The study of our history is important to give us a sense of identity; pride in our heritage; confidence in our contribution to civilization; and for learning from past successes and failures
100
What is the common link between perfume, camera and Tylenol capsules?
Muslim inventions were the precursors to all three
100
What do some non-Muslims think about our religion of Islam and why do they think this?
Lack of familiarity with Muslim history and contributions has led to a current misperception of Islam as a monolithic religion of violence and barbarism.
100
What famous singer sang the song “Buffalo Soldier”?
Bob Marley
100
Describe slavery in Islam.
Slaves had rights and were not treated as objects. They had the opportunity for freedom.
200
Why is it important to study Fatimid history?
Studying Fatimid history is important for us because it was at that time that Muslim ideals came closest to being the realized in daily life.
The values and ideals of the Fatimid era continue to be appropriate today.
200
In 10th century Cairo, drinking water came from a long river in Egypt. What is the name of this river?
The Nile River.
200
How can we change what some non-Muslims think about Islam?
If we understand our own history, we can hope to educate others and counter such impressions.
200
What American President abolished slavery?
President Abraham Lincoln
200
How was slavery in America different from slavery in Islam?
Slaves in America had no rights and no freedom. They were treated badly and lived in poor conditions. In Islam, slaves had rights and the ability to achieve freedom.
300
What is the place called where Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever heartily receives me as his Master, then to him Ali is the same. O Lord, befriend every friend of Ali, and be the enemy of all his enemies; help those that aid him, and abandon all that desert him.”
Ghaddir-e-Khumm
300
Describe Fatimid Cairo in the 10th century.
Fatimid Cairo was a flourishing place, socio-economically, intellectually, artistically, culturally. It was ruled by Ismaili Imams. The religious environment was one of tolerance and pluralism.
300
Why have many African Americans converted to Islam?
Islam has a social message of equality of all races and classes
300
What war did America fight over slavery?
Civil War
300
What does the Quran say concerning slavery? Name atleast one thing.
be kind to slaves, give alms to slaves, freeing a slave can help with forgiveness of sins.
400
How was Fatimid Cairo in the 10th century different from Europe at that time?
Europe was in the late dark ages, in dirty, smelly cities, with disease festering everywhere, and unsafe conditions after dark.
400
If Muslim inventors have been such an integral part of the development
of science, why is it that text books on science only speak of the Greek and European inventions and not about Muslim civilizations?
The authors of these textbooks are usually non-Muslim, so they record their own histories and leave out Muslim contributions.
400
What kind of work did black slaves do in America?
They worked in mines, on plantations, and in households. Cleared forests, dug canals, planted fields, built towns, drove cattle, took care of families.
400
What does it mean to "ransom" a slave?
Buy a slave from his master and then set him free.
500
What is one difference between Cairo in the 10th century and modern day Cairo?
Cairo in the 10th century was flourishing artistically and intellectually. Today, Cairo suffers from the combined effects of urbanization and extreme poverty. There is a poor economy and little sanitation.
500
What are some ideals of Islam, and is the reality of Islam always the same as the ideals?
Ideals: honesty, truthfulness, kindness, charity. Reality is not always idealistic.
500
In the mid-1400s, there was a lot of trade between European and African kingdoms. Name atleast three of the four coasts they traded on.