Oct 31 Chapter 9

The worlds of Islam. For starters I was surprised about the data of 2013 some 1.6 billion people which is 23% of us population identified as Muslims which is second to Christianity. This chapter opened my eyes to the Islam world.  The Bedouins herded their sheep and camel and lived in hostile clans and tribes. They later moved to Yemen.  In the Arabian peninsula, Mecca was the site of the Kaaba. The Christians, Muslims and Jews once prayed to the High God Yahweh. Around 570-632 C.E. Mohammad Ibn Abdullah who was born in Mecca to the Quraysh family changed the world. He was convinced that he was Allah's messenger to the Arabs. Over the next 22 years the Quran was delivered through Muhammad. People were not just reading the Quran but reciting it. This Arab state became a huge empire that included the Egyptian, Roman/Byzantine, Persian, Mesopotamian and Indian civilizations. Shortly after Muhammand's death there was plenty of war in the region. 400 year later many converted to Islamout of "social conversion" because of convenience than conviction. Let's jump to the early Islam of women and men. In the spiritual life both are equal but in social term, not so much. Different rules in so many ways.  I wouldn't say men had the advantage but if I had a choice I would be a man in those times. I don't fine any pleasure in having sex with a slave but it was permitted. Women who violated sexual taboos could result in "Honor killing"
The 4 way comparison are India, Anatolia (north of the Mediterrian sea) West Africa and Spain.

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