Islam Midterm

Question 1

Ibn Khaldun

Answer 1

Wrote a book on history of Arabs and Berbers. Theorized that simple aggressive communities conquered an existing state and develop dynamic communities. Nomads become corrupted and loyalty based authority is rejected

Question 2

Mongols

Answer 2

The 13th century Mongol conquest caused huge damage on Iraq and Khurasan. Caused mass migration to areas not under immediate threat. This caused change to the ethnic composition of much of the Muslim world

Question 3

Constitution of Medina

Answer 3

A treaty to accept Muhammad betwen the immigarants and Jewish. Jewish allowed to maintain their religion and possession and not forced to conform to Islam

Question 4

Ibn Ishaq

Answer 4

Wrote the biography of Muhammad. He was a slave descendant

Question 5

Three Main Jewish Tribes of Medina

Answer 5

Nadir, Qurayza, and Qaynuqa. Were not included in the Constitution of Medina

Question 6

Quran

Answer 6

The literal word of God. 114 chapters (surah’s). Must complete ritual purity to even touch it. The longest surah is the 2nd,

Question 7

Isnad

Answer 7

Tool used to authenticate hadiths. Afraid of forgeries.

Question 8

Hadith

Answer 8

Collection of the words of the prophet Muhammad. Compiled over decades. If mistranslated, the person will be sent to hell

Question 9

Sunna

Answer 9

Muhammad’s way of life

Question 10

Prophet Muhammad

Answer 10

Born into Qurayah tribe in Mecca 570 and his parents died when he was young. Married to a wealthy widow. Recieved his first revelation at 40-52 and spreads word in Mecca. He fled to Medina (immigrated) to escape persecution and spread word in 622. His initial followers were his close family including his wife and cousins. Died at 63 in 633

Question 11

Caliph

Answer 11

Successor of Muhammad and ruler of the Muslim people

Question 12

Umar- The second Caliph

Answer 12

Decided that all conquered lands passed into state rule to ensure Arabs would not become landlords and peasants when conquered. This was bad because it made tribesmen depend on the state and people believed it to be unfair distribution. Tribe leaders gained more power than those who followed Muhammad earlier on.

Question 13

Ali

Answer 13

Had his legitimacy questioned because of his rise to power. Fought in the Battle of Camel in Bastra 656 (the first fitna) against those trying to avenge the death of Uthman. Fought the killers of Uthman in battle of Siffin 657 to avenge Uthman. One by one lost power of all provinces in Muslim empire. Was murdered in 661 by a Kharijite’s poisoned blade

Question 14

The Kharijites

Answer 14

Group of Muslims who originally fought for Ali but turned against him when they recognized that he would accept judgment from anyone other than God. Were massacred in the battle of Nahravan, found to be the most problematic event in Ali’s reign

Question 15

Mu’awiya

Answer 15

Became caliph after the downfall of Ali. His rise marks the beginning of the Umayyad Dynasty. Gained power while Ali was losing his own

Question 16

Ramadan

Answer 16

9th holy month of Islamic calendar. Fast from dawn to dusk the whole month. Month ends with celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. Marks the event of Muhammad receiving the quran from allah, called the night of power.

Question 17

Dominating Powers of Late Antiquity

Answer 17

Mesopotamia and Egypt, Mesopotamia disappeared after arab conquest

Question 18

Uthmanic Codex

Answer 18

A compilation of the Quran that was sent to unify and delete confusion of differing texts. One text for all

Question 19

Line of Caliphs after Muhammad (Rashidun Caliphs)

Answer 19

Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali

Question 20

Fitna

Answer 20

War, civil war. The first one was to due to the death of Uthman.

Question 21

Aisha

Answer 21

Prophet Muhammad’s wife, conspired to kill Ali because she did not believe in his succession

Question 22

Direction of prayer

Answer 22

Used to be Jersuelem but Muhammad changed it to be in the direction of Mecca (Northeast)

Question 23

Christian view on Islam

Answer 23

Christians thought that jesus was the son of god but Islam believed that Jesus was the prophet of God.

Question 24

The Muqaddimah

Answer 24

The most important history of the Islamic world. Written by Ibn Khaldun. Focuses on the rise and fall of civilizations

Question 25

Surah Baqarah (the cow) 2nd surah

Answer 25

Argument between Moses and Israelites over a cow and how they should sacrifice it in order to acknowledge the murder of a man. Teaches us to submit to Allah in all circumstances no matter the difficulty

Question 26

Surah Joseph (12th surah)

Answer 26

Story of a man who went through trials of life and came out victorious. Key to his success was his belief in one God.

Question 27

Psedos-Sebeos

Answer 27

Anonymous author; shows historical issues in a biblical light; first non Muslim to show theory for the rise of islam