Lesson 9: The Origins and Spread of Islam

Why is the city of Mecca important in Muslim tradition?

• Muhammad moved there with his followers.

• It was the capital of the Umayyad empire.

• It was the birthplace of Muhammad.

• Most Muslims today live there.

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

• a central government.

• a common language.

• a single social class.

• a belief in one God.

What geographic feature made Mecca a wealthy city?

• deep mountain forests

• location on trade routes

• oasis water for agriculture

• sheltered harbor

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

• teach monotheism

• defeat the Syrian rulers

• write down the most important laws

• flee to the deserts of North Africa

The word Muslim means one who

• practices kindness toward all.

• preaches the one true faith.

• follows Muhammad.

• surrenders to God.

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

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

• It records the words of God spoken by Gabriel.

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

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

What teaching by Muhammad most upset the leaders of Mecca?

• Women should have more rights.

• The rich should share their wealth.

• Children should learn to read.

• Trade with unbelievers was wrong.

How did some clans boycott Muhammad’s clan?

• by tearing down their stores

• by shutting them up in caves

• by staging a siege of Medina

• by refusing to do business with them

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 another city for safety.

• He visited his sleeping followers just before he died.

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

• He prayed with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

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

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

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