Middle East Quiz Flashcards
Define nomad.
A member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time.
Define caravan.
A group of travelers, as merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety in passing through deserts, hostile territory, etc.
Be familiar with the environmental descriptions and human adaptations for each geographic region: deserts, oases, coastal plains, and mountains.
Deserts: Have extreme tempatures
Oases: Has a spring of water
Coastal plains: Stretches from 5-40 miles
Mountians: Has lot of rain and is rocky.
The significance of Mecca.
Birthplace of the prophet Muhammad and a religious center where pilgrims from all over Arabia came to worship.
Muhammad’s early life: What did he do? Who did he meet? How did he become a prophet?
His family was not very wealthy, and his mother sent him to live with a family of nomads in the desert. He later returned to the city and his mother, before becoming an orphan. In time, Muhammad became a trader who was known for his honesty. When he was 25, a widow named Khadijah proposed marriage. She and Muhammad had several children, including a daughter named Fatima. One day, Muhammad was praying in a cave in the mountains when he was visited by the angel Gabriel. This event inspired Muhammad to begin preaching and spreading the word of Islam.
Muhammad’s teachings: What did he preach to the Meccans?
Muhammad taught that people must worship one God, that all believers in God were equal, and that the rich should share their wealth with the poor.
Why were Meccan leaders resistant?
Mecca’s leaders did not want to share their wealth, and they feared that if Muhammad became too powerful he would seize political power.
How were Muhammad’s supporters treated?
They were persecuted for their beliefs.
Define Muslim.
One who surrenders to God.
Define Qu’ran.
The holy book of Islam.
Explain the Night Journey.
Jerusalem is the site of Muhammad’s Night Journey where he met and prayed with earlier prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, before being guided through the seven levels of heaven and meeting God (Allah).
How are Christians and Jews supposed to be treated, according to Muhammad?
The Qur’an refers to Christians and Jews as “People of the Book” and calls on Muslims to respect them.
Define caliph.
The ruler of the Muslim community.
