Islam depth Study

Question 1

Who is Imam Al-Ghazali?

Answer 1

Prominent Islamic scholar, theologian, philosopher & mystic (1058 - 1111CE)

Al-Ghazali lived during the Islamic Golden Age, characterized by economic & scientific flourishing.

Question 2

What is a contribution?

Answer 2

An action, something given or provided to help achieve a goal, improve, or support others.

Question 3

What does impact refer to?

Answer 3

The strong effect or positive influence something has on people, situations, or the environment.

Question 4

Where was Imam Al-Ghazali born?

Answer 4

In Tus, Persia in 1058.

Question 5

Who did Al-Ghazali study under in Nishapur?

Answer 5

Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni.

Question 6

What significant position did Al-Ghazali hold in 1091?

Answer 6

He was appointed as a professor at Nizamiyyah College in Baghdad.

Question 7

What major crisis did Al-Ghazali experience in 1095?

Answer 7

A spiritual crisis questioning his pursuits and sincerity.

Question 8

What did Al-Ghazali do after leaving his academic career?

Answer 8

He traveled through Syria and Jerusalem, devoting himself to prayer, meditation, and writing.

Question 9

Name one of Al-Ghazali’s major works.

Answer 9

The Revival of Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din).

Question 10

What is the focus of The Revival of Religious Sciences?

Answer 10

Theology, ethics, spirituality, and Sufism.

Question 11

What does The Incoherence of Philosophers critique?

Answer 11

Critiques philosophers like Ibn Sina and al-Farabi, shifting Islamic thought towards orthodoxy.

Question 12

What is Deliverance from Error about?

Answer 12

An autobiographical work on Al-Ghazali’s spiritual and intellectual transformation.

Question 13

What did Al-Ghazali advocate for concerning knowledge?

Answer 13

Defended Sunni orthodoxy, emphasizing Divine Revelation as the highest source of knowledge.

Question 14

What was Al-Ghazali’s stance on the relationship between reason and faith?

Answer 14

He advocated for a balance between reason and faith.

Question 15

What impact did Al-Ghazali have on Islamic education?

Answer 15

Reformed Islamic education by integrating spiritual and mystical elements.

Question 16

What did Al-Ghazali emphasize in his teachings on Kalam theology?

Answer 16

Rejection of the eternity of the world and the reliance on reason alone for ultimate truth.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Al-Ghazali is known as _______.

Answer 17

The proof of Islam.

Question 18

What is the significance of The Alchemy of Happiness?

Answer 18

Covers knowledge of God, self-knowledge, the transient nature of the world, and the path to happiness.

Question 19

What does Al-Ghazali’s work contribute to Islamic spirituality?

Answer 19

Legitimized Sufism within mainstream Islam and emphasized submission to Allah.

Question 20

What does Al-Ghazali argue about the limits of philosophy in The Incoherence of the Philosophers?

Answer 20

Reasoning & logic has limits on topics like God & afterlife.

Question 21

What is one key idea from The Revival of Religious Sciences?

Answer 21

Integration of knowledge, spirituality, and ethical living.

Question 22

What does Al-Ghazali say about the love of this world?

Answer 22

It is the root of every sin.

Question 23

What does the quote ‘The world has a beginning, created by the will of God, not by necessity’ signify?

Answer 23

Al-Ghazali’s rejection of the philosophers’ claim that the universe is eternal.

Question 24

What does Al-Ghazali emphasize regarding submission to God?

Answer 24

It is an inward reality, where the heart surrenders completely to Him.

Question 25

What is the importance of unity within the Muslim community according to Al-Ghazali?

Answer 25

It maintains the integrity of Islamic faith and collectively strives toward the truth.

Question 26

Who are two contemporary scholars that reference Al-Ghazali?

Answer 26

Dr. Muhammad Imara and Dr. Tariq Ramadan.

Question 27

What did Al-Ghazali aim to combat in his works?

Answer 27

Excessive rationalism and to revive the spiritual aspect of Islam.

Question 28

What was the cultural background during Al-Ghazali's time?

