Islamic Theology Quiz: Concepts and Terms
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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'al-Istighna’' signify in relation to God?

  • Affluent and self-sufficient (correct)
  • Dependent on creation
  • Being in need of His guidance
  • Having limited resources

What does 'al-Iftiqar' highlight about human existence?

  • Humans are in constant need of God (correct)
  • Humans are independent beings
  • Humans can live without spiritual guidance
  • Human beings possess unlimited power

Which of the following best describes ‘alam in the context provided?

  • An illusion of existence
  • The eternal truth of God's existence
  • Everything created except for God (correct)
  • The universe filled with divine knowledge

What is suggested by the phrase 'Revealed Book of Signs'?

<p>God communicates through creation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term does NOT relate to the concept of creation (khalq/makhluq/kawn)?

<p>Al-Istighna’ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as the underlying problem of all major crises in the Islamic world?

<p>Crisis of knowledge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the main challenge mentioned in the content?

<p>The challenge of knowledge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which publication can the chapter 'The Muslim Dilemma' be found?

<p>Islam and Secularism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is likely to have authored the statement about the challenge of knowledge?

<p>S.M.N. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What page range covers the chapter that discusses 'The Muslim Dilemma'?

<p>97 - 132 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'lafz al-Jalalah' refer to in the context of God's divine essence?

<p>The name for God's divine essence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized by the term 'ism' derived from 'sumuw' and 'simah'?

<p>Loftiness and characteristics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the phrase 'In the name of God' used rather than simply 'In God'?

<p>To invoke God's divine essence explicitly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Rabb' signify in the context of the content provided?

<p>The relationship between God and the universe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'Risalah and Nubuwwah'?

<p>The role of prophets and guidance in faith (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a direct opposite of knowledge?

<p>Ignorance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a corruptor of knowledge in the teachings of the Holy Prophet?

<p>Hasty conclusions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'nazar' as an opposite of knowledge?

<p>Baseless speculation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The inability of the ignorant to correct their errors primarily stems from what?

<p>Profound ignorance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a misguided belief based on incomplete evidence?

<p>Conjecture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary condition for knowledge according to the definition provided?

<p>It must be believed by the individual. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the complete equation for knowledge?

<p>Knowledge = justified true belief. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT part of the conditions for an individual to know something?

<p>The individual must have doubts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between justification and knowledge?

<p>Justification plays a critical role in establishing knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes knowledge in contrast to opinion?

<p>Knowledge is justified true belief. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes false knowledge?

<p>Knowledge that has lost its true purpose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT associated with Western theory of knowledge?

<p>It includes a spiritual conception of man (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which influences are mentioned as foundations of Western theory of knowledge?

<p>Rational traditions of Greeks and Romans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of false knowledge according to the content?

<p>It brings chaos to the kingdoms of nature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of thinking does Western knowledge emerge from?

<p>Rational and secular traditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

ب

A grammatical particle that expresses a connection or relationship between words or phrases.

اسم

The Arabic word 'ism' means "sign" or "characteristic". It signifies God's divine attributes.

الله

Refers to the 'name of God', which is the most exalted and sacred name representing God's essence.

In the name of God

A short phrase 'In the name of God' signifies seeking guidance and blessing from God.

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In God

A phrase that emphasizes reliance on God's power and wisdom.

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al-Istighna’

The state of being independent and self-sufficient, needing nothing from anyone else. It refers to God's absolute independence and self-sufficiency.

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al-Iftiqar

The state of being in need and dependent on someone or something else. It refers to our dependence on God for everything we have and need.

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‘Alam

Everything except God or the Divine.

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Revealed Book of Signs

The concept of a ‘Revealed Book of Signs’ refers to the universe as a manifestation of God's signs and messages.

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Khluq/Makhluq/Kawn

The creation, everything that's not God. It includes all beings and things, both animate and inanimate.

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Crisis of Knowledge

A significant issue that arises from a lack of knowledge and understanding.

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Muslim Dilemma

This refers to the unique challenges and difficulties faced by Muslims in the modern world. It encompasses political, social, and religious complexities.

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Islam and Secularism

A state where the boundaries between religious and secular values become blurred or contested, leading to conflicts and disagreements.

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Surreptitious Challenge

This refers to a powerful and secretive threat that emerges slowly and may not be immediately obvious.

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Challenge of Knowledge

A fundamental problem or difficulty that is encountered by people. It requires careful consideration and a solution.

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What is knowledge?

Knowledge is defined as justified true belief. This means that for something to be considered knowledge, it must be true, the person must believe it, and they must have a good reason for believing it.

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What is justification in knowledge?

Justification refers to having a good reason or evidence to support a belief. This could involve logical reasoning, empirical evidence, or testimony from a reliable source.

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What is the truth condition in knowledge?

The truth condition in knowledge means that the belief must correspond to reality. It must be accurate and reflect how things actually are.

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What is belief in knowledge?

Belief is the mental state of accepting something as true. It's an individual's personal conviction or opinion.

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How is knowledge different from opinion?

Knowledge is distinct from mere opinion because it's not merely based on personal preferences or feelings. It's grounded in justification and truth.

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Ignorance (Jahl)

A state of not knowing or understanding something. It is a barrier to gaining real knowledge and can lead to mistakes and misinterpretations.

