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
61
In retaliation for the Zirid revolt, the Fatimids encouraged which nomadic Arab tribes to migrate and attack North Africa?
Answer:
Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym
To punish their former Zirid governors, the Fatimids unleashed the Banu Hilal tribes on North Africa. This 'Hilalian invasion' fundamentally changed the ethnic and social makeup of the region, leading to its widespread Arabization.
62
The Fatimid Caliphate's presence in North Africa was ended by the revolt of which former governor?
Answer:
Al-Mu'izz ibn Badis
After the Fatimids moved to Egypt, they left the Zirid dynasty as their governors in Ifriqiya. In 1048 CE, the Zirid ruler Al-Mu'izz ibn Badis declared his independence and switched his allegiance to the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad.
63
Which of these was a major source of conflict between the Fatimids and the Byzantines?
Answer:
Dominance over Northern Syria and the city of Aleppo
The Fatimids and Byzantines were the two great superpowers of the 10th-century Mediterranean. They spent decades fighting for control of the 'Hamdanid' buffer state of Aleppo, though they eventually reached a long-term peace treaty in the 11th century.
64
The 'Treasury of the Caliphs' in Cairo was famously plundered during the 'Mustansiri Hardship'. What were some of its most famous items?
Answer:
Both A and C
The Fatimid treasury was legendary for its luxury. Historical records mention a massive silk map of the world, thousands of rock crystal vessels, and astronomical amounts of gold and jewelry, most of which were sold off or stolen during the decade of anarchy.
65
During the later Fatimid period, who were the 'Lords of the Sword'?
Answer:
The military viziers who held real political power
Following Badr al-Jamali, the caliphs became increasingly secluded and weak. The viziers, who were often high-ranking generals, held the actual power, commanded the armies, and managed the treasury, effectively acting as the real rulers.
66
The Fatimid dynasty is named after:
Answer:
Fatima al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
By naming themselves 'Fatimids', the dynasty asserted their direct lineage to Fatima and her husband Ali. This was the source of their religious legitimacy and their claim to be the 'Imams' of the age.
67
Which of these regions was the 'breadbasket' of the Fatimid Empire?
Answer:
The Nile Valley
The fertility of the Nile Valley provided the agricultural surplus that sustained the Fatimid state. Control over the Nile floods was so central to the state's stability that the Caliph would personally preside over the annual 'Opening of the Canal' festival.
68
The Fatimid period saw the development of 'Lustreware'. What is it?
Answer:
A ceramic technique that creates a metallic, iridescent sheen
Fatimid potters were masters of lustreware, a technique originally from Iraq. They developed it to include highly detailed figural representations of daily life, musicians, and animals, which are prized by museums today for their artistry.
69
What was the name of the elite Ismaili academy for the advanced training of missionaries?
Answer:
Dar al-Hikma (or Dar al-Ilm)
Established by Al-Hakim, the Dar al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) was the pinnacle of Ismaili educational efforts. It was where the most promising Da'is were initiated into the 'Esoteric' (Batin) interpretations of the Quran and Ismaili philosophy.
70
In 1058 CE, a pro-Fatimid general briefly captured Baghdad and read the Friday sermon in the name of the Fatimid Caliph. Who was he?
Answer:
Al-Basasiri
Arslan al-Basasiri, a Turkish general in the Abbasid capital, switched sides and briefly held Baghdad for a year. This was the only time a Fatimid caliph was nominally recognized in the heart of the Abbasid empire, though the Seljuks quickly expelled him.