Chapter 3 Matching Exercise

Salary paid to the military and administrators in early Islam, often, at least in theory, determined by one’s sabiqa, or precedence in Islam.

alternate khalifa: Successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community.

Raids or raiding among Bedouin Arabs.

singular Sharif: Literally meaning “noble,” it is a title often given to those who are descended from the family of the Prophet Muhammad, the Hashimites. It is also something of an honorific title given to tribal or religious leaders. In this book it is also a reference to the so-called latecomers in the early Islamic period, a group of tribal shaykhs and other nobles from Arabia who migrated to Iraq, but because they converted to Islam later than earlier groups felt somewhat disadvantaged, especially in terms of salary (ata) and position, which they resented.

Land tax paid based on the area of one’s holdings and types of crops cultivated.

(Arabic: the way or path): Islamic law.

Spiritual leader of a Muslim community.

Credibility

(Arabic: consultation): A committee or council, as well as the concept of “mutual consultation,” which the Quran prescribes as the preferred method for decision-making in government.

singular misr: Garrison towns established by Muslim armies in conquered lands. Many of these established the foundation for or actually became major cities throughout the region over time.

State or crown lands.

A Muslim’s standing or precedence in the community, which often determined one’s salary (ata) and position.