CSS Islamiat Islam and the Contemporary World Syllabus

How does Islam reconcile with modern civilization regarding science and reason?

Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and reflection ('tafakkur'); there is no inherent conflict between faith and reason or science.

Name three Islamic teachings directly relevant to solving modern social problems.

Zakat (poverty alleviation), prohibition of riba/interest (economic justice), and emphasis on justice ('adl) and consultation (shura).

Define 'Da'wah' in Islam.

The act of inviting people to Islam and conveying its message through wisdom, good preaching, and exemplary conduct, as enjoined in Qur'an 16:125.

What Qur'anic verse provides the foundational methodology of Da'wah?

Surah An-Nahl (16:125): 'Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom (hikmah) and good instruction, and argue in the best manner.'

What is meant by 'revival' (Tajdid) in Islam, and who performs it?

The renewal and reform of the faith to its original purity; according to Hadith, a 'mujaddid' (reviver) is raised at the head of every century.

Name two major modern Islamic revival/reform movements.

The movements/thought of figures like Shah Waliullah, Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, and Allama Iqbal (Islamic renaissance).

What are the key qualities of an effective Da'i (one who calls to Islam)?

Knowledge, sincerity, wisdom, patience, good character (uswa hasana), and leading by personal example.

List three major political challenges facing the contemporary Muslim world.

Lack of unity (disunity of the Ummah), weak/authoritarian governance, and foreign interference/political instability.

List three major economic challenges facing the contemporary Muslim world.

Poverty and inequality, economic dependency on the West, and prevalence of interest-based (riba) economies.

What Islamic institution is proposed as a tool to combat poverty and economic injustice?

Zakat (obligatory charity) along with the broader prohibition of riba and promotion of equitable wealth distribution.

What is the OIC and what is its purpose regarding Muslim unity?

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; it aims to promote solidarity, coordinate policy, and safeguard the interests of Muslim states.

What are the main causes of educational and scientific backwardness in the Muslim world?

Neglect of Ijtihad and science, outdated curricula, low literacy and research investment, political instability, and dependence on imported technology.

What percentage-level indicators are commonly cited to show Muslim scientific backwardness?

Very low spending on research and development (often well under 1% of GDP) and a disproportionately small share of global scientific publications and patents."

What remedies are suggested for educational backwardness in the Muslim world?

Reviving the spirit of learning ('iqra'), integrating modern and religious education, increasing R&D investment, and promoting Ijtihad and critical thinking.

Define 'Islamophobia.'

Irrational fear, prejudice, hatred, or discrimination against Islam and Muslims, often expressed as stereotyping and hostility.

List two major causes of rising Islamophobia.

Negative media stereotyping linking Islam with terrorism, and political exploitation/ignorance about Islamic teachings.

How can the Muslim Ummah counter Islamophobia?

By projecting Islam's true peaceful image through good conduct (uswa hasana), effective Da'wah, interfaith dialogue, education, and media engagement.

What is meant by the 'identity crisis' among Muslims in the modern world?

The internal conflict between Islamic identity and Western cultural pressures, leading to confusion about values, loyalties, and self-image.

List four major causes of extremism in the Muslim world.

Ignorance/misinterpretation of religious texts, injustice and political oppression, poverty and unemployment, and foreign intervention/occupation.

How does misinterpretation of religious texts lead to extremism?

Selective, literalist, or out-of-context readings (e.g., of jihad verses) ignore overall objectives (maqasid) and breed intolerance and violence.

Distinguish between 'extremism' and 'moderation' in Islam.

Extremism (ghuluw/ifrat) is excessive rigidity or violence and negligence (tafrit) is laxity; moderation (wasatiyyah) is the balanced middle path between these two extremes.

Define 'Wasatiyyah' (the Islamic concept of moderation).

The principle of balance, justice, and the middle way that avoids both excess (ifrat) and deficiency (tafrit) in belief and practice.

Which Qur'anic verse establishes the Muslim Ummah as a 'middle/balanced nation'?

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143): 'Thus We have made you a justly balanced community (Ummatan Wasatan).'

Give two examples of how Wasatiyyah is reflected in Islamic practice.

Balance between worldly affairs (dunya) and the Hereafter (akhirah), and between rights of God (huquq Allah) and rights of people (huquq al-'ibad).

What is the Islamic concept of 'la ikraha fid-din' and its relevance to moderation?

Qur'an 2:256: 'There is no compulsion in religion'; it underscores tolerance and rejects forced conversion or coercion.

List four strategies to counter extremism.

Promote correct religious education and moderation, ensure justice and good governance, alleviate poverty/unemployment, and use media and scholars to counter extremist narratives.

What role do religious scholars (Ulama) play in countering extremism?

They issue authentic interpretations and fatwas, refute extremist ideology, promote Wasatiyyah, and guide youth toward balanced understanding.

How can socio-economic measures help counter extremism?

By reducing poverty, unemployment, and injustice, the underlying grievances that radical groups exploit are removed.

What is the true Islamic concept of 'Jihad' as opposed to its extremist misuse?

Jihad means striving in the path of God, primarily self-struggle (jihad al-nafs) and peaceful effort; armed struggle is defensive, regulated by strict ethics, and not unrestrained violence.

How does the principle of 'maqasid al-shari'ah' help promote moderation and counter extremism?

By focusing on the higher objectives of Shari'ah—protecting faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property—it prevents rigid literalism and harmful interpretations.