The Origins 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 geographic feature made Mecca wealthy city?

• A. sheltered harbor

• B. deep mountain forests

• C. location on trade routes

• D. oasis water for agriculture

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

• A. teach monotheism

• B. defeat the Syrian rulers

• C. write down the most important laws

• D. flee to the deserts of North Africa

The word Muslim means one who

• A. surrenders to God.

• B. follows Muhammad.

• C. preaches the one true faith.

• D. practices kindness toward all.

What teaching by Muhammad most upset the leaders of Mecca?

• A. Children should learn to read.

• B. Women should have more rights.

• C. The rich should share their wealth.

• D. Trade with unbelievers was wrong.

How did some clans boycott Muhammad’s clan?

• A. by tearing down their stores

• B. by shutting them up in caves

• C. by staging a seige of Medina

• D. by refusing to do business with them

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.

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 Medina for safety.

• He visited his sleeping followers just before they died.

Christianity, Islam and Judaism all have what in common? (7.2.2)

• All are  monotheistic
• All are polytheistic
• Each have a unique holy city
• Each have a unique prophet that is the son of God

What geographical feature was located in the middle of the Arabian peninsula?

• water
• beach
• desert
• plains