Looking Through the Apple Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture notes including Islamic terminology, historical context of the school, the levels of faith, and the three teachers of faith.

In what year was the historic school building near Üsküdar constructed?

The school was built in $1898$ during Ottoman times.

Which Ottoman leader ordered the construction of the school near Üsküdar?

Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan.

What was the school building originally planned to be during the Ottoman era?

It was planned to be a Rüşdiye, which is a preparatory school.

What is the name of the bookshop owner who is a retired teacher and avid reader?

Uncle Omar.

What phrase is written in bold on the wall of Uncle Omar's bookshop regarding the books?

“Take what you wish and read, then return it.”

What is the name of Uncle Omar’s white cat that patrons enjoy seeing?

Snowflake.

According to Mr. Yusuf, how is the physical heart different from the spiritual heart?

The physical heart is an organ the size of a $fist$ that pumps blood, while the spiritual heart is the spiritual center where faith settles and takes root.

What is the definition of “tawheed” as explained in the lecture?

Tawheed means believing in the oneness of Allah and accepting that Allah is one without any partners or helpers.

What is the phrase of tawheed that a person must sincerely say to embrace Islam?

“Laa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadur-rasulullah.”

What was the primary reason the German tourist, Fredy, decided to become a Muslim?

He was greatly influenced by the beautiful lifestyle, family structure, humanity, and compassion of his Muslim neighbors and friends in Hamburg.

What Islamic name did Fredy choose upon converting, which the Imam noted was mentioned in the Gospel as a name for Prophet Muhammad?

Ahmad.

Who are the three great teachers that introduce us to our Lord?

1. The book of the universe, 2. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and 3. The Holy Qur’ân.

How did Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) conclude that stars, the moon, and the sun could not be his Lord?

He observed that they all set and disappeared, concluding that the true Creator must have attributes that do not set, vanish, or perish.

Why does Uncle Omar state that it is easy to prove the existence of Allah but difficult for non-believers to prove His non-existence?

Because proving the existence of something present (like a word in a dictionary) only requires finding it on one page, while proving non-existence requires searching every single page with absolute certainty.

What are the two fundamental types of faith based on the level of growth and study?

Weak faith (acquired through imitation) and strong faith (acquired through study, questioning, and scrutiny).

What is “faith acquired through imitation”?

Accepting the existence and unity of God just because of seeing and imitating parents, relatives, and society without feeling the need to investigate or prove it.

What analogy does Mr. Yusuf use to describe how strong faith becomes inseparable from a person?

He compares it to an apple that has been eaten and digested; once it has mixed with the blood and spread to the cells, no one can take it away by force.

What is the difference between “looking at” an apple and “looking through” an apple?

Looking “at” an apple focuses only on its physical properties and vitamins; looking “through” an apple views it as a piece of art or a gift, searching for the artist or doer (the Creator) behind it.