Name _____________________________________ Date _________ Class ______ Period ____

The Rise of Islam Directions: Read the Chapter on “The Rise of Islam” from World History: Patterns of Interaction and

use the text to answer the questions below in full sentences and complete thoughts.

1. How did geography influence life in Arabia? Who are the Bedouins and what kind of lifestyle do they live?

2. What two major empires did alongside Arabia? What impact did they have on Arabian life?

3. Examine the map on page 264. Why is Mecca’s location good for trade? Why might it also help to spread new ideas?

4. What is the Kaaba? In what way was pre-Islamic worship at the Kaaba connected with Jewish tradition? In what way was it in conflict with Jewish tradition?

5. What is the word for God in Arabic? Do you think Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews would also use this word? Why or why not?

6. What was Muhammad's life like before the age of 40?

7. According to Muslim tradition, how did Muhammad become a Prophet? What did he experience?

8. Why did the Meccan leaders persecute Muhammad and his followers? What did he decide to do in response?

9. Why do you think the Prophet Muhammad had the idols from the Kaaba removed and destroyed? How does it connect to the Prophet Abraham?

10. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Which do you think is the most important to Muslims? a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

11. Who are the Ulema? Are they priests?

12. What is the Quran? What is the Sunnah? Which do you think has a higher status in Islam? What word is used to describe the laws derived from these two sources?

13. In what ways is Islam similar to Judaism and Christianity?

14. Why do you think Jews and Christians are referred to as the People of the Book?