Islam
2) How did Mecca become a holy place for Muslims?
Birth place of Muhammad, where first Islamic shrine is (Made my Abraham)
1) Explain the difference between the Jewish calendar, the Christian calendar, and the Islamic calendar.
Jewish- lunar calendar but doesnt change 11 days Islam- Lunar calendar
3) Why can it be said that the Qur'an and Sunnah go hand in hand?
This is because the Qur'an presents God's word and the Sunnah presents Muhammad's way of life. Muslims believe both are needed to live and act as Muslims.
1) Similarity between Catholics and Muslims
Both follow a text (Bible & Qur'an) One God (Trinity & Allah) Day of Judgement Both believe in helping the poor Both accepting of other religions
2) 2 Major differences between Catholics and Muslims
Both follow prophet but Muhammad is all human and Jesus is both human and divine Catholic in Trinity and Muslim in Allah
2) What are the two great Islamic festivals, and what do they celebrate?
Festival of Breaking the Fast- after ramadan Festival of Sacrifice- after the pilgrimage
Explain what Muslims believe about the two main sections of the Islamic Profession of Faith.
God is creator and sustainer of universe. Is all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-merciful, and present everywhere.He gives and takes life. He is judges all especially whether they will spent eternity in heaven or hell.
1) Explain how Muhammad received his first revelation.
He went into a cave to meditate on the meaning of life. One evening, the angel Jilbril told him to be the messenger of Allah.
3) What was the major cause of the rise of the two major groupings of Muslims-the Sunni and the Shi'ah?
Husayn died in battle and Shi'a Muslims saw him as a matyr who restored Islam to the purity of Muhammad (his grandfather).
Discuss the role of women in Islam
It has grown over time. Muslim women are very conservative and are homemakers. It had evolved over time. They have very conservative hair, dress, behaviors(how they act), and speak
What are the sources of shar'iah, and what is its role in Islam?
It is the center pieces of Islam provides guidance from God on how to live individually and as a society
1) What does the word Qur'an mean?
It means recitation and God's final revelation and to read. Direct word of God
5) Summarize some of the major contributions of Islamic civilization to Western culture during its Golden Age.
Literature, Caligraphy, scientific and philosophical works translated into Arabic.
3) Why are Medina and Jerusalem also holy cities for Muslims?
Medina- went to Medina to help and Muhammad was being forced out of Mecca;
How does one become a Muslim?
Must must submit to the will of Allah. They do this by demonstrating acts of Muslims like the Five Pillars. Then there's an initiation ceremony.
1) Define a Mosque
Place of worship; very clean, must wash self before entering, ritual cleansing
Name and explain the Five Pillars of Islam.
Shahadah witnessing/profession of faith Salah prayer Zakah almsgiving Sawm fasting Hajj pilgrimage
7) Summarize the historical development of the Nation of Islam in the United States.
The Nation of Islam grew in the U.S. by certain spiritual leaders such as Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrackhan. It was aimed at empowering African-Americans, therefore they do not mix with the Americans.
2) Why is the Qur'an the most sacred writing for Muslims? What are other sacred writings Muslims revere?
The Qur'an because it contains the collection of revelation of Muhammad directly from God in Arabic. And the Sunnah is also revered.
6) What were some of the major causes of the decline of the Muslim states in the early modern period?
The advance of Europe's economic/industrial/military power led to the long slow decline of Muslim society. Industrialization, colonization
3) What are the two main significances of Asura?
The fast and the remembrance of the martyrdom of the Shiite muslims
2) As a messenger of God, what was Muhammad's chief message to humankind?
The message was that there is only one God and wanted worship to him alone. Take care of the poor.
