Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1.8 billion adherents. It was founded in the early 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe that Islam was revealed to Muhammad by God through the angel Gabriel and that Muhammad was the final prophet in a long line of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus among others. The key messages of Islam include belief in one God (Allah), angels, prophets, scriptures like the Quran, Judgement Day, and predestination. Some of the important practices in Islam are known as the Five Pillars: the profession of faith (shahada), ritual prayer (salat), almsgiving (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Islam has deeply influenced global history and culture, and it continues to raise questions and inspire curiosity for many around the world. Let’s explore some riddles that can teach us about the history, practices, and beliefs of Islam.
History Riddles
Riddle 1
I emerged in the Arabian desert and quickly spread far and wide. Many mighty empires could not stop my growing tide. From Mecca, my message did reach, and now in many lands I do teach. What am I?
Answer: Islam
Riddle 2
In 610 CE, I first heard God’s word, and began revealing his truths that long had been unheard. In a cave I received a holy fright, that gave me spiritual insight and light. Who am I?
Answer: The Prophet Muhammad
Riddle 3
I am Islam’s sacred text, believed to be God’s own words unaffected by human context. I provide guidance for all aspects of living, and rules for behavior pleasing to the Divine. What am I?
Answer: The Quran
Riddle 4
In the year 622, he arrived here because Mecca did not want him near. From Yathrib, the Prophet’s power expanded, and a new faith throughout Arabia was fanned. What is this city’s important name?
Answer: Medina
Riddle 5
Built in Mecca, people travel to me, as part of their faith’s pillars, you see. Circling round my ancient stone walls, pilgrims come heeding God’s calls. What holy site am I?
Answer: Kaaba
Beliefs and Practices Riddles
Riddle 1
With prayer beads in hand, ninety-nine names I recite from a strand. And One more greater than all the rest, worthy of worship, I do attest. What am I doing with such zest?
Answer: Tasbeeh – reciting the ninety-nine names of Allah
Riddle 2
During Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset, this obligation I do not forget. I refrain from food or drink all day, till night does fall and signal I may. What am I sworn to do each day?
Answer: Fast
Riddle 3
A journey and pilgrimage I endeavor to make, to cleanse mistakes and my devotion remake. The Kaaba I must circle seven times, before ascending Mount Arafat’s challenging climbs. What sacred journey am I taking?
Answer: Hajj
Riddle 4
When the muezzin makes the call to pray, five times a day I will obey. Facing Mecca I bow down in humble awe, reciting words from Islam’s sacred law. What am I doing when I hear the call?
Answer: Salat – performing ritual prayer
Riddle 5
During Eid they come dressed in finery so fine, with elaborate foods and gifts that redefine. Family and friends gather in delight, to celebrate the ending of Ramadan’s rite. What two major holidays are these?
Answer: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Riddle 6
In the mosque’s direction I may kneel and bow, but only One God do I allow. No idols, statues or icons will I revere, for Allah alone to me is dear. What doctrine do I hold sincere?
Answer: Tawheed – belief in the oneness of God
Riddle 7
As a pillar it stands, a duty divine, to share what I have and help those in need. Each year 2.5 percent I contribute and give, helping poor souls struggle and live. What selfless act makes my heart shine?
Answer: Zakat – almsgiving
Riddle 8
I declare that there is no God but one, and Muhammad is His prophet, God’s chosen one. This statement of faith makes me Muslim forever, my heart’s intention it does cleverly tether. What have I done with zeal and fervor?
Answer: Shahada – reciting the profession of faith
Figures Riddles
Riddle 1
The Prophet’s daughter, people know me as, and the Prophet’s only child, don’t be remiss. After my father’s death, knowledge I did spread, and now as the Mother of All Believers I am lovingly read. Who am I?
Answer: Fatima
Riddle 2
I was Muhammad’s youngest wife, though still many years his junior in life. After he died, I became a major source for hadith and history, helping Islam’s legacy continue its course. Do you know who I am?
Answer: Aisha
Riddle 3
I helped compile Islam’s holy book after Muhammad’s death took a sombering look. Abu Bakr trusted me with this large endeavor, and now Quranic verses I’m forever remembered. What is my noteworthy name?
