Studies of Religion 1 - AT1 Flashcards

Studies of Religion 1 (Year 12 HSC) you're welcome <3 - rhi

When and where was Imam Al Ghazali born?

1058 CE, Iran

What is Imam Ghazali

A prolific writer, a philospher, a teacher, a mystic of Islam.

What is a doctrine?

A set of beliefs followed by an group of people.

What is the infallible Imam?

A group of people considered the perfect, sinless, and authoritative guides appointed by Allah

How many treaties did Imam Al Ghazali write? And what about?

40 - about the doctrine of Islam

What is the major work of Imam Al Ghazali?

"The incoherence of philosphers”

(oooooh he dissed the Greek-influenced philosphers that contributed to Islamic beliefs…ahem Ibn Sina…)

What is another word for theology?

Kalam

What is ‘Aql?

Human intellect/human reasoning

Who’s methods did Imam Al Ghazali use to present a balance between religion and reason?

Aristotle and Plato

Imam Al Ghazali proved __________ cannot explain the infinite (such as Allah), but was limited to explaining the relative

Reason

What is the relative?

Earthly things

What is reason?

Logics, evidence, intellectual judgement

It is different from religion because it cannot explain religious beliefs

What does Imam Al Ghazali emphasise in his theology?

Allah’s infinite knowledge and power

Imam Al Ghazali challenged the idea that Allah ________ the acts of indivduals

“creates” - Allah doesn’t create the acts of individuals because he gave adherents free will

Who is the Proof of Islam

Imam Al Ghazali

What is Imam Al Ghazali’s coming of age story?

He got robbed and the thieves stole his books and everything so lil bro here decided that the only thing he could live without is his books cause hes a nerd anyway so after the thieves took his books he begged for them back because he wants his knowledge back ☹ then the theif clocked him and said “how u smart if u dont know ur knowledge without ur books???” so he set on a mission to be knowledgable by heart

Why did Imam Al Ghazali have a spiritual crisis?

He realised that logic and belief/faith contradicted, so he wondered whether everything was worth anything anymore:

• The influence of Greek philosophy impacted Islamic thought

• Conflict between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims

• Division between Islamic law and Sufism

How was Greek philosphy influencing Islam theology?

• Threatening the orthodoxy/traditional beliefs

• Relied on reason (logic, evidence) rather than religion (belief in Allah)

Was Imam Al Ghazali Sunni or Shia Muslim?

Sunni

Challenged Sectariasm

Al Ghazali appreciated the way Sunni and Shia faiths overlapped, stressing the importance of unity withing the Islamic community - he vouched for all Muslims to focus on wi

Sectarianism

Attachment to a religious group (to the point of extent, making it a debated topic but whatever we ball)

Imam Al Ghazali helped revive religious sciences…

• Eliminated mindless worship so that acts were made with true spiritual understanding

• Combined practicality, ethics and spirituality

• Pulled back separated theological groups

What is a bioethical issue?

A branch of ethics concerned with issues surrounding health care and the biological sciences ; how morality fits into health care

What is contraception?

Delibrate use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy during intercourse

Example: Condoms, birth control pills

How is contraception viewed in Islam?

Al Ghazali says:

• It’s okay if the lady’s health was at risk and contraception was necessary

• It’s okay if the couple are not able to financially support a family

What is organ donation?

surgically removing an organ from a person (the donor) to put it in another person (the recipient)

How is organ donation viewed in Islam?

• It is okay if the donor is already dead and their body is treated with respect

• Some scholars argued that the dead could feel pain which made post-mortem examinations awks (😀)

What is euthanasia?

The intentional act to end someone’s life, usually for medical reasons

How is euthanasia viewed in Islam?

• Considered suicide

• No one is allowed to end another’s life, even for their benefit - only Allah can call the shots

What is IVF?

In-Vitro Fertilisation is where the egg is fertilised outside the body

How is IVF viewed in Islam?

• Adoption is a no-go because it’s basically transferring parental

• IVF is permitted between a married couple and the gametes must be from the couple ONLY

What is the Hajj?

An Islamic pilgrimage to the Mecca / 5th pillar of Islam

Practice of the Hajj

• Compulsory for men and women at least once in their lives if financially acceptable

• A spiritual journey

What is the significance of the Mecca?

Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and the “House of God”

Conditions of the Hajj

• You can’t be mentally ill, only sound minded people can go

• Be physically fit

• Have the financial capacity

• Undertake the journey and return safely

Sunni women must be accompanied by a male relative or husband. Shia’a women can go alone as long as they feel safe.

Preparation for the Hajj

• reach a state of spiritual purity - “Irham”

• Wear white and remove class distinctions

• No damaging or killing flora and fauna

• Don’t propose or get married while there

• Don’t have intercourse

• Don’t shave or cut your nails

• Don’t carry weapons

• Don’t wear perfume or colognes

• Don’t fight, argue, swear

What’s the Kaaba

The big black cube that has gold stuff on it

1. Tawwaf

On arrival, pilgrims are to move counterclockwise around the Kaaba. Try to touch the Kaaba, or just point at it. Do this 7 times.

Represents unity within the community and desire for religious connection.

2. Sa’i

After Tawwaf, drink from the well of Zamzan. Walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah 7 times.

Reinactment of pilgrims following the prophet Ibrahim’s son Ishmael to find water. The water also purifies the pilgrims.

3. Mina

Rest break! Pilgrims rest here.

4. Waquf

Pilgrims stay on Arfat from noon to midday

Muslims recite the Qu’ran. Represents the Day of Judgement. They reflect on the forgiveness of Allah.

5. Arafat

On the ninth day, pilgrims face Mecca and pray and reflect.

6. Muzdalifah

A cannon is fired so pilgrims leave Mina and sleep together in the open air.