How would you characterize pre-Islamic Arabia, in terms of religion?
polytheistic
What was the role of Mecca before Islam?
Sacred meeting place; polytheistic idols were kept in Kaaba; trading
What was the most important economic activity in Pre-Islamic
Arabia?
trading or merchants or caravans
What is the term for a leader or successor of Muhammad?
caliph
Why did Muslims panic when Muhammad died?
Didn’t know how to choose a successor and thought Islam
wouldn’t survive with out the Prophet Muhammad
Because Muhammad didn’t leave a successor, it caused a split among Muslims. Name the two groups.
Sunni and Shia
Explain the different beliefs between the Shia and Sunni.
Sunni: anyone can be the caliph if they are a good Muslim and leaderShia: only a blood relative (family member) of Muhammad can be a caliph
What did Muhammad do about the Kaaba when he returned to Mecca in
triumph in 630AD?
He destroyed the idols in the Kaaba.
What is the holy book of Islam?
The Qur’an
What is the Sunna (Hadith)?
The collected says and traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
What does Islam mean?
submission to God’s will
Muslims believe Muhammad was…
prophet or messenger of God
Who are called “people of the book” by Muslims? Why?
Christians and JewsThey share the same prophets
(Abraham, Moses, Jesus).
What were Janissaries?
slave soldiers in the Ottoman army
How did Jews influence the culture of Cordoba?
held key jobs, poets, philosophers, scientists
In what ways were Cordoba and Baghdad similar?
They were both centers of culture and learning.
Describe the land that the Ottoman empire conquered.
Conquered the Byzantine Empire, eventually ruled lands from eastern Europe to North Africa and Arabia;
Constantinople became Istanbul
Define how Muslims used tolerance when conquering a new people.
They allowed Jews and Christians to keep their religion but they had to pay special taxes; they accepted other people’s religious beliefs.
Mecca
Holiest city to Muslims, face this city to pray, location of the Kaaba
Ramadan
the holy month of fasting
shah
the leader of the Safavid Empire; king
jihad
to make an effort or to struggle; an inner struggle to obey God
Name all 5 Pillars of Faith
1. Statement of Faith: There is no God, but God, and Muhammad is his prophet2. Daily prayer3. Donation to charity4. Fasting/Ramandan5. Hajj/Pilgrimage to Mecca