Download Part B: Essay

Name:_________________________ Period:________ Date:________
Document Based Question Assessment for Islam Unit
Directions: The tasks described below are based on documents 1 through 7. This
assessment is designed to test your ability to work with and analyze historical
documents. For Part A, look at each document and answer the question or questions
after each document.
Historical Background: Islam grew out of the revelations of Mohammed, who lived in
the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century C.E. The new religion appealed to many
of the camel-herding tribes of the peninsula, who had a long history of conflict over
resources. Though at first an Arab religion, Islam eventually spread to Europe, Africa
and Central and East Asia, creating the largest empire the world had known up to that
point in time.
Task:
For Part A, read each document carefully and answer the question or questions after
each document. Then read the directions for Part B and write your essay.
EQ:
How did Islam connect the medieval world?
45 points
Proceed to Part A Critical Response Questions on the next page
Part A: Critical Response Questions
Document #1
Look at the projected map on the Smart Board for a larger image.
1. According to the document above, on how many continents was Islam found
on by the year 750? Name them. (2)
2. Name two geographic features of the Islamic territory shown on the map.
Explain how each either quickened or slowed the spread of Islam. (4)
Geographical Feature
1.
2.
Why it quickened or slowed the spread of Islam
Document #2
The developments in trade, indeed, are among the achievements of the Abbasid
(dynasty) that are too often overlooked. Because Islamic rule unified much of the
Eastern world, thus abolishing (removing) many boundaries, trade was freer, safer,
and more extensive than it had been since the time of Alexander the Great. Muslim
traders, consequently, established trading posts as far away as India, the Philippines,
Malaya, the East Indies, and China. This expansion of commercial activity (trade) led
to other developments too. One was a system of banking and exchange so
sophisticated that a letter of credit (like a modern day bank check) issued in Baghdad
in the Middle East could be honored in Samarkand in Central Asia or in China.
Source: http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/ihame/Sec6.htm
Respond in complete sentences.
1.
According to the document, what are two effects of Abbasid rule on trade? (2)
A.
B.
2.
A letter of credit is a document issued by a bank that guarantees that a customer has
the money to pay for his merchandise. Why did banking with “letters of credit” make
trade easier? (2)
3.
Thinking independently, state why the expansion of trade may have helped to spread
the religion of Islam. (2)
Document #3
Salat
Shahadah
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah,
the One, without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad
is His servant and His Messenger.
Hajj
Zakat
Siyam
Many people say that Islam is like a building resting
upon the five pillars. The pillars are five religious
duties. Every Muslim must perform these duties.
The Human Adventure: Medieval Civilization, p.21
1. According to the five pillars of Islam, name three actions or behaviors that an
individual must do as a practicing Muslim. (3)
2. Choose two pillars and explain how each connected Muslims across geographic,
political, and cultural boundaries. (4)
A.
B.
Document #4
Caliph Abu Jafar al Ma’mun, who reigned from 813 to 833, organized a research institute in Baghdad
called the House of Wisdom, which was dedicated to the study of Greek, Indian, and Persian texts and
their translation into Arabic. Soon, the best scholars of all backgrounds, Muslims and non-Muslims
alike, from all over the Islamic world were participating in what became history’s first center for
advanced research.
R.L. Pouwels, The African and Middle Eastern World 600-1500, p.77
1. According to the document, where was the House of Wisdom located and how many years
did its founder rule? (2)
A.
B.
2. Explain how the House of Wisdom acted as a hub (center) that allowed Islamic ideas to
spread. (4)
Document #5
The Qur’an is written in Arabic, and Muslims consider only the Arabic
version to be the true word of God. Only Arabic can be used in worship.
Wherever Muslims carried the Qur’an, Arabic became the language of
worshipers and scholars.
World History: Patterns of Interaction, p. 237
1. According to the document, why is the Qur’an an important book for Muslims? (2)
2. As Islam spread, how did its language requirements help connect Muslim people of different
cultures and geographical regions? (4)
Document #6
The body, or collection, of Islamic law is called shari’ah, the “path to be followed.” It is based on the Qur’an.
