Arab Civilization | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Introduction

The seeds of Arab Civilization were sown with the advent of Islam in Arabia during the 7th century. Born in Mecca in 570 AD, Muhammad, the Islamic Prophet, transformed into a prophet at the age of 40 after experiencing "visions of truth." His teachings centered around the belief in one god, Allah, and the prohibition of idol worship. Muhammad faced opposition, leading him to migrate to Medina in 622 AD, marking the significant event known as the year of Hijri. This migration shaped the Muslim era (Hijri Samvat), and from Medina, Islam rapidly spread to different corners of the world.

The Expansion of the Arab Empire

Under the guidance of Muhammad and his successors known as Caliphs, the Arab empire flourished and expanded at an unprecedented pace. Covering territories such as Iran, Syria, Egypt, Central Asia, North Africa, and Spain, the Arab empire became the largest the world had witnessed. The Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties played key roles in governing and furthering the empire's influence.

Contributions to Global Knowledge

Arab Civilization became a beacon of knowledge, assimilating and advancing the intellectual traditions of various civilizations. Key contributions to science and medicine were made by Arab scientists like Al Rasi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), who made significant discoveries related to smallpox and tuberculosis, respectively. In the field of mathematics, the Arabs adopted Indian numerals (Hindsah), which later spread worldwide and are still known as Arabic numerals in the West.

The Rich Cultural Heritage

The Arab Civilization's cultural and artistic heritage left a profound impact on the world. It gave birth to remarkable literary works like the 'Rubaiyat' by Omar Khayyam, 'Shahnama' by Firdausi, and the legendary 'Arabian Nights,' a collection of 1001 stories that continue to captivate readers across generations. The Arabs also developed their distinctive ornamental patterns, featuring horseshoe arches, minarets, domes, and columns, which adorned their architectural wonders.

The art of book illumination and calligraphy were elevated by the Arabs, leaving behind awe-inspiring manuscripts and intricate writing styles. Their mastery of craftsmanship is evident in treasures like Arab rugs, leather crafts, exquisite swords, silks, inlays, metalwork, and enamelled glassware that were coveted worldwide.

The Ottoman Era and Legacy

The Arab Civilization continued to influence the world even during the Ottoman era. By the 15th century, the Ottoman Turks ruled over most of the territories once governed by the Arab empire. Their conquest of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Eastern Roman empire. The legacy of Arab Civilization, however, endured through the centuries.