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Doubt (Shakk)

A belief that something is true without having enough evidence. It can lead to uncertainty and can be a path away from true knowledge.

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Conjecture (Zann)

A personal opinion or belief without solid evidence. It can be potentially harmful if it leads to biased conclusions.

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Nazar (Baseless Speculation)

Baseless speculation based on subjective desires. It can lead to arguments and conflict, as it often relies on unsupported emotions.

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Corruption of Knowledge

The process of destroying knowledge by spreading misinformation. It is a destructive force in the pursuit of truth and understanding.

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False Knowledge

Knowledge that is based on subjective beliefs, opinions, and arguments rather than objective truth, leading to confusion and skepticism.

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Western Theory of Knowledge

Western theories of knowledge are often based on secular and rational thought, emphasizing scientific explanations and human reason. They often focus on evolutionary views of life and psychological theories.

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Secular Foundation of Western Knowledge

Western theory of knowledge is typically devoid of a sense of the sacred, emphasizing worldly understanding over spiritual insights.

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Western Knowledge and Uncertainty

Western knowledge often relies on subjective opinions (zann), personal desires (hawa), and arguments (mira’, jadal), which can lead to doubt (shakk) and uncertainty.

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Truth and Distortion in Western Knowledge

True knowledge is often neglected in favor of subjective opinions and speculative conclusions in Western thought, leading to a distorted understanding of reality.

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Study Notes

Course Information

  • Course Title: Knowledge and Civilization in Islam
  • Course Code: UNGS 2290
  • Purpose: Teaching notes, not a replacement for official notes.

Islamic Concepts

  • God's Names (al-asma al-husna): Al-'Aliim (the All-Knowing) is a significant divine attribute, emphasizing God as the source of all knowledge.
  • Knowledge (ilm): Rooted in Arabic, particularly 'alamah, meaning a mark, sign, or token, by which something is known. It can also refer to the way/mark for guidance, or the awareness of the proper place/hierarchy of something.

Knowledge in Islam

  • Concept of Knowledge: Knowledge in Islam is not simply factual information. It's about understanding, recognition, and the proper place of a thing (e.g., God, creation, self) in the universe and divine order.
  • Source/Origin of Knowledge: Islam emphasizes that knowledge originates from God, requiring spiritual preparation and divine guidance alongside human effort. The meaning/knowledge exist independently of the subject/object of knowledge.
  • Scope/Aspects of Knowledge: Includes but is not limited to religious texts, laws, spiritual insights, and the wider understanding of creation and existence. Islam emphasizes knowledge as a means to recognizing God.
  • Purpose of Knowledge: Recognizing God as the Lord, the proper place of things in creation, and the proper place of God in the order of existence and being.
  • Importance of Adab: Proper conduct and etiquette in knowledge seeking, crucial to the proper attainment of knowledge. The absence of adab leads to the misappropriation of knowledge resulting in a crisis of knowledge.
  • True vs. False Knowledge: Knowledge is not neutral; false knowledge has a purpose but is not true knowledge and can lead to confusion, skepticisms, and chaos in nature. The process of instilling adab (ta'dib) is the perfect and most comprehensive form of education.

The Islamic View of Knowledge (vs. Western)

  • Western Perspective: Focuses on facts, objective understanding, and the separation between subject and object. Western knowledge emphasizes scientific pursuits and individual rationality.
  • Islamic Perspective: Integrates the spiritual dimension into the pursuit of knowledge, emphasizing the correct recognition and acknowledgement of place (e.g., of God, in the order of things creation) through understanding the proper hierarchy.

Problems with Translation

  • Distortion of Terms: Direct translations of Islamic terms can misrepresent the nuance and depth of their meanings.
  • Literal vs. Conceptual: Directly translating terms without understanding the conceptual context in which they exist in Islam can be misleading.

Key Islamic Terms

  • Ilm (Knowledge): Key Arabic term for knowledge, multifaceted in meaning encompassing many facets.
  • Aql (Intellect): Understanding/Reason
  • Qalb (Heart): A deeper aspect of one's understanding and conviction.
  • Ruh (Spirit): Essential component of a human's being and understanding, emphasizing spirituality within the process of acquiring knowledge.
  • Adab: (Conduct) necessary etiquette for knowledge-seeking; the proper place/station, and valid hierachy/martabat.
  • Ayah (Sign): A clear sign from God for the betterment of humanity.
  • Islam: The complete way of life encompassing worship, knowledge, and justice
  • Khaliq (Creator): Essential in understanding a thing (knowledge) through its origin.
  • Wahiy (Revelation): A method of attaining knowledge directly from God

Defining Knowledge

  • Hadd (Definitive): A precise and specific definition where characteristics can be clearly and concisely expressed.
  • Rasam (Descriptive): A more nuanced approach that outlines characteristics and qualities but can't create a precise definition.

Crisis of Knowledge

  • Internal Causes: The decline of adab (proper conduct) is identified as both a cause and a symptom of the crisis.
  • External Causes: Confrontation with Western culture and its subsequent influences have contributed to internal issues, such as the loss of proper conduct.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in Islamic theology, focusing on terms related to God's essence and human existence. Dive into the significance of terms like 'al-Istighna’', 'al-Iftiqar', and others, as well as the challenges faced in the Islamic world as discussed in 'The Muslim Dilemma'. Test your knowledge of the nuances and terminologies in this foundational aspect of Islam.

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