1. What does Islam mean in Arabic?

Surrender or submission to God in a peaceful manner.

2. How did Muhammad rally the Medina’s in order to take control of Mecca? What methods were used to do so?

Muhammad showed his religious, political, and military skills. After he moved to Medina his teachings convinced the people to follow his leadership. The migration to Medina was a turning point for Muhammad. In 630, the Prophet and 10,000 followers marched to Mecca. After entering the city, the idols in Kaaba were destroyed.

3. What does Muhammad mean to the Muslim people?

He was the last of the Prophets and founder of Islam.

4. Explain the influence of the Quran.

The sacred text of the Muslim people that represents Mohammad’s teachings. It includes biblical history and ways to conduct your life.

5. What were the Five Pillars of Islam?

Faith-There is no God but Allah. Prayer-Five times a day. Alms-Charity Fasting-Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca

6. How does the Shari’a support the Muslim people?

A body of law that includes interpreting the Quran. This regulates moral conduct, family life, community, and business practices.

7. How did the Muslim Empire handle conquered people?

Muslim invaders converted Arabs and non- Arabs. Those people who did not convert could maintain their beliefs under the conditions: pay a tax and tribute.

8. What were the differences between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

Sunnis: A majority of Muslims who do not believe that the successor to Muhammad has to be the Prophet’s descendent. They felt that a political leader called a Caliph should be inspired by Muhammad and follow ALLAH. Shiites: believed that the true successor of the Prophet was Shi’at Ali. Descendents are called Imams--divine religious leaders. Imams have the power to interpret the Quran and the actions of the Prophet.

9. Why were some Muslims upset with the Umayyad Caliphate?

Despite expanding the Islamic empire by defeating the Byzantine and Persian forces, the wealth of the Caliphate was questioned. The Umayyad Caliphs mistreated the Non-Arabs Muslims. Shiite Muslims believed the Umayyad were illegitimate leaders.

10. Where was the capital of the Abbasid Empire? Baghdad

11. Under the Abbasid Empire, why was the House of Wisdom important?

Intellectual center-scholars translated works into Arabic Cultural was enhanced.

12. What academic subject was al- Khwarizmi known for?

He studied Algebra and made the standard Math textbook in Europe. “Father of Arithmetic”

13. In regard to the Muslim population, what link did Astronomy have with praying?

Muslim astronomers improved the Astrolabe-a Greek invention. Now, they could more accurately project positions on earth and the sky.

14. How did Sikhism develop?

Sikhism was an example of cultural diffusion and blending. A small minority in India, mixed Hinduism with Islam.

15. How did Muslim invaders influence the government of India?

The Sultans introduced Muslim traditions of government. Persians and Arabs migrated. Trade increased between Indian and Muslim lands.

16. Why was Akbar successful?

Promoted tolerance, jobs were available to Hindus, and ended the tax on them.

17. What did Mehmed II do after he conquered Constantinople?

He maintained peace among the different groups and refused to force religion on Non-Muslims.

18. What helped create the culture of the Ottoman Empire?

They had an organized class system, expanded education, and the arts were influenced by the Persians and Arabs.

19. What were the accomplishments of Suleiman?

Improved justice--fairness Educated most classes Set up Janizaries-elite force of the army Architecture blossomed

20. In the tenth century, why was Cordoba, Spain an important part of Muslim and European culture?

This Spanish city became one of the world’s most populated cities around It was a cultural and economic center for Europe at time “backwardness” on the continent.