- 1. The Vanished Imam by Fouad Ajami is a profound exploration of the complexities surrounding the life and legacy of the influential Shiite cleric, Imam Musa al-Sadr, who mysteriously disappeared in 1978 while on a trip to Libya. Ajami, a renowned scholar of Middle Eastern studies, delves into the socio-political landscape of Lebanon during this turbulent period, examining the intricate tapestry of sectarianism, nationalism, and the quest for identity in the Arab world. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and political analysis, the book sheds light on al-Sadr’s charismatic leadership and his visions of social justice and reform within Shiite communities. Ajami articulates the broader implications of al-Sadr's elusive fate on Shiite politics and the region's trajectory, weaving together themes of faith, power, and the enduring challenge of leadership in a fractured society. The text prompts readers to reflect on the search for meaning and hope amidst chaos, making it a significant contribution to understanding contemporary Middle Eastern issues.
Who is the central historical figure discussed in 'The Vanished Imam'?
A) Hassan Nasrallah
B) Imam Musa al-Sadr
C) Ayatollah Khomeini
D) Gamal Abdel Nasser
- 2. In which country did Musa al-Sadr's disappearance occur?
A) Syria
B) Libya
C) Iran
D) Lebanon
- 3. Which Lebanese political movement did Musa al-Sadr help found?
A) Lebanese Forces
B) Hezbollah
C) Future Movement
D) Amal Movement
- 4. What year did Musa al-Sadr disappear?
A) 1978
B) 1990
C) 1982
D) 1975
- 5. Which Libyan leader is