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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did supporters of Rushdie feel that Islam did?

2. What do many believe when Muhammad is knocked unconscious in a battle?

3. Much of the references in the Quran are symbolic. What are the followers encouraged to do?

4. When would Muhammad could meet these pilgrims?

5. What did the harassment of Muhammad by the Quraysh result in?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did Muhammad decide he could no longer stay in Mecca?

2. What eventually happened to the alliance with the Jews? Why might this have happened?

3. What took place in 627 to 628?

4. Why were the Muslims and Jews supposed to live in peace? What happened to the tribal society? How did this affect others?

5. Describe the raids done by those who had emigrated to Medina. How did this affect the Quran?

6. Compare Muhammad's later teachings to his earlier ones. How did his supporters react to this?

7. Why were many converting to Islam?

8. What was decided during the negotiations between Muhammad and the Quraysh?

9. What had happened to Muhammad's power by this point?

10. What happened when Muhammad's uncle died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Armstrong compares the writings of the Quran with Christian writings.

Part 1) Describe the comparison. Why do these similarities and differences exist?

Part 2) What is Armstrong's purpose in comparing these two religious writings? How does this support her purpose for writing this book?

Part 3) Why might Armstrong have such an attachment to Islam? How does this attachment affect her beliefs and actions?

Part 4) To what do you have a strong attachment? Why? How does this affect and influence you?

Essay Topic 2

Muhammad had his greatest mystical experience while staying with his sister.

Part 1) Describe this mystical experience. What is your reaction to hearing this story? Is it surprising? Why or why not?

Part 2) How did this mystical experience change Muhammad, as well as the Quran? How does it also change the religion of Islam?

Part 3) Do you believe mystical experiences such as this can really take place? Why or why not? How might a mystical experience change your own life?

Essay Topic 3

The author believes that if more people understood the teachings of Islam, the Islamic world would be viewed differently.

Part 1) What does this book teach about Islam? Is this surprising to you? Why or why not?

Part 2) Do you believe most people are interested in understanding Muslim teachings? Why or why not? Would most people be willing to change their views about Islam? Why or why not?

Part 3) What could you do in your own community to change the views of Islam and to show the similarities between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity?

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