Islamic Foundation: Definition and Meaning
The Islamic Foundation was established in 1973 in the United Kingdom to foster research and exploration into how Islam can be implemented in the modern world. Its founding objective was to project a coherent image of Islam in Britain and across Europe, aiming to fulfill the educational requirements of Muslims, particularly youth.
Etymology and Background
- Etymology: The word “Foundation” (Arabic: مؤسسة, Mu’assasah) is derived from the Arabic root “أسس” (asas) meaning “to establish or found.”
- Background: Initiated by concerned Muslim scholars and leaders, the Islamic Foundation was instituted to bridge the gap between Islamic teachings and modern societal needs.
Historical Facts and Dates
- Founded: 1973
- Location: United Kingdom
- Initial Focus: Establishing mosques and community centers.
- Notable Achievements:
- Establishment of 20 mosques and community centers early on.
- Pioneered cooperative relations with higher educational institutions focusing on multicultural education and Islamic economics.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The foundation exhibits certain cultural nuances, aiming to preserve Islamic traditions while adapting to the more secular, westernized societal settings. Understanding and respecting such cultural interactions facilitate better integration and learning opportunities for Muslim communities.
Synonyms
- Islamic Research Center
- Islam Educational Institution
- Muslim Study Foundation
- Multicultural Education: Educational approaches promoting diverse cultural inclusion.
- Islamic Economics: The study integrating Islamic principles with economic theory.
Exciting Facts
🔍 The Foundation’s publishing house has produced seminal works in the fields of Islamic economics and interfaith dialogue, which have been widely used in academia.
Quotations
“A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” – Ancient Proverb
This reflects the Islamic Foundation’s mission to sow seeds of knowledge for future generations.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “Islam and the Economic Challenge” by M. Umer Chapra.
- “Crossing the Threshold: Understanding Religious and Cultural Acceptance” edited by J. Gordon Melton.
Inspirative Farewell
May your endeavors in the pursuit of knowledge and interfaith harmony be as effective and enlightening as the pioneering efforts of the Islamic Foundation. 🌟
### What year was the Islamic Foundation established?
- [x] 1973
- [ ] 1984
- [ ] 1967
- [ ] 1990
> **Explanation:** The Islamic Foundation was established in 1973 to develop research related to the implementation of Islam in modern society.
### What was one of the initial focuses of the Islamic Foundation?
- [x] Establishing mosques and community centers.
- [ ] Publishing children’s books.
- [ ] Developing Islamic jurisprudence.
- [ ] Implementing Sharia law in Britain.
> **Explanation:** The foundation initially focused on establishing mosques and community centers in its early years to create safe spaces for Islamic worship and community activities.
### In which country was the Islamic Foundation established?
- [x] United Kingdom
- [ ] Saudi Arabia
- [ ] United States
- [ ] India
> **Explanation:** The Islamic Foundation was established in the United Kingdom in 1973.
### Which educational goal is central to the Islamic Foundation’s mission?
- [x] Meeting the educational needs of Muslim youth.
- [ ] Training athletes for international competitions.
- [ ] Establishing Islamic culinary schools.
- [ ] Developing technological innovations.
> **Explanation:** A core mission of the Islamic Foundation is to meet the educational needs of Muslim youth, particularly in the context of modern, secular societies.
### What shift did the Foundation experience in the 1980s?
- [x] Focus shifted to publishing books and periodicals on Islamic subjects.
- [ ] Establishment of more mosques only.
- [ ] Expansion into the restaurant industry.
- [ ] Increased focus on sports and athletics.
> **Explanation:** In the 1980s, the Foundation shifted its focus to publish books and periodicals on various Islamic subjects.
### Which area of interdisciplinary studies is the Foundation particularly known for pioneering?
- [x] Islamic Economics
- [ ] Islamic Medicine
- [ ] Islamic Philosophy
- [ ] Islamic Fine Arts
> **Explanation:** The Foundation is particularly known for its contributions to the field of Islamic Economics.
### Name a related term to the Islamic Foundation’s work.
- [x] Multicultural Education
- [ ] Culinary Arts
- [ ] Geopolitics
- [ ] Engineering
> **Explanation:** Multicultural Education is directly related to the Foundation’s focus on integrating Islamic principles within diverse cultural contexts.
### Which kind of cooperative relationships did the Foundation pioneer?
- [x] Relationships with institutions of higher education.
- [ ] Relationships with fashion industries.
- [ ] Relationships with military organizations.
- [ ] Relationships with agricultural sectors.
> **Explanation:** The Foundation pioneered cooperative relations with higher educational institutions, addressing the need for multicultural education and economic discussions from an Islamic perspective.
