1.
What does Islam mean in Arabic?
Correct Answer
C. "submission to the will of Allah"
Explanation
The correct answer is "submission to the will of Allah." Islam, in Arabic, means "submission" or "surrender," referring to the act of submitting oneself to the will of Allah, the Islamic concept of God. It encompasses the belief in the oneness of Allah and the acceptance of Muhammad as his messenger. Islam emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Allah's commands and living a life in accordance with his teachings.
2.
Toward what city do Muslims pray?
Correct Answer
A. Mecca
Explanation
Muslims pray toward Mecca because it is considered the holiest city in Islam. The Kaaba, a sacred site, is located in Mecca and is believed to be the house of God. Muslims around the world face towards the Kaaba while praying as a symbol of unity and devotion. Mecca is also the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and holds significant historical and religious importance in Islam.
3.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
Correct Answer
B. The major duties required of all Muslims
Explanation
The Five Pillars of Islam are the major duties required of all Muslims. These pillars include Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars are considered essential practices and beliefs that every Muslim should adhere to in order to fulfill their religious obligations.
4.
What do Muslims believe about Muhammad?
Correct Answer
A. He was the last and greatest of the propHets.
Explanation
Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last and greatest of the prophets. This belief is based on the teachings of Islam, which state that Muhammad was chosen by Allah to receive and deliver the final revelation, known as the Quran. Muslims regard Muhammad as the final messenger and the seal of the prophets, meaning that no prophet will come after him. They believe that Muhammad's teachings and example are the ultimate guidance for all aspects of life.
5.
What division of Islam believes that only a relative of Muhammad is qualified to be a caliph?
Correct Answer
B. Shi'a
Explanation
Shi'a is the division of Islam that believes that only a relative of Muhammad is qualified to be a caliph. This belief stems from the idea that the caliphate should be passed down through Muhammad's bloodline and that the imams, who are descendants of Muhammad, are the rightful successors. This is in contrast to Sunni Islam, which believes that the caliph can be elected from the wider Muslim community. Sufism, on the other hand, is a mystical branch of Islam that focuses on spiritual experiences and inner transformation. Fatimid refers to a specific Shi'a dynasty that ruled parts of North Africa and the Levant.
6.
What system of law regulates the family life, moral conduct, and the business and community life of Muslims?
Correct Answer
A. Shari'a
Explanation
Shari'a is the correct answer because it is the system of law that regulates various aspects of Muslim life, including family life, moral conduct, and business and community life. Shari'a is derived from the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) and serves as a guide for Muslims in their daily lives. It covers a wide range of topics, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, criminal law, and economic transactions. Shari'a is implemented differently in different countries, but it is an important aspect of Islamic jurisprudence.
7.
Who did Muslims consider the "people of the book"?
Correct Answer
D. Jews and Christians
Explanation
Muslims consider Jews and Christians as the "people of the book". This term refers to those who follow a revealed scripture, such as the Torah and the Bible, respectively. Muslims believe that these two religious communities received divine revelations in the past and therefore hold a special status. Muslims are instructed to treat the "people of the book" with respect and tolerance, as they share common religious roots and beliefs.
8.
What was NOT true of the Muslim class system?
Correct Answer
B. All Muslims were considered first-class citizens.
Explanation
The statement "All Muslims were considered first-class citizens" is not true of the Muslim class system. In the Muslim class system, there was some class mobility with conversion to Islam, meaning that individuals could move up in social status by converting to Islam. Non-Muslims formed the third class, indicating that they were not considered first-class citizens. The fourth class consisted of slaves, further highlighting the distinction between different social classes in the Muslim class system.
9.
How did Muslim scholars help preserve European culture?
Correct Answer
C. By translating works of Aristotle and Plato
Explanation
Muslim scholars helped preserve European culture by translating works of Aristotle and Plato. This is because during the Islamic Golden Age, Muslim scholars in the Middle East translated many Greek and Roman texts into Arabic, including the works of Aristotle and Plato. These translations were later reintroduced to Europe during the Renaissance, playing a crucial role in the revival of classical knowledge and the development of European culture.
10.
Caliph: Political and religious leader in a Muslim government
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A caliph is indeed a political and religious leader in a Muslim government. The term "caliph" refers to the successor of the Prophet Muhammad, who holds both political and religious authority. The caliph is responsible for governing the Muslim community and upholding Islamic law. This position has historically been held by various rulers throughout Islamic history, and their role is considered essential in maintaining the unity and leadership of the Muslim ummah (community). Therefore, the statement that a caliph is a political and religious leader in a Muslim government is true.
11.
A Jihad is always an "armed struggle" against Nonbelievers of Islam.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because a Jihad does not always refer to an armed struggle against Nonbelievers of Islam. Jihad can also refer to a personal spiritual struggle or a nonviolent effort to promote justice and righteousness. It is a misconception to equate Jihad solely with violence, as it encompasses a broader range of meanings and interpretations within Islam.
12.
Cultural Diffusion is the mixing and blending of cultures, sometimes creating a new culture.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Cultural diffusion refers to the process of cultures coming into contact and influencing each other, leading to the mixing and blending of different cultural elements. This interaction can result in the emergence of a new culture that incorporates aspects from different cultures. Therefore, the statement that cultural diffusion can create a new culture is true.
13.
We always start with geography because it is on the test. And as we know tests are all that matter in this life!
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement suggests that geography is always the first subject to be tested, implying that it holds the utmost importance in exams. However, this statement is not true as it is a sarcastic remark. The correct answer is false because tests do not solely revolve around geography, and there are various other subjects that are equally significant in the evaluation process.
14.
Your favorite class at Synergy is...
Correct Answer
B. Dominic's History Class