Abbasid Decline and Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islamthe Spread of Islam

Spread of IslamSpread of Islam

Spread by Muslim armies to Spread by Muslim armies to conquered territoriesconquered territories

Spread by Sufis or Muslim religious Spread by Sufis or Muslim religious men who traveled via the Muslim men who traveled via the Muslim greater trade network on dhows. greater trade network on dhows. They brought Islam to many They brought Islam to many communities around the world and communities around the world and also shared in Muslim advances such also shared in Muslim advances such as the water pump and windmills.as the water pump and windmills.

Problems with AbbasidsProblems with Abbasids

As early as the 3As early as the 3rdrd caliph, al-Mahdi, caliph, al-Mahdi, problems were apparent within the problems were apparent within the Abbasid rule Abbasid rule

He was decadent and had many wives and He was decadent and had many wives and concubines. concubines.

He did not fix the issue of succession. He did not fix the issue of succession. Instead he allowed his wives to fight over Instead he allowed his wives to fight over the potential succession of their son. Place the potential succession of their son. Place intrigue occurred. After he died his eldest intrigue occurred. After he died his eldest son took the throne only to be son took the throne only to be assassinated within the year!assassinated within the year!

Harun al-RashidHarun al-Rashid786-809 Hauren al-Rashid became the caliph786-809 Hauren al-Rashid became the caliph

After the assassination of his older brother, Harun became After the assassination of his older brother, Harun became caliph. As a young man Harun was in charge of many caliph. As a young man Harun was in charge of many military campaigns and named governor of a few provinces.military campaigns and named governor of a few provinces.

He was the son of a slave womanHe was the son of a slave woman He also enjoyed excess living like his fatherHe also enjoyed excess living like his father His court was written about in His court was written about in The thousand and One NightsThe thousand and One Nights He and Charlemagne, the most powerful Christian emperor He and Charlemagne, the most powerful Christian emperor

in Europe, exchanged giftsin Europe, exchanged gifts Harun became caliph at only 22 and relied on his mother Harun became caliph at only 22 and relied on his mother

and other advisors (viziers). Eventually killed them because and other advisors (viziers). Eventually killed them because the family became too powerfulthe family became too powerful

The dependence on royal advisors became a problem for The dependence on royal advisors became a problem for later caliphs. Over time the advisors controlled the court later caliphs. Over time the advisors controlled the court and caliphs lost powerand caliphs lost power

Local uprising and rebellions and independent states start Local uprising and rebellions and independent states start to be formed under Harun’s reignto be formed under Harun’s reign

Harun led expeditions against Byzantine and forced them to Harun led expeditions against Byzantine and forced them to agree to paying money to Baghdad agree to paying money to Baghdad

www.princeton.edu/~humcomp/map3gif

Abbasid DeclineAbbasid Decline Harun al-Rashid’s death prompted a civil war Harun al-Rashid’s death prompted a civil war

between his two sons. They literally fought for the between his two sons. They literally fought for the throne.throne.

Al-Ma’mun won (813-833)Al-Ma’mun won (813-833) His sons later were convinced that in order to get His sons later were convinced that in order to get

the throne after the death of their father they would the throne after the death of their father they would have to amass larger personal armies. have to amass larger personal armies.

On son had 4000 slave body guards. Eventually On son had 4000 slave body guards. Eventually after becoming caliph he had a mercenary force of after becoming caliph he had a mercenary force of 70,000 men. 70,000 men.

