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Early Islamic World

Daily Life

History for Kids >> Early Islamic World

What was daily life like during the early part of the Islamic Empire?

The Islamic Empire was one of the largest empires in world history. It covered a wide range of cultures, climates, and geography. Below we will discuss what the daily life was like during this time for Arab Muslims living in the Middle East.

Homes

Like with all societies, the size and style of homes were different for the rich and the poor. Poor people lived in tents or mud huts, while the wealthy lived in large single family homes. The large homes usually had a courtyard in the center with a fountain where people could cool off from the desert heat. Sometimes they had wind towers that would force wind through the house like air conditioning.

Jobs

During the Middle Ages, the Islamic Empire had a booming trade economy. As a result, people worked a variety of jobs including farmers, merchants, craftsmen, teachers, herders, and soldiers.

Three girls wearing colorful Hijabs
Girls wearing Hijab
Source: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Food

A common meal during that time would have consisted of dates, honey, and milk. This same meal is often used today by Muslims to break their fast during Ramadan. Other common foods included eggplant, lintels, and water to drink. Meat, such as lamb and chicken, was rare and typically only eaten by the wealthy. Some foods were forbidden by Islam including pork and alcohol. Forbidden foods are called "haram" and allowed foods are called "halal."

Clothing

To protect themselves from the hot sun of the Middle East, early Muslims wore clothing that covered their entire bodies. Both men and women wore long shirts and loose pants. Women often wore head scarves and veils. Men also used head coverings including turbans. Dressing modestly and covering up was also part of the Islamic religion.

School

Education was an important part of the early Islamic Empire. Young boys attended school where they studied and memorized the Quran. They also studied other subjects including mathematics, philosophy, astrology, and Greek.

Nomads

Nomads in Badghis Province
Modern Day Nomads
by Petty Officer 1st Class Mark O'Donald.
While some people lived in towns and villages, others were nomads. Nomads moved about the desert looking for new pastures and water for their animals. They lived in long, low tents that were easy to move about. Some of the first converts to Islam were nomads. They helped Islam to spread rapidly throughout the Middle East as they moved from place to place.

Interesting Facts about Daily Life During the Early Islamic Empire
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Caliphate
First Four Caliphs
Umayyad Caliphate
Abbasid Caliphate
Ottoman Empire
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People
Scholars and Scientists
Ibn Battuta
Saladin
Suleiman the Magnificent
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Islam
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Calendar and Festivals
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Islamic Spain
Islam in North Africa
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Works Cited

History for Kids >> Early Islamic World


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