Islamic Beliefs and Historical Context

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, figures, and practices within Islam.

Who is Allah?

The one and only God worshiped in Islam.

Who is Muhammad?

The prophet and founder of Islam.

Who is Khadijah?

Muhammad’s first wife and the first person to convert to Islam.

Who is Gabriel?

The angel who delivered God’s messages to Muhammad.

What is Monotheism?

The belief in one God.

What is Ramadan?

The holy month of fasting from sunrise to sunset in Islam, meant to help Muslims grow closer to God.

What is the Hajj?

The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must try to complete at least once in their life.

What is the Ka’aba?

The sacred shrine in Mecca that Muslims face during prayer.

What is the Qur’an?

The holy book of Islam containing God’s messages to Muhammad.

What is a Mosque?

A Muslim place of worship.

What is the Sunna?

The example and teachings of Muhammad; a guide for how all Muslims should live.

What is the Hijrah (Hegira)?

Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina; it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

What does Islam mean?

“Submission to the will of God”; a religion where followers give their will to Allah and follow Muhammad’s teachings.

Who were the Bedouins?

Nomadic Arab tribes who lived in the desert; modern Islamic culture developed from them.

What is Mecca?

The holy city in Saudi Arabia; birthplace of Muhammad and site of the Ka’aba.

What is Yathrib/Medina?

The first Muslim community; the city Muhammad fled to during the Hijrah.

What is Cultural Diffusion?

The spreading of beliefs and practices from one culture to another, often through travel or trade.

Do Muslims eat pork or drink alcohol?

No, they do not.

Do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Yes.

Are there 5 Pillars of Islam?

Yes, not 25.

Do Islam, Christianity, and Judaism share founders like Abraham and Moses?

Yes.

Do Muslims see Jesus as the Son of God?

No, they see him as a prophet.

Is the Qur’an the holy book with Allah’s revelations?

Yes, not just human wishes.

Did the Arabian Peninsula experience cultural diffusion because of its location?

Yes.

Was Muhammad orphaned and raised by his grandfather and uncle?

Yes.

Did Muhammad’s monotheistic teachings threaten Mecca’s pilgrimage business?

Yes.

Is a mosque a Muslim house of worship?

Yes.

Do the Five Pillars include alms and belief in one God, but not Communion?

Yes.

Where did Islam begin?

On the Arabian Peninsula, mainly in Mecca and Medina.

Which angel delivered God’s messages to Muhammad?

The angel Gabriel.

Toward what city do Muslims pray?

Toward Mecca, facing the Ka’aba.

In what language was the Qur’an written and recited?

Arabic.

What is Sharia?

The Islamic law code based on the Qur’an.

How are Islam and Christianity similar?

Both believe in one God (monotheism), have prophets, one holy book, and share beliefs in heaven, hell, and final judgment.

What is an example of cultural diffusion?

Trade, travel, or conquest spreading beliefs or customs between cultures.