846 slave mercenaries killed the reigning caliph and 846 slave mercenaries killed the reigning caliph and placed one of his sons on the throne. From this placed one of his sons on the throne. From this point on during the Abbasid reign the leaders of the point on during the Abbasid reign the leaders of the slave mercenary armies were the real power behind slave mercenary armies were the real power behind the thronethe throne

DeclineDecline In order to try and control the mercenaries forces the In order to try and control the mercenaries forces the

treasury had to be drainedtreasury had to be drained Caliphs also started to move the capital to escape the Caliphs also started to move the capital to escape the

turmoil of Baghdadturmoil of Baghdad This lead the peasants to pay for the new palaces and This lead the peasants to pay for the new palaces and

imperial centers as well as the armyimperial centers as well as the army Heavy taxes were placed on peasants. Tax collectors Heavy taxes were placed on peasants. Tax collectors

pillaged through villages. This led to some villages pillaged through villages. This led to some villages being abandoned. Also many public projects such as being abandoned. Also many public projects such as irrigation systems fell into disrepair. Some peasants irrigation systems fell into disrepair. Some peasants moved to new areas to avoid the Abbasid tax moved to new areas to avoid the Abbasid tax collectors.collectors.

Some joined gangs or became vagabonds wondering Some joined gangs or became vagabonds wondering through the empirethrough the empire

Shi’a also supported and created some peasant Shi’a also supported and created some peasant uprising against the Abbasids. They wanted them out uprising against the Abbasids. They wanted them out of power for official abuses!of power for official abuses!

WomenWomen Women became increasingly subjugated during the rule of the Abbasids Women became increasingly subjugated during the rule of the Abbasids

because of the development of the harembecause of the development of the harem Wives and concubines(slaves) of the caliphs were restricted to forbidden Wives and concubines(slaves) of the caliphs were restricted to forbidden

quarters within the palacequarters within the palace The slave concubines could win their freedom by producing strong The slave concubines could win their freedom by producing strong

offspring (sons)offspring (sons) The wealth of the Abbasids led to the demand for thousands of slaves. The wealth of the Abbasids led to the demand for thousands of slaves.

Many performed domestic service roles.Many performed domestic service roles. There are stories of caliphs who had 11,000 eunuchs and even 4000 There are stories of caliphs who had 11,000 eunuchs and even 4000

concubines!concubines! Captured non-Muslims were typical slavesCaptured non-Muslims were typical slaves Sold in large slave markets which every large town hadSold in large slave markets which every large town had Slaves were valued for their beauty and intelligenceSlaves were valued for their beauty and intelligence Caliphs and important men spent more time with their concubines than Caliphs and important men spent more time with their concubines than

their wives because they were many times better educated. their wives because they were many times better educated. Had more freedoms than the wives and could go out into public without Had more freedoms than the wives and could go out into public without

wearing a veil or robes required of married womenwearing a veil or robes required of married women Lower class women were typically married at puberty (legally age 9) and Lower class women were typically married at puberty (legally age 9) and

were raised to run the household and serve their husband. They typically were raised to run the household and serve their husband. They typically did not have outlets beyond their homes for work like farming and did not have outlets beyond their homes for work like farming and weavingweaving

Upper class women like the wives and concubines of caliphs plotted to Upper class women like the wives and concubines of caliphs plotted to advance the interests of their sons! Lots of infighting and intrigue!advance the interests of their sons! Lots of infighting and intrigue!

Women overall lost much of their freedoms during this time period!Women overall lost much of their freedoms during this time period!

Decline of AbbasidsDecline of Abbasids Territories began breaking off and becoming Territories began breaking off and becoming

independent so caliphs attempted to curtail this independent so caliphs attempted to curtail this problemproblem

But they could not and now other families were But they could not and now other families were plotting to replace the Abbaidsplotting to replace the Abbaids

In 945 the armies of one of the regional dynasties, In 945 the armies of one of the regional dynasties, the Buyids of Persia attacked and captured Baghdad.the Buyids of Persia attacked and captured Baghdad.

