Idolatry in Pre-Islamic Period

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Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the word 'idolatry'?

From the Greek root 'eidolon' or 'image, figure' (correct)

From the Greek root 'idolos' or 'image'

From the Latin root 'idolum' or 'worship'

From the Arabic term 'shirk' or 'polytheism'

What was the primary purpose of worshipping idols in Hinduism?

To gain wealth and material prosperity

To achieve Moksha or reunion of the soul with Brahman (correct)

To appease the gods and avoid punishment

To show respect to the deceased ancestors

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Brahma, the Creator god?

Wielding a Padma (lotus)

Representing the four Vedas

Having four heads

Being blue-coloured (correct)

What is the significance of the crescent moon on Shiva's head?

It represents the control Shiva wields over his own mind Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the three most famous idols worshipped by the Arabs in the pre-Islamic period?

Lāt, Manāt, and Uzza Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the reunion of the soul with Brahman in Hinduism?

Moksha Signup and view all the answers

What is the description of Vishnu, the Preserver god?

A blue-coloured, four-armed god, holding a Padma (lotus), Gada (mace), Shankha (conch), and Chakra (wheel) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the three main manifestations of Brahman in Hinduism?

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the Greek word 'polutheon'?

Belief in many gods Signup and view all the answers

In polytheism, what is typically believed to be possessed by each divinity or spirit?

A specific function, range of power, and control over a realm Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a particular animal or natural phenomenon in polytheism?

It is viewed as the manifestation of the entity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of devotion in polytheism?

Devotion to one specific divinity is not necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief of Sikhs regarding God's existence?

God is both transcendent and immanent in all his creation Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate name of God in Sikhism?

Both Sat Nam and Waheguru Signup and view all the answers

How do Sikhs seek God?

Through inward meditation and unselfish devotion Signup and view all the answers

What is Sikhism categorized as?

Pantheism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Idolatry

Idolatry is the adoration and worship of idols (earthly and supernatural beings) as representations of God.
Idolatry is derived from the Greek root eidolon or image, figure.
It involves excessive reverence, respect or worshipping someone (saints, prophets, heroes) or something (idols, statues, images) other than God.

Idolatry in Pre-Islamic Period

During the pre-Islamic period, the Arabs worshipped several idols, carved from various materials.
Three of the most famous idols were Lāt, Manāt and ’Uzza.

Idolatry in Hinduism

Idol worship is a main part of Hindu practice.
Worshipping idols helps a devotee to connect with Brahman (the ultimate soul).
Idols are not worshipped as stone or wood, but as a manifestation of Brahman in the form of a devata (deity).
The major manifestation of Brahman is Trimurti, consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Brahma, the Creator god, has four heads representing the four Vedas, four epochs of time, and four Varnas (classes).
Vishnu, the Preserver god, is blue-coloured, four-armed, and holds a Padma (lotus), Gada (mace), Shankha (conch), and Chakra (wheel).
Shiva, the destroyer god, is depicted as a strong and handsome man, deeply immersed in meditation or dancing, wearing a crescent moon on his head.

Polytheism

Polytheism is the worship of multiple divinities, such as gods, goddesses, semi-divine beings, good or evil spirits, and spirits of departed ancestors.
Each divinity or spirit is believed to possess a specific function, range of power, or control over a realm or human personality traits.
Each entity is thought to embody a particular human or animal form or a blend of both, serving as its primary means of communication with humans.

Sikhism

Sikhs believe that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and is both transcendent and immanent in all his creation.
God pervades and dwells in his creatures, and can be found inside one's own heart through proper techniques and state of mind.
The ultimate names of God are Sat Nam (the True Name) and Waheguru (Wonderful Lord).
Sikhism is categorized as pantheism, as God is considered to be within his creations, and creations are within God.

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Description

Idolatry is the adoration and worship of idols as representations of God, often expressed through excessive reverence or worshipping someone or something other than God. This concept is explored in the pre-Islamic period, where the Arabs worshipped several idols.