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'?

God communicates through creation Signup and view all the answers

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

Al-Istighna’ Signup and view all the answers

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

Crisis of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

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

The challenge of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

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

Islam and Secularism Signup and view all the answers

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

S.M.N. Signup and view all the answers

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

97 - 132 Signup and view all the answers

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

The name for God's divine essence Signup and view all the answers

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

Loftiness and characteristics Signup and view all the answers

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

To invoke God's divine essence explicitly Signup and view all the answers

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

The relationship between God and the universe Signup and view all the answers

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

The role of prophets and guidance in faith Signup and view all the answers

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

Ignorance Signup and view all the answers

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

Hasty conclusions Signup and view all the answers

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

Baseless speculation Signup and view all the answers

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

Profound ignorance Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a misguided belief based on incomplete evidence?

Conjecture Signup and view all the answers

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

It must be believed by the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the complete equation for knowledge?

Knowledge = justified true belief. Signup and view all the answers

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

The individual must have doubts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between justification and knowledge?

Justification plays a critical role in establishing knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

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

Knowledge is justified true belief. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes false knowledge?

Knowledge that has lost its true purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT associated with Western theory of knowledge?

It includes a spiritual conception of man Signup and view all the answers

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

Rational traditions of Greeks and Romans Signup and view all the answers

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

It brings chaos to the kingdoms of nature Signup and view all the answers

What type of thinking does Western knowledge emerge from?

Rational and secular traditions Signup and view all the answers

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.