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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. Where do most of the Western views of Islam come from?

2. Arabs made a yearly pilgrimage which began where and proceeded to the shrines of other gods?

3. What does Armstrong believe that a religion should not be judged on the basis of ?

4. During the period of the Crusades, there were many attempts to convert the Muslims to Christianity. Who did the Christians do this with?

5. When was the Quran compiled?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Armstrong, where do most Western views of Islam stem from? What facts does she give about Islam?

2. When does the challenge of Islam to the West first begin? How was Islam viewed at that time?

3. How did Muhammad react to his first encounter with the angel Gabriel?

4. At this time, what did Arabs think about al-Llah?

5. Why did Arabia not trust monotheism?

6. What happens when Salman Rushdie publishes The Satanic Verses? How is this act a reminder of other acts against Islam by Muslims?

7. What is meant by umma? How did Arabs feel about this? Why?

8. What is known about Muhammad's early life?

9. When and why did Muhammad begin sharing God's message?

10. How did Muhammad's revelation differ from other forms of revelation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jahiliyah means the period of ignorance.

Part 1) When did this period of ignorance take place? How did it end? Why was this considered a period of ignorance?

Part 2) When do you believe other periods of ignorance have taken place in Islam and other religions? Why?

Part 3) How are we ignorant today? What might Muhammad think of us today? Why?

Essay Topic 2

It is believed that Muhammad gave his farewell sermon near Mt. Arafat in 632.

Part 1) What was said in this sermon? How is this last sermon remembered today? Why is it so important?

Part 2) How does this sermon reinforce the similarities found between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity?

Part 3) Do Muslims follow the directions found in this sermon? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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