The Origins of Islam QUIZ

Why is the city of Makkah 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.

2. 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.

3. What took Muhammad to places beyond the Arabian Peninsula?

• A. searching for a wife
• B. herding the family goats
• C. conquering a vast empire
• D. making caravan trips for trade

4. What geographic feature made Makkah a wealthy city?

• A. sheltered harbor
• B. deep mountain forests
• C. location on trade routes
• D. oasis water for agriculture

5. 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

6. The word Muslim means one who

• A. surrenders to God.
• B. follows Muhammad.
• C. preaches the one true faith.
• D. practices kindness toward all.

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

• A. It tells the story of Muhammad's life and death.
• B. It records the words of God spoken by Gabriel.
• C. It is a collection of sermons by the prophet Muhammad.
• D. It records the history of the Arabs and the spread of Islam.

8. What teaching by Muhammad most upset the leaders of Makkah?

• 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.

10. 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 Madinah
• D. by refusing to do business with them

11. What is said to have happened on Muhammad’s Night Journey?

• A. A winged horse took him to Jerusalem.
• B. He met an angel in a cave near his home.
• C. He fled from Makkah to another city for safety.
• D. He visited his sleeping followers just before he died.