Rise of Islam Test Prep (Ch. 8.3 - 8.6)

In your opinion, what is the most interesting part of Muhammad's early childhood? Why?

Answer explanation

Watch this video. Skip to about 2:55 in to get to Muhammad's early life in the desert.

Which one of the examples below is not an Arab tradition that Muhammad learned from the nomads he lived with in the desert as a young child?

• be kind to strangers

• help orphans and widows

• leave the weak to take care of themselves

• help the needy members of society

Answer explanation

Remember the Arabs are very welcoming people who believe being a good host is very important.

What was the "nickname" Muhammad was given when he first started trading on his own around Mecca?

• Al-Amin - "The Trustworthy"

• El-Slub - "The Lazy One"

When and where did Muhammad first receive a message as a prophet or a messenger of God?

• Muhammad was first visited by the angel Gabriel in the Ka'ba.

• Muhammad was first visited by the angel Gabriel in Jerusalem.

• Muhammad was first visited by the angel Gabriel in the Hira Cave.

Answer explanation

Allah or God gave Muhammad messages that told the Muslim people to seek social justice. God commanded them to be generous and that people must share their wealth. Muhammad also preached that Allah was the one and only God of all the Arabs and his message was for all the people on Earth. Why would this be an unpopular message as the number of Muslims grew in Mecca?

As the Muslim faith grew in numbers, the Meccan's persecuted the Muslims especially the weak and vulnerable in Muhammad's tribe or clan. Eventually, the Muslims emigrated to _______________ , which was later named Medina or "Home of the Prophet."

• Yathrib

• Mecca

• Jerusalem

Why would the people of Yathrib look to the Islamic faith of the Muslims in Mecca? What is it about the teachings of Muhammad that would be valuable to a city and their way of life?

Answer explanation

Watch this video for help with the next question.

Why is it not surprising that Muhammad commands his troops to be kind and merciful to the people of Mecca and even the tribes that had persecuted them for so long?

In the end Muhammad dies, but his words from God still echo today throughout the world. We do not know what he looked like. We do know so much about his life in the Koran. It is the story of his life and the words that his God, Allah, had him recite that changed the world. What is one lesson of Muhammad's life that you think might be important in living in today's world? Why?