Shari’ah covers Muslims’ duties toward God. It guides them in their personal behavior and relationships with
others. Shari’ah promotes obedience to the Qur’an and respect for others.
As the Muslim empire expanded, leaders faced new situations. Gradually, scholars developed a body of Islamic
law. Islamic law guides Muslim life by placing actions into one of five categories: forbidden, discouraged, allowed,
recommended, and obligatory (required). Shari’ah also covers Muslims’ duties toward other people. These duties
can be broadly grouped into criminal, commercial, family, and inheritance law.
Source: History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, p. 102
1. According to the document, what is Shari’ah, or the “path to be followed”? (1)
2. What is the foundation of Shari’ah? (1)
3. How does Shari’ah guide Muslim daily life? (2)
4. How might Shari’ah connect Muslims across the world? (2)
Document # 7
The word jihad means “to strive.” Muhammad said the “greater jihad” was the fight against evil
within oneself. Examples of “greater jihad” include working hard for a goal, giving up a bad habit,
getting an education, or obeying parents when you may not want to. The “lesser jihad” was the
external struggle against oppression… a physical struggle. The Qur’an tells Muslims to fight and
protect themselves from those who would do them harm or to right a terrible wrong …although the
Qu’ran allows war, it sets specific terms for fighting. Muhammad told his followers to honor
agreements made with foes. Muslim fighters must not mutilate (remove or destroy) the dead bodies
of enemies… Nor should they destroy property, orchards, crops, sacred objects or houses of
worship.
Source: History Alive, p. 102
1. When Muslims are seen to be following the “greater jihad”, how might it persuade
other people to respect and possibly convert to Islam? (2)
2. How did the way Muslims carry out the “lesser jihad” help to expand the Islamic
Empire? (2)
3. How might the conduct of Muslim warfare help Islam be more accepted by the
conquered peoples? (4)
Part B: Essay
Historical Context: Islam grew out of the revelations of Mohammed, who lived in the
Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century C.E. The new religion appealed to many of
the camel-herding tribes of the peninsula, who had a long history of conflict over
resources. Though at first an Arab religion, Islam eventually spread to Europe, Africa
and Central and East Asia, creating the largest empire the world had known up to that
point in time.
Task: Using information from the documents and your own knowledge of Islamic
history, write a well organized essay responding to the question posed below.
How did Islam connect the medieval world?
In your essay remember to include:
 An introductory paragraph that includes your position as to how Islam fostered
connectedness in the medieval world.
 Supporting paragraphs that use information from at least 4 documents that
best support your answer. Include details, examples or reasons in developing
your ideas that come from the documents or relevant outside information.
 A conclusion that reinforces your main point of view and may leave your
reader with a bigger idea.
Part B: Essay
Historical Context: Islam grew out of the revelations of Mohammed, who lived in the
Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century C.E. The new religion appealed to many of
the camel-herding tribes of the peninsula, who had a long history of conflict over
resources. Though at first an Arab religion, Islam eventually spread to Europe, Africa
and Central and East Asia, creating the largest empire the world had known up to that
point in time.
Task: Using information from the documents and your own knowledge of Islamic
history, write a well organized essay responding to the question posed below.
How did Islam connect the medieval world?
In your essay remember to include:
 An introductory paragraph that includes your position as to how Islam fostered
connectedness in the medieval world.
 Supporting paragraphs that use information from at least 4 documents that
best support your answer. Include details, examples or reasons in developing
your ideas that come from the documents or relevant outside information.
 A conclusion that reinforces your main point of view and may leave your
reader with a bigger idea.
Islam Essay Planning Template
Thesis:
Islam connected the Medieval world.
Reason/Evidence #1
a) Support
b) Support
Reason/Evidence #2
Reason/Evidence #3
a) Support
a) Support
b) Support
b) Support
Conclusion
(Sum up large concepts using different language. Leave the reader with a greater thought.)