History Reading Quiz 5

Who founded the Mali Empire?

Sundiata Keita.

What were griots?

Oral historians and storytellers who memorized and recited histories, often at royal courts.

What is the Quran?

The sacred text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God.

Who was Muhammad?

The prophet through whom Muslims believe God revealed the Quran.

What does the word Quran mean?

“Recitation.”

What is a surah?

A chapter of the Quran.

What is zakat?

Charity or almsgiving to help those in need.

What is the Hajj?

The pilgrimage to Mecca.

What is Ramadan associated with?

Fasting during the month in which the Quran began to be revealed.

What were two major West African empires discussed?

Mali and Songhai.

Why was Malacca important?

Its strategic location made it a major trading center and helped spread Islam.

Who was Sonni Ali?

A Songhai ruler who seized power in Gao in 1464 and expanded the empire.

Who was Askia Mohammed?

A Muslim ruler of Songhai who strengthened Islamic institutions and promoted trade and learning.

What goods were traded across the Sahara?

Gold, salt, and enslaved people.

Why was Timbuktu important?

It was a prosperous city and a major center of Islamic scholarship.

Why did Europeans pursue overseas voyages?

To gain wealth, expand trade, and spread Christianity.

What role did Sufism play in spreading Islam?

Its tolerance of mysticism and local religious beliefs helped people adopt Islam.

How did Askia Mohammed support Islamic learning?

He tried to revive Timbuktu as a center of Islamic learning.

What were some practices mentioned in the Quran?

Prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

What does Surah 112 emphasize?

God is one and has no equal.

Why did Maghan Konfara convert to Islam in the epic?

Manjan Bereté and his family pressed him to convert, and he agreed.