Famous Muslims
This person just became the first elected Muslim mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani
How many Muslims are there in the world?
Just over 2 billion ~ 2.1B
The 9th-century mathematician Al-Khwarizmi invented this type of math that uses letters like X and Y to solve equations.
Algebra
What does the word Allah mean?
The Arabic word for “God” (same God as in Judaism and Christianity)
What reddish-brown dye is made from the Lawsonia inermis plant and used for temporary tattoos or hair coloring?
Henna: used across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa for weddings, holidays, etc
This legendary heavyweight champion from Kentucky converted to Islam in the 1960s.
Muhammad Ali
Which country has the largest Muslim population?
Indonesia (Fun fact: most Muslims aren’t Arab: Next largest = Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria)
In 859 CE, Fatima al-Fihri founded the world’s first degree-granting ________ in Fez, Morocco
University: University of al-Qarawiyyin
What does the word Islam mean?
Peace and submission to God
What is the symbol most associated with Islam, similar to how the cross is with Christianity?
The crescent moon and star represent the lunar calendar and guidance in darkness
This activist from Pakistan became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her advocacy for girls’ education.
Malala Yousafzai
How many Muslims live in the United States?
Around 3.85–4 million
Yemeni Sufi monks in the 1400s were the first to brew this beverage to stay awake for late-night prayers.
Coffee
What is the holiest month in Islam?
Ramadan: month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, based on lunar calendar
What phrase do Muslims say to greet each other that means “peace be upon you”?
As-salaam alaikum
This British-Pakistani pop singer rose to fame as part of One Direction.
Zayn Malik
How many countries have Islam as their primary religion?
About 50
Ibn al-Haytham, an Iraqi mathematician, invented the first version of this image-capturing device in the 10th century.
Camera
What is the main holy text in Islam? Bonus: Name the other four texts.
Qur’an; plus the Torah (Tawrat), Book of Psalms (Zabur), Gospel/Bible (Injil), and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet)
What food is traditionally eaten first to break a fast in Ramadan?
Dates
These half-Dutch, half-Palestinian model sisters have opened and closed countless fashion shows worldwide.
Bella and Gigi Hadid
From which country do most Muslim-American immigrants come?
India
Muslims built the first modern versions of these facilities in 9th-century Baghdad, offering free treatment to all.
Hospitals
How many pillars of Islam are there?
Five:
1. Shahada: Declaration of faith
2. Salah: 5 daily prayers
3. Zakat: Charity (2.5% minimum of one's wealth)
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan and holy days
5. Hajj: Religious pilgrimage to Mecca
What meal is used to break the fast each day during Ramadan? What meal is used to start the fast?
Iftar and Suhoor