Week 4: Theology and Reason Flashcards
Why is Muhummad’s farewell sermon so contentious?
Muhammad’s farewell sermon is contentious because there are 2 versions which contradict each other in regards to the future leadership of the Muslim community
What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
Sunni: Focus on the Quran and the Sunnah. They believe that any Muslim can lead the community
Shia: Focus on the Quran and Muhammad’s family. They believe that only a member of Muhammad’s household can lead the community
How do the discrepancies between Sunni and Shia play out among the Muslim populace?
For common people, there isn’t much difference. It’s mostly a geopolitical issue
For example, Saudi Arabia is Sunni, and Iran is Shia. Because of this difference, there is conflict between them
Why is the city of Bahgdad significant to Islamic history and culture?
The city of Bahgdad, located in Iraq, is the heart of the Islamic empire (geographically speaking). It was a place of scholars and artists from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim backgrounds
What is the House of Wisdom (Bayt al Hikma)?
The House of Wisom is a library in Bahgdad founded by Haruh al-Rashid in the 8th century.
Why did Al-Mamun (9th century) demand that all of Aristotle’s work be translated into Arabic?
Al-Mamun had a dream where Aristotle persuaded him to translate Greek works into Arabic as they both pursued truth and virtue
Who was Al-Kindi?
Al-Kindi was the first Arab-Muslim philosopher who advocated for seeking truth regardless of its cultural source, thereby supporting Al-Mamun’s interfaifth innovation
What were Al-Kindi’s 2 main arguments advocating for reason/philosophy?
- Any argument requires reason/philosophy. Can’t argue against philosophy without using philosophy
- Both religion and philosophy engage with the pursuit of truth and virtue
Translate ‘falsify’ and ‘falasifa’
Falsify: Philosophy
Falasifa: Philosopher
Translate ‘kalam’ and ‘mutakalim’
Kalam: Speech, rational theology
Mutakalim: People engaged with kalam
What are the five components of the Mutazila Creed?
- Divine unity
- Divine justice
- Promise and threat
- The intermediary position
- Commanding good and prohibiting evil
Translate ‘sunnah’
The teachings and example of Muhammad (composed of Hadith)
What is Ibn Taymiyya’s argument against reason?
Reason is unstable whilst tradition is stable
What is Abulalal Maududi’s argument against reason?
The Good Citizen Argument. People abide by laws without demanding a rational justification. Then why object to unconditional/irrational faith?
