1.

1: Influences
Geographical Influence
Moslem faith flourished principally in the countries of southern Asia and North Africa. 20 th century mobility
has brought Islam to outposts throughout the world with architectural consequences in apparently unlikely
places as Sydney and South fields.
Most important movements were the Arab Expansion Northwards and Westwards out of the Arabian
Peninsula and of the Turkish and Mongol groups – South East, Southwest and Central Asia.
Islamic Countries in Middle East
Various concepts are often being paralleled to Middle East, most notably Near East, Fertile Crescent and
the Levant. Near East, Levant and Fertile Crescent are geographic concepts, which refer to large sections
of the modern defined Middle East, with Near East being the closest to Middle East in its geographic
meaning.
Due to it primarily being Arabic speaking, the Maghreb region of North Africa is sometimes included.
 Geological Influence
The countries into which Islam first expanded are already rich in building tradition. The materials used in
the Islamic period buildings are rather diverse including bricks, chalk, tiles, stone, wood and glass.

 Brick making and pile walling were almost universal in alluvial or muddy plains.
 Stone bearing areas, the art of selecting and working were strong.
 Marble was generally available as an article of trade.
 Wood is the typical materials in interior decorations. It adds features in Walls, ceilings and other small
areas.

Bricks
Detail of glazed brick, Islamic dome, Mausoleum near Sultaniya in Iran.
Marble
Sultan Qaboos Mosque (Muscat's Grand Mosque) in Oman
Wood
Sultan Qaboos Mosque (Muscat's Grand Mosque) showing their marble flooring and wooden decorative
ceiling.
Climatic Influence
The climate in the Middle East is pretty consistent throughout the region with only two seasons: winter and
summer.
Rainfall is almost nonexistent as most Middle Eastern countries consist of semi-arid and desert terrain,
although the countries along the Mediterranean coast and the northern areas of Iraq, Iran and Turkey
experience wet and freezing conditions in the winter months. On the flipside, summer temps in the Middle
East can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius where even the seawater is a warm, salty soup.
Summer: May to September
Summer can see the mercury rise to the high-40s in Middle East countries . The hottest months are July
and August, which also coincide with the month-long Ramadan religious festival where Muslims fast from
sunrise to sunset. Ramadan can be a difficult time to travel around the Middle East as businesses open at
erratic times and visitors are asked to respect the fasting period by not eating or drinking in public.
Due to the oppressive heat, this is also the low tourist season with cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds
around the attractions. Late summer can also be humid with sandstorms in certain countries. Head to
Yemen from June to September when the southeast monsoon brings green to the desert, otherwise the
coastal beach areas are the best place to be.
Winter: October to April
This season is considered the best time to visit the Middle East where the temperatures are pleasant with
less humidity and much cooler at night-time. Average temps range from 10 degrees Celsius in the UAE to
the early-20s in the coastal areas like Aqaba in Jordan.
The climate conditions of these months vary greatly between the different terrains of the Middle East where
winters can also be mild and wet along the Mediterranean coast, while Saudi Arabia, northern Turkey, Iraq
and Iran, Syria and Jordan experience real winters with freezing temps in the mountains and even snowfall
between November to March.
Climate Classification
Historical and Religious Influence of Islam
Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it
the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the
time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.

Islamic Facts

 The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”

 Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
 Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
 Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can
happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will.
 Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
 Muslims believe several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law. They respect some of the same
prophets as Jews and Christians, including Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. Muslims contend that
Muhammad was the final prophet.
 Mosques are places where Muslims worship.
 Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in
Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
 The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam. The Hadith is another important book. Muslims
also revere some material found in the Judeo-Christian Bible.
 Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran. They believe there will be a day of
judgment, and life after death.
 A central idea in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in
mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to internal and external efforts to defend their faith.
Although rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is needed.

Muhammad
The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia,
in 570 A.D. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind.
According to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 A.D. while he
was meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to recite the words of Allah.
Muslims believe that Muhammad continued to receive revelations from Allah throughout the rest of his life.
Starting in about 613, Muhammad began preaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. He
taught that there was no other God but Allah and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God.

Hijra
In 622, Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Medina with his supporters. This journey became known as the
Hijra (also spelled Hegira or Hijrah), and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Some seven years later, Muhammad and his many followers returned to Mecca and conquered the region.
He continued to preach until his death in 632.
 
