History Unit 2: Islam in Medieval Times Study Guide
Write a summary of the early spread of Islam. Include these events: Muhammad's death, the caliphs unify Arabia, Ali's election to the caliphate, the Muslim entry into Spain, and the Battle of Tours.
After Muhammad's death, the caliphs unified Arabia. After much dispute, the fourth caliph, Ali, was elected to the caliphate. The Muslims began a conquest of Europe, but were turned back at the Battle of Tours, the French led by King Charles Martel.
What events occurred throughout Muhammad's life?
Before: Abu Talib dies. (619 CE) 1: Muhammad and his followers embarked on the hijrah. (622 CE) 2: Muhammad created a new Muslim community in Medina. (622-624 CE) 3: War breaks out between Muslims and Meccans. Muslims win.(624 CE) 4: A truce is made with the Meccans. (624 CE) 5: Meccans break truce, Muhammad captures Ka'bah and rededicates it to Allah. (630 CE) 6. Muhammad delivers his final sermon. (632 CE)
What did Muhammad teach when he preached to the Meccans?
He preached that they should share their wealth, take care of those who couldn't take care of themselves, and that all people were equal. Another important thing was that he tried to improve the social status of women.
Based of the concentration, what region of the world do you think the Islamic faith may have originated? Why?
Islam most likely originated in the areas of Northern Africa and the Middle East.
Why is Jerusalem a holy city for Muslims?
Jerusalem was the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven. Muhammad had also met here with earlier prophets, and early Muslims prayed in the direction of Jerusalem, not Mecca.
Describe Mecca around the time of Muhammad's birth. Use the following terms in your description: desert, prosperous, trading city, merchants, religious center.
Mecca was a prosperous desert trading city at the time of Muhammad's birth. Merchants brought products from distant places, and became wealthy by trading with Yemen and Syria. Mecca was also a religious center, since a building called the Ka'bah housed hundreds of statues representing different deities.
Explain the ties that most Arabs shared during this time. Use the following terms in your explanation: government, culture, language.
Most of the Arabs of the time lived as nomads, sharing no central government. However, they did share cultural ties, and most spoke the common language Arabic.
Write a four- to five-sentence summary of Muhammad's early life.
Muhammad was born in 570, CE. His father died before he was born, and he was sent into the desert to live with nomads, as was the custom. His mother died when he was six, shortly after his return. As he grew older, he became an successful merchant, renowned throughout Mecca for his honesty. He managed money for a woman named Khadijah, and later on, they were married.
Where was Muhammad, and what was he doing, when the angel Gabriel told him, "You are the messenger of God"?
Muhammad was meditating in a cave when he was visited by the angel Gabriel.
What regions of the world have the highest concentration of Muslims? The lowest?
Northern Africa and the Middle East both contain a more than 90% percent Muslim population. Latin America has the least concentration of Muslims, since 0.5% of the population is Muslim.
Why was the Ka'bah built, and how was it used at the time of Muhammad's birth?
The Ka'bah was built by Abraham to commemorate his sacrifice. At the time of Muhammad's birth, it housed hundreds of idols, so travelers could worship many different gods.
What is the holy book of Islam called? What does it contain?
The holy book is called the Qur'an. The Qur'an was written down by his followers, and it contains the messages that God sent to Muhammad.
What does Muslim mean?
Those who surrender to God.
