Early Islamic Civilisation

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Muhammad taught his followers to worship the one God from whom he received the revelations. They were to lead simple lives based on their religious beliefs and observances, and help those in need. The main religious observances later became known as the Five Pillars of Islam. Find out more on the key facts about Islam in this religious studies guide . Robinson, Chase E. Islamic Civilization in Thirty Lives: The First 1,000 Years. University of California Press, 2016, Oakland, Calif. Moaddel, Mansoor. " The Study of Islamic Culture and Politics: An Overview and Assessment." Annual Review of Sociology, Volume 28, Issue1, August 2002, Palo Alto, Calif. Ada is twelve and has lived near the rainforest, with her Papa Eze, for as long as she can remember. She knows Papa is not her real family but he’s always looked after her. One day, however, Papa Eze becomes unwell and tells Ada the full story behind her birth and how he came to look after her. Unfortunately, someone else has also discovered the story of Ada’s birth and who Ada is and wishes her harm. Papa Eze realizes that Ada needs to escape the village, so sends her off, with her friend Mbe, on a perilous journey to find both safety and her true identity. Along the way, they meet both new friends and old enemies and go on an adventure of a lifetime. The Islamic Golden Age was a period when science, culture, technology, education, and the arts flourished throughout the Islamic Empire. This period lasted from around 790 CE to 1258 CE. The cultural center during this time was the city of Baghdad which also served as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate.

They'll learn about this history topic by creating a timeline that organises the key events during the Ancient Islamic Civilisation and establishing what was happening in other parts of the world at the same time. This resource is differentiated to different ability levels too. Children will learn about the history of the Islamic Caliphate in the middle ages (c. AD 900) and compare its life and culture to that in London and Europe at the time. They will learn about Islamic art, as well as the discoveries of important Islamic scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi, the 'father of algebra', and the importance of the House of Wisdom. A timeline is given to support children in recognising the key events in the history of the early Islamic civilisation, including the Siege of Baghdad, and to help them put these events in the context of their knowledge of world and British history.

This timeline activity will help children develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history in contrast to each other, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study. The Islamic empire started in the Middle East in the 7th century AD. Baghdad was built in AD 752 by Caliph Al-Mansur to become the capital of the empire. Help children to learn about the history and achievements of the early Islamic civilisation, including Baghdad, with this knowledge organiser containing the key knowledge and vocabulary from our PlanIt UKS2 history unit. The city attracted scholars, scientists, Muslims, Christians and Jews from all over the world. The scholars worked together to translate ancient Roman and Greek texts on subjects like algebra, medicine, astronomy. All of the works were kept in the House of Wisdom, established by the Caliph Harun Al-Rashid and his son Al-Ma'mun. As the Caliphs built hospitals, observatories, schools, universities and libraries.

The teacher notes provide guidance for using this resource, and blank timelines have instructions for children working individually or as a group. You can use our Early Islamic Fact Sheet for help with completing the timeline.In the year 610, a successful merchant called Muhammad reported hearing voices that recited passages to him, which he later recognised as revelations from God. Muhammad shared them with his wife and close friends, and gradually attracted a small group of followers from his home town of Mecca who began to practise a new religion. This new religion became known as Islam. People who practise Islam are called Muslims. Children can be introduced to the idea that people from other civilisations have contributed to many ideas that impact on us still. They can learn about some of the differences in way of life between citizens of Baghdad and London c. AD 900. Links can be made with other cultures that contributed to the formation of theories that are still used within modern day Britain. Children will also be introduced to personalities who undertook challenges on a huge scale to leave behind fascinating legacies. There is a strong emphasis on children investigating issues and solving valid historical questions recognising the nature of the evidence on which their judgements and knowledge are based. After Muhammad died, the Islamic government was called the "Caliphate" and was ruled by a "Caliph." The first four Caliphs were all taught Islam by Muhammad and were called the "Rightly Guided" Caliphs. They were followed by the first Islamic dynasty called the Umayyad Caliphate. In 750 CE, the Abbasid Caliphate took control and ruled for 500 years. The Islamic Golden Age took place during the Abbasid Caliphate. Baghdad became a centre where knowledge was shared and influential ideas were created. Ibn al-Haytham invented an early type of camera that helped explain how the eye sees. The philosopher Ibn Sina wrote hundreds of texts on philosophy, geography, religion, mathematics and medicine. Al-Khwarizmi created writings on decimals, fractions and algebra.