The Origins and Early Expansion of Islam

What was the primary reason for the Meccan merchants' resistance to Muhammad's teachings?

• They believed Muhammad's teachings were too similar to Christianity.
• They feared that Muhammad's teachings would disrupt their trade.
• They were concerned about the spread of violence among the tribes.
• They wanted to maintain their polytheistic beliefs and practices.

What significant event marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar?

• The birth of Muhammad in Mecca.
• The establishment of the Kaaba as a sacred shrine.
• The Hijra, or the flight of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
• The death of Muhammad in 632 CE.

What was a key factor that contributed to the spread of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula?

• The establishment of a strong military force by the early caliphates.
• The development of a new system of writing for the Quran.
• The adoption of Islam by the Roman Empire.
• The discovery of new trade routes to the East.

What was the primary religious practice of the Arabian Peninsula before the rise of Islam?

• Monotheism
• Polytheism
• Buddhism
• Christianity

What was the significance of the city of Mecca in pre-Islamic Arabia?

• It was the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad.
• It was a major center of trade and commerce.
• It was the location of the Kaaba, a sacred shrine.
• All of the above.

Which of the following were key areas of intellectual and scientific advancement during the Islamic Golden Age?

• Mathematics, medicine, and astronomy
• Philosophy, literature, and art
• Engineering, architecture, and geography
• All of the above

Which of the following best describes the diversity of the Islamic empire?

• It was dominated by a single ethnic group and culture.
• It was characterized by a strict adherence to a single interpretation of Islamic law.
• It encompassed a wide range of cultures and thinkers from the Atlantic Ocean to India.
• It was primarily focused on military conquest and expansion.

What was the role of textual analysis in Islamic society during the Golden Age?

• It fostered scholarly pursuits and advancements in various fields.
• It led to the standardization of Islamic law and practices.
• It discouraged independent thinking and innovation.
• It had little impact on the overall development of Islamic culture.

How did the Hijra, or the flight of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, contribute to the growth of Islam?

• It allowed Muhammad and his followers to practice their faith freely and build a strong community.
• It led to the conquest of Mecca and the establishment of Islam as the dominant religion.
• It facilitated the spread of Islamic teachings to new regions beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
• All of the above.

What was the significance of the early caliphates in the expansion of the Islamic empire?

• They established a strong military force to conquer new territories.
• They promoted the development of Islamic trade and commerce.
• They fostered a period of intellectual and scientific advancement.
• All of the above.