Module 8 HIST 1111

The Qur'an became one of the principal unifying forces within the Arab world.

• True

• False

Which of the following best describes jihad? (Select all that apply.)

• The term "jihad" did not appear in the Qur'an.

• The obligation to wage jihad is grounded in Islam's claim to be a universal religion.

• It divides the world into two houses, "the House of Faith" and the "House of disbelief".

• Early Muslims interpreted it as exclusively focusing on a personal, interior struggle.

Which of the following are included among the five pillars of Islam? (Select all that apply.)

• Jihad, or striving to uphold, strengthen defend or spread Islam.

• The Ramadan fast.

• Daily prayer five times a day.

• The hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.

How were Sunni and Shi 'ite Muslims different? (Select all that apply.)

• The split between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims remains until today.

• The Sunni developed a sense of continual persecution that alienated them from the broader Muslim community, while the Shi'ites did not.

• The Shi'ites established a religious hierarchy, while the Sunnis did not.

• Shi 'ites believed that Ali was the rightful successor to Muhammad, while the Sunni held that the Umayyad Caliphate was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community.

The Islamic term "People of the Book" refers to Jews and Christians who possess their own scriptural texts.

• True

• False

Mecca became an important religious center only after Muhammad had begun his preaching.

• True

• False

Which term refers the Muslim community itself?

• Umma

• Ka'ba

• Mosque

• None of these.

Which of the following statements best describes pre-Islamic Arabia? (Select all that apply.)

• The first monotheistic state in Arabia was Jewish.

• The camel was an important resource that permitted long distance trade and travel.

• Both the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires sought to influence affairs in Arabia to benefit their respective interests.

• Arabian society was fragmented into numerous tribes and clans.

Which of the following is true regarding the Umayyad Caliphate? (Select all that apply.)

• Umayyad leaders predominately saw Islam as an Arab religion and did not force conversions to Islam.

• The Umayyad caliphs moved the capital from the religiously-important Mecca to the politically-advantageous Damascus.

• Umayyad conquests created a Muslim zone for trade and commerce that spanned three continents.

• It faced numerous rebellions from within the Muslim community which ultimately led to its downfall.

How did Shari'ah differ from secular law codes? (Select all that apply.)

• Question options:

  Rulers from the Umayyad dynasty first wrote and promulgated Shari'ah to centralize authority in the caliphate.

• It is considered impossible to alter Shari'ah since Muslims believe that it represents God's will.

• It offers little to no effective legal recourse for women.

• Much of it focuses on family life and gender relations.