Middle East
Islamic Empire: Miracle Story, Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya
Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya from Basra was one of the most important founders of the mystical element of Islam, known as Sufism. The stories about her life and teachings illustrate a woman free from many of the traditional constraints placed on women’s lives.
Islamic Empire: Poem, Abbasid-era
The Abbasid period is known as a time during which women’s public roles became more restricted in the Muslim population (umma).
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Mosque Customs and Public Behavior
The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Marriage Customs
The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Confederation Sura
This Sura (or chapter) of the Qur’an, known as al-Ahzab, or the “Confederation,” is known for its many verses extolling modesty in women, as well as detailing aspects of ideal marriage.
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Women Sura
This Sura (or chapter) of the Qur’an, known as al-Nisa’, or “Women,” details a variety of legal rights and restrictions for Muslims in the realm of marriage, inheritance, and other male-female relationships.
Short Teaching Module: Bevel-Rimmed Bowls
The main point in discussing bevel-rimmed bowls in the classroom is that artifacts are as useful as texts in researching ancient societies.
Bevel-Rimmed Bowl
This is a Uruk period bevel-rimmed bowl from Habuba Kabira South, now present-day Syria. This bowl was most likely made between 3400 and 3200 BCE. These kinds of bowls can be found along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers into central Syria and Anatolia, and eastward into Iran.
Al-Muwatta on the Legal Testimony of Children
The legal practice described in the source relates the opinion of jurists on the use of children's statements in the courts.
Aqiqa, Islamic Birth Ritual
The hadith, or narrated report, reflects the Islamic custom of sacrificing a sheep upon the birth of a child, sharing the meat with extended family members, and donating some of it as charity (sadaqa).