The caliphs were now puppets controlled by The caliphs were now puppets controlled by powerful families like the Buyids of Persia. Buyvids powerful families like the Buyids of Persia. Buyvids were Shi’a were Shi’a

Buyid leaders took on the title sultan (victorious) Buyid leaders took on the title sultan (victorious) Sultans became the title for then on out is the Sultans became the title for then on out is the

Muslim WestMuslim West The The Buyids couldn’t stop the disintegration of the empire Buyids couldn’t stop the disintegration of the empire

and by 1055 they were overthrown by the Seljuk and by 1055 they were overthrown by the Seljuk Turks from AsiaTurks from Asia

Turkic military leaders ruled the remaining Abbasid Turkic military leaders ruled the remaining Abbasid Empire in the name of caliphs. The Seljuks were Empire in the name of caliphs. The Seljuks were Sunnis and began removing all Shi’a influence and Sunnis and began removing all Shi’a influence and power from the government. They also defeated the power from the government. They also defeated the Byzantines which gave rise to Turks moving to settle Byzantines which gave rise to Turks moving to settle Asia Minor (Anatolia or Turkey today).Asia Minor (Anatolia or Turkey today).

CrusadesCrusades Knights from western Europe sent by Knights from western Europe sent by

the Catholic Church to retake the Holy the Catholic Church to retake the Holy lands and save Christians who were lands and save Christians who were being tortured and killed by Muslim being tortured and killed by Muslim conquerors according to Christian conquerors according to Christian Byzantium Byzantium

"Because he has laid down his life for "Because he has laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren," [1 John 3:16]. for the brethren," [1 John 3:16].

The Crusades did help western Europe The Crusades did help western Europe that was divided by fighting between that was divided by fighting between and within countries. The Crusades and within countries. The Crusades were something to unify Christians.were something to unify Christians.

CrusadesCrusades

First crusades 1096-1099 were the most First crusades 1096-1099 were the most successful b/c of the element of surprise successful b/c of the element of surprise and the Muslim political divisionsand the Muslim political divisions

By 1099 Jerusalem was taken with many By 1099 Jerusalem was taken with many Muslim and Jews killed in the processMuslim and Jews killed in the process

Continued the Crusades for 2 more Continued the Crusades for 2 more centuries, they differed in successcenturies, they differed in success

Muslims were united under Salah-un-Din Muslims were united under Salah-un-Din (Saladin). Muslims reconquered lost (Saladin). Muslims reconquered lost territoryterritory

CrusadeCrusade Dates of Dates of CrusadeCrusade

Crusades Timeline of EventsCrusades Timeline of Events

First CrusadeFirst Crusade 1096 - 10991096 - 1099 The People's Crusade - Freeing the Holy Lands. 1st The People's Crusade - Freeing the Holy Lands. 1st Crusade led by Count Raymond IV of Toulouse and Crusade led by Count Raymond IV of Toulouse and proclaimed by many wandering preachers, notably proclaimed by many wandering preachers, notably Peter the Hermit Peter the Hermit

Second CrusadeSecond Crusade 1144 -11551144 -1155 Crusaders prepared to attack Damascus. 2nd Crusaders prepared to attack Damascus. 2nd crusade led by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III and crusade led by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III and by King Louis VII of Franceby King Louis VII of France

Third CrusadeThird Crusade 1187 -11921187 -1192 3rd Crusade led by Richard the Lionheart of 3rd Crusade led by Richard the Lionheart of England, Philip II of France, and Holy Roman England, Philip II of France, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. Richard I made a truce with Emperor Frederick I. Richard I made a truce with SaladinSaladin

Fourth CrusadeFourth Crusade 1202 -12041202 -1204 4th Crusade led by Fulk of Neuil French/Flemish 4th Crusade led by Fulk of Neuil French/Flemish advanced on Constantinopleadvanced on Constantinople

The Children's The Children's CrusadeCrusade

12121212 The Children's Crusade led by a French peasant The Children's Crusade led by a French peasant boy, Stephen of Cloyesboy, Stephen of Cloyes

Fifth CrusadeFifth Crusade 1217 - 12211217 - 1221 The 5th Crusade led by King Andrew II of Hungary, The 5th Crusade led by King Andrew II of Hungary, Duke Leopold VI of Austria, John of Brienne Duke Leopold VI of Austria, John of Brienne

