Islamic History: Geography of the Arabian Peninsula and Early Life of Prophet Muhammad

Flashcards covering the geography of the Arabian Peninsula, historical context of Mecca, and the early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) up to his adulthood.

Where is the Arabian Peninsula located geographically?

It is located in the southwest of the continent of Asia.

Which bodies of water surround the Arabian Peninsula on its eastern, western, and southern borders?

To the east is the Arabian Gulf, to the west is the Red Sea, and to the south are the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Which regions border the Arabian Peninsula to the north?

Bilad al-Sham (the Levant) and Iraq.

Which present-day four countries are included under the historical name Bilad al-Sham?

Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.

Who originally built the holy Kaaba in Mecca according to the context?

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

From which prophet did the Arab tribe of Quraysh originally descend?

Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him).

Which ancestor of Quraysh dedicated himself to serving the holy Kaaba in Mecca?

Qusai ibn Kilab.

Which Surah in the Holy Quran refers to the trade caravans of Mecca traveling between Sham and Yemen?

Surah Quraysh.

In what year was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born, and what was that year called?

He was born in the year 571 AD, which is known as the Year of the Elephant.

Who led the attack on Mecca using elephants to try to occupy it and destroy the Kaaba?

Abrahah the Abyssinian, whose failed attack is mentioned in Surah Al-Fil.

When did Abdullah, the father of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), pass away?

He passed away before his son was born.

Where and with whom did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spend the first four years of his childhood?

In the desert with the tribe of Bani Sa'd, under the care of his foster mother (wet nurse) Halimah al-Sa'diyyah.

How old was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when his mother Aminah passed away?

Six years old.

Who took care of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his mother's death, and until what age?

His grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, who cared for him until he died when the Prophet was eight years old.

Who assumed guardianship of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after the death of his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib?

His uncle, Abu Talib.

What occupation did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engage in during his early youth in Mecca?

Shepherding sheep and goats.

For whom did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conduct merchant trade at the age of twenty-five?

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a businesswoman of Mecca, who hired him for his devotion and honesty.