Life in Jāhiliyyah
What does the word Jāhiliyyah mean?
Age of Ignorance
Who were the ḥanīfs?
People who believed in one God before Islam
Who was the Prophet’s father?
Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib
Who was the Prophet’s foster mother in the desert?
Halimah Saʿdiyyah
In what year was the Prophet born?
570 CE
In which city is the Kaaba located?
Mecca
What intoxicating drink was widely used in Jāhiliyyah?
Alcohol/wine
Who was the Prophet's mother?
Amina bint Wahb
Why were Meccan infants sent to live with Bedouins?
For healthier climate and pure Arabic language
What name is given to the year the Prophet was born?
The Year of the Elephant — named after Abraha’s failed attempt to attack the Kaaba with elephants
About how many idols were kept in and around the Kaaba before Islam?
About 360
What type of gambling was popular?
Arrow casting (maysir)
Who was the Propher's grandfather who cared for him after his mother died?
Abdul Muttalib
What miracle happened to Muhammad’s heart as a boy?
Angel purified his heart (Shaqq al-Sadr)
What pact did Muhammad join to protect the weak?
Ḥilf al-Fuḍūl (League of the Virtuous)
What was the main economic activity in Mecca?
Caravan trade
What major tribal war happened when Muhammad was young?
The Fijar Wars
Who raised the Prophet after his grandfather’s death?
His uncle Abu Talib
What nickname did Meccans give him for honesty?
Al-Amīn (The Trustworthy)
At what age did the Prophet marry Khadījah?
25
Which sinful custom involved newborn girls?
Female infanticide
Which Qur’anic Surah tells of the birds stopping Abraha’s elephants?
Surah al-Fil
What important role did Abdul Muttalib hold in Mecca?
Custodian of the Kaaba and Zamzam well
What job did the Prophet do as a boy?
Shepherd
What mountain cave did the Prophet later visit to pray and reflect?
Cave of Ḥirāʾ