World History Quiz: The Rise Of Islam

1.

Why were the Umayyad caliphs able to expand their empire?

A.

The Persian and Byzantine empires were weak.
B.

They formed alliances with Germanic tribes.
C.

Sunnis and Shiites put aside their differences to unite.
D.

They used gunpowder and cannons to defeat enemies.

Correct Answer
A. The Persian and Byzantine empires were weak.

Explanation
The Umayyad caliphs were able to expand their empire because the Persian and Byzantine empires were weak. With these powerful empires in a weakened state, the Umayyads took advantage of the opportunity and seized territories from them. The weakened state of their rivals allowed the Umayyads to easily conquer and expand their empire.

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2.

Muslims believe the sacred word of Allah was revealed to Muhammed and is presented in the:

A.

Quran
B.

Vedas
C.

Bible
D.

Torah

Correct Answer
A. Quran

Explanation
Muslims believe that the sacred word of Allah was revealed to Muhammed and is presented in the Quran. The Quran is considered the holy book of Islam and is believed to be the exact words of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is considered the ultimate source of guidance and authority for Muslims, containing teachings on various aspects of life, including faith, morality, and social issues. The Quran is revered and recited by Muslims worldwide, and it serves as a source of inspiration, guidance, and spiritual nourishment for believers.

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3.

Which of the following statements is generally true about Muslim economies of this time?

A.

Muslims didn't make goods valued in international trade.
B.

Muslims didn't want to trade because they wanted to avoid on-Muslims.
C.

Muslim handicrafts were generally organized by guilds
D.

Merchants were not respected in Muslim society.

Correct Answer
C. Muslim handicrafts were generally organized by guilds

Explanation
Muslim handicrafts being generally organized by guilds is a generally true statement about Muslim economies of this time. Guilds were common in Muslim societies and played a significant role in organizing and regulating various economic activities, including handicraft production. These guilds provided support, protection, and training to artisans and ensured quality control and fair trade practices. They also facilitated the transmission of knowledge and skills across generations, contributing to the development and sustainability of Muslim handicraft industries.

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4.

Many lower caste Hindus converted to Islam because:

A.

They wanted to get good government jobs.
B.

They were cunningly manipulated against their indigenous culture.
C.

They were threatened with death if they didn't.
D.

They wanted to get out of the non-Muslim tax.

Correct Answer(s)
B. They were cunningly manipulated against their indigenous culture.
C. They were threatened with death if they didn't.
D. They wanted to get out of the non-Muslim tax.

5.

Which of the following statements about Muslim art is true?

A.

Human figures are not allowed in religious art.
B.

Secular art was not permitted at all.
C.

Islamic beliefs were not reflected in Muslim art.
D.

Paintings on canvas were the only art form available.

Correct Answer(s)
A. Human figures are not allowed in religious art.
B. Secular art was not permitted at all.

Explanation
Muslim art follows the principles of Islamic beliefs, which include the prohibition of human figures in religious art. This is because Islam discourages the worship of idols or any form of representation of Allah or prophets. Additionally, secular art was not widely practiced or encouraged in Muslim societies, as religious themes and calligraphy were the predominant forms of artistic expression. Therefore, both statements about human figures not being allowed in religious art and secular art not being permitted are true in the context of Muslim art. The statement about paintings on canvas being the only art form available is not true, as Muslim art encompasses a wide range of mediums including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and architecture.

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6.

Muslim mystics who seek union with God through meditation, fasting, and dance were called:

A.

Shiites
B.

Shahs
C.

Sunnis
D.

Sufis

Correct Answer
D. Sufis

Explanation
Sufis were Muslim mystics who sought union with God through practices such as meditation, fasting, and dance. They believed in experiencing a direct connection with the divine and sought to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Sufism emphasized the importance of inner knowledge and personal experience of God rather than relying solely on external rituals and religious laws. The term "Sufi" is derived from the Arabic word "suf," meaning wool, which was the simple and humble clothing worn by early Sufis as a symbol of their detachment from material possessions.

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7.

Why did the Safavid and Ottoman empires experience conflict with each other?

A.

The Ottomans thought the Safavids were heretics.
B.

The Safavids tried to convert Ottomans to Hinduism.
C.

The Ottomans helped the Safavids' enemies.
D.

The Safavids tried to take over the Ottoman silk trade.

Correct Answer
A. The Ottomans thought the Safavids were heretics.

Explanation
The Safavid and Ottoman empires experienced conflict with each other because the Ottomans believed that the Safavids were heretics. This religious difference led to tensions and conflicts between the two empires. The Ottomans, who were Sunni Muslims, considered the Safavids, who were Shia Muslims, to be deviating from the true Islamic faith. This religious divide fueled animosity and resulted in frequent clashes and wars between the two empires.

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8.

Merchants in Mecca were initially hostile towards Muhammad because they thought:

A.

His teachings would disrupt their trade.
B.

His system of law would discriminate against them.
C.

He worshipped many gods, not just one god.
D.

The angel didn't really appear to him at all.

Correct Answer
A. His teachings would disrupt their trade.

Explanation
Merchants in Mecca were initially hostile towards Muhammad because they believed that his teachings would disrupt their trade. Muhammad's teachings, which emphasized social justice and the rejection of idol worship, threatened the existing economic and social order in Mecca, where trade and the worship of multiple gods were central to the city's prosperity. The merchants feared that Muhammad's message would discourage pilgrims from visiting Mecca and participating in the lucrative trade that revolved around the city's religious rituals. Therefore, they saw his teachings as a threat to their economic interests and reacted with hostility towards him.

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9.

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam because it is where Muhammad:

A.

Died and was buried in a splendid tomb.
B.

Organized the first community of Muslims.
C.

Rededicated the Kaaba to Allah.
D.

Received the revelation of the Sharia.

Correct Answer
C. Rededicated the Kaaba to Allah.

Explanation
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam because it is where Muhammad rededicated the Kaaba to Allah. The Kaaba is a sacred building in Mecca that is believed to have been originally built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. It is considered the most sacred site in Islam and the direction towards which Muslims around the world pray. Muhammad's rededication of the Kaaba to Allah solidified its significance as the central place of worship for Muslims, making Mecca the most revered city in the Islamic faith.

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