Abu Bakr
After Muhammad’s passing, Islam began to spread rapidly.  A series of leaders, known as caliphs, became
successors to Muhammad. This system of leadership, which was run by a Muslim ruler, became known as
a caliphate.
The first caliph was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law and close friend.
Abu Bakr died about two years after he was elected and was succeeded in 634 by Caliph Umar, another
father-in-law of Muhammad.
Caliphate System
When Umar was assassinated six years after being named caliph, Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took
the role.
Uthman was also killed, and Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was selected as the next caliph.
During the reign of the first four caliphs, Arab Muslims conquered large regions in the Middle East,
including Syria, Palestine, Iran and Iraq. Islam also spread throughout areas in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The caliphate system lasted for centuries and eventually evolved into the Ottoman Empire, which controlled
large regions in the Middle East from about 1517 until 1917, when World War I ended the Ottoman reign.
Sunnis and Shiites
When Muhammad died, there was debate over who should replace him as leader. This led to a schism in
Islam, and two major sects emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites.
Sunnis make up nearly 90 percent of Muslims worldwide. They accept that the first four caliphs were the
true successors to Muhammad.
Shiite Muslims believe that only the caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad.
They deny the legitimacy of the first three caliphs. Today, Shiite Muslims have a considerable presence in
Iran, Iraq and Syria.
 
Other Types of Islam
Other, smaller Muslim denominations within the Sunni and Shiite groups exist. Some of these include:

 Wahhabi: This Sunni sect, made up of members of the Tameem tribe in Saudi Arabia, was founded in
the 18th century. Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by
Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab.
 Alawite: This Shiite form of Islam is prevalent in Syria. Followers hold similar beliefs about the caliph Ali
but also observe some Christian and Zoroastrian holidays.
 Nation of Islam: This mostly African-American, Sunni sect was founded in the 1930s in Detroit,
Michigan.
 Kharijites: This sect broke from the Shiites after disagreeing over how to select a new leader. They are
known for radical fundamentalism, and today are called Ibadis.

Quran
The Quran (sometimes spelled Qur’an or Koran) is considered the most important holy book among
Muslims.
It contains some basic information that is found in the Hebrew Bible as well as revelations that were given
to Muhammad. The text is considered the sacred word of God and supercedes any previous writings.
Most Muslims believe that Muhammad’s scribes wrote down his words, which became the Quran.
(Muhammad himself was never taught to read or write.)
The book is written with Allah as the first person, speaking through Gabriel to Muhammad. It contains 114
chapters, which are called surahs.
Scholars believe the Quran was compiled shortly after Muhammad’s death, under the guidance of Caliph
Abu Bakr.
How Muslims Pray
Salat
Salat is the obligatory Muslim prayers, performed five times each day by Muslims. It is the second Pillar of
Islam.
God ordered Muslims to pray at five set times of day:

o Salat al-fajr: dawn, before sunrise
o Salat al-zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest
o Salat al-'asr: the late part of the afternoon
o Salat al-maghrib: just after sunset
o Salat al-'isha: between sunset and midnight

All Muslims try to do this. Muslim children as young as seven are encouraged to pray.
Positions and movements
Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijra calendar, is a lunar calendar used in Islamic religious worship.
The calendar began in the year 622 A.D., celebrating the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
The Islamic calendar indicates the proper days of Islamic holidays and celebrations, including the period of
fasting and prayer known as Ramadan, which occurs during the ninth month of the calendar.
Islam Symbols
As in many religions, there is no single image or symbol of Islam that is universally accepted by all Muslims
worldwide.
The crescent moon and star has been adopted in some predominantly Muslim countries as a symbol of
Islam, though the crescent moon and star image is believed to pre-date Islam and was originally a symbol
of the Ottoman Empire.  
In some other applications, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian aid
movement, a red crescent indicates that followers of Islam are respected and treated accordingly.
The color green is also sometimes associated with Islam, as it was reportedly a favorite color of
Muhammad's and is often featured prominently in the flags of predominantly Muslim countries.
Five Pillars of Islam
Muslims follow five basic pillars that are essential to their faith. These include:
 Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad
 Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening)
 Zakat: to give to those in need
 Sawm: to fast during Ramadan
 Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able

