Islamic Conquest - A Global Historical Perspective

Module 1: Introduction to Islam and the Early Muslim Community

• Overview of Islam: Basic principles, Prophet Muhammad, and the early Muslim community.

• Sources:

  • "سيرة ابن هشام" (The Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Hisham [1].

  • "المبتدأ والمبعث والمغازي" (The Beginning and the Mission and the Battles) by Muhammad bin Ishaq [1].

Module 2: The Conquest of Arabia (632-633 CE)

• Key Events: Death of Prophet Muhammad, the Ridda Wars, and the unification of Arabia under Abu Bakr.

• Sources:

  • "البداية والنهاية" (The Beginning and the End) by Ibn Kathir [2].

  • "تاريخ الطبري" (The History of al-Tabari) by al-Tabari [3].

Module 3: The Conquest of the Middle East (633-651 CE)

• Key Events: Conquests of Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and Persia.

• Significant Figures: Khalid bin al-Walid, Amr ibn al-As, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas.

• Sources:

  • "تاريخ الطبري" (The History of al-Tabari) by al-Tabari [3].

  • "البداية والنهاية" (The Beginning and the End) by Ibn Kathir [2].

Module 4: The Conquest of North Africa and Spain (647-711 CE)

• Key Events: Conquests of Egypt, the Maghreb, and the Iberian Peninsula.

• Significant Figures: Amr ibn al-As, Uqba ibn Nafi, Tariq ibn Ziyad.

• Sources:

  • "المواعظ والاعتبار بذكر الخطط والآثار" (Lessons of History and Monuments) by al-Maqrizi [4].

  • "التعريف بما أنست دار (1)" by Ibn Battuta [5].

Module 5: The Conquest of Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent (650-1200 CE)

• Key Events: Conquests of Transoxiana, Sindh, and parts of India.

• Significant Figures: Qutayba ibn Muslim, Muhammad bin Qasim.

• Sources:

  • "تاريخ الطبري" (The History of al-Tabari) by al-Tabari [3].

  • "جامع التواريخ" (Compendium of Chronicles) by Rashid-al-Din Hamadani [6].

Module 6: Social, Cultural, and Economic Impact

• Integration and Administration: How Islamic rule affected local populations, administrative systems, and cultural practices.

• Sources:

  • "مسالك الأبصار في ممالك الأمصار" (Paths of Insight into the Realms of the Kingdoms) by Ibn Fadl Allah al-Umari [7].

  • "خطط الشام" (Topography of Syria) by Muhammad Kurd Ali [8].

Module 7: Conclusion and Legacy

• Summary of Key Points: Recap of the major conquests and their impact.

• Legacy: The enduring impact of the Islamic Conquests on world history.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures: Use of historical texts and scholarly works to deliver lectures.

• Maps and Timelines: Visual aids to help students understand the geographical and chronological scope of the conquests.

• Biographies: Focus on significant figures and their roles in the conquests.

• Case Studies: Detailed examination of specific regions and their experiences under Islamic rule.

Assessment

• Quizzes and Tests: Regular assessments to ensure understanding of key events and figures.

• Research Projects: Students to research and present on specific aspects of the Islamic Conquests.

• Reflective Essays: Students to write reflective essays on the social, cultural, and economic impact of the conquests.

References

1. "سيرة ابن هشام" (The Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Hisham.

2. "البداية والنهاية" (The Beginning and the End) by Ibn Kathir.

3. "تاريخ الطبري" (The History of al-Tabari) by al-Tabari.

4. "المواعظ والاعتبار بذكر الخطط والآثار" (Lessons of History and Monuments) by al-Maqrizi.

5. "التعريف بما أنست دار (1)" by Ibn Battuta.

6. "جامع التواريخ" (Compendium of Chronicles) by Rashid-al-Din Hamadani.

7. "مسالك الأبصار في ممالك الأمصار" (Paths of Insight into the Realms of the Kingdoms) by Ibn Fadl Allah al-Umari.

8. "خطط الشام" (Topography of Syria) by Muhammad Kurd Ali.

This curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and structured approach to teaching the Islamic Conquests, ensuring that students gain a thorough understanding of the historical events, significant figures, and the broader impact of these conquests.