NCERT Summary: The Early Societies (Theme 4: The Central Islamic Lands) | NCERT Video Summary: Class 6 to Class 12 (English) - UPSC PDF Download

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. k
• Prior to the rise of Islam, the trade was not much developed. It was because Bedouins I were 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 in 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.

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