World Studies - Middle East Test

Abrahamic Religions The three major religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — that all trace their roots back to the prophet Abraham.

Abraham A prophet considered the "father" of the three major monotheistic religions; he made a covenant (agreement) with God that shaped all three faiths.

Monotheism The belief in only ONE God. All three Abrahamic religions are monotheistic.

Allah Simply the Arabic word for "God." It refers to the same God as in Judaism and Christianity, just in a different language.

Muhammad The founder and last prophet of Islam. He received the words of God through the angel Gabriel, which became the Quran.

Islam vs. Muslim

  • Islam = the religion ("submission to God")

  • Muslim = a person who practices Islam ("one who submits")

The Five Pillars of Islam

  1. Shahada (Faith) — Declaring "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his messenger." This is how you become Muslim.

  2. Salah (Prayer) — Praying 5 times a day facing Mecca.

  3. Zakat (Charity) — Giving 2.5% of your savings to those in need.

  4. Sawm (Fasting) — Not eating or drinking during daylight hours in Ramadan.

  5. Hajj (Pilgrimage) — Traveling to Mecca at least once in your life if you are able to.

Ramadan The holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It celebrates when the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and community.

Quran The holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it is the direct word of God, revealed to Muhammad. It is the #1 authority on faith and law in Islam.

Mosque The Muslim place of worship. Like a church for Christians or a synagogue for Jews. Also used as a community and education center.

Mecca The holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of Muhammad and the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Kaaba A cube-shaped structure inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It is considered the "House of God." Muslims face it when they pray and walk around it during Hajj.

Jerusalem A city that is holy to ALL THREE Abrahamic religions:

  • Jews — site of Solomon's Temple

  • Christians — where Jesus was crucified and resurrected

  • Muslims — where Muhammad ascended to heaven

Sunni The largest group in Islam (~85-90% of Muslims). They believed leadership after Muhammad should be chosen by the community.

Shi'ite (Shia) The second largest group in Islam. They believed leadership should have stayed within Muhammad's family, starting with his cousin Ali.

Sharia Law Islamic law based on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad. It covers how Muslims should live — including prayer, diet, business, and family life.

Vocabulary:

Partition

Zionism 

Mandate

Secular

Secularism

Sectarian conflict

Coalition

Embargo

Sanctions

Proxy War

Jihad

Fundamentalist

Islamist

Caliph

Revolution

Civil War

Guiding Questions:

  1. What are the similarities and differences between the monotheistic faiths?

  2. What are the beliefs and practices of Muslims (5 Pillars) ?

  3. How has the Sunni / Shi’a split resulted in issues in the Middle East?

  4. What is Zionism?

  5. Which nations was the Sykes-Picot agreement between and how has it impacted the Middle East?

  6. What was the significance of the Balfour Declaration and/or the Hussein-McMahon correspondence? 

  7. What was the reaction to the UN partition of Palestine by the Arabs? By the Jewish people? 

  8. What is the significance of the West Bank and Gaza? 

  9. What was the Intifada? 

  10. What ongoing issues continue to challenge Israeli/Palestinian relations today?

  11. How were the modern borders of the Middle East formed? 

  12. Why was the Shah disliked in Iran?

  13. Who was Ayatollah Khomeini and what did he lead?

  14. What type of government has Iran become?

  15. During the Iran/Iraq War, what is the outcome for the Iranians?

  16. Why are the Iranians seeking nuclear energy?

  17. Why did Saddam Hussein invade Iran?

  18. Who supported Iraq in its war against Iran?

  19. Why did Saddam Hussein invade Kuwait?

  20. How is September 11th connected to the 2003 Iraq War?

  21. What are 3 rivers of rage discussed in the Roots of 9/11?

  22. What are Islamists? Why is this term different from Muslim?  

  23. What is ISIS and what do they want to achieve?

  24. What caused the Syrian Civil War? What has been the result?