Review Questions 7

Islam is the world religion perhaps least understood by Americans, even though at the present rate of growth the number of Muslims in the United States is expected to exceed the number of Jews within the next few years. With this growth come new issues of acceptance and assimilation. As you review the material, please pay special attention to the diversity you seen within Islam just as you have been asked to study the diversity within both Judaism and Christianity.

1. What was the original language of the Qur'an? What is significant in its arrangement?
2. What is the story of how the Qur'an was composed?
3. What is the importance of the following places in Islam: Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem?
4. What was Muhammad's attitude toward Jews and Christians who would not accept conversion?
5. What are the five pillars of Islam?
6. What is the basis for the division between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?
7. Islam's understanding of monotheism would not permit what kind of doctrines familiar to Christians?
8. What is distinctive about Islamic art?
9. What branch of Islam is dominant in Saudi Arabia?
10. Who are the Sufis?