Chapter 2

Question 1

Astrolabe

Answer 1

an instrument formerly used to make astronomical measurements, typically of the altitudes of celestial bodies, and in navigation for calculating latitude, before the development of the sextant.

Question 2

Mecca

Answer 2

A city in Saudi Arabia that Muslims consider to be a holy city in Islam, or any place that is the center of an activity and attracts many visitors with a similar interest.

Question 3

Medina

Answer 3

the old Arab or non-European quarter of a North African town.

Question 4

The five Pillars

Answer 4

shahada (confession of faith), salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving), sawm (fasting, especially during the month of Ramadan), and hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca).

Question 5

Kadijad

Answer 5

the first wife of the Prophet Mohammed, regarded as the first convert to Islam.

Question 6

Hadith

Answer 6

traditional account of things said or done by Muhammad or his companions.

Question 7

Ulama

Answer 7

the doctors of Muslim religion and law.

Question 8

Caliphate

Answer 8

the rank, jurisdiction, or government of a caliph.

Question 9

Umayyad

Answer 9

a member of the dynasty that ruled at Damascus a.d. 661–750, claiming descent from Omayya, cousin of the grandfather of Muhammad the Prophet.

Question 10

Abbasid

Answer 10

a member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling at Baghdad, a.d. 750–1258, governing most of the Islamic world and claiming descent from Abbas, uncle of Muhammad.

Question 11

Baghdad

Answer 11

a city in and the capital of Iraq, in the central part, on the Tigris.

Question 12

Dowry

Answer 12

property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.

Question 13

Harem

Answer 13

the part of a Muslim palace or house reserved for the residence of women.

Question 14

Translation movement

Answer 14

A movement started in the House of Wisdom in Baghdad which translated many Greek classics into Arabic.