Introduction to World Religion Preliminary Examination

On which mountain did Prophet Muhammad receive his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel?

• Mount Hira

• Mount Moriah

• Mount Olives

• Mount Sinai

Perri is planning a trip to Saudi Arabia during the Islamic month of Dhul al-Hijjah. She has scheduled her visit to coincide with ‘Id al-Adha. She is curious about what cultural and religious events she might witness during her stay. What might Perri witness during the celebration of ‘Id al-Adha?

• The fireworks and parades for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

• The public readings of the Qur’an in mosques.

• The reenactment of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey.

• The slaughtering of animals in remembrance of Abraham’s sacrifice.

While working on a school project on religious clothing, Red observes that many Muslim women wear the hijab. He believes it carries deeper religious meaning. Which of the following is TRUE about the hijab?

• It is a full-body cloak that is open in front and is often held closed with the hands.

• It is a garment that covers the entire body and face, with only a mesh screen over the eyes to allow sight.

• It is a headscarf that covers the head and neck while leaving the face visible.

• It is a veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible.

A Muslim country holds national elections where the new leader is chosen through majority vote by the citizens, without regard to lineage. Which Islamic sect’s principle is reflected in this political system?

• Shia Islam

• Shi’ite Islam

• Sufism

• Sunni Islam

Jessa and Jay-Arr understand Jihad in different ways. Jessa sees it as a personal struggle to stay honest and live a good life. Jay-Arr thinks it means fighting people who don’t believe in Islam. What important Islamic teaching is Jay-Arr misunderstanding?

• That armed Jihad is always obligatory.

• That Jihad has moral and ethical boundaries.

• That personal spiritual growth is the only path.

• That violence should come before dialogue.

During Islamic Studies class, a student asks why Hadith is needed if the Qur’an is the word of Allah. Which of the following is/are CORRECT about the relationship of Qur’an and Hadith?

• Hadith complements the Qur’an.

• Hadith replaces the Qur’an in modern times.

• Hadith serves as the continuation of Qur’an.

In an Islamic Studies class, Anika reads a poem that mentions hijra, interpreting it as a journey. Which of the following correctly describes hijra?

• It refers to Prophet Muhammad’s circumambulation around the Kaaba in Mecca as part of his ritual duties.

• It refers to Prophet Muhammad’s journey to receive the first revelation from Allah in a cave.

• It refers to Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution by the Meccan authorities.

• It refers to Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens, aided by the Buraq.

Professor Carl asks students to reflect on how Sufism differs from both Sunni and Shi’ite Islam in terms of focus and practice. Four students offer their thoughts based on what they’ve learned in class. Which student response BEST shows an accurate understanding of Sufism?

• From what I’ve read, Sufism is about supporting only the caliphate system in Islam.

• I think Sufism focuses mostly on following Islamic law strictly and avoids emotional expressions of faith.

• I understand that Sufism centers on a personal experience of God and emphasizes inner spirituality.

• In my opinion, Sufism is mainly about political leadership and military history in Islam.

Mr. Rubio divides the class into groups to research and compare the Kashmir dispute and the Bangladesh Liberation War. During the discussion, the class begins to notice differences in how each conflict developed and how they ended. What is a key difference between the Kashmir dispute and the Bangladesh Liberation War?

• Bangladesh involved no violence, Kashmir did.

• Both were solved through UN peacekeeping.

• Kashmir remains unresolved; Bangladesh achieved independence.

Analyze the statement: STATEMENT A: Angel lives a life of simplicity and seeks a mystical connection with Allah through poetry and music. STATEMENT B: Imran follows Islamic law, respects the authority of scholars, and believes leadership should be decided by community consensus.

• Both statements reflect Sunni Islam.

• Both statements reflect Shia Islam and its view of leadership and mysticism.

• STATEMENT A shows characteristics of Sufism, while STATEMENT B reflects Sunni Islam.

• STATEMENT A shows characteristics of Sunni Islam, while STATEMENT B reflects Shi’ite Islam.