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Discover the Diversity of Muslim Culture and Life with the 4.12 Quiz
As more people around the world encounter Muslims or learn about Islam through media or education, they often face a challenge: how to grasp the variety of beliefs, practices, and values that exist within the Muslim community, which comprises over 1.8 billion people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and sects. Islam is not a monolithic religion, and Muslims are not a homogeneous group. However, stereotypes, ignorance, and misinformation can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and conflicts that harm individuals and societies.
To address this issue, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has created the 4.12 Quiz, a free online tool that invites users to explore the richness and complexity of Muslim culture and life through 40 multiple-choice questions. The name refers to the chapter and verse number of the Quran that recognizes the diversity of human beings as a divine sign and calls for mutual learning and respect: “We have created you male and female, and appointed you races and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely the most honoured of you with God is the most righteous of you” (49:13).
The 4.12 Quiz covers various topics such as history, art, architecture, science, food, fashion, literature, music, sports, and spirituality, and spans over 13 centuries and several continents. It features a mix of easy and challenging questions, with options to review the correct answers, read relevant articles and images, and share the results on social media. The Quiz aims to stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy, and to counter stereotypes, prejudice, and Islamophobia by showcasing Muslims’ positive contributions to human civilization and their diverse identities and aspirations.
Here are some sample questions from the Quiz, with brief explanations:
1. Which of these cities was the capital of the Muslim empire in Spain from the 8th to the 15th century?
a) Damascus
b) Cordoba
c) Istanbul
d) Marrakech
Answer: b) Cordoba. This city hosted one of the most cosmopolitan and prosperous Islamic states that blended Arab, Berber, Christian, Jewish, and other influences and left a rich legacy of architecture, science, and culture.
2. Which of these words is the Arabic name for the black, rectangular, and silk-draped structure that is the focal point of Muslim prayers and faces towards Mecca?
a) Bazaar
b) Haram
c) Kaaba
d) Minaret
Answer: c) Kaaba. This structure is believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael and symbolizes the unity and universality of God and the ummah (community) of believers.
3. Which of these inventions or discoveries was made by a pioneering Muslim scientist?
a) Printing press
b) Anesthesia
c) Telescope
d) Algebra
Answer: d) Algebra. This field of mathematics, which uses letters and symbols to represent unknown quantities and solve equations, was developed by scholars such as al-Khwarizmi, al-Karaji, and al-Kashi between the 8th and the 15th centuries.
4. Which of these Islamic festivals marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal?
a) Eid al-Adha
b) Eid al-Fitr
c) Eid al-Ghadir
d) Eid al-Mawlid
Answer: b) Eid al-Fitr. This joyous occasion is observed by Muslims worldwide by performing Eid prayers, giving charity, visiting relatives and friends, and feasting on special dishes and sweets.
The 4.12 Quiz is not only a fun and engaging way to learn about Islam and Muslims but also a powerful tool for promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and social cohesion. It can be used by individuals, educators, community leaders, and policymakers to foster respect, tolerance, and equality among people of diverse faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. Take the Quiz today and discover the diversity of Muslim culture and life!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog post reflect the views of the author and do not represent those of the Aga Khan Museum.
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