RL 299SA, The Faith(s) of Abraham:
Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Review for Islam Examation
last update: 12 April 1999
This examination will be designed to test the student's achievement
of the following course objectives:
1. identify founders and give dates of origin for Islam
2. give dates for the significant events in the development of Islam
3. define the key terms relating to Islam
4. summarize and sympathetically discuss the key religious themes/doctrines and characteristics
of the Qur'an
5. discuss the relationship of Islam to its "mother faiths," Judaism & Christianity
6. delineate the ethnic, geographic and cultural contexts of Islam
7. discuss the key political and ethical positions of Islam
8. name the most significant U.S. versions of Islam
9. demonstrate knowledge of the comparative religions approach to religious studies
With that in mind, the following are some specifics about what you might
expect to find on the examination.
1. Be able to match definitions with the following terms:
2. Be able to identify the following persons & events
(give dates for extra credit):
3. Be able to locate the following cities on a map
| Istanbul |
Jerusalem |
Mecca |
Medina |
Yathrib |
4. Be able to put the following events in chronological order:
5. Recognize the names for the central rituals of Islam—both rites of passage (e.g.,
shahada, Hajj, marriage) and calendar rituals (e.g., Ramadan, salat)—and
know what these observances involve.
6. Be able to answer pertinent discussion questions in the text.
7. Essay (worth HALF the test points)
Using the terms creed, code, cult, and community, discuss the five pillars of Islam and explain how they fit together.
Use whatever examples you can find from Muslim scriptures, traditions, and rituals to show why your assessment of
the "essence of Islam" is correct. Be sure to define your terms, and cite your sources from the Bible, Qur'an
or readings book
NB: This unit exam will be open Bible and readings book but closed notes. Students who wish may have
a one-page (8½"x11"), one-sided outline (or notes) for the essay question. This outline/notes page will be
submitted for review at the outset of the examination period. If approved, it will be initialed and returned to
the student after she/he has completed the objective portion of the examination. The outline/notes page will
be submitted with the examination essay for grading.