How did people live their lives in the early Islamic Empire?
One of the biggest empires in world history was the Islamic Empire. It spanned a wide variety of cultures, environments, and geographical regions. In the paragraphs that follow, we’ll talk about what life was like for Arab Muslims in the Middle East at the period.
Homes
The size and design of homes varied between the rich and the poor, like in all communities. While the wealthy resided in huge single family homes, the poor lived in tents or mud huts. People could escape the desert heat in the courtyards in the middle of the vast homes, which were typically equipped with fountains. On occasion, they had wind towers that used air conditioning-style blowing to cool the home.
Jobs
The Islamic Empire experienced a flourishing trading economy throughout the Middle Ages. As a result, individuals held a wide range of occupations, such as farmers, traders, artisans, educators, herders, and soldiers.
Food
Dates, honey, and milk would have been a typical meal at that time. Muslims still break their fast during Ramadan with this same dish quite frequently today. Other typical foods included water, lintels, and eggplant. Lamb and chicken were rare and usually only consumed by the wealthy. Islam forbade some meals, such as pork and alcohol. Foods that are prohibited are referred to as “haram” and those that are permitted as “halal.”
Clothing
Early Muslims wore clothes that covered their entire bodies to protect them from the intense Middle Eastern sun. Long shirts and baggy trousers were worn by both men and women. Women frequently wore veils and head scarves. Men wore turbans and other headgear, too. Covering one’s body and wearing modest clothing were also part of the Islamic faith.
School
During the early Islamic Empire, education played a significant role. Boys of all ages studied and memorised the Quran in class. They also studied Greek, astrology, mathematics, philosophy, and other disciplines.
Nomads
Some people dwelt in cities and towns, while others were nomads. Nomads roamed the desert in search of fresh water sources and pastures for their animals. They had mobile homes that were long, low tents. Nomads were among the first to embrace Islam. As they migrated from place to place, they assisted in the fast spread of Islam throughout the Middle East.
Daily Life in the Early Islamic Empire: Interesting Facts
Drinks were most frequently water. Water was occasionally flavoured with roses, fruits, or mint.
Their dwellings didn’t include a tonne of furnishings. However, rugs were widespread and were used as blankets, pillows, cushions, and floor coverings.
The families organised the majority of marriages. Women typically get married when they are 12 or 13 years old. Men typically get married between 19 and 20.
Islamic women today frequently don a “hijab,” a head and chest-covering veil.
A man was permitted to have up to four wives, but he had to be able to support them all; a woman was limited to one husband.