Early Islamic Civilisation

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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. Early Islamic art seldom included figures of humans or animals to avoid creating idols that people would worship. There are "Five Pillars of Islam" that form the framework of the religion of Islam. They are 1) Shahadah (declaration of faith) 2) Salat (prayer) 3) Zakat (charity) 4) Fasting 5) Hajj (pilgrimage). 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.

Robinson, Chase E. Islamic Civilization in Thirty Lives: The First 1,000 Years. University of California Press, 2016, Oakland, Calif. However, powerful people in Mecca felt threatened by Muhammad’s popularity and his declarations that there was only one God, and they opposed him. He took his followers to Medina in 622, where he built an Islamic community around the mosque they constructed there.

This knowledge organiser has been designed by our teacher team to perfectly support the KS2 national curriculum for history, studying a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history. Where did the Islamic empire start? Set in the ancient kingdom of Benin, this is both a fascinating insight into an ancient way of life as well as a well-told adventure story. 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. 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 . 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.

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.

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The religion of Islam was founded in 610 CE by the Prophet Muhammad in the city of Mecca (modern day Saudi Arabia). The religion soon spread throughout the region and had a major impact on the culture of the Middle East and North Africa throughout the Middle Ages. We have lots of learning resources for children learning about Islam in religious education and in history lessons, from the beginnings of Islam to the modern-day religion. Learn more about the history of the Islamic Empire

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. The Islamic Empire expanded throughout the Middle Ages to become one of the largest empires in the history of the world. It controlled the Middle East, northern Africa, the Iberian peninsula (Spain), and parts of Asia into India.

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There were several capital cities of the Caliphate throughout history. Some of the major capitals included Medina, Damascus, Baghdad, Cairo, and Istanbul.

Muhammed lived from 570 CE to 632 CE, with the Qur'an being the main holy text. He was born in Mecca but moved to Medina with his followers to escape religious persecution. The Islamic Empire was founded in Mecca and led by Caliphs.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. 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. Insoll, Timothy "Islamic Archaeology and the Sahara." The Libyan Desert: Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage. Eds. Mattingly, David, et al. Volume 6: The Society For Libyan Studies, 2006, London. 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. Located between Asia and Europe, Baghdad was an ideal place for overland trade between the two continents. Soap, honey, diamonds and more were traded on The Silk Road. Industries in silk, glass and tiles were developed and Baghdad was the first city in the Islamic world to have its own paper mill. A technique learnt from Chinese travellers.