Sharia Law
Islam’s legal system is known as Sharia Law. This faith-based code of conduct directs Muslims on how
they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives.
Sharia law requires men and women to dress modestly. It also outlines marriage guidelines and other
moral principles for Muslims.
If crimes are committed, Sharia law is known for its harsh punishments. For example, the punishment for
theft is amputating a person’s hand. Adultery can carry the penalty of death by stoning. However, many
Muslims do not support such extreme measures.
Muslim Prayer
The prophet Muhammad is credited with building the first mosque in the courtyard of his house in Medina.
Mosques today follow some of the same principles he established in 622 A.D.
Muslim prayer is often conducted in a mosque's large open space or outdoor courtyard. A mihrab is a
decorative feature or niche in the mosque that indicates the direction to Mecca, and therefore the direction
to face during prayer.
Men and women pray separately, and Muslims may visit a mosque five times a day for each of the prayer
sessions. In addition to hosting prayers, mosques often function as public gathering places and social
centers. 
Muslim Holidays
The two major Muslim holidays are:
Eid al-Adha: celebrates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
Eid al-Fitr: marks the end of Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Muslims also celebrate other holidays, such as the Islamic New Year and the birth of Muhammad.
Islam Today
In recent years, Islam’s supposed association with terrorism and mass murder has sparked a political
debate in many countries. The controversial term “radical Islam” has become a well-known label to
describe the religion’s connection to acts of violence.
While some Muslims use their faith to justify terrorism, the vast majority do not. In fact, Muslims are
frequently victims of violence themselves.
Recent surveys have found that in countries with high Muslim populations, the majority of Muslims have
overwhelmingly negative views of terrorist groups like ISIS.
While Muslims aim to clear up misconceptions about their faith, the religion continues to spread rapidly.
Today, Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion. Experts predict Islam will surpass Christianity as the
largest religion by the end of the century.
 
