POD Quiz 6 Flashcards
Explain why Muhammad’s return to Mecca was a turning point for Islam and its followers.
Unified Community
His return marked the unification of Mecca and Medina under Islam, creating a strong and united Muslim community.
Peaceful Approach
Muhammad returned to Mecca with a large group of followers in 630 CE. Instead of seeking revenge on those who had opposed him, he peacefully took control of the city, showing mercy and forgiveness.
Cleansing the Kaaba
Muhammad removed the idols from the Kaaba and rededicated it to the worship of Allah. This act established Mecca as the spiritual center of Islam.
Explain the causes of the schism in Islam after Muhammad’s death
Disagreement Over Leadership
After Muhammad’s death, Muslims disagreed about who should lead the community. Some believed leadership should stay within
Muhammad’s family, while others thought it should be chosen based on merit and consensus.
Sunni Belief
Sunni Muslims believed that leadership should go to the most qualified person, chosen by the community.
They supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close companion and father-in-law, as the first caliph.
Shia Belief
Shia Muslims believed leadership should remain in Muhammad’s family, specifically passing to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.
They saw Ali and his descendants as the rightful leaders, or imams.
Key Disagreement
This disagreement about succession and authority led to a permanent division within Islam, shaping the Sunni and Shia branches of the religion.
Sunni / Shia Notes/Information
Sunni
Believed the leader should be elected by the community based on capability and leadership qualities.
Refer to their leader as the Caliph
Chose Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend, as the first leader.
Represent the vast majority of Muslims worldwide (about 85-90%).
The Caliph’s main role is to uphold Islamic law (Sharia) and justice.
Shia
Believed the leader should be a direct descendant of Muhammad, keeping leadership in the Prophet’s family.
Refer to their leaders as Imams
Supported Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor.
Represent a smaller group worldwide (about 10-15%), but are the majority in countries like Iran and Iraq (as well as Bahrain and Azerbaijan)
Their leaders, called Imams, are both spiritual and political leaders, believed to have divine guidance.
Explain some factors that might lead someone to turn to religious extremism.
Looking for a group to be a part of
Some people join extremist groups to feel like they belong and to have a clear goal or purpose.
Feeling Treated
Unfairly or Proving they are right
When people feel unfairly treated by society, they might turn to extremism to express their anger or to try to change things.
They believe so strongly that their belief system is right that everyone is wrong
Leaders’ Influence
Extremist leaders can sometimes trick or convince people to think that extreme actions are right or necessary in order to become more powerful.
Often times, it is more about power and influence than truly about religious beliefs
What are Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, and how do they harm people and their communities?
What They Are
Islamophobia:
Treating Muslims unfairly or judging them because of their religion or because they are thought to be Muslim.
Anti-Semitism:
Treating Jewish people unfairly or judging them because of their religion, Judaism, or their cultural background.
How They Harm People
These prejudices can cause bullying, violence, and unfair treatment toward people because of their religion or background.
Victims might feel scared, alone, or left out of their communities.
How They Harm Communities
Islamophobia and anti-Semitism cause groups to distrust each other and lead to divisions, making it harder for people to get along and work together.
They can lead to larger social problems, like hate crimes, discrimination in schools or workplaces, and unfair policies.
After listening to Dalia’s talk, write down your takeaways and/or how it made you think or feel.
Points from Dalia’s talk to consider
Dalia’s choice to wear a hijab (head covering) is her own form of professing her faith, not oppression.
The media often shows Muslims in a negative light, which can shape our opinions unfairly.
Muslims, like people of any faith, are a diverse group with the same hopes of living in peace and achieving success.
Fear can lead to harmful stereotypes and even violence against people of different religions.
Mosques are not places of radicalization; they are places that promote peace and understanding.
Acts of kindness show that unity can overcome fear and prejudice.