Answer: Zayd ibn Thabit
Riddle 4
The Prophet’s close friend and adviser was I, the first male convert to Islam, way back in time. Later the first caliph after Muhammad’s goodbye, leading the faith for which I would gladly die. Who am I?
Answer: Abu Bakr
Riddle 5
King of Kings was my famous epithet, and expanding Islam was a project I’d never forget. From Arabia I opened many a door, conquering lands from Syria to Persia’s shore. What great caliph was I?
Answer: Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
Places Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m a sacred city in eastern Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Muhammad, a famous Arabia. Pilgrims circle round me, dressed in white, fulfilling a pillar and doing what’s right. What city am I?
Answer: Mecca
Riddle 2
I’m a site located in Jerusalem’s Old City, and considered holy by people of different beliefs, you see. For Muslims I’m the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven – a miraculous tale, though to some uneven. What sacred place am I that’s sublime?
Answer: The Dome of the Rock
Riddle 3
Many mosques do fill me throughout, I’m Islam’s second holiest site without doubt. In Saudi Arabia’s west I’m found, where Muhammad’s exile from Mecca did turnaround. What city am I, of Islamic renown?
Answer: Medina
Riddle 4
In Iraq I stand tall as a tower, where a famous call issues forth in great power. “God is greatest!” you’ll hear as you walk, ringing from me, the country’s largest mosque. What landmark am I in Iraq?
Answer: The Great Mosque of Samarra
Riddle 5
My blue mosaic walls are a breathtaking scene, found in Istanbul along the Bosphorus’ sheen. For centuries I’ve welcomed the faithful inside, as both mosque and museum open and wide. What Turkish treasure am I?
Answer: The Blue Mosque
Language Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m recited from front to back, with a lyrical style nothing seems to lack. For Muslims I’m God’s actual word, memorized by many whom I have stirred. What book am I that you’ve heard?
Answer: Quran
Riddle 2
During salat you’ll hear me spoken, when the call to prayer is a sign it’s time to awaken. I’m the language of the Quran, you see, though Arabic dialects do differ country by country. What language am I?
Answer: Arabic
Riddle 3
I’m a way of life guided by the Quran’s light, encompassing faith, prayer, ethics and law. I offer teachings on how life’s path to walk, aiming for goodness, away from what’s wrong. What term signifies this holistic spiritual way?
Answer: Deen
Riddle 4
When Ramadan comes, I’m busy making treats, like lokmas and qatayef, baklava and sweets. Families will gather for iftar time, breaking their fasts with my delectable finds. What term am I for that mouthwatering cuisine?
Answer: Ramadan or Iftar food
Concepts Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m one of the Five Pillars, a core tenet indeed, requiring prayer five times daily, as charity and creed. During Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset abstaining from food, drink and desires keeps me maintaining. What am I?
Answer: Salat (ritual prayer)
Riddle 2
Visiting Mecca I aspire, its rites I hope to retire. Circling the Kaaba, praying in Mina and Arafat’s hills, are parts of me that awaits, if Allah so wills. What deeply meaningful journey am I?
Answer: Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
Riddle 3
Reciting the shahada makes me complete, declaring God’s oneness, where I take my seat. I’m considered the start of one’s spiritual path, professing beliefs from which I ought not swerve or stray. What significant first step have I conveyed?
Answer: Becoming/declaring oneself a Muslim
Riddle 4
I refer to any food that’s lawful and good, permitted by Allah, as the Quran has stood. No pork or alcohol pass through these lips, only morally pure sustenance that I can sip. What term describes food I’m allowed to eat?
Answer: Halal
Riddle 5
I’m given each year to help the poor and needy, a righteous duty that makes the heart less greedy. Only 2.5 percent of your wealth I require, aimed to ease hardship and earthly require. What financial act makes the soul soar higher?
Answer: Zakat (almsgiving)
Conclusion
In the spirit of intellectual curiosity, riddles allow us to approach topics in a creative, thought-provoking manner. The riddles provided here aim to uncover interesting aspects of Islam’s history, key figures, languages, locations, beliefs, and practices. While not comprehensive, they highlight some core foundations and facts about the world’s second largest religion. Riddles help train our minds to think in divergent directions and make new connections. The next time you and your friends or family want to engage in meaningful discussion, try sharing some riddles that shed light on a topic or tradition. You might just learn and laugh more than you had thought possible!
