NCERT Pointer History Class-11 Chapter-4

NCERT History Summary Class-11 Chapter-4: The Central Islamic Lands

● Prior to the rise of Islam, Arabia was quite backward socially, politically, economically and religiously in the 7th century.

● Before the rise of Islam, Arabia was dominated by the Bedouins, a nomadic tribe.

● Family was the basic unit of the Arabian society. Patriarchal family system was prevalent in which the head of the family was the eldest male member.

● The position of the women in the society was very deplorable.

● Date-palm and milk were the main constituents of their food items.

● Institution of slavery was also prevalent in the society. The slaves were treated ruthlessly and were severely punished if broke the social norms.

● Prior to the rise of Islam, the trade was not much developed. It was because Bedouins Iwere always indulged in loot and plunder and trade routes were not safe.

● The principle of‘Might is right’ prevailed in the society prior to the rise of Islam, because there was lack of a central authority.

● Prophet Muhammad is regarded as one of the greatest personalities in the world history. He was born at Mecca in 570.

● Reciting Raima, Namaz, Rauja, Zakat and Hajj are five pillars of Islam.

● Islam laid special stress on the principle of equality and believed that all men are the descendants of Allah.

● Islam strongly opposed idol worship.

● The successors of Prophet Muhammad were called Khalifas (Caliphs).

● The main duties of the Khalifas were to safeguard and spread Islam.

● The Umayyad dynasty was founded by Muawiya in 661. The rule of this dynasty continued till 750.

● The Abbasids came to power in 750. The foundation of Abbasids dynasty was laid down by Abu-ol-Abbas in 750.

● 9th century witnessed the downfall of the Abbasid empire. Taking the advantage of this, several sultanates emerged.

● The economic condition of Islamic world, during the medieval period was very prosperous.

● During medieval period, a new sect arose among the people having faith in Islamic doctrines, known as sufi sect.

● The Sufis were liberal in their thought and they dedicated their lives for the service of humanity and propagation of Islam.

● Ibn Sina was a great philosopher and a medical practitioner from Arabia. He was also known as Avicenna in Europe.

Important terms:

● Bedouins: The nomadic tribe of Arabia.

● Umma: The society founded by Prophet Muhammad.

● Hizrat: The event of Prophet Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina.

● Zakat: A religious tax collected from Muslims.

● Jaziya: A tax imposed upon the non-Muslims.

● Dhimmis: They were the protected people who paid tax to the government for the protection of their life and property.

● Synagogues: Places of worship for the Jews.

Timeline:

• 595– Muhammad marries Khadija, a wealthy Meccan trader who later supports Islam
• 610-12– Muhammad has the first revelation; first public preaching of Islam (612)
• 621– First agreement at Aqaba with Medinan converts
• 622– Migration from Mecca to Medina. Arab tribes of Medina (ansar) shelter Meccan migrants (muhajir)
• 632-61– Early caliphate; conquests of Syria, Iraq, Iran and Egypt; civil wars
• 661-750– Umayyad rule; Damascus becomes the capital
• 750-945– Abbasid rule; Baghdad becomes the capital
• 945– Buyids capture Baghdad; literary and cultural efflorescence
• 1063-1092– Rule of Nizamul mulk, the powerful Saljuq wazir who established a string of madrasas called Nizamiyya; killed by Hashishayn (Assassins)
• 1095-1291– Crusades; contacts between Muslims and Christians
• 1111– Death of Ghazali, the influential Iranian scholar who opposed rationalism
• 1258– Mongols capture Baghdad