Sixth CrusadeSixth Crusade 1228 - 12291228 - 1229 The 6th Crusade led by Holy Roman Emperor The 6th Crusade led by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II Frederick II

Seventh CrusadeSeventh Crusade 1248 - 12541248 - 1254 The 7th Crusade led by Louis IX of FranceThe 7th Crusade led by Louis IX of France

Eighth CrusadeEighth Crusade 1270- 12911270- 1291 The 8th Crusade led by Louis IXThe 8th Crusade led by Louis IX

Impact of CrusadesImpact of Crusades

There had already been contact between There had already been contact between the Muslims and Europeans via trade as the Muslims and Europeans via trade as well as the Berber Kingdomwell as the Berber Kingdom

However the greater contacts due the However the greater contacts due the Crusades led to Europeans rediscovering Crusades led to Europeans rediscovering ancient and Muslim knowledgeancient and Muslim knowledge

Greek and Roman literature, math, Greek and Roman literature, math, philosophy, technology and Muslim philosophy, technology and Muslim achievements achievements

Also played a role in greater cultural like Also played a role in greater cultural like chess, dates, coffee, and yogurtchess, dates, coffee, and yogurt

Muslim AchievementMuslim Achievement

Despite a decline in the Abbasids power and Despite a decline in the Abbasids power and wealth there were many very wealthy wealth there were many very wealthy merchants. Trade flourished.merchants. Trade flourished.

Artists, architects, and engineers built beautiful Artists, architects, and engineers built beautiful mosques and palaces. They made tapestriesmosques and palaces. They made tapestries

Science: corrections to Greeks in algebra and Science: corrections to Greeks in algebra and geometry, trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent), geometry, trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent), objective experiments, material substances objective experiments, material substances into three categories: animal, vegetable, and into three categories: animal, vegetable, and mineral by al-Razi, astronomical tables and mineral by al-Razi, astronomical tables and maps, hospitals and doctors, paper making, maps, hospitals and doctors, paper making, ceramics, silk-weaving, and maps of the worldceramics, silk-weaving, and maps of the world

PersiaPersia Persians started to play a greater role Persians started to play a greater role

in the Abbasid court which led to in the Abbasid court which led to Persian replacing Arabic as the written Persian replacing Arabic as the written language of the Abbasid courtlanguage of the Abbasid court

Arabic language of law, religion, and Arabic language of law, religion, and sciencescience

Persian used for literature and Persian used for literature and calligraphycalligraphy

RubaiyatRubaiyat

. http://www.caroun.com/Calligraphy/

IranianAncientCalligraphers.html

Religious TrendsReligious Trends Contradictory trends: social strife and political Contradictory trends: social strife and political

divisions vs. expanded trade and intellectual divisions vs. expanded trade and intellectual creativitycreativity

Mysticism vs. growing orthodox religious scholar Mysticism vs. growing orthodox religious scholar (ulama)(ulama)

Crusades supported growing hostilities of non-Crusades supported growing hostilities of non-Islamic ideas and thinkingIslamic ideas and thinking

Orthodox didn’t support the idea of Greek Orthodox didn’t support the idea of Greek questioning being applied to religion. The Qur’an questioning being applied to religion. The Qur’an was final.was final.

Sufist movement during Abbasid period: Sufist movement during Abbasid period: wondering mystics who sought a personal wondering mystics who sought a personal relationship with God. There were many relationship with God. There were many manifestations including Sunni and Shi’a were manifestations including Sunni and Shi’a were against the abstract an impersonal relationship against the abstract an impersonal relationship with Allah taught by the ulamas.with Allah taught by the ulamas.

