Key Concepts in Early Christianity and Islam

These flashcards cover key terms, dates, figures, and concepts related to early Christianity and Islam.

What does canonization refer to in religious context?

The process by which scripture is recognized by authority as divine, also refers to the official declaration of a deceased person into sainthood.

What are the Gospels in Christianity?

The story of Jesus's life and teachings, specifically the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John deemed canonical.

What is a Sura in the context of the Quran?

One of the 114 divine chapters or sections within the Quran, arranged by length.

What was the significance of the Hijra?

Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar and the umma.

What is the Quran and its meaning?

Considered the direct, unaltered word of God revealed to Muhammad, meaning 'the recitation'.

What happened in the year 313 CE?

The Edict of Milan was established by Emperor Constantine, supporting Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Who were the Umayyads?

A caliphate (661–750 CE) under which the Islamic empire expanded rapidly.

How is Jesus viewed in Christianity compared to Islam?

In Christianity, he is seen as the Son of God; in Islam, as a mortal prophet and messenger of God.

What role did Muhammad have in Islam?

He is the final prophet and messenger of God, serving as the first leader of the Muslim community.

What is the primary difference in authorship between the Bible and the Quran?

The Bible has many authors over centuries; the Quran has one divine author and was canonized early.

What does canonization refer to in religious context?

The process by which scripture is recognized by authority as divine, also refers to the official declaration of a deceased person into sainthood.

What are the Gospels in Christianity?

The story of Jesus's life and teachings, specifically the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John deemed canonical.

What is a Sura in the context of the Quran?

One of the 114 divine chapters or sections within the Quran, arranged by length.

What was the significance of the Hijra?

Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar and the development of the umma.

What is the Quran and its meaning?

Considered the direct, unaltered word of God revealed to Muhammad, meaning 'the recitation'.

What happened in the year 313 CE?

The Edict of Milan was established by Emperor Constantine, supporting Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Who were the Umayyads?

A caliphate (661-750 CE) under which the Islamic empire expanded rapidly across North Africa and Spain.

How is Jesus viewed in Christianity compared to Islam?

In Christianity, he is seen as the Son of God; in Islam, as a mortal prophet and messenger of God.

What role did Muhammad have in Islam?

He is the final prophet and messenger of God, serving as the first leader of the Muslim community.

What is the primary difference in authorship between the Bible and the Quran?

The Bible has many authors over centuries; the Quran is believed to have one divine author and was canonized shortly after Muhammad's death.

What is the composition of the New Testament?

A collection of 27 books in the Christian Bible focusing on the ministry of Jesus and the growth of the early Church.

What was the purpose of the Council of Nicaea?

Convened in 325 CE, it was the first ecumenical council to establish uniform Christian doctrine, particularly regarding the nature of Jesus.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

The core acts of worship: 1. Shahada (faith), 2. Salat (prayer), 3. Zakat (charity), 4. Sawm (fasting), and 5. Hajj (pilgrimage).

What is the significance of the Hadith?

Reports of the traditions, words, and actions of Prophet Muhammad that serve as a source for Islamic law and ethical living.

Who were the Rashidun Caliphs?

The first four 'Rightly Guided' leaders of the Islamic community after Muhammad: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

What defines the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

A split over succession; Sunnis follow the consensus of the community, while Shias follow the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad through Ali.

Who were the Abbasids?

The caliphate (750-1258 CE) that succeeded the Umayyads and oversaw the Islamic Golden Age from their capital in Baghdad.

What defines Abrahamic Religions?

Faiths that claim spiritual descent from Abraham, primarily Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, sharing monotheistic roots.