Religion
Most of the population of the Abbasid Empire are Muslim and follow Islam. Before the Abbasids, a man named Muhammad believed in one god, Allah. He tried to convert people in Mecca, but had no luck. He migrated to Mecca where many people did listen and convert to Muslims. The Qur'an became the Muslim holy book. Muslims believe that Muhammad was a prophet, and so were Jesus and Abraham. The Abbasids followed the Sunni branch of Islam.
Language
The main language of the Abbasid Empire is Arabic. Arabic is the scared language of Islam as it is the language of the Qur'an. Muslims must learn Arabic to do religious duties like praying. Once they took over Persia, Arabic spread. Many people began to speak Arabic. People use Arabic to translate Greek studies, and also, in calligraphy.
Science
Cures, Hospitals, and Medicine:
At the House of Wisdom, Arabs translated old Greek studies on medicine in Arabic. Greek ideas spread through books. While translating, they also expanded on the studies that we use still today. They also found cures for diseases. For example, small pox. The Arabs also built the first hospital in history. These hospital treated everyone even if you had no money. The hospitals were also used as learning centers. For scholars to learn the anatomy of a human body and how to treat those who were sick.
Mathematics:
Like medicine, Arabs borrowed ideas from others. They borrowed the numerical system and zero. The Arabs also created a set of mathematical calculations called Hisab al-jabr, or algebra, "the additon of one thing to another." Arabs also further studies on geometry.
Art
Most Muslims thought it was wrong to use human faces or forms in art. They believed it took away attention from their faith. Therefore, Muslim art focused on geometric shapes and plant life. Abbasid artists are known for their designs using tile, pottery or wood. Muslim art often used Arabic script. Artists became skilled at calligraphy. They decorated almost everything with calligraphy: mosques, swords, pots.
Museum of Islamic Art
To see more pieces of art, visit the Museum of Islamic Art in Jerusalem. Now open seven days a week, 8 a.m- 10 p.m.
Trade
Many merchants travel to Baghdad. Baghdad lies on east-west trade routes making it one of the world's major trade centers. Merchants from all around the world gather in Baghdad. As merchants meet other merchants trading goods from their cultures, ideas and inventions spread. For example, paper. The Chinese taught the Arabs how to make paper, and paper-making spread through all of the Empire. Paper was used for books and records.