Islam Quiz Review

Which of the following is the Holiest City of Islam?

• Cairo

• Makkah(Mecca)

• Baghdad

• Amritsar

Answer explanation

Mecca is the hometown of Muhammad and where he rededicated the Kaaba to Allah.

What is the Holy Book of Islam?

• Guru Granth Sahib

• Veda

• Koran/Qur'an

• Talmud

Answer explanation

The Qur'an was given to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Since he was illiterate, Muhammad recited the Qur'an to his followers who wrote it down. Since it was recited in Arabic, it should also be read in Arabic.

Which of the following is one of the  5 Pillars of Islam?

• Holy communion

• Baptism

• Praying five times a day

• Practice Yoga daily

Answer explanation

The 5 Pillars are the foundation of the Islamic Faith.

What is the name of the pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) during the last month of the Islamic calendar?

• The March

• The Crusade

• The Night Journey

• The Hajj

Answer explanation

In the beginning, the Hajj was once a year but as Islam grew further from its roots, it has become a tradition for at least once in a lifetime.

What is the largest branch of Islam?

• Shi'ites

• Sunnis

• Sufis

• Caliphs

Answer explanation

Sunnis make up about 85% of Muslims in the world today where Shi'a make up about 15%.

Where did Islam originate?

• India

• Roman Empire

• Arabian Peninsula

• Mesopotamia

How did Islam spread initially?

• along trade routes

• missionaries

• military conquests

• Arabic kings paid people to convert

Answer explanation

Islam originally spread through Conquest soon after the death of Muhammad.

Later, Islam spread primarily through trade into Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia

Which would you NOT expect to see in Islamic art?

• geometric patterns

• vivid colors

• human or animal figures

• floral patterns

Answer explanation

Muslims do not portray Muhammad or Allah in their art - only Allah can create the image of man. Although some portraits of wealthy people or leaders exist, Islamic mosaics consist mainly of geometric patterns or floral motifs.

What religious structure is located in Mecca

• The Great Pyramid of Giza

• The Ka'aba

• Tent City of Mina

• The Coliseum

Answer explanation

The Ka'aba originally contained many polytheistic idols which attracted pilgrims throughout the year.

When Muhammad conquerd the city of Mecca, he rededicated the shrine to Allah

Which question separated the Sunnis from the Shi’a?

• Is it wise to expand the empire?

• Should nonbelievers be punished?

• Should religious pictures of humans be permitted?

• Must a caliph be descended from Muhammad?

Answer explanation

Disagreements about leadership started almost immediately after Muhammad's death. Many wanted Ali instead of Abu Bakr. Ali was married to Muhammad's daughter Fatima - meaning that their children - descendants of Muhammad - would eventually take over leadership.