Review of Lecture Notes on Islamic Ethics

Flashcards about key concepts from Chapter 6 to Chapter 12 to help students review and prepare for their examinations.

What is the main idea about indulging in the desires of the Nafs?

Indulging in the desires or pleasures of the nafs is a malady of the heart.

What are the consequences of following the Nafs?

Following the desires of the nafs leads to disbelief, heresy, or committing harams (acts prohibited by Islam).

What are the characteristics of Self-Love ('Ujb)?

'Ujb involves not seeing one's own imperfections and seeing one's worship as worthy.

According to Rasulullah, what are the three causes of disaster?

Stinginess, following the desires of the nafs, and being a conceited person.

How does Rasulullah define wisdom?

Wisdom manifests by controlling one's 'nafs' and preparing for what will be beneficial after death.

What is wishful thinking (tamanni)?

Expecting something without taking action.

What are the harms of following the Nafs?

The harm caused by following the desires of the nafs by committing forbidden actions and disliked actions (makruhs) is obvious.

What is Riyazat and what are its two means?

Riyazat is resisting the temptations of the nafs accomplished by utilizing two means: wara’ and taqwa.

What is the difference between Taqwa and Wara'?

Taqwa means not doing forbidden actions, while Wara’ means abstinence not only from harams but also from a superfluity in the mubahs.

What does Mujahada involve?

Mujahada involves performing things that the nafs dislikes; all acts of worship are mujahada.

What are some of benefits of the struggle against the nafs?

They tame the nafs, mature human beings, strengthen their souls, and lead them to the way of Siddiqs, martyrs and pious Muslims.

What is the definition of Imitative Belief (Taqlid)?

Imitating people without proper knowledge or understanding.

What is Ijtihad?

Understanding vaguely defined information and reaching conclusions about circumstances not explicitly covered in the Qur'an or Hadith (Nass).

What does Nass refer to?

Nass refers to verses of the Qur'an and Hadith.

What are Mujaddids?

Restorers; later scholars who applied teachings to new circumstances and documented them in Tafsir and Fiqh.

What is the definition of Ostentation (Riya)?

Presenting something opposite to its true nature; pretension.

What is a Hypocrite (Munafiq)?

A person with religious knowledge whose actions and words intend hypocrisy.

What is a Religious Fanatic?

A person without religious knowledge whose actions and words intend hypocrisy.

What is a Sham Scientist (Zindiq)?

An enemy of Islam who lacks scientific knowledge but pretends to have it to deceive Muslims and undermine their beliefs.

What is Ikrâh mulji’?

Forcing someone to do something against their will. It involves threats of death or mutilation.

What is Ikhlâs?

The opposite of hypocrisy; performing acts of worship solely to please Allah without worldly considerations.

What is the definition of Worldly Ambition (Tûl-i Amal)?

Worldly ambition is an illness of the heart characterized by excessive desire for a long life to enjoy worldly pleasures.

What are the causes of/remedies for Worldly Ambitions?

Attachment to worldly pleasures, forgetting death, and short-sighted trust in youth and health.

What is the definition of Excessive Humility (Tazallul)?

Excessive humility is called lowliness (tazallul), meanness, or holding oneself down. This is prohibited (harâm).

What is Self Love ('Ujb)?

Self love is one's liking and taking pride in his worships and good deeds.

What are the perils and harms of self love?

Self-love leads to forgetting the punishment of Allâhu ta’âlâ and causes conceit (kibr).

What is Hatred (Hiqd)?

Hatred involves hating another person, bearing animosity, and holding a grudge.

What makes forgiving difficult?

Forgiving when able to forcibly obtain compensation is difficult for the ego (nafs).

What evils stem from Hatred (Hiqd)?

Eleven evils arise from hatred (Hiqd): Jealousy, rejoicing at misfortunes, separation, contempt, lying, backbiting, exposing secrets, mockery, difficulty, not paying rights, preventing forgiveness.

What is the definition of Perfidy (Hiyanat)?

Perfidy is portraying oneself as trustworthy but acting in a way that contradicts this.

What are the guidlines around giving advice?

It is sinful to give advice without knowledge or contrary to one's knowledge; giving incorrect advice by mistake is excusable.

Who is A Fasiq?

A Fasiq is someone who flagrantly commits forbidden deeds (Harams); the sin is called ‘Fisq’.

What is the definition of Ghiybat?

Ghiybat means to backbite and is haram (forbidden).

What constitutes Ghiybat?

Ghiybat involves talking about a person in their absence in a way that would hurt them if they heard it concerning their Body, Family genealogy, Moral behavior, Work, Speech, Faith, Worldly life, Clothes, Animals

What is an Exception to Ghiybat?

Outright exposure of openly committed sins, harâms, and bid’ats

What are Reasons for Committing Ghiybat?

Animosity, propensity to join sentiment, appealing nature, temptation to exclude oneself, show superiority, jealousy, jocularity, witticism, mockery, express surprise, regret, loathing.

What should one do if backbiting occurs in their presence?

Immediately prohibit it.