Topic 2.1.1: Origins of Islam

In which part of the world is the Arabian Peninsula located?

• Asia

• Europe

• The Middle East

• Eastern Europe

Where did Islam emerge, and who are its followers?

• Arabian Peninsula, Muslims

• Middle East, Jews

• North Africa, Christians

• Arabian Peninsula, Buddhists

The Arabian Peninsula connects which group of continents?

• Europe, Asia, Russia

• Europe, Asia, Africa

• Europe, Russia, Africa

• None of these!

What is the Kaaba?

• A marketplace, a temple

• A pilgrimage center, a mosque

• An ancient temple, a place of worship

• A desert, a trading route

Who is Mohammad, and why is he significant?

• A merchant, he founded Islam

• A prophet, he spread Islam

• A warrior, he conquered Mecca

• A king, he ruled Medina

What does Islam mean?

• Peace

• Submission to God

• Unity

• Love

How did Meccans first react to Muhammad’s message, and how was he a potential problem for Meccan economy?

• They welcomed him, he disrupted the pilgrim trade

• They rejected him, he disrupted the caravan routes

• Few people listened to him, his message threatened pilgrim trade

• They attacked him, he disrupted the trade with Axum

Why was Yathrib renamed Medina, and how did people there react to Muhammad?

• To honor a king, they rejected him

• To honor a merchant, they attacked him

• To honor Muhammad, they welcomed him

• To honor a prophet, they ignored him

How did Islam help unite people across the Arabian Peninsula?

• By promoting trade, by encouraging warfare

• By promoting division, by encouraging worship of pagan gods

• By promoting peace, by discouraging trade

• By promoting loyalty to Islamic communities rather than to family ties

What did Muhammad do with the Kaaba, and why is it an important site for Islam?

• He rebuilt it, it became a symbol of prosperity

• He abandoned it, it became a symbol of unity

• He removed the pagan gods and rededicated it to Allah, it became the most holy place in Islam

• He destroyed it, it became a symbol of peace