Origins of Islam
Muslims believe this prophet received the revelations that became the Qur’an.
Muhammad.
This title refers leaders of the Muslim faith after Muhammad’s death.
Caliph- A caliph was a religious leader, but not considered a prophet.
Explain what the “Gunpowder Empires” were and the three empires that comprised it.
Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal- All used gunpowder weapons to strengthen their militaries.
This Mughal emperor is remembered for religious tolerance and removing the tax on non-Muslims.
Akbar- His policies helped him govern a religiously diverse population.
Name two goods that were central to the trans-Saharan trade that enriched Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
Gold, Salt, Copper, etc.
This pillar of Islam asks Muslims to give to those in need.
Zakat- It emphasizes helping the poor and supporting the community.
The original Sunni–Shi’a split centered on disagreement over this issue.
Who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad - do they or do they not need to be direct relatives of Muhammad.
Mehmed II’s capture of this city in 1453 ended the Byzantine Empire.
Constantinople - Modern day Istanbul, Turkey.
This Ottoman sultan expanded the empire and earned the nickname “the Lawgiver.”
Suleiman the Magnificent- He strengthened Ottoman rule and expanded into areas including Hungary and Baghdad.
Why were camels nicknamed “ships of the desert”?
They transported heavy loads across the Sahara while needing little water. - They made long-distance desert trade more practical.
Muslims who are able should travel to Mecca at least once to complete this pillar.
Hajj- The pilgrimage reinforces the shared faith and equality of Muslims.
Which branch supported leadership through Muhammad’s family?
Shi’a Islam- Sunni Muslims accepted leaders who were not members of Muhammad’s family.
These Ottoman troops were recruited as enslaved boys, converted to Islam, and trained to serve the state.
Janissaries- They became an effective military force known for using firearms.
Under this Ottoman system, religious communities could largely manage their own affairs.
The millet system- It gave protected religious communities a degree of self-government.
Explain ways that Africa’s geography made transportation difficult.
The Sahara desert created a barrier to overland travel.
River rapids and cataracts blocked travel between the coast and interior.
Explain one economic reason Meccan leaders opposed Muhammad’s teachings.
They feared losing income connected to the Kaaba’s idols and other religions.
Monotheism threatened the religious practices that helped bring visitors and money to Mecca.
Explain how merchants helped Islam spread without military conquest.
Merchants introduced Islamic beliefs through trade and contact with other communities.
Why did shared belief in Islam fail to prevent rivalry between the Ottomans and Safavids?
What were the two divisions involved?
The Ottomans were Sunni, while the Safavids promoted Shi’a Islam.
Why were Jews and Christians considered “people of the book,” and how did this affect their treatment in Islamic empires?
They shared a belief in one God and shared sacred scriptures. All are considered Abrahamic religions.
What evidence helps historians trace the Bantu migrations?
Written language/cave paintings, transfer of language, and spread of skills/occupations.
Why did Muhammad’s move to Medina represent a turning point in the development of Islam?
It allowed Muhammad and his followers to establish a stronger Muslim community away from persecution in Mecca.
Define the concept of Jihad.
Jihad means a struggle against evil and can involve both internal and external struggles.
It includes personal efforts to live rightly as well as defending the faith.
Does not support physical force or violence.
How could rejecting a new military technology weaken an empire? Use the Safavids as your example.
The Safavids initially rejected guns and constantly lost early battles against the Ottomans. Their later adoption of firearms helped them achieve greater military success.
Explain how a ruler could use impressive buildings to strengthen political power.
Monumental buildings displayed wealth, authority, and religious devotion.
Explain how the Swahili Coast demonstrates both economic exchange and cultural blending.
Its cities traded goods such as gold and ivory across the Indian Ocean.
Contact between Muslim traders and Bantu-speaking communities helped produce Swahili (Arabic and Bantu languages combined).