Social Influence of Islam
Islam is a practical way of life. It has responded to reality and necessity. It has also put a check on human
tendencies and ensured balance. The system is full of wisdom and is perfectly scientific, completely logical.
Allah, the All-knowing, has prescribed what is best for us. They should not be apologetic in our approach.
Islam provides the best answer to all problems. They cannot blame Islam if we do not know it or fail to
understand it. We need to look at Islam as a whole, not only at a part of it. This is because Islam views life
as a whole and does not divide it.
All areas of life are inter-related; the status of women, marriage and family life are only single aspects of the
whole Islamic system.
Family Life in Islam
Family life is the basis of the Islamic society. Its origin goes back to the beginning of the creation of man
and women-- Adam and Eve.
Marriage is the basis of the Islamic family. A good and sound society can only grow if a man and woman
are bound in a solid relationship through the sacred contract of marriage.
Marriage develops love, care and co-operation between the husband and wife. It gives peace of mind and
provides a secure atmosphere for the growth and progress of the whole human race. Without marriage, the
human race would come to a standstill. Marriage was the practice of most of the prophets including
Muhammad.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred social contract between a bridegroom and a bride. A great deal of thought is
necessary therefore before the couple decide to marry.
Piety should come before all other considerations. AIIah's prophet said, "Do not marry only for the sake of
beauty, maybe the beauty becomes the cause of moral decline. Do not marry even for the sake of wealth;
maybe the wealth becomes the reason of disobedience; marry rather on the grounds of religious devotion."
A Muslim is expected to marry a Muslim although in some cases chaste Jewish and Christian women can
be married. However, a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a non-Muslim man. In Islam, marriage is a
religious and social institution and not simply a sexual relationship.
Muslim marriages are traditionally arranged by parents but the final say lies with the boy and the girl.
lslam does not allow free mixing of grown-up boys and girls, nor does it allowed outside marriage. The
Islamic way of life does not approve of the boy-friend/girl-friend system, or mixed parties of grown-ups and
the like.
Islamic society is based on submission and obedience to the will of Allah. Husband and wife, bound by
marriage, are Allah's servants and representatives (Khalifah). Marriage must not conflict with the purpose of
life (seeking Allah’s pleasure), rather it should lead towards its achievement.
Divorce ls allowed but is regarded as the least desirable of all lawful acts. lslam encourages adjustment
and happiness but when living together is impossible, Islamic low does not stand in the way of divorce.
Status of Women In Islam
Women have a very important place in Islamic society. Unlike a number of other religions, Islam holds a
women in high esteem. Her importance as another and a wife has been clearly stated by Prophet
Muhammad.
As-Safa and Al-Marwah, which is observed to remember the event of Hajar (Hagar), mother of Prophet
Ismail, who ran between these two hills to find water. This is another proof of the importance given to
women by Islam.
In order to Judge these false ideas held by western people, it would be useful to survey the attitudes to
women in different societies in the past.
During the Roman civilization, for example, a woman was regarded as a slave. The Greeks considered her
a commodity to be bought and sold. Early Christianity regarded women as temptresses, responsible for the
fall of Adam.
In India, the Hindus until recently, considered their women worse then death, pests, serpents or even Hell.
A wife's life ended with the death of her husband. ln the past, a widow had to jump into the flames of her
husband’s funeral pyre.
In the pre-lslamic state of Arabia, a woman was regarded is a cause for grief and unhappiness and baby
girls were sometimes buried alive after birth.
Islam is a religion of common sense and is in line with human nature. It recognizes the realities of life. This
does not mean it has recognisedequality of man and woman in every respect. Rather, it has defined their
duties in keeping with their different biological make-up. Allah hasnot made man and woman identical, so it
would be against nature to try to havetotal equality between a man and a woman.
That would destroy the social balance. Society would not prosper but would instead have insoluble
problems such as broken marriages, illegitimate children and the break-up of family life. These problems
are already rife in western society. Schoolgirl pregnancies, an increase in abortions, divorce and many
other problems have cropped up because of a permissive outlook and the so-called freedom of women.
Rights of Women in lslam
Allah has created every living being in pairs - male and female (51:49) -including mankind. Allah has
honoured the children of Adam - both male and female. Men and women who believe are protectors of one
another. Allah will reward both men and women in the life after death.
In lslam a woman has a distinct and separate identity. Islam has given her the right to own property. She is
the owner of her earnings. No-one (father,husband or brother) has a right over them. She can dispose of
her earnings and property as she wishes, within the bounds of Halal (lawful) and Haram(unlawful).
lslam has given women a right to inheritance. She has a claim on the property of her dead father, husband
or childless brother.
A woman has the right to choose her husband. No-one can impose a decision on her against her will. She
has a right to seek separation (Khula') from her husband if their marriage becomes impossible to sustain.
If any man falsely questions a woman's chastity, that man is declared unfit forgiving evidence. This shows
how a woman's honour is safeguarded from false accusations.
A woman has a right to develop her talents and to work within the Iimits of slam. Islam allows a non-Muslim
married woman to retain their religion and her husband cannot interfere in this freedom. This applies to
Christian and Jewish women with Muslim husbands.
Duties of A Woman in Islam
lslam is a fair and balanced system of life. While it specifies the rights of women it also lays down duties. A
Muslim is expected to observe the following:

1. Belief in Tawhid and the practice of lslam come first. A Muslim women must perform her Salah,
observe Sawm, pay Zakah on her own wealth (If it is applicable) and go on Hajj if she can afford it. She
is exempted from Sala hand can defer Sawm during her period, but she must make up the days lost
afterwards. Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) is optional for women.
2. She is required to maintain her chastity all the time. She must not have any extra-marital relationships.
The same is the case with men.
3. It is her duty to bring up children according to the needs of lslam. Shehas to look after the family and
has almost absolute control over domestic affairs, although the family is run by mutual consultation and
co-operation. She is the queen of the family and in charge of domestic life.
4. She should dress modestly and should put on Hijab (covering cloak) while going out and meeting adult
males beyond her close relatives (33:59,24:30-31). She should not wear man's clothing.
5. She is her husband's help-mate. A faithful wife is like a garment, a Source of peace, happiness and
contentment for her husband.
6. If she is asked to go against the commands of Allah, she must defy even her husband, father or
brother.
7. She is expected to protect her husband's property and belongings in his absence.

