Islam: A Very Short Introduction by Malise Ruthven - Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the etymological connection between the word 'Islam' and 'salam'?

  • Islam means 'prophet' in Arabic
  • Islam means 'submission' in Arabic (correct)
  • Islam means 'worship' in Arabic
  • Islam means 'peace' in Arabic

How was Islam mainly spread in its earliest phase according to the text?

  • Through violent conquests
  • By forcing people to convert
  • By establishing strict religious enforcement
  • By trade routes and peaceful means (correct)

What was a key factor in the spread of Islam in peripheral regions?

  • Local scholars and holy men adapting to local customs (correct)
  • Imposition of strict Islamic law
  • Forced conversions
  • Military invasions

Why is the term 'conversion' considered inappropriate when discussing the spread of Islam?

<p>Because it implies conscious intentionality which was not always the case (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the standard Muslim greeting 'as-salaam 'alaikum'?

<p>It is a wish for peace upon others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Islam referred to as a 'Religion of the Book' in the text?

<p>Because it has a sacred text like Christianity and Judaism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event served to trigger a 'war on terror' by the United States and its allies?

<p>The removal of Muslim governments in Afghanistan and Iraq (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a subject that has raised the profile of Islam throughout the world?

<p>The 'war on terror' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where have the debates about Islam taken place since 11 September 2001?

<p>In media, cafés, bars, and homes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggered discussions about Islam in various public forums?

<p>Removal of Muslim governments in Afghanistan and Iraq (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has become an ideology of hatred for an angry minority according to the text?

<p>'Law of jihad' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event led directly to the removal of Muslim governments in Afghanistan and Iraq?

<p>Hijacking of American airliners on 11 September 2001 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Islam, Muslims, and Islamism

  • Since 11 September 2001, Islam has become a subject of analysis and discussion globally, triggering a "war on terror".
  • The event raised the profile of Islam, leading to debates about the religion, its beliefs, and practices.
  • Questions about Islam, previously discussed in academic circles, have entered the mainstream of public consciousness.

Islam: A Religion of Peace

  • The word "Islam" means submission to God, and is etymologically related to the word "salam", meaning peace.
  • The standard Muslim greeting, "as-salaam 'alaikum", means "peace be upon you".
  • Muslims argue that Islam is a religion of peace, and that its pacific nature is often misunderstood.

Historical Spread of Islam

  • In its early phase (up to around 750 CE), Islam spread through the Arab conquest.
  • In subsequent centuries, its spread was largely peaceful, along trade routes from Africa to China and Southeast Asia.
  • Islam absorbed local traditions and customs, often merging with older religious traditions, such as Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, or Hinduism.

Agents of Islamic Spread

  • Scholars, holy men, and merchants played a crucial role in spreading Islam, often "Islamizing" local cults and customs.
  • The process of acculturation, rather than conscious conversion, characterized the spread of Islam over the centuries.

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