InvasionsInvasions Invasions from the East!Invasions from the East! Mongols started raiding in 1220’sMongols started raiding in 1220’s By 1258 Baghdad was sacked by the MongolsBy 1258 Baghdad was sacked by the Mongols The 37The 37thth and last Abbasid caliph was killed by and last Abbasid caliph was killed by

the Mongolsthe Mongols The Mongols also killed the Mamluks or Turkic The Mongols also killed the Mamluks or Turkic

slaves in Egyptslaves in Egypt In 1401 Baghdad again was captured by the In 1401 Baghdad again was captured by the

forces of Tamerlane. He was known for his forces of Tamerlane. He was known for his cruelty and for building pyramids of the skulls cruelty and for building pyramids of the skulls those he killed when conquering a city. those he killed when conquering a city.

Baghdad never recovered and became a Baghdad never recovered and became a regional city and was no longer a world cityregional city and was no longer a world city

Islam to South AsiaIslam to South Asia Previous invaders had assimilated to Previous invaders had assimilated to

Indian culture because it was more Indian culture because it was more sophisticated than their own. However, sophisticated than their own. However, Muslims brought a sophisticated and Muslims brought a sophisticated and ancient culture equal to that of Indiaancient culture equal to that of India

Hinduism is more open to variations of Hinduism is more open to variations of worship including gods while Islam is worship including gods while Islam is exclusive to Allahexclusive to Allah

Islam promoted the idea of equality while Islam promoted the idea of equality while Hinduism supported the caste systemHinduism supported the caste system

Sometimes violent conflict between the Sometimes violent conflict between the two groupstwo groups

India and IslamIndia and Islam

711 first Muslim intrusion due to trade711 first Muslim intrusion due to trade Muslim merchants attacked by pirates Muslim merchants attacked by pirates

sailing from Sind in western India. sailing from Sind in western India. Umayyads launched an attack on the Umayyads launched an attack on the king Sind under general Muhammad ihn king Sind under general Muhammad ihn Qasim (17 yrs). He won and the region Qasim (17 yrs). He won and the region as well as the Indus valley became a as well as the Indus valley became a province under the Umayyads. province under the Umayyads.

Hindus and Buddhists became people Hindus and Buddhists became people of the bookof the book

Indian InfluencesIndian Influences

Through trade and especially the Through trade and especially the conquering of the Sind kingdom the conquering of the Sind kingdom the Muslims picked up great learning from IndiaMuslims picked up great learning from India

Algebra, geometry, and instruments of Algebra, geometry, and instruments of celestial observationscelestial observations

Arab thinkers began using numerals that Arab thinkers began using numerals that Hindu scholars developed. These numerals Hindu scholars developed. These numerals were passed on to Europe and they were were passed on to Europe and they were called Arabic numerals even though they called Arabic numerals even though they were first from Indiawere first from India

Art, chessArt, chess

22ndnd wave of invasions to India wave of invasions to India Over time the Hindus started taking back their Over time the Hindus started taking back their

lands from the Umayyads and Abbasidslands from the Umayyads and Abbasids New raids launched by Turkish slave dynasty New raids launched by Turkish slave dynasty

that in 962 seized power in Afghanistan under that in 962 seized power in Afghanistan under their ruler, Mahmud of Ghazni. Primarily to raid, their ruler, Mahmud of Ghazni. Primarily to raid, but started going further in land to pillage but started going further in land to pillage templestemples

1212thth century went from raids to seizing political century went from raids to seizing political power. Much of north India came up his power. Much of north India came up his command. After his assassination in 1206 a command. After his assassination in 1206 a slave lieutenant, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, took power. slave lieutenant, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, took power.

