I. Life of the Prophet

Question 1

Abrahamic orgins and influence on Islam

Answer 1

• believe Abraham is a prophet (mentioned in the Qur’an)
• continuing monotheistic tradition of Abraham
• role of prophets > messengers of divine revelations
• sacred sites > the Kaaba
• submission to God (model)
• shared narratives (stories and references)

Question 2

early life and expectations of the Prophet

Answer 2

• born into Quraysh tribe in Mecca
• orphaned young
• raised by grandfather - Abd al-Muttalib
• raised by uncle - Abu Talib
• shepard > young and illiterate

Question 3

early years of prophethod and challenges in Mecca

Answer 3

• first revelation: 610 C.E. in cave of Hira
• new religion disturbed the idol/tribe based society
• threatened those in power > economic and religious norms
• targeted by the Quraysh > seen as a dissenter/rebellion

Question 4

the two emigrations

Answer 4

• Abyysinna: Prophet points them toward King Negus, Christian king who grants asylum to Muslims seeking refuge
• Yathrib: Prophet and followers emigrate to Yathrib (Medina) 622 C.E. > marks the Hijra: start of Islamic calender

the first Hijra

provide a summary of both

Question 5

describe the beginning of the Muslim State

foundation of the first Muslim POLIS in Medina

Answer 5

• Once in Medina, Prophet established community based on faith - Umma - not tribal faith
• integrated both believers (emmigrants and new believers?)
• believers and non-muslims under a new social and political systerm
• Constitution of Medina (?)

Question 6

Constitution of Medina

Answer 6

• Constitution of Medina: created alliances btwn Muslims and Jews (other faiths?)
• protected all > tax system to ensure equal protection (Jews taxed, Muslims required to provide protection)

Question 7

battles with Meccan pagans

Answer 7

1. Battle of Badr (624): Muslim victory
2. Battle of Uhud (625): Muslim loss
3. Battle of the Trench (627): successful defensive strategy against larger Meccan army

Question 8

war (jihad) and peace in Islam

Answer 8

jihad = struggle (internal/external)
* war in self-defense only
* specific war procedures (violence, capture, ransom, execution, etc)

Question 9

think of important women (wives, martyrs, abrahamic)

role of women in Islam

Answer 9

women often the first to convert, played large role in distributing the message of the prophet
* Khadija: first wife, follower, and support (source of encouragement and rationality)
* A’isha: wife (favored), reliable source of hadiths (her ability to memorize, intelligent)
* Mary: acknowledged as the mother of Jesus, virgin, and considered a holy woman
* Sumayya: wife of Yasir, first martyr of Islam

Question 10

Prophet’s vision of the future and farewell

Answer 10

emphasized in his final speech:
* equality,
* justice
* sanctity of life
* women’s rights
* unity of Muslim community > Umma

Question 11

death of the Prophet and his successor

Answer 11

dies: 632 C.E. in Medina
successor: Abu Bakr, close companion, first caliph

Question 12

(5)

pillars of Islam

the principles of Islam

Answer 12

1. Shahada (decleration of faith)
2. Salat (prayer)
3. Zakat (charity
4. Sawm (fasting)
5. Hajj (pilgrimage)

Question 13

(6)

articles of Iman

the principles of Islam

Answer 13

belief in…
1. God
2. angels
3. books
4. prophets
5. day of judgement
6. divine decree

Question 14

excellence in Islam…

Ihsan

the principles of Islam

Answer 14

spiritual excellence—worshiping God as if you see Him.