Islamic Empires

Why is the city of Mecca important in Muslim tradition?

• A. Most Muslims today live there.

• B. It was the birthplace of Muhammad.

• C. It was the capital of the Umayyad empire.

• D. Muhammad moved there with his followers.

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

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

• B. It records the words of God spoken by Gabriel.

• C. It is a collection of sermons by the prophet Muhammad.

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

Before Muhammad was born, the people of Arabia were united by

• A. a belief in one God.

• B. a single social class.

• C. a common language.

• D. a central government.

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

• A. He prayed with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

• B. He lived there while he drew more people to Islam.

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

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

How did the Muslim empire treat Jews and Christians differently from Muslims?

• A. It charged them extra taxes.

• B. It made them leave the empire.

• C. It outlawed use of their prayers.

• D. It burned their houses of worship.

How did the Umayyads contribute to the spread of Islam?

• A. As wealthy traders, they spread Arab ideas.

• B. As a ruling family, they conquered new lands.

• C. As wandering preachers, they attracted converts.

• D. As scholars, they translated the Qur'an into other languages.

Islam teaches that Jews and Christians are “People of the Book” because they

• A. have holy writings given by God

• B. believe in education for everyone.

• C. follow the same rules of daily life.

• D. like to tell stories in their worship.

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have much in common including

• A. their belief in polytheism.

• B. the same people in their sacred texts.

• C. the same dietary restrictions.

• D. similar dress code requirements.

A chart listing the Five Pillars of Islam would include which of the following?

• A. Study the Qur'an.

• B. Give to the needy.

• C. Honor your parents.

• D. Observe the Sabbath.

What would you most likely see if you went to Mecca during hajj?

• A. white doves, released to rise to heaven

• B. the ritual anointing of a new imam

• C. the rebuilding of the Ka'bah, a sacred shrine

• D. millions of Muslims from all around the world