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
51
The 'Battle of the Zab' (750) was fought in which modern-day country?
Answer:
Iraq
The Great Zab is a tributary of the Tigris River in northern Iraq. The defeat of the Umayyads here allowed the Abbasid forces to sweep through Mesopotamia and into Syria to capture Damascus.
52
Which caliph's death marked the end of the 'Samarra Period' as the capital moved back to Baghdad?
Answer:
Al-Mu'tamid
After the Anarchy at Samarra, Caliph al-Mu'tamid moved the court back to Baghdad in 892 CE. This move signaled an attempt to restore the caliph's authority and distance the court from the overbearing Turkish military presence in Samarra.
53
The 'Shu'ubiyya' movement during the Abbasid period was a literary and social struggle for:
Answer:
The equality of Persians and non-Arabs with Arabs
The Shu'ubiyya movement was a Persian intellectual reaction against the claim of Arab racial superiority. They argued that within the Islamic community, all nations were equal, and they often highlighted the superiority of Persian culture and administrative history.
54
The 'Barmakid' family was originally of which religious background before converting to Islam?
Answer:
Buddhist (monks in Balkh)
The Barmakids were originally hereditary Buddhist administrators of the Nawbahar temple in Balkh (Khorasan). Their background in sophisticated management contributed to their success as viziers for the Abbasid state.
55
Which Abbasid Caliph built the city of Al-Rafiqah near Raqqa to serve as a military base and summer residence?
Answer:
Harun al-Rashid
Harun al-Rashid spent significant time in Raqqa (in modern Syria) to oversee the frontiers with the Byzantine Empire. Al-Rafiqah was built as a twin city to Raqqa and served as his de facto capital during his later years.
56
The Abbasid 'Dinar' differed from the Umayyad version primarily in its:
Answer:
Inscriptions and style of calligraphy
While both dynasties used epigraphic (text-based) coins, the Abbasids changed the inscriptions to reflect their own ideological leanings and eventually moved from Kufic script to more elaborate styles of calligraphy as the caliphate progressed.
57
The 'Samanid' dynasty, which ruled in Central Asia, was known for its loyal service to the Abbasids and for being the 'Guardians of the ______ Frontier'.
Answer:
Turkish
The Samanids (based in Bukhara) acted as a buffer between the caliphate and the pagan Turkish tribes of the steppes. They were instrumental in the gradual conversion of the Turks to Islam and were great patrons of Persian and Arabic literature.
58
Which Abbasid Caliph sent a diplomatic mission to Charlemagne, King of the Franks, famously including an elephant?
Answer:
Harun al-Rashid
Harun al-Rashid maintained a diplomatic relationship with Charlemagne as they shared a common enemy in the Umayyads of Spain. He sent various gifts, including a water clock and an elephant named Abul-Abbas, to the Frankish court.
59
The Abbasid-era scientist Al-Biruni is famous for his work 'Indica', which was a detailed study of:
Answer:
The culture, religion, and geography of India
Al-Biruni accompanied the Ghaznavid expeditions to India and produced a remarkably objective and scholarly account of Indian civilization. He is considered one of the earliest practitioners of comparative religion and anthropology.
60
The 'Malwiya' is a famous spiral minaret located in which Abbasid capital?
Answer:
Samarra
The Malwiya minaret is part of the Great Mosque of Samarra, built by Al-Mutawakkil. Its unique spiral design, inspired by ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats, remains one of the most iconic symbols of Abbasid architecture.