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.

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

State or crown lands.

A senior military position in the Abbasid caliphate that came to surpass the civilian bureaucracy, effectively relegating the caliphs to ceremonial figureheads by 936. The term is translated as “commander of commanders.”

(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.

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

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

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.

Located in central to southern Iraq, this was an area of rich alluvial plains fed by intricate canals and irrigation systems. It was critical to the financial health of the Abbasid caliphate.

(Arabic: struggle): Often translated in the West as “holy war,” it has come to refer to those who fight in the way of Islam, or mujahideen (holy warriors). In traditional Islam, it refers as much to an inner struggle to become a better Muslim.

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.

Spiritual leader of a Muslim community.