Qur'an Questions

What are three main problems with the traditional Muslim biography of Muhammad for modern historians?

1. Almost all sources are Muslim Intentional exaggerations and removing contradictions to make Muhammad look better Unintentional biasing because writing space is limited as parchment is expensive and focusing on what matters most to the author 2. Sources we use are 150 plus year after Muhammad 3. Almost all sources are literary- missing coins, sculptures

1. What steps did Muhammad take to organize the city of Medina when he arrived? Discuss the roles played by the Muslim emigrants from Mecca (Muhajirun), Medinese Helpers (Ansar), and Jews. List at least three steps.

1. Built large central mosque which allows for a common worship service 2. Constitution of Medina unites the Muslims from Mecca and medina into one community "super tribe", mutual defense pact with Jews - freedom of religion -Muhammad is arbiter of disputes 3. Virtual brotherhood between local medians Muslims (helpers) and Muslims from mecca (emigrants) sharing wealth and sharing homes

What type of personal conduct does the Qur'an prescribe for human beings? List four categories and an example for each.

1. Intellectual well-being: study learn and reflect, no alcohol 2. Physical well-being: no alcohol, suicide 3. Moral well-being: choosing virtue and not vices 4. Love and adoration of god- worship, prayer

What type of social and economic conduct does the Qur'an prescribe for human beings? List four categories and an example for each

1. Social Sanctity of property- no theft 2. Social Sanctity of life- no murder or abortion 3. Social chastity before marriage 4. Economic- charity to poor

1. What steps did Muslims take after Uthman's death to elaborate the way the Qur'an was written?

1. Vocal marks 2. Dots to make reading clear 3. consonance differentiators 4. verse dividers

How, according to the Qur'an, can we come to know God?

According to the Quran, we can come to know god by pursuing the pleasure of god and desiring the ultimate encounter with him. This is attained by cultivating a direct relationship of love and adoration of God as well as leading a life characterized by a struggle to fulfill his commandments

Who is God according to the Qur'an? How is God described? What are some of His names? List at least four names.

God is described as the creator of everything. 1. The merciful 2. Allah 3. All-powerful 4. The perfect

Summarize Muhammad's overall impact on Arabian society. Identify at least three areas of change

Monotheism United "super tribe" Islamic law from qur'an and muhammad's teachings

1. Describe Muhammad's physical appearance and manner as remembered by his community and summarized by Watt. Give at least three descriptions for each.

Physical Appearance 1. Average or a little above average height 2. Chest and shoulders were broad 3. Hands and feet were rough Manners 1. Long periods of silence when he was deep in thought 2. had firm control over emotions 3. Never spoke unnecessarily

What were the four primary classifications that Muslim scholars gave to hadith? What were the requirements for each level?

Sahih - sound A - strong character and memory Hasah - acceptable B/C - strong character weak memory Da'if - weak D - if the chain is broken or their is a fault in the narrative Mawdu - forged F - made up, fabricated

Give an overview of Muhammad's relationship with the Jews of Medina

jews had a pact of defense with the muslims until the quraysh came, jews betrayed the muslims however the qur'an still recognizes judaism as a path to God