Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams) MCQs
Topic Notes: Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams)
<p>MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.</p>
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
31
Which Sufi order’s teachings inspired Shah Waliullah of Delhi?
Answer:
Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya
Shah Waliullah was initiated into the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya lineage emphasizing tajdid (renewal).
32
The founder of the Darqawiyya order, Ahmad al-Darqawi, was a reformer of which earlier tariqa?
Answer:
Shadhiliyya
Ahmad al-Darqawi revitalized the Shadhiliyya order in Morocco in the 18th century.
33
Which order emphasizes the concept of 'Fana fi’l-Shaykh' (annihilation in the master)?
Answer:
Shattariyya
The Shattariyya order teaches fana (annihilation) through total submission to the spiritual guide.
34
Which Sufi order’s motto is 'The Path of Sobriety' (Suluk al-Sahw)?
Answer:
Naqshbandiyya
The Naqshbandiyya emphasize sobriety (sahw) and inner stillness rather than ecstatic expression.
35
The Qadiriyya order’s dhikr often includes:
Answer:
Loud collective chanting of Divine Names
Qadiriyya gatherings often include vocal dhikr, chanting Allah’s names with rhythmic devotion.
36
Which Sufi order was most influential in Ottoman courtly and military life?
Answer:
Bektashiyya
The Bektashiyya were closely linked to the Ottoman Janissary corps and state institutions.
37
The Suhrawardiyya order’s central manual 'Awarif al-Ma’arif' was authored by:
Answer:
Umar al-Suhrawardi
‘Awarif al-Ma‘arif’ by Umar al-Suhrawardi is a classic manual of Sufi discipline and etiquette.
38
The Mawlawiyya’s whirling ceremony symbolizes:
Answer:
The turning of planets around the sun (symbolic of Divine love)
The whirling of the Mawlawi dervishes symbolizes cosmic harmony and the soul’s rotation around Divine love.
39
The Naqshbandi master Ahmad Sirhindi is also known as:
Answer:
Mujaddid Alf Thani (Renewer of the Second Millennium)
Ahmad Sirhindi was called Mujaddid Alf Thani, the renewer of Islam in the second millennium.
40
The Shadhili master Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari is known for which famous text?
Answer:
Al-Hikam
Ibn ʿAṭāʾillāh’s 'Al-Hikam' (Book of Wisdoms) is a cornerstone of Shadhili Sufi ethics.