Teachers are encouraged to do their own research in order to provide additional explanations and responses.
1. Islam is a polytheistic religion based on ancient Sumerian beliefs.
False. Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the traditions of Judaism and Christianity and the teachings of Muhammad.
2. "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God."
True.
3. The teachings of Islam are based upon the prophecy of a man named Muhammad who lived on the Arabian
Peninsula in the early 19th century.
False. Islam began in the 7th century.
4. Muhammad is worshipped as partially divine.
False. Muhammad was a human prophet with no suggestion of divinity.
5. People who practice Islam are called either Muslims or Muhammadians.
False. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. To refer to them as Muhammadians suggests that the religion worships Muhammmad and is offensive to most Muslims.
6. The Ka'aba temple in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, holds a black stone (meteorite).
True.
7. Muhammad's teachings initially appealed most to the merchants living in the city of Mecca who wanted the new religion to make Mecca a prosperous trading capital.
False. Merchants in Mecca believed that the traditional polytheistic beliefs were better for their businesses.
8. Islam means "submission" when translated into English.
True.
9. The word Qur'an means "recitation" in English.
True.
10. Islam's holy book, the Qur'an , was written in Arabic and has never been translated into any other language.
False. The Qur'an is widely translated, but Arabic is the sacred and preferred language of Islam.
11. Islamic mosques are decorated with mosaics of the prophet Muhammad receiving inspiration from Allah.
False. No human or deity images are depicted inside mosques. Only Arabic script from the Qur'an.
12. The religion of Islam is historically connected to the religions of Judaism and Christianity; tracing its revelation back to the same one God. True.
13. The hejira refers to Muhammad's emigration from the city of Mecca to the city of Medina.
True.
14. There are three sacred duties of Islam called "The Three Pillars."
False. There are Five Pillars.
15. The term " jihad" refers exclusively to "holy war."
False. Any sacrifice made for religious purposes is considered a jihad.
16. The largest population of Muslims today live in Iran.
False. Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims.

17. Sunni and Shi'a Muslims are the only two divisions (or sects) of Islam.
False. Other sects include Sufis, Druze, and Alawis.
18. The English words alcove, elixir, zenith, almanac, algebra, and zero all came from Arabic words.
True.
19. The official day of rest and celebration for Muslims is Friday.
True.
20. The central holiday in the Islamic calendar is "Ramadan," and it is usually celebrated at the same time that
Christians celebrate Christmas.
False. Ramadan is celebrated on the Muslim lunar calendar and its 28 day cycle varies accordingly.
Copyright © 2005, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA, All Rights Reserved