Capital –Delhi Capital –Delhi Over next 300 yrs various rulers of Afghan, Over next 300 yrs various rulers of Afghan,

Persian, and Turkic descent came to power and Persian, and Turkic descent came to power and proclaimed themselves as sultans of Delhiproclaimed themselves as sultans of Delhi

ConversionConversion

Merchants spread IslamMerchants spread Islam Sufis were believed to have magic and Sufis were believed to have magic and

healing powers and they quickly developed healing powers and they quickly developed a followinga following

Mosques and schools became the regional Mosques and schools became the regional powers…Buddhist temples raidedpowers…Buddhist temples raided

Many Buddhist converted due to this and Many Buddhist converted due to this and misdirected Buddhism in Indiamisdirected Buddhism in India

Low caste and untouchables attracted to Low caste and untouchables attracted to IslamIslam

Some converted not to pay the head taxSome converted not to pay the head tax Some converted due to intermarriageSome converted due to intermarriage

Hinduism and IslamHinduism and Islam

Hindus didn’t pay much attention to Muslims and Hindus didn’t pay much attention to Muslims and thought it polluted outcastesthought it polluted outcastes

They could work in Muslim administration or as They could work in Muslim administration or as soldiers but didn’t socialize with themsoldiers but didn’t socialize with them

Lived in separate quarters in villages where Islam Lived in separate quarters in villages where Islam spreadspread

Hindus thought like previous peoples that Muslims Hindus thought like previous peoples that Muslims would just accept their culture. Which to some extend would just accept their culture. Which to some extend they did in regards to clothing styles and the caste they did in regards to clothing styles and the caste systemsystem

There were some upper class Hindu conversions and There were some upper class Hindu conversions and Muslims adopted some of their practices such as Muslims adopted some of their practices such as marrying girls at a very early age and not allow marrying girls at a very early age and not allow widows to remarry, and sati or the burning of widows widows to remarry, and sati or the burning of widows in their husbands funeral fires (found among some in their husbands funeral fires (found among some higher class Hindus) higher class Hindus)

Islamic Challenge and Hindu Islamic Challenge and Hindu RevivalRevival

Muslims were not converting to Islam, but Muslims were not converting to Islam, but some people of India, especially low caste some people of India, especially low caste members were attracted to Islammembers were attracted to Islam

Hindus then started to place greater Hindus then started to place greater emphasis on devotional cults where caste emphasis on devotional cults where caste and gender did not matter (Bhaktic cults)and gender did not matter (Bhaktic cults)

Bhaktic mystics and gurus stressed the Bhaktic mystics and gurus stressed the emotional relationship between the emotional relationship between the individual and the god/ goddessindividual and the god/ goddess

Chants, dances, and drugs were used to Chants, dances, and drugs were used to achieve a state of ecstasy. Once this state achieve a state of ecstasy. Once this state was reached all past sins and caste status was reached all past sins and caste status were rendered meaninglesswere rendered meaningless

Converts to Islam in IndiaConverts to Islam in India Some tried to minimize the difference between Some tried to minimize the difference between

Islam and HinduismIslam and Hinduism However there were still strict orthodox Muslims However there were still strict orthodox Muslims

and Hindus that believed the religions were too and Hindus that believed the religions were too different to ever mixdifferent to ever mix

Brahmans denounced Muslims as infidel Brahmans denounced Muslims as infidel destroyers of Hindu temples and polluted meat-destroyers of Hindu temples and polluted meat-eaters!eaters!

Although Muslims tried to advance their religion Although Muslims tried to advance their religion in India, many still resistedin India, many still resisted

After centuries of Muslim political dominance and After centuries of Muslim political dominance and missionary activities (Sufis) South Asia (India) missionary activities (Sufis) South Asia (India) remained primarily Hinduremained primarily Hindu

Spread of Islam to Southeast AsiaSpread of Islam to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia was a major route of trade Southeast Asia was a major route of trade activities in the Indian Ocean Basinactivities in the Indian Ocean Basin

They had many ports where they exported good They had many ports where they exported good from China to the Mediterranean. They were from China to the Mediterranean. They were known for their wood, and spices: cloves, nutmeg, known for their wood, and spices: cloves, nutmeg, and maceand mace

Merchants and sailors from India came into Merchants and sailors from India came into regular contact with them. regular contact with them.