Answer 28

Diverse, influenced by Greek, Persian, Indian & Arabic cultures.

Question 29

What did Al-Ghazali promote in education for both males and females?

Answer 29

A comprehensive education combining religious, intellectual, and ethical teachings.

Question 30

What central tenet of Sufism does Al-Ghazali emphasize?

Answer 30

Inner purification and genuine submission to Allah.

Question 31

Who is Dr. Imara?

Answer 31

An influential contemporary Islamic scholar who draws on Al-Ghazali’s thoughts in his writings on Islamic theology, ethics, and philosophy.

Question 32

What is Al-Ghazali's contribution to Kalam Theology?

Answer 32

He revitalised Islamic spirituality by merging Sufism with orthodox theology, emphasizing inner purification and sincerity in worship.

Question 33

What did Al-Ghazali emphasize in The Revival of the Religious Sciences?

Answer 33

The importance of inner purification, sincerity, and the heart’s connection to God.

Question 34

How did Al-Ghazali integrate Sufi practices into mainstream Islam?

Answer 34

By incorporating meditation, contemplation, seclusion for worship, spiritual music, and poetry into the madrasa education system.

Question 35

What was the impact of Al-Ghazali's contributions to Sufism?

Answer 35

Legitimised Sufism within mainstream Islam and fostered greater acceptance and unity by emphasizing sincere submission to Allah.

Question 36

True or False: Al-Ghazali criticized jurists for overemphasizing spirituality at the expense of legalism.

Answer 36

False. He criticized jurists for overemphasizing legalism at the expense of spirituality and ethics.

Question 37

What did Al-Ghazali advocate for in Islamic education?

Answer 37

A holistic approach integrating intellectual, religious, and spiritual learning.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Al-Ghazali emphasized balancing ______ studies with mysticism, moral development, and academics.

Answer 38

Qur'anic

Question 39

What are the three levels of study in Al-Ghazali's educational structure?

Answer 39

* Elementary * Intermediate * Advanced

Question 40

What did Al-Ghazali's works, such as The Revival of the Religious Sciences, contribute to education?

Answer 40

They became foundational texts, shaping intellectual and spiritual development in madrasas.

Question 41

According to Al-Ghazali, what is the purpose of knowledge?

Answer 41

To attain happiness in the hereafter by drawing closer to God.

Question 42

What is the definition of Bioethics?

Answer 42

A field of study concerned with the ethics and its implications of biological and medical procedures, technologies, and treatments.

Question 43

What does Divine Sovereignty mean in Islamic bioethics?

Answer 43

Allah's supreme authority over life, guiding ethical decisions in medicine and biotechnology.

Question 44

What is the significance of human life in Islamic bioethics?

Answer 44

Human life is a divine trust, not personal property.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: In Islamic bioethics, actions must align with principles of ______ and compassion.

Answer 45

justice

Question 46

What is the role of humans in the context of Divine Sovereignty?

Answer 46

Humans are trustees (khalifa) of God on earth, responsible for caring for themselves and others.

Question 47

What did Al-Ghazali believe about the integration of legal and spiritual education?

Answer 47

He believed that true Islamic practice requires both adherence to Sharia and inner spiritual cultivation.

Question 48

How did Al-Ghazali's contributions influence Islamic learning centers?

Answer 48

His teachings are integrated into the curricula of institutions like Al-Azhar University and International Islamic University Malaysia.

Question 49

What are some key educational ideals of Al-Ghazali?

Answer 49

* Integration of Religious & Rational Sciences * Revival of Sufism in Madrasa Education * Importance of Childhood Education

Question 50

True or False: Al-Ghazali's educational approach favored change and innovation over continuity.

Answer 50

False. He favoured continuity and stability in education.

Question 51

What is the impact of excessive focus on legal rulings according to Al-Ghazali?

Answer 51

It could lead to a rigid and mechanical approach to religion.

Question 52

What is the Tabula Rasa concept in Al-Ghazali’s educational philosophy?

Answer 52

Children acquire personality and behavior from society, family, and environment.