Islamic Beliefs
What is the main teaching of Islam regarding God?
There is only one God, Allah.
What type of art is discouraged in Islam?
Images of living things.
Who is considered the founder of Islam?
Muhammad.
What was the Hijrah?
Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina.
What are the four social classes in Islamic society?
Muslims at birth, converts, protected people, and slaves.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
Faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, pilgrimage.
What famous literary work is associated with Islamic culture?
The Thousand and One Nights.
Who was the first caliph after Muhammad's death?
Abu-Bakr.
What military strategy did early Muslims use to expand their territory?
Jihad, or armed struggle against unbelievers.
Who were considered "protected people" in Islamic society?
Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians.
How often are Muslims required to pray?
Five times a day.
What major advancements did Muslims contribute to medicine?
The establishment of hospitals and medical encyclopedias.
What significant role did Suleyman the Magnificent play in the Ottoman Empire?
He was a ruler known for his legal reforms and cultural achievements.
Why did the Byzantine and Sassanid empires fall to Muslim forces?
They were weakened by previous conflicts.
What was the devshirme system?
A system where young Christian boys were recruited to become Janissaries.
What is the significance of the Qur'an in Islam?
It is the holy book that contains the revelations received by Muhammad from Allah.
What architectural style is prominent in Islamic mosques?
Calligraphy and geometric designs.
Who was Shah Abbas and what was his impact on the Safavid Empire?
He was a ruler who blended Ottoman, Persian, and Arab cultures to create a golden age.
What role did trade play in the spread of Islam?
Trade routes facilitated the exchange of ideas and the spread of Islamic beliefs.
How did the role of women vary in Islamic society?
Women had some rights but were generally expected to submit to men.
What is the role of the ulama in Muslim society?
They are scholars who apply Islamic teachings to everyday life.
Who was al-Razi and what was his contribution?
He was a physician who wrote encyclopedias on medical knowledge.
What is the significance of caliph al-Andalus?
He established a caliphate in Spain that became a center of culture and scholarship.
What was the impact of the Umayyad Caliphate on Islamic expansion?
They expanded the Muslim empire across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What was the significance of the millet system in the Ottoman Empire?
It allowed religious communities to govern themselves and maintain their own laws.