Question

1. the muslim empire span from africa, asian and parts of europe, what unified this empire?
2. what are the five pillar of islam? briefly describe each one.
3. what is the holiest city in islam?
4. what is the hijra?
5. who are the shi’a?
6. what was the golden age of islam? what dynasty did it occur under?
7. list some achievements of the islamic golden age.
8. what is allowed and not allowed in islamic art?
9. how did muslim’s view scholarship and education?
10. what is the majority branch of islam?
11. why was there a split in islam?
12. what language was created when arabic and east african cultures mixed?
13. what was the biggest challenge to trade between north africa and west africa?
14. what first brought islam to west africa?
15. what was not brought to west africa by arab traders?
16. what are effects of the collapse of the roman empire?
17. what was the battle of tours? when was it? what was the outcome?
18. what is a serf?
19. what is a tithe? who would this payment go to?

Answer:

To solve these questions, we'll address them one by one, focusing on key historical and religious concepts.

Question 43: What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Briefly describe each one.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the core religious duties of Muslims:

1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith): The statement "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." It affirms monotheism and Muhammad's prophethood.
2. Salat (Prayer): Muslims pray five times daily (dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, evening) facing Mecca. Prayer is a direct connection with Allah.
3. Zakat (Almsgiving): Muslims give a portion (usually 2.5% of wealth) to the poor/needy. It emphasizes charity and social justice.
4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and immoral acts. It fosters self-discipline and empathy.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Muslims who can afford it and are physically able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. It unites Muslims globally.

Question 44: What is the holiest city in Islam?

The holiest city in Islam is Mecca (Makkah). It is the birthplace of Muhammad and the location of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam. Muslims face Mecca during prayer, and Hajj (pilgrimage) is performed there.

Question 45: What is the Hijra?

The Hijra (Hegira) is the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (year 1 AH, "After Hijra"). It was a turning point, establishing Medina as the first Islamic community.

Question 46: Who are the Shi'a?

Shi'a (Shi'ites) are a major branch of Islam. They believe that leadership of the Muslim community should have passed to Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants (Imams). They emphasize the spiritual and political authority of the Imams, viewing them as divinely guided.

Question 47: What was the Golden Age of Islam? What dynasty did it occur under?

The Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th centuries) was a period of remarkable cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing. It occurred primarily under the Abbasid Caliphate (after the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyads in 750 CE), centered in Baghdad. Advancements in science, math, medicine, literature, and art thrived, with scholars preserving and expanding upon ancient knowledge.

Question 48: List some achievements of the Islamic Golden Age.

Key achievements include:

• Science & Math: Algebra (founded by Al-Khwarizmi), advancements in astronomy (calculating Earth’s circumference), and optics (Ibn al-Haytham).
• Medicine: Ibn Sina’s The Canon of Medicine (a medical encyclopedia), hospitals with specialized departments.
• Literature: One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights), poetry, and philosophical works (e.g., Ibn Rushd’s commentaries on Aristotle).
• Art & Architecture: Intricate geometric patterns (arabesques), calligraphy, and buildings like the Alhambra (Spain) and the Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem).
• Translation Movement: Preserved Greek, Roman, and Persian texts, translating them into Arabic.

Question 49: What is allowed and not allowed in Islamic art?

• Not Allowed (Generally): Depictions of human or animal figures (to avoid idolatry, as Islam emphasizes monotheism and discourages images that might be worshipped).
• Allowed: Geometric patterns, arabesques, calligraphy (often of Quranic verses), and floral designs. These decorate mosques, manuscripts, and textiles.

Question 50: How did Muslims view scholarship and education?

Muslims highly valued scholarship and education:

• The Quran encourages seeking knowledge ("Read! In the name of your Lord...").
• Centers like the House of Wisdom (Baghdad) were hubs for learning, translating, and expanding knowledge.
• Scholars studied theology, science, math, medicine, and philosophy. Education was seen as a religious duty and a path to understanding Allah’s creation.

Question 51: What is the majority branch of Islam?

The majority branch of Islam is Sunni Islam (about 85–90% of Muslims). Sunnis follow the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (Muhammad’s practices) and recognize the first four caliphs as rightful leaders. They emphasize consensus (ijma) and scholarly interpretation (ijtihad).

Question 52: Why was there a split in Islam?

The split (Sunni-Shi'a division) occurred after Muhammad’s death (632 CE) over the question of succession (who should lead the Muslim community). Sunnis supported Abu Bakr (Muhammad’s friend) as the first caliph. Shi’ites believed leadership should go to Ali (Muhammad’s cousin/son-in-law) and his descendants, citing bloodline and divine guidance. This led to political and theological differences.

Question 53: What language was created when Arabic and East African cultures mixed?

The language created by the mix of Arabic and East African cultures is Swahili (Kiswahili). It incorporates Arabic vocabulary (due to trade and Islamization) with Bantu grammar, spoken along the East African coast (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique).

Question 54: What was the biggest challenge to trade between North Africa and West Africa?

The biggest challenge was the Sahara Desert. Its vast, arid expanse made overland trade difficult, requiring long, dangerous camel caravans. Limited water, harsh temperatures, and bandits posed risks, though trans-Saharan trade (e.g., gold, salt) still thrived.

Question 55: What first brought Islam to West Africa?

Islam was first brought to West Africa by Arab and Berber traders (merchants) via trans-Saharan trade routes. They introduced Islam to kingdoms like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, often through peaceful interaction and cultural exchange.

Question 56: What was NOT brought to West Africa by Arab Traders? (Note: Options not provided, but common examples: Arab traders brought Islam, goods like textiles, spices, and knowledge. Items NOT brought might include European technologies (e.g., guns) before later contact, or crops native to the Americas (e.g., maize, tomatoes) which came after the Columbian Exchange.)

Question 57: What are effects of the collapse of the Roman Empire?

Effects of Rome’s collapse (Western Empire, 476 CE) include:

• Political Fragmentation: Europe split into small kingdoms (e.g., Frankish kingdoms, Anglo-Saxon England), leading to feudalism.
• Economic Decline: Trade networks broke down, cities shrank, and barter systems replaced money.
• Cultural Shift: Latin evolved into Romance languages (French, Spanish, etc.), and the Catholic Church gained political power.
• Invasions: Germanic tribes (Visigoths, Vandals) settled, changing demographics and culture.

Question 58: What was the Battle of Tours? When was it? What was the outcome?

• Battle of Tours (Battle of Poitiers): Fought in 732 CE between Charles Martel (Frankish leader) and Muslim forces (Umayyad Caliphate) advancing into Europe.
• Outcome: Charles Martel’s victory stopped the Muslim advance into Western Europe, preserving Christian Europe and shaping its future.

Question 59: What is a serf?

A serf was a peasant in feudal Europe, legally bound to the land (manor) they worked. They owed labor, rent, and taxes to the lord, and could not leave without permission. Serfs were not slaves but had limited freedom, forming the lowest feudal class.

Question 60: What is a tithe? Who would this payment go to?

A tithe was a tax (10% of income/produce) paid by peasants to the Catholic Church (or later, other Christian churches). It funded the church, clergy, and religious activities, reinforcing the church’s economic and social power.