The Prophet/Revelation
When did the Prophet receive the revelation and what message did he spread? Provide some examples
How did Hazrat Abu Bakr get chosen as the first caliph and why?
Hazrat Abu Bakr got chosen at Saqifa (assembly meeting) because of his high social status, he was wealthy, generous, fair, experienced and a close companion of the Prophet. He was chosen at Saqifa as Imam Ali was preparing the Prophet's body for burial.
What led to the battle of Karbala?
Muawiya went agains this peace agreement with Hazrat Hasan and when Hazrat Hasan and Hussayn were trying to leave to go to Kufa Yazid trapped them in Karbala and killed Hazrat Hussayn
What is the Translation Movement during the Golden Age of Islam and under which Dynasty did this happen?
The translation movement is when Muslim scholars during the Abbasid dynasty translated Greek, Latin and Pahlavi works to Arabic to allow for new intellectual developments and expansions in society
What is context and why does it matter?
Context is background info that helps us understand an event, person, or idea more clearly. It matters because it allows us to understand why and how things happened.
Who are a part of the Ahl al-Bayt?
Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Ali, Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Hasan, Hazrat Hussayn and the Ismaili Imams
Name one major accomplishment from Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Uthman
Umar - Developed the Muslim Calendar
Uthman - Compiled the Qur'an
What is Muharram and what event/person does it commemorate? How can you practice Muharram today?
Muharram is the month where Muslims commemorate the sacrifice made by Imam Hussayn during Karbala. One way you can honour Imam Hussayn today by giving back to those in need and standing up for what is right
Name one scholar we have learned about and what he contributed to society
Al Haytham - Camera
Al-Kindi - Philosopher
Al-Zahrawi - Medical devices
Al-Kharizimi - Math
What is the difference between a primary and secondary source? Provide 2 examples of each
Primary source is a first hand account of an event, whereas a secondary source is an interpretation or analysis of a primary source
Name 3 sources we can use to learn about the Prophet and explain what each source is
Qur'an (Islamic Holy text)
Sira (Biography of the Prophet)
Hadith (Teachings and sayings of the Prophet)
Explain how the Umayyads rose into and stayed in power and what led to their decline?
After Karbala, there were a series of civil wars that eventually led to Abd al-Malik becoming the first Umayyad Caliph. The Umayyads made many developments in areas such as architecture, military, intellectual traditions, trade, etc. The Umayyad Caliphate fell in 750 CE due to a combination of social inequality, economic strain, and severe political instability.
What is Dawr al-Satr and what role did Dais play during this time?
Dawr al-Satr refers to periods in Ismaili history when Imams were hidden (mastūr) from the public eye to escape political persecution. During these eras, Dais (missionaries) acted as vital intermediaries, preserving the faith and covertly guiding the community until the Imam’s reappearance
Outer is who, what and where. Inner is why and how. Understanding both outer and inner tells us the whole story
What is the Year of Sorrow, Miraj and Hijra?
Year of Sorrow - Prophet's wife and uncle pass away
Miraj - Prophet goes on a spiritual journey to the seven heavens where he meets the other Prophets and his sense of purpose is rejuvenated
Hijra - Prophet takes his followers on a journey to Medina to establish a community there with no backlash or consequences from the Quraysh
What ethics and values are embodied by the Andalusian culture? What is Convivencia?
Al-Andalus embodied and embraced diversity and pluralism and developed the term Convivencia which means living together to show their commitment to appreciating everyones uniqueness.
Provide the religious, environmental, cultural, intellectual, political, and economic context of Pre-Islamic Arabia
Religious - Polytheists (idol worshipping), Jews, Christians
Environment - Hot, dry desert, not very fertile except in the fertile crescent
Cultural / Political - Tribal society, nomads, Arab tribes living closer to the Kaba were in control and seen as more prestigious (Quraysh)
Intellectual - Poetry was highly valued and used to honour and disrespect other tribes
Economy - Used spices and goods as currency
What happened at Ghadir Khumm and why is it a significant turning point in Muslim history? (What did the Prophet say and what did he leave behind?)
The Prophet said he is leaving behind two things of great weight: the Ahl-al Bayt and the Qur'an. He said "whoever's Mawla I am, Ali is their Mawla". This was a turning point in Muslim history as it led to a division between Sunnis and Shias