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.