However until the 13However until the 13thth century the Shrivijaya century the Shrivijaya family was in control of the large trade empire in family was in control of the large trade empire in southeast Asia and they were devote Buddhistssoutheast Asia and they were devote Buddhists

When the empire fell in the 13When the empire fell in the 13thth century this century this opened the way for Islam to be introduced into opened the way for Islam to be introduced into the area via merchants and sailors from Indiathe area via merchants and sailors from India

Trading Contacts and ConversionsTrading Contacts and Conversions Peaceful conversion more importantPeaceful conversion more important Merchants brought religion and SufisMerchants brought religion and Sufis Sufis spread the message of Islam Sufis spread the message of Islam 11stst port to convert was Sumatra and then Islam port to convert was Sumatra and then Islam

spread from there to Malayaspread from there to Malaya Port cities in coastal areas were receptive Port cities in coastal areas were receptive Links between trading cities were important so once Links between trading cities were important so once

one key city became Muslim it was in the interest of one key city became Muslim it was in the interest of other cities to convert to enhance personal ties and other cities to convert to enhance personal ties and have the common basis of Muslim law to regulate have the common basis of Muslim law to regulate business affairsbusiness affairs

The cities were also now linked culturally to India, The cities were also now linked culturally to India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean the Middle East, and the Mediterranean

Islam did especially well in areas where Buddhism Islam did especially well in areas where Buddhism and Hinduism conversion were mainly the elites in and Hinduism conversion were mainly the elites in society. The poor embraced it.society. The poor embraced it.

Islam did not do well in areas were Buddhism and Islam did not do well in areas were Buddhism and Hinduism had taken deep roots at the popular level Hinduism had taken deep roots at the popular level like in mainland southeast Asia and the island of like in mainland southeast Asia and the island of Bali.Bali.

Sufi Mystics and Nature of Sufi Mystics and Nature of southeast Islamsoutheast Islam

Sufis spread the message of Islam and were thought Sufis spread the message of Islam and were thought to be mystical/ magical. They tolerated the beliefs of to be mystical/ magical. They tolerated the beliefs of earlier animist, Hindus, and Buddhists mixed with earlier animist, Hindus, and Buddhists mixed with IslamIslam

Orthodox Muslims would have had a really big Orthodox Muslims would have had a really big problem with the type of Islam seen in southeast problem with the type of Islam seen in southeast AsiaAsia

Also they were not regulated by Muslim laws Also they were not regulated by Muslim laws (business) for the most part. They keep pre-Islamic (business) for the most part. They keep pre-Islamic laws.laws.

Women retained a much stronger position within the Women retained a much stronger position within the family and society!family and society!

Female buyers and sellers dominated local marketsFemale buyers and sellers dominated local markets Lineage and heritage traced though the motherLineage and heritage traced though the mother Pre-Islamic religious beliefs and rituals incorporated Pre-Islamic religious beliefs and rituals incorporated

into Muslim ceremonies into Muslim ceremonies

Islam: Bridge between WorldsIslam: Bridge between Worlds In spite of successional problems within the In spite of successional problems within the

Muslim community, the position of the Muslim community, the position of the Islamic Empire as a global civilization was Islamic Empire as a global civilization was created during the Abbasid dynastycreated during the Abbasid dynasty

Islam enriched the lives of peoples from Islam enriched the lives of peoples from around the world by sharing their around the world by sharing their knowledgeknowledge

They had wonderful achievements in arts, They had wonderful achievements in arts, science, and literaturescience, and literature

They were the place to exchange ideasThey were the place to exchange ideas They also had some problems in that they They also had some problems in that they

were divided many times and they also had were divided many times and they also had a rift between the Sufis and orthodox a rift between the Sufis and orthodox MuslimsMuslims

They were also not open to outside They were also not open to outside influenceinfluence

This eventually led to European Christians This eventually led to European Christians exploiting the weaknesses of the Muslim exploiting the weaknesses of the Muslim world.world.