lslam views a husband and wife as complementary to each other. Neither dominates the other. Each has
his or her own individual rights and duties - together they form a peaceful and happy family which is the
basis fora sound and prosperous society.
Man and woman are not exactly equal in lslam. They have different physical and biological features. lslam
recognizes the leadership of a man over a woman but that does not mean domination.
Polygamy and Islam
Islam is a practical religion. It can answer all human problems. Islam allows restricted polygamy --marriage
to more then one women--with a maximum of four. The normal Muslim practice is monogamy --one man
married to one wife; polygamy is the exception.
The Quran has imposed strict conditions for marrying several wives.
This further emphasizes fair treatment. But, in special circumstances Islam allows polygamy. These
situations are:

1. When a wife is barren and cannot bear children but the husband wants children. It is better to have a
second wife than to divorce the barren one. However, a barren wife has the option to seek separation
from her husband if she wishes, on the grounds of the second marriage of her husband.
2. If the first wife is chronically ill and she is unable to carry out her marital and household duties, the
husband may marry another woman and so help restore family stability.

3. Polygamy may be the solution to the problems of a society which has more women then men. This
happens especially after war. The verse in the Quran allowing more than one wife was revealed after
the battle of Uhud in which many Muslim men were martyred.

The proportion of women to men increased considerably in the countries which took part in the First and
Second World Wars. A solution to such a situation is marriage to more than one women by those men who
are able to and can be fair to each wife. This is better than leaving a large number of unmarried women.
Islam strictly forbids any sexual relationships outside marriage. There is no such thing as a mistress in
Islamic society. Islam has given dignity to women by marriage and has protected them from the exploitation
of greedy and selfishmen. Having more than one wife is better and more dignified than having a number of
mistresses. Islam holds you responsible for your actions. You cannot just enjoy women and yet have no
responsibilities of fatherhood. This is inhuman and unjust.
Equality
The equality of all Muslims is emphasized repeatedly throughout the Qur'an. It is because of that concept
that Islam under the Sunni tradition does not have an ordained clergy. There is a direct relationship
between every man and his Creator, and there can be no intermediary. This particular closeness between
the individual and God is paramount in belief as well as in practice
Forbearance and Forgiveness
A Muslim is accountable for what he does and what he fails to do in accordance with not only the letter but
also the spirit of the law. However, even though Islam imposes a number of very rigid requirements and
appears formalistic and inflexible, one of the basic premises of the relationship among Muslims, and
between Muslims and others, is derived from one of the basic premises of the relationship between a
Muslim and his Creator, namely, forbearance and forgiveness.
Summary:

Geographical Influence

Muslim countries flourished in a region located  in southwest Asia, the middle east and, usually, at least part of North Africa.
Geographically, the Middle East consist of 18  Muslim countries, the most number compare to the the regions.

Geological Influence

Known materials in the region are Brick, Stone Marble, Wood.

Climatic Influence

The Middle East region has two seasons: winter and summer
Historical and Religious Influence

Islam - The second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide

The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”

Muhammad - final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind.

Hijra - The journey of Muhammed with his supporters known as the Hijra.

Abu Bakr - After Muhammad’s passing, Islam began to spread rapidly.  A series of leaders, known as caliphs, became
successors to Muhammad. This system of leadership, which was run by a Muslim ruler, became known as a caliphate.

Other Types of Islam


o Wahhabi
o Alawite
o Kharijites

The Quran -The holy book among Muslims.

Salat - Salat is the obligatory Muslim prayers.


o Salat al-fajr: dawn, before sunrise
o Salat al-zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest
o Salat al-'asr: the late part of the afternoon
o Salat al-maghrib: just after sunset
o Salat al-'isha: between sunset and midnight

Islamic Calendar - The Hijra calendar, is a lunar calendar used in Islamic religious worship.

Islam Symbols - Crescent moon and star has been adopted in some predominantly Muslim countries as a symbol of Islam.

Five Pillars of Islam


o Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad
o Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening)
o Zakat: to give to those in need
o Sawm: to fast during Ramadan (Links to an external site.)
o Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able

Sharia Law - The faith-based code of conduct directs Muslims on how they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives.
Muslim Prayer - Often conducted in a mosque's large open space or outdoor courtyard.
Muslim Holidays

o Eid al-Adha: celebrates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
o Eid al-Fitr: marks the end of Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Social Influence

Islam is a practical way of life. It has responded to reality and necessity. It has also put a check on human tendencies and
ensured balance. The system is full of wisdom and is perfectly scientific, completely logical.