Islam. 9 Peace, the foremost lesson of Islam.

TREATY OF HUDAIBIYA  

1. BACKGROUND Six years had passed since Muslims left Makkah. They had strong desire to visit their homes and pilgrimage. 2. 1 2 3 4

INTENTION OF PILGRIMAGE Departure from Madinah with 1400 companions. 6th Hijri, in the month of Zulqadha. Response of Quraish. Stay at Hudaibiya

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BAIT-E-RIDHWAN Hazrat Uthman (R.A) sent as a messenger. Quraish reluctance to allow to the pilgrimage. Rumour of Hazrat Uthman’s (R.A) death. Oath of allegiance under the tree.

4. TREATY OF HUDAIBIYA 1 SOHAIL BIN AMAR came from the side of Quraish to negotiate the terms of the treaty. 5. 2 3 4 5 6

TERMS OF THE TREATY Return this year and perform pilgrimage next year. Next year, Muslims will come unarmed. Suspension of war for ten years. Arabs tribe will be at liberty to join any either of the two groups. Muslims will return anyone going from Makkah to Quraish but the Quraish will not.

6. IMPORTANCE OF THE TREATY

1 Revelation of clear victory. “We have given thee a clear victory.” (Al-Quran) 2 After the treaty Muslims started visiting Makkah having free interaction with the people there. This interaction paved the way for Makkans to study the positive changes in the lives of Muslims brought about by Islam. They were deeply impressed by the teachings of Islam and embraced Islam thick and fast. 3 The signing of the treaty with Muslims by Quraish was the obvious indicator that they are compelled to accept Muslims as no longer homeless and helpless people but an equally powerful group. 4 The treaty was the living example of peaceful co-existence of Muslims. It impacted well on the Arab tribes that were fed up with the bloody warfare going on for centuries. Thus they whole heartedly started joining Muslims. 5 Letters to foreign rulers; I. Byzantine Ruler Hercules received the Muslim envoy well. II. Sassanid Ruler Chosroe insulted the envoy. III. Christian Prince of Bannu Gussan treacherously killed the envoy. IV. Persian Governor of Yemen embraced Islam. 6 The treaty backfired to the Quraish (Abu Baseer at Aes) 7 The treaty proved to be precursor of the conquest of Makkah. 7. IMPORTANCE OF THE TREATY ACCORDING TO HISTORIANS “The treaty of Huddabiya gave a breathing space to the two combatants and of this the Prophet (P.B.U.H) reaped the whole advantage”. (Encyclopedia Britannica) “The treaty of Huddabiya is looked upon as a model for drawing up the draft of the model arbitration treaty”. (Majeed Khudri) “The treaty was thus favourable to Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in the long term strategy but for the moment it left him to deal with the disappointment of his followers. (Montgomery Watt)

THE CONQUEST OF MAKKAH 1) BACKGROUND 1 Treaty of Huddabiya violated (Bannu Bakr attacked Bannu Khuzza) 2 Three offers given to Quraish i. Pay blood money of the murdered ii. Quraish withdraw from their support for Bannu Bakr iii. It be announced that the treaty of Huddabiya has fallen apart 3 Quraish went for the third option but then regretted and requested to keep the treaty intact but it was rejected. 2) 1 2 3

EVENTS March of Army (10,000 Mujhadeen) Abu Sufyan arrested and pardoned The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was in Makkah

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The most peaceful conquest Breaking of idols Forgiveness for all

3) EFFECTS OF THE CONQUEST i. Triumph of truth over falsehood “Truth has come and falsehood vanished” (AL-Quran) ii. The hold of Muslims on the center of Arabs iii. Beginning of new era in the preaching of Islam iv. End to hostility against Arabia v. The day of rebirth of Humanity vi. The red letter day in the history of Arabs vii. Establishment of new power in the world viii.Islamic preaching of peace and the conquest 4) CONCLUSION “Thus Muhammad (P.B.U.H) entered again in His native city. Through all the annals of conquest, there is no triumphant entry comparable to this one” (Stanley L Poole)

THE LAST SERMON OF THE HOLY PROPHET (P.B.U.H) 1) BACKGROUND

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10th Hijrah, The Prophet felt that his mission was completed and the sublime task accomplished Divine indications that he would soon join his Lord. (Surah Nasr) He decided to make farewell address on the occasion of Hajj All the tribes were informed

2) EVENTS

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Departure from Madina and arrival at Makkah Performance of Hajj rituals Arrival at Arafat (9 Zil-Hajj) The sermon

3) SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SERMON i. Equality “All of you are as equal as the fingers of a hand …… The Arabs are not superior to the Ajamis, nor the Ajamis superior to Arabs.” ii.Rights of wives “O people! You have rights over your wives and your wives over you. Treat your wives with kindness. You have taken them on the security of Allah and made them lawful unto you by the words of Allah”. iii. Muslim Brotherhood “O people! Listen to my words and remember that all Muslims are brothers unto one another”. iv. Preaching of Justice “Guard yourself from committing injustice”. v. No exploitation of the weak “You will not take your brother’s belongings which he will not give you out of good will”. vi. Rights of slaves “Feed your slaves as you feed yourselves and cloth your slaves as you cloth yourselves”. vii. Bloodshed prohibited “All bloodshed in the days of ignorance is to be left unavenged”. viii. Islam perfected

“This day have I perfected for you your faith and completed my blessing upon you, and have accepted for you Islam as religion”. (AL-QURAN) 4) IMPORTANCE OF THE SERMON “Never before had a spectacle been witnessed in the annals of world nor had humanity heard such moving words, advocating respect for the humans”. (Bashir-ud-Din Muhamm...