Definitions
Core beliefs of Islam
Five Pillars (of Islam)
Pillar of Faith
There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger/Prophet.
In what city was Muhammad born?
Mecca
What Arabic word means "submission to Allah?"
Islam
Monks and nuns spent much of their time making hand written copies of what book?
The Bible
Warrior clans from Scandanavia
Vikings
Pillar of Prayer
Muslims must pray 5 times a day while facing towards Mecca.
What is the name of the Muslim holy book?
Quran
What Muslim family claimed power after the death of Ali (and maybe had Ali murdered)?
Umayyads
The Vikings converted to Greek Orthodoxy after they saw the massive buildings of what city?
Constantinople
The practice of living alone to work and pray.
Monasticism
Pillar of Fasting
From sunup to sundown, no food/water during the holy month of Ramadan.
What is the collective term for the first four successors to Muhammad after he died?
The Rightly Guided Caliphs
What Muslim family wiped out the Umayyads and established a 500 year dynasty?
Abbasids
What piece of technology allowed the Vikings to successfully raid/conquer/colonize Europe and North America?
The majority of Muslims, they believe that any good Muslim could be elected as the leader; they accepted Umayyad & Abbasid dynasties as legitimate. Their name means "tradition."
Sunnis
Pillar of Pilgrimage
Muslims should visit Mecca at least once in their life if possible.
Where did Muhammad and his followers move to after being threatened with death?
Yathrib/Medina
What city was the capital of the Abbasid Dynasty?
Baghdad, Iraq
What title was given to King Charlemagne by the pope on Christmas Day, 800 CE?
Holy Roman Emperor
Also acceptable: Defender of the Faith
The minority of Muslims, they believe Muhammad's bloodline, especially his cousin Ali, are the rightful leaders of Islam. Their name means "members of the party of Ali")
Shiites
Pillar of Almsgiving
Muslims must give alms to support the poor.
Who is considered to be the first convert to Islam?
Muhammad's wife, Khadijah
What city was the capital of the Umayyad Dynasty?
Damascus, Syria
According to Muslim tradition, who visited Muhammad in the cave and told him he would be Allah's Prophet?
The angel Gabriel