2. How did Islam begin? Flashcards
What were the two main cities in central Arabia?
Medina and Mecca
(sometimes spelt ‘Madinah’ and Makkah’)
When and where was Muhammad born?
570 CE, Mecca
Who was Muhammad brought up by?
His uncle, Abu Talib
Who was Jibril?
Jibril was an angel that brought Muhammad a scroll
Why was Muhammad brought up by his uncle?
His father died when before he was born and his mother died when he was six.
Who were the first Muslims after Muhammad?
Khadija (Muhammad’s wife), Ali (Muhammad’s cousin) and Abu Bakr (Muhammad’s closest friend)
What is a surah?
A surah is a chapter of the Qur’an
What is the English counterpart of Angel Jibril?
Angel Gabriel
Why did Muhammad gain a reputation as an excellent trader?
His uncle, a trader, would often bring him on business trips.
Who did Muhammad at the age of 25?
A wealthy businesswoman called Khadija, who was 15 years older than him.
What could the religion of many Arabian tribes be described as?
Polytheistic
Which polytheistic tribe was Muhammad born into?
The Quraysh
Why would Muhammad often retreat to a cave in the mountains?
Muhammad disliked how much cruelty, violence and poverty there was and the cave was a quiet place outside the city to pray.
What happened on the Night of Power?
The angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad in the cave and revealed a message from God that was later recorded in the Qur’an.
Althought Islamic scholars disagree about the events of the Night of Power, what is the most common belief?
The angel Jibril told Muhammad to read from a scroll, but he couldn’t read. Jibril told him three times ‘iqra!’ (‘read!’). On the third time tne angel Jibril put his hands around Muhammad’s waist and squeezed him until the words came out.
Why was Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, the first believer of Muhammad’s message?
She knew her husband was an honest man, so his words must truly have been from God.
Why was Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, the first believer of Muhammad’s message?
She knew her husband was an honest man, so his words must truly have been from God.
Who were Muhammad’s first three followers?
- Khadija, Muhammad’s wife
- Ali, Muhammad’s cousin
- Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend
What is the translation of the word ‘qur’an’?
‘Recitation’ or ‘that which is read or recited’
In which surah is the Night of Power recorded in?
Surah 96
What is The Night Journey?
One night in approximately 620 CE Muhammad was in Mecca praying when Jibril appeared and flew him to Jerusalem on a winged horse.
Muhammad prayed and spoke with all the prophets that have ever lived, before then ascending to the heavens and spending time with God, who told him that Muslims should pray five times a day. Muhammad then returned to Jerusalem and flew back to Mecca.
Why do Muslims disagree about the Night Journey?
Muslims disagree about whether the Night Journey really happened or whether Muhammad saw the events in a vision.
