Basics of Islam
Who was the prophet associated with the beginning of Islam?
Muhammad
What religion follows the Five Pillars?
Islam
What valuable metal attracted Arab merchants to West Africa?
Gold
Who was the famous wealthy ruler of the Mali Empire?
Mansa Musa
What language did Muslim scholars translate ancient Greek writings into?
Arabic
In which century did Islam begin?
The 7th Century
How many times a day are Muslims expected to pray?
5 times
What desert did Arab merchants cross to trade with West Africa?
Sahara Desert
What West African city became an important center of learning?
Timbuktu
What were traditional West African storytellers called?
Griots
What is the name of Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina?
The Hijrah
Which pillar involves giving to people in need?
Charity (Zakat)
What is a trade route?
A path used by merchants to exchange goods
What religious journey made Mansa Musa famous in 1324?
His pilgrimage to Mecca
What did griots preserve through storytelling?
The oral history and traditions of their people
What two cities were connected by the Hijrah?
Mecca (Makkah) and Medina (Yathrib)
During which holy month do Muslims fast from dawn to sunset?
Ramadan
Name two financial developments that helped merchants expand trade in the Middle East.
Banking and coins (also accept detailed record-keeping)
What helped Timbuktu grow into a center of learning?
The growth of West African trade routes
Why were Muslim scholars' translations important?
They preserved and spread knowledge from ancient Greek writings
Name three ways Islam spread through Southwest Asia and North Africa.
Trade, conquest, and teaching
Which pillar calls for a pilgrimage to Mecca if a Muslim is able?
Hajj
How did record-keeping and coins help Middle Eastern merchants?
They made business transactions and trade easier and more organized
What happened to the value of gold in parts of Egypt after Mansa Musa gave away so much?
Its value decreased, contributing to inflation
Explain how trade helped Timbuktu become a center of learning.
Trade brought wealth, people, scholars, and new ideas to the city