Know More About Islam - Empires Of East Asia

Muslims pray toward Mecca because it is considered the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location of the Kaaba, which is the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael as a house of worship for one God. Therefore, Muslims around the world face the Kaaba in Mecca when they pray, regardless of their geographical location.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the major duties required of all Muslims. These pillars include Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars are considered essential practices and obligations for every Muslim, and they serve as a foundation for their faith and way of life.

A caliph is indeed a political and religious leader in a Muslim government. The term "caliph" refers to the successor of the Prophet Muhammad, who is responsible for governing the Islamic community and upholding Islamic law. The caliph holds both political and religious authority, making decisions that impact both the governance and religious practices of the Muslim community. Therefore, the statement that a caliph is a political and religious leader in a Muslim government is true.

The correct answer is Han ---> Sui ---> Tang ---> Song. This is the correct chronological order of the Chinese dynasties. The Han dynasty was followed by the Sui dynasty, which was then followed by the Tang dynasty, and finally the Song dynasty.

Muslims consider Jews and Christians as the "people of the book." This term refers to those who follow monotheistic religions and have scriptures that are considered divine revelations, such as the Torah for Jews and the Bible for Christians. Muslims recognize the commonalities between their own faith and these two religions, as they all believe in the same God and share some similar teachings and prophets. This term signifies a level of respect and recognition for the religious traditions of Jews and Christians within the Islamic faith.

The fall of the Tang Dynasty was caused in great part by the imposition of heavy taxes. Heavy taxation burdened the people and led to widespread unrest and rebellion. The government's excessive taxation policies created economic hardships and weakened the dynasty's control over its territories. The heavy tax burden also resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity and a loss of support from the peasantry, further contributing to the dynasty's downfall.

The Tang and Song dynasties were known for their advancements in technology and inventions. Porcelain, paper money, and the magnetic compass were all inventions of these dynasties. However, the microscope was not invented during this time period. The microscope was developed much later, in the 16th century, by European scientists.

After the death of Muhammad, there was internal conflict in Islam because Muhammad had not specified a successor or provided any guidance on how to choose one. This lack of clarity led to disagreements among his followers on who should lead the Muslim community. This resulted in different factions emerging, each supporting their own candidate for leadership, which ultimately led to conflicts and divisions within the Islamic community.

Japanese worshippers combined Shinto with Buddhism. Shinto is an indigenous religion of Japan that focuses on the worship of nature and ancestors. Buddhism, on the other hand, is a religion that originated in India and was later introduced to Japan. Over time, the Japanese blended elements of Shinto and Buddhism, creating a unique syncretic belief system. This combination allowed them to incorporate both the native traditions of Shinto and the philosophical teachings of Buddhism into their religious practices.

Cultural diffusion refers to the process of cultures coming into contact with each other and influencing one another, resulting in the mixing and blending of different cultural elements. This interaction can lead to the formation of a new culture that incorporates aspects from the original cultures involved. Therefore, the statement that cultural diffusion can create a new culture is true.

A pastoralist makes a living by herding animals. Pastoralism is a type of agriculture where people rely on the herding of livestock for their livelihood. They move their animals from one place to another in search of grazing land and water sources. By herding animals, pastoralists can utilize the resources provided by their livestock, such as milk, meat, and wool, for sustenance and trade. This lifestyle is often practiced in arid or semi-arid regions where agriculture may be challenging due to limited water availability or unsuitable soil conditions.

Genghis Khan succeeded as a conqueror through brilliant military strategy and organization. This means that he was able to effectively plan and execute his military campaigns, utilizing tactics that allowed him to overcome his opponents. Additionally, he was able to organize his forces in a way that maximized their effectiveness and efficiency in battle. This combination of strategic thinking and organizational skills played a crucial role in his success as a conqueror.

Calligraphy is a type of handwriting that focuses on the art of writing beautifully. It involves the use of specific writing tools and techniques to create visually appealing and decorative letters and words. Unlike regular handwriting, calligraphy emphasizes the aesthetics and artistic expression of the written word. It is often used in various art forms, invitations, certificates, and other forms of visual communication.

Throughout history, people have often migrated west and south across the steppe due to climate-related factors. The climate in these regions can greatly impact the availability of resources such as water, vegetation, and animal herds. Moving towards areas with more favorable climates allows people to have access to these resources, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods and thrive. Additionally, climate can also affect factors such as agriculture, trade routes, and overall living conditions, making it a significant factor in determining migration patterns.

States go to war for a variety of reasons. Money and power are often motivators, as states may seek to gain wealth or assert dominance over others. Land is another common reason, as states may fight over territory and resources. Religion can also play a role, as conflicts can arise due to religious differences or the desire to spread a particular faith. Therefore, all of the options listed - money and power, land, and religion - can be reasons why states go to war.

