2024 The Origins and Spread of Islam Test

Why is the city of Mecca important in Muslim tradition?

• Most Muslims live there.

• It was the birthplace of Muhammad

• It was the capital city of the Umayyad empire.

• Muhammad moved there with his followers.

What took Muhammad to places beyond the Arabian Peninsula?

• searching for a wife

• herding the family goats

• conquering a vast empire

• making caravan trips for trade

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

• a belief in one God.

• a single social class.

• a common language

• a central government.

What geographic feature made Mecca a wealthy city?

• sheltered harbor

• deep mountain forests

• location on trade routes

• oasis water for agriculture

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

The word Muslim means on who

• surrenders to God

• follows Muhammad

• preaches the one true faith

• practices kindness toward all

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?

• Children should learn to read.

• Women should have more rights.

• The rich should share their wealth

• Trade with unbelievers was wrong

Why did the leaders of Mecca want to keep polytheism?

• It taught people to obey them

• It kept peace among the tribes

• It let them sell expensive idols

• It brought pilgrims to their city

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have much in common including

• their belief in polytheism

• the same people in their sacred texts

• the same dietary restrictions

• similar dress codes