Islamic World MC Practice Questions

In the time of Muhammad (570-632), life in 7th century could best be describe as

• harsh

• generous

• empathetic

• compassionate

Answer explanation

Life in the 7th century was marked by tribal conflicts, scarcity of resources, and harsh living conditions, making 'harsh' the most accurate description of the era during Muhammad's time.

T/F: Muhammad became an orphan early in his life. His father passed away before he was born and his mother passed away when he was 6 years old.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Muhammad became an orphan early in life; his father died before his birth, and his mother passed away when he was 6 years old, leaving him without parental care.

​Traveling with his uncle, Abu Talib, as a merchant, Muhammad saw how ____________ separated people and hurt the less fortunate. As the prophet, Muhammad would create an _______ that accepted people of all backgrounds

• hedonism, culture

• tribalism, ummah

• paganism, following

• tribalism, harem

Answer explanation

Muhammad observed how tribalism divided communities and marginalized the less fortunate. As a prophet, he aimed to establish an ummah, a community that embraced individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting unity and equality.

​_____ is the word for God in Islam. Muslims believe that there is only one God and that we should worship God by submitting to him.

• Jesus

• Allah

• Yahweh

• Abraham

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Allah', which is the Arabic word for God in Islam. Muslims believe in the oneness of God and emphasize submission to Him in their worship.

​T/F: In Islam, God is easy to imagine and has been depicted in art and mosques

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In Islam, God is considered beyond human comprehension and is not depicted in art or mosques. This belief emphasizes the oneness and uniqueness of God, making the statement false.

Why do Muslims not depict the face of the prophet Muhammad in art?

• ​Muhammad explicitly told his followers to not include his face in Islamic art

• ​Muslims do not remember what Muhammad looked like and therefore cannot depict him in their art.

• Muslims have a clear impression of the prophet and do not need any depictions to remember what he looked like.

• ​It is sacrilegious. Muslims should avoid depicting the image of the prophet and focus on worshipping God.

Answer explanation

Muslims consider depicting the Prophet Muhammad as sacrilegious, as it can distract from the worship of God. This belief emphasizes the importance of focusing on faith rather than physical representations.

​A major reason Islam spread so quickly in the first century after its founding was

• jihad

• jizya

• hajj

• ummah

Answer explanation

The concept of ummah, or community, fostered a strong sense of belonging among Muslims, facilitating rapid spread of Islam through shared beliefs and support, making it a key factor in its early expansion.

What is the origin of the Sunni-Shi'a division in Islam?

• disagreement over the expansion of the empire and forced conversion

• ​disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after the death of the prophet, Muhammad

• disagreement over the five pillars and how Muslims should lead their lives

• disagreement over the Qur'an and which version was the best for Muslims to read

Answer explanation

The Sunni-Shi'a division originated from a disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, with Sunnis supporting elected leaders and Shi'a advocating for leadership through Muhammad's family.

T/F: The Sunni-Shia divide is still prevalent today in the Middle East

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Sunni-Shia divide remains a significant factor in Middle Eastern politics and conflicts today, influencing sectarian tensions and power dynamics in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Thus, the statement is true.

​Which country was NOT an ally of the Ottoman empire?

• Habsburgs

• Anatolia

• Syria

• Egypt

Answer explanation

The Habsburgs were rivals of the Ottoman Empire, often engaged in conflict, unlike Anatolia, Syria, and Egypt, which were either part of or allied with the Ottomans at various times.