Key Concepts in Early Christianity and Islam

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and concepts related to early Christianity and Islam.

In Hoc Signo Vinces

Latin phrase meaning 'In this sign, you will conquer', associated with Constantine's vision.

Justinian Code

Collection of Roman laws organized by Emperor Justinian during the Byzantine Empire.

Hagia Sophia

Grand church in Constantinople, later converted to a mosque, now a museum.

Allahu Akbar

Arabic expression meaning 'God is Greatest'.

Shahada

Islamic profession of faith declaring belief in one God and Muhammad as His prophet.

Iconodule

A supporter of the use of religious icons in Christianity.

Iconoclasm

The rejection or destruction of religious images.

Iconoclast

Someone who opposes the use of religious icons.

Mosaic

Art made from small colored stones or glass.

Fresco

Painting done on wet plaster.

Icon

Religious image used in worship, especially in Eastern Christianity.

Hippodrome

Stadium for chariot races in Constantinople.

Messiah

Savior or liberator; Jesus is considered the Messiah in Christianity.

Hadith

Recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.

Zealots

Jewish group that fought against Roman rule seeking independence.

Apostolic traditions

Teachings and practices believed to come from the apostles.

Pope

Head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Patriarch

Highest church official in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Crusade

Religious wars aimed at recovering the Holy Land from Muslims.

Islam

Religion founded by Muhammad, meaning 'submission' to God.

Hijra

Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Masjid

Arabic word for mosque, a Muslim place of worship.

Saum

Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Edict of Milan

Issued by Constantine in 313 AD, legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Council of Nicaea

Held in 325 AD, it defined Christ's nature and produced the Nicene Creed.

Doctrine of Petrine Succession

Belief that the Pope is the successor of Saint Peter.

Five Centers of Christianity

Key cities: Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem.

Five Daily Prayers (Salat)

Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha are the five daily prayers in Islam.

Sunni Islam

Majority branch of Islam that believes the caliph is chosen by the community.

Shia Islam

Branch of Islam believing leadership should remain within Muhammad's family.

Hijri Calendar

Islamic lunar calendar consisting of 354 days.

Gregorian Calendar

Solar calendar consisting of 365 days.

Pillars of Islam

Fundamental acts of worship: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj.

Prophet Muhammad's Role in Islam

Final prophet who delivered God’s message through the Quran.

Eid al-Fitr

Festival marking the end of Ramadan.

Jihad

Struggle for the faith in Islam.

Roman Emperors' Stance on Christianity

Varied from persecution (Nero, Diocletian) to support (Constantine, Theodosius).

The Great Schism

1054 AD split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Iconoclastic Controversy

Conflict over the use of religious images in the Byzantine Empire.

Struggles of Early Christians

Persecution for refusing to worship Roman gods.

Names of the Months in the Hijri Calendar

Months include Muharram, Safar, and Ramadan, among others.

Names of the 12 Apostles

Includes Peter, John, James, and Judas Iscariot, among others.

Differences between Christianity and Islam

View on Jesus, scripture, and laws differ among the religions.

Similarities between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

All are monotheistic and share belief in prophets, prayer, and charity.

Roman Empire Duration

The Roman Empire lasted from 27 BC to 476 AD.

Western Roman Empire

Fell to Germanic tribes from 285 to 476 AD.

Eastern Roman Empire/Byzantine Empire

Lasted from 285 to 1453 AD with Constantinople as its capital.

Languages Used in Byzantine Church

Greek was predominant in the Byzantine Church.

Languages Used in Western European Churches

Latin was the main language in Western European Churches.

Factors in the Spread of Islam

Military conquests, trade, simplicity of teachings, and religious tolerance.

Role of Peter in Early Christianity

Leader of the early Church, regarded as the first Pope.

Role of Paul in Early Christianity

Missionary who spread Christianity to Gentiles.