03. Roots of Islam

Describe the climate of the Arabian Peninsula.

• It is completely a desert with no sources of water.

• It is largely savannah, grassy plains with few trees.

• Mostly mountainous with valleys in between.

• Mostly desert with scattered water sources called oases.

Who were the Bedouins?

• Residents of the Arabian Peninsula who traveled from oasis to oasis with herds of goats, camels, and sheep.

• Merchants who engaged in the Trans Saharan trade from the northern part of Africa to West Africa.

• Mercenaries who would offer their military service to the highest bidder.

• Bankers who became rich funding the kingdoms of many European monarchs.

How did early Arabs survive life in the desert?

• They conquered a large area so they could have more resources.

• By banding together in tribes.

• They mined gold and silver and became very wealthy.

• They built aqueducts to bring water from far away sources.

What was a leader of a tribe called?

• Sheikh

• Caesar

• Doge

• Elderman

What was one of the richest trading towns on the Arabian Peninsula?

• Mecca

• Constantinople

• Jeddah

• Tunisia

Aside from trade, why did many people go to Mecca?

• It had a popular theme park.

• It had unique geographic features that people thought gave special powers.

• It was a religious destination where people went on pilgrimages to.

• There was nothing special about Mecca aside from trade.

What was the name of the shrine that people came to pray at in Mecca?

• The Kaaba

• Hagia Sophia

• Notre Dame

• Dome of the Rock

What year was Muhammad born?

• 476

• 570

• 610

• 800

Who did Muhammad grow to become dissatisfied with?

• The traveling merchants from outside Mecca.

• The young people of the village were losing their traditional values.

• There was a food shortage.

• The policies of the village elders.

According to the Muslim faith, what happened in the year 610?

• Muhammad completed his earthly mission and was sent to heaven.

• God created an 11th Commandment.

• Muhammad received a vision from the angel Gabriel instructing him to preach.

• The Quran was written all in one night.