Islamic Theology: The Concept of Al-Akhirah

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'al-Akhirah' primarily refer to in Islamic theology?

The immediate values of the world

The process of earthly existence

The cycle of life and death

The ultimate destiny of mankind (correct)

Which of the following best contrasts with the concept of 'al-Akhirah'?

Divine judgment

Ultimate enlightenment

Eternal paradise

Al-Dunyā (correct)

How is 'al-Akhirah' understood in terms of existence?

As a temporary state of bliss

As a life of everlasting duration (correct)

As a state of non-existence

As the finality of earthly pleasures

In the context of eschatology, what does 'al-Akhirah' imply?

A definitive end to earthly life Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of 'al-Akhirah' related to blessings?

It focuses on the good of the ultimate state in the hereafter. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to the teachings of Islam if the concept of the afterlife were denied?

They would lose their significance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the afterlife concept relate to the overall teachings of Islam?

It is central to the moral framework. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the belief in Al-Akhirah essential from an eschatological perspective?

It emphasizes final judgment and accountability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the implication of denying the afterlife on Islamic cosmology?

It would validate human actions as meaningless. Signup and view all the answers

From a theological standpoint, what role does belief in Al-Akhirah play in the understanding of divine justice?

It ensures accountability for one’s actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the Hereafter is better' imply about life after death?

Life after death is of higher quality and enduring. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical view is primarily concerned with the nature of existence and what lies beyond this life?

Eschatology Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of resolving disputes and conflicts in human orientations?

It enhances human coherence and unity in understanding. Signup and view all the answers

In which area of study would the assertion about the Hereafter being 'more enduring' likely be discussed?

Eschatology Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme can be inferred from the assertion regarding conflicts of human orientations?

Conflicts can lead to enlightenment and resolution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Philosophy & Islamic Worldview

The course is titled "Basic Philosophy & Islamic Worldview"
It's part of UNGS 1301
Materials were compiled between 2018 and 2019
Materials come from the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Week 1: Worldview

Worldview is defined as a set of beliefs
Key aspects of reality surrounding us: perception, knowledge, and action
Related to a philosophy of life, a perception of the world and a study of the world and its aspects.
The importance of philosophy lies in exploring wisdom, intellectual culture and the search for knowledge.
This includes fundamental questions like the nature of existence, knowledge, the universe, and the nature of values.
There are different kinds of philosophy: Western, Middle Eastern, Indian, Indigenous American and African philosophies, Eastern philosophy.

Week 1: Kinds of Philosophy

Western philosophy traditionally started with pre-Socratic thinkers in 6th-century Greece
Western philosophy is categorized into Ancient (Greco-Roman), Medieval (Christian European), and Modern eras.
Middle Eastern philosophy originated with early philosophical wisdom literature in the regions of the Fertile Crescent, Iran, and Arabia, and is now primarily associated with Islamic culture.
Indian philosophy encompasses diverse traditions arising from ancient times on the Indian subcontinent. Jainism and Buddhism originated before Hinduism, and Hinduism represents a fusion of various traditions.
Indigenous American philosophy is formed of beliefs and traditions among various American cultures.
African philosophy describes philosophy developed by African people, including worldviews, ideas, themes and philosophical methods.
Eastern or Asian philosophy includes Chinese, Indian (including Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh), South East Asian, Japanese and Korean philosophies.

Week 1: Specific Concepts of Indian Philosophy

Key concepts include dharma (upholds or supports), karma (act or action), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and dukkha (suffering).

Week 1: Importance of Philosophy

Philosophy is important to all cultures and societies
Philosophical questions include who are we? Why are we created? Is there God? How should we live? What is the nature of reality?

Week 2: Modern & Contemporary Worldviews

Naturalism
Secular Humanism
Post-Modernism

Week 2: Naturalism

Naturalism is a materialistic theory of life and the universe that is atheistic, focusing on the mechanical view of nature.
Naturalism denies the existence of a Creator or supernatural realities.
Naturalism focuses on how science and technology affect society and how society and genetics affect individuals.
Naturalism relates the scientific method to philosophy.
It can be recognized as a "religion" and was developed by Greek and Roman Sophists.
Concepts of naturalism were discussed by Darwin, Zola, Ibsen, Gorky, Chekhov and Gogol.

Week 2: Secular Humanism

Secular refers to worldly, non-religious aspects of life.
Humanism emphasizes a naturalistic worldview, limiting the physical world to all that exists or is real
It emphasizes scientific inquiry and rejects revealed knowledge or theistic morality.
It arose from the ethical movement in the US.

Week 2: Postmodernism

Postmodernism, reacting to modernist dominance, applies broadly across all fields of knowledge and human affairs.
It is a continuation of modernism but with new perspectives.
It is a reaction to modernism's cultural dominance.
Important concepts include skepticism, anti-dualism and questioning texts.
Important figures include Lyotard, Derrida, Foucault.

Week 3: Islamic Worldview

Islamic worldview is a theistic and ethical worldview contrasting with secularistic, materialistic, naturalistic and post-modern worldviews.
It encompasses a study of perceptions of the universe, philosophies of life, worldviews, ideologies, and faiths.

Week 3-4, 5, 6, and 7: Islamic Worldview

Included are several definitions of the Islamic worldview from different Muslim scholars (e.g., Sayyid Qutb, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman, M. Kamal Hassan, S.M. Naquib Al-Attas, Alparslan Acikgenc, and Choudhury)
Covered a scope of Islamic worldview including metaphysics, theology, cosmology, anthropology, ontology, epistemology, teleology, axiology and eschatology.
Included numerous characteristics of Islamic worldview.

Week 3-4, 5, 6, and 7: Tawhid

Tawhid represents the oneness of God.
It is the absolute and uncompromising belief that there is no God but Allah, and that there is no one worthy of worship, praise, veneration, or obedience except Allah (swt)
Tawhid permeates all aspects of Islamic life throughout time.
Man's inherent nature (fitrah) is to worship God (or, Allah).
The importance of the Qur'ān.

Week 3-4, 5, 6, and 7: Further Islamic Concepts

Included other key Islamic concepts such as al-Rabbaniyyah (the divine origin), al-Tawhid (oneness), al-Thabat (permanence), al-Shumul (completeness), al-Tawazun/al-Wasatiyyah (balance), al-Waqiyyah (realism) and al-Ijabiyyah (dynamism).

Week 8 and 9: Al-Nubuwwah & Al-Akhirah

Al-Nubuwwah refers to the Prophets and their role in conveying God's (Allah's) message to humankind.
Al-Nubuwwah highlights the Prophets as role models who convey and explain the divine message to people and advise people against wrong-doings.
Al-Akhirah refers to the afterlife and encompasses the concept of ultimate destiny of humankind
Islamic belief regarding the afterlife.

Week 8 and 9: Additional Details - Al-Nubuwwah

The institution of Nubuwwah (“Prophethood”) has ended with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final prophet.
Following the Sunnah of the Prophet is a Muslim's obligation.
Severe punishment befalls those who do not follow the Prophet's teachings.

Week 8 and 9: Additional Details - Al-Akhirah

The concept of the afterlife is essential to Islam and it is where people's deeds will be assessed.
Belief in Al-Akhirah underscores the importance of divine justice.
Benefits of believing in Al-Akhirah for the individual and society are included.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of 'al-Akhirah' in Islamic theology, emphasizing its significance in relation to the afterlife and eschatology. Participants will assess their understanding of how 'al-Akhirah' contrasts with earthly existence and its implications for Islamic teachings on divine justice and cosmology.