Unit 1- Dar Al Islam

Question 1

Fall of the Abbasid Caliphate (power vacuum):

Answer 1

The Abbasid Caliphate weakened due to internal conflicts and the Mongol invasion in 1258, which destroyed Baghdad. This left a power vacuum, meaning there was no strong central ruler, and new powers, like the Seljuks and Ottomans, rose in its place.

Question 2

Caliphate:

Answer 2

A system of Islamic rule led by a caliph, who was considered the political and religious successor to Prophet Muhammad.

Question 3

Sunni:

Answer 3

The largest branch of Islam. Sunnis believe that the caliph (leader of the Muslim community) should be elected based on merit, necessarily be a relative of Muhammad.

Question 4

Shi’a:

Answer 4

A branch of Islam that believes leadership should stay within the Prophet Muhammad’s family, especially through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

Question 5

Shi’a:

Answer 5

A branch of Islam that believes leadership should stay within the Prophet Muhammad’s family, especially through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

Question 6

Sultanate:

Answer 6

A form of government where the ruler is called a sultan. Sultanate were often regional powers in the Islamic world. like Delhi Sultanate in India.

Question 7

Sultanate:

Answer 7

A form of government where the ruler is called a sultan. Sultanate were often regional powers in the Islamic world. like Delhi Sultanate in India.

Question 8

Five Pillars of Islam

Answer 8

The basic acts of worship in Islam: • Shahada: Declaration of faith. o Salat: Prayer five times a day. o Zakat: Giving charity. • Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan. o Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Question 9

Ka’ba

Answer 9

: The most sacred site in Islam, located in Mecca. It is a large cube-shaped building that Muslims face when they pray.

Question 10

Hajj

Answer 10

: The pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are required to make at least once in their lifetime, if they are able.

Question 11

Mecca

Answer 11

: The holiest city in Islam, where the Ka’ba is located and where Muslims go for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Question 12

Jihad

Answer 12

: Often translated as “struggle” or “striving,” it can refer to a personal, internal struggle to live a good Muslim life, or in some cases, a physical struggle in defense of Islam.

Question 13

Sharia Law

Answer 13

: A system of Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith (teachings of Muhammad). It covers both religious and daily aspects of life.

Question 14

House of Wisdom

Answer 14

: A famous learning center in Baghdad during Abbasid Caliphate where scholars translated and studied texts in many fields, including science, math, and philosophy.

Question 15

Al-Andalus

Answer 15

The Islamic region of Spain (modern-day Andalusia) that flourished under Muslim rule from the 8th to 15th centuries, known for its cultural achievements in science, art, and philosophy.

Question 16

Prophet Muhammad

Answer 16

: The founder Islam, believed by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by God deliver His message to humanity. Muhammad’s teachings form basis of the Quran, and he is considered the ultimate role model for Muslims

Question 17

Nasir al-Din Tusi

Answer 17

: A Persian scholar and polymath who made important contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age. His work influenced later scientific developments, especially in the study of planetary motion.

Question 18

Algebra/Medicine/Philosophy

Answer 18

: During the Islamic Golden Age, Muslim scholars made significant advances in these fields. Mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi developed algebra, doctors like Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote influential medical texts, and philosophers like Al-Farabi blended Islamic theology with Greek philosophy, preserving and expanding upon ancient knowledge.

Question 19

Sufism

Answer 19

: A mystical branch of Islam that focuses on a personal connection with God through rituals like meditation, chanting, and dancing. Sufis aim to achieve closeness to God through inner reflection and devotion, rather than focusing on legalistic or strict religious practices.

Question 20

Ibn Battuta

Answer 20

: A famous Muslim traveler and explorer from Morocco who journeyed across Islamic world and beyond during the 14th century. He documented his travels in a famous book called the Rihla, which gives insight into the cultures, governments, and societies he visited, including places like Africa, the Middle East, India, and China.