Comprehension & Critical Thinking

p. 297

1(a) What geographic feature covers most of the Arabian peninsula? 

1(a) What geographic feature covers most of the Arabian peninsula?

Desert covers most of the Arabian peninsula. or

The Arabian peninsula is covered by desert.

1(b) How did geography affect trade and settlement there? 

1(b) How did geography affect trade and settlement there? 

1(b) How did geography affect trade and settlement there? (the Arabian peninsula) 

1(b) How did geography affect trade and settlement there? (the Arabian peninsula)

Most of the population was settled along the coast. One group of nomads, called the Bedouins, lived in the desert areas, herding animals and leading trade caravans. Desert oases also developed into trade centers.

1(c) Why do you think the Bedouins became nomads? 

1(c) Why do you think the Bedouins became nomads?

Since they lived in the desert, there were limited resources. They had to move around to find food for themselves and their herds of animals.

2(a) What were the main events of Muhammad's life? 

2(a) What were the main events of Muhammad's life?

He was born in about 570 in Mecca. 

At age 40 he believed he heard God speak to him and began to preach God's message.

In 622, Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina.

In 630, he went back to Mecca, where he died in 632.

2(b) What are the main beliefs of Islam? 

2(b) What are the main beliefs of Islam?

There is one God and Muhammad is his prophet. Muslims pray five times a day, give money to the needy, fast during daylight in the month of Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if they are able.

2(c) What beliefs do Sunnis and Shiites share? Which beliefs separate them? 

2(c) What beliefs do Sunnis and Shiites share? Which beliefs separate them?

Both groups follow the five pillars, believe there is one God, and that Muhammad was his prophet.

2(c) What beliefs do Sunnis and Shiites share? Which beliefs separate them?

Both groups follow the five pillars, believe there is one God, and that Muhammad was his prophet.

2(c) What beliefs do Sunnis and Shiites share? Which beliefs separate them?

Both groups follow the five pillars, believe there is one God, and that Muhammad was his prophet.

However, the Shiites believe that only a direct descendant of Muhammad should lead Islam, while Sunnis believe that any truly religious man can lead Islam.