Islam is derived from the Arabic root word "salam" which means peace. In Arabic, Islam means "submission to the will of Allah". This refers to the fundamental belief in Islam that followers should submit themselves completely to the will and guidance of Allah, the one true God. It involves surrendering one's desires and actions to Allah's teachings and striving to live a life in accordance with His commands and principles. This concept of submission is central to the practice and understanding of Islam.

The answer "The Japanese borrowed Chinese practices but adapted them" suggests that Japan's response to its first contact with Chinese culture was to adopt some aspects of Chinese practices but modify them to suit their own culture. This implies that Japan was influenced by Chinese culture but also had a desire to maintain their own unique identity.

The statement "All Muslims were considered first-class citizens" is not true of the Muslim class system. In the Muslim class system, there was some class mobility with conversion to Islam, meaning that individuals who converted from other religions could potentially move up in the social hierarchy. Non-Muslims formed the third class, indicating that they were not considered first-class citizens. The fourth class consisted of slaves, further highlighting that not all Muslims were considered first-class citizens.

The correct answer is "it is cross-culturally true." This answer suggests that living in clans based on kinship is a characteristic that is observed across different cultures. It implies that this social structure is not limited to a specific group or region, but rather a common feature among human societies worldwide.

The statement is false because a Jihad can refer to a struggle or effort in various aspects of life, not just armed conflict. It can be a personal struggle to improve oneself, a peaceful effort to spread and defend Islam, or a defensive military action in response to aggression. Therefore, it is incorrect to define Jihad solely as an armed struggle against nonbelievers of Islam.

The "protected people" referred to in this question were members of the third class in Muslim society. This class was comprised of Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians who were granted protection and allowed to practice their own religions under Islamic rule. They were required to pay a special tax called the jizya and had certain restrictions placed upon them, but they were generally allowed to live and work within the Muslim society.

Muslim scholars helped preserve European culture by translating works of Aristotle and Plato. Through their translations, they made the knowledge and ideas of these ancient Greek philosophers accessible to European scholars, allowing them to study and build upon their teachings. This exchange of knowledge played a significant role in the development of European Renaissance and Enlightenment, shaping European culture and intellectual thought.

Muslim scholars helped preserve European culture by translating works of Aristotle and Plato. These translations played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the knowledge of ancient Greek philosophy and science to Europe during the Middle Ages. Muslim scholars, particularly those in the Islamic Golden Age, were known for their advancements in various fields, including translation. Their translations not only preserved the original works but also introduced new ideas and concepts to European scholars, laying the foundation for the Renaissance and the development of European intellectual thought.

Membership in a Mongol clan was determined by the members' claim of a common ancestor. This means that individuals who belonged to the same clan traced their lineage back to a shared ancestor. This ancestral connection was the basis for their membership and identity within the clan. Other factors such as religion, way of life, or khanate were not the primary determinants of clan membership in Mongol society.

The correct answer is A tool for understanding Primary Sources. This is because A.P.P.A.R.T.S. is a mnemonic device used to remember the different aspects to consider when analyzing primary sources. The mnemonic stands for Author, Place & Time, Prior Knowledge, Audience, Reason, The Main Idea, and Significance. By using A.P.P.A.R.T.S., researchers can effectively analyze and interpret primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of their historical context and meaning.

The main difference between the Sunni and Shi'a branches of Islam was that the Shi'a believed that the caliph, the leader of the Islamic community, needed to be a relative of Muhammad. This belief stemmed from their belief in the concept of Imamate, which held that the caliphate should be passed down through the descendants of Muhammad. In contrast, the Sunni branch did not hold this belief and instead believed that the caliphate could be held by any qualified individual from the Muslim community. This difference in beliefs regarding the caliphate's legitimacy and succession played a significant role in the historical and political divisions between the two branches.

A common enemy can bring people together because it creates a shared goal or purpose that unites individuals who may have different backgrounds or interests. When people perceive a threat or challenge from a common enemy, they are more likely to set aside their differences and work together to overcome the obstacle. This shared struggle fosters a sense of solidarity and cooperation among people, ultimately bringing them closer together.

The civil service examination system in China created an intelligent and capable governing class. This system allowed individuals to earn government positions based on their merit and knowledge, rather than their social status or connections. Through rigorous examinations, individuals were tested on their understanding of Confucianism, history, and literature. This system ensured that those in positions of power were highly educated and qualified, leading to a competent governing class.

The enduring characteristic of Japanese government was an emperor who reigned as a figurehead while another power ruled. This means that while the emperor held the title and ceremonial role, the real power and decision-making authority rested with another entity or individual. This arrangement allowed for a balance of power and the effective governance of Japan, with the emperor symbolizing unity and tradition while the ruling power handled the practical aspects of governing.