Homework Questions Flashcards
What were Muhammad’s revelations?
Voice called to him in a cave while meditating outside Mecca; was told he was prophet and believed the Lord who spoke to him through Gabriel was Allah
Why were Muhammad’s ideas unpopular in Mecca?
Destroyed economy (possibly); could contribute to battles; would lead to neglect of the tradition Arab gods - feared Mecca would lose its position as a pilgrimage center if people accepted his monotheistic beliefs
In what way(s) was the Hijah a turning point?
Attracted devoted followers and drew many more converts; joined his own people with Arabs and Jews of Medina as a single community; fled to Yarthrib (later renamed Medina); Media - City of the Prophet (named after Muhammad)
Why was Muhammad’s return to Mecca important?
Started attacking because coming back they destroyed the idols; most Meccans pledged their loyalty to Muhammad and many converted to Islam; took great strides toward unifying the entire Arabian Peninsula under Islam
What does Islam teach its followers?
There is only one God, Allah. Islam teaches that there are good and evil, and that each individual is responsible for the actions for his or her life
How does carrying out the Five Pillars and other laws of Islam affect the daily lives of Muslims?
It ensures that Muslims live their religion while serving in their community; believers are forbidden to eat pork or drink intoxicating beverages, Friday afternoons are for communal worship, every Muslim is expected to worship Allah directly
How did observing Islamic teachings create unity among Muslims?
Only Arabic can be used in worship; whenever Muslims carried the Qur’an, Arabic became the language of worshipers and scholars - language helped unite conquered peoples as Muslim control expanded
