TCI Lesson 7 The Origins and Spread of Islam

BEFORE Muhammad was born, the people of Arabian Peninsula were united by

• a belief in one God

• a single social class

• a common language

• a central government

What geographic feature made Mecca a wealthy city?

• sheltered harbor

• deep mountain forests

• location on trade routes

• oasis water for agriculture

According to Islamic teachings, what did the angel Gabriel tell Muhammad to do?

• teach monotheism

• defeat the Syrian rulers

• write down the most important christian laws

• flee to the deserts of North Africa

The word Muslim means one who

• surrenders to God

• follows Muhammad

• preaches the one true faith

• practices kindness toward all

Why is the Qur'an the holy book of Islam?

• It tells the story of Muhammad's life and death

• It records the words of God spoken by Gabriel

• It is a collection of sermons by the prophet Muhammad

• It records the history of the Arabs and the spread of Islam

What teaching by Muhammad most upset the leader of Mecca?

• children should learn to read

• Women should have more rights

• The rich should share their wealth

• Trade with unbelievers was wrong

What is said to have happened on Muhammad's Night Journey?

• A winged horse-like creature took him to Jerusalem

• He met an angel in a cave near his home.

• He fled from Mecca to another city for safety

• He visited his sleeping followers just before he died

What action by Muhammad in Medina made the city important to his followers?

• He prayed with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus

• He lived there while he drew more people to Islam

• He tore down the city walls and destroyed the ancient shrines

• He delivered his Last Sermon, announcing that he would retire

Why is the city of Mecca important in Muslim tradition?

• Most Muslims today live there

• It was the birthplace of Muhammad

• It was the capital of the Umayyad empire

• Muhammad moved there with his followers

What took Muhammad to places beyond the Arabian Peninsula?

• searching for a wife

• herding the family goats

• conquering a vast empire

• making caravan trips for trade