Interesting Facts
The concept of gravity, as understood today, was formally developed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century. However, centuries before Newton, this Islamic scholar made significant contributions to the understanding of gravitational principles. He was conversant in seven languages, studied almost all scientific disciplines of his day, and was a distinguished historian. Amongst other notable titles, he is also considered to be the first anthropologist.
Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni aka "al-Biruni"
This Muslim was also the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire and is credited as being the wealthiest person of all time. His reign is also often regarded as the zenith of Mali's power and prestige.
"Mansa Musa"
*Time Magazine reported "There's really no way to put an accurate number on his wealth" and is described as being "inconceivably rich by contemporaries."
The date and place of the origin of the Muslim faith.
7th century CE in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
"Ramadan"
This literal translation of this word means "peace" and "submission." Peace with humanity and submission to the edicts of God.
"Islam"
Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) are considered the _____ of the Islamic religion.
"The Five Pillars"
The messenger of Allah who is also considered the founder of Islam.
"Prophet Muhammad" (peace be upon him).
This Eighth Mansa of Mali, also a Muslim, is credited with multiple large trans-Atlantic expeditions from Africa to the Americas, the last of which was a fleet of 200 ships from which he would not return.
"Mansa Muhammad ibn Qu"
This day is considered the holiest day of the week, where Muslims also gather for a special congregational prayer called "Jumu'ah."
"Friday"
The name for the declaration of faith that states: "there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
"The Shahada"
This Individual has 99 recorded names, each one having a unique meaning.
"Allah"
This politician is the child of a former director of Somalia's National Marine Transport, spent four years in a refugee camp, and began with a professional career as a community nutrition educator, openly identifies as Muslim and serves as a U.S. Congressperson.
U.S. State Representative, Ilhan Abdullahi Omar of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District.
Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī (aka al-Khwārizmī), a Muslim mathematician and astronomer, introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals and the concept of this mathematic system that replaces letters and other general symbols used to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations [into European mathematics].
"Algebra"
This Muslim holiday is celebrated for three days known as the Tashreeq and falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
"Eid al-Adha" aka Eid II or "Greater Eid"
The name for the practice of giving 2.5% of one's savings to charity. It is also one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
"The Zakat"
In the early days of Islam, Muslim leaders were required to ___ all 6,236 verses of the Qur’an, which is also how it was mass-produced.
"Memorize"
The Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate who also survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban at age 15, rising to become a global symbol for the fight for girls' education and the rights of women and children worldwide.
"Malala Yousafzai"
The period of scientific, economic and cultural flourishing in the history of Islam that dated from the 8th to 13th century.
"The Islamic Golden Age"
This holiday, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
"Eid al-Fitr"
These common greeting amongst Muslims translate to
"Peace be upon you,"
"And the mercy of Allah,"
"And His blessings."
"As-Salamu Alaikum"
"Wa Rahmatullahi"
"Wa Barakatuh"
During the 10th century, this Muslim-ruled Spanish capital surpassed Constantinople as Europe's largest city and also became a prominent world leading center of education and learning, producing numerous polymaths.
"Córdoba" aka Cordova
The Moroccan scientist, engineer, and inventor, who also identifies as Muslim, is best known for his critical role in the development of the graphite anode (negative pole) for lithium-ion batteries and his research on fluoride ion batteries.
"Rachid Yazami"
This university was founded in 859 AD and is listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest degree-granting university.
"University of Al Karaouine"
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia which is considered a religious duty and must be carried out at least once in a Muslims lifetime.
"Hajj"
A term that translates to "God willing" that is often used to express hope for the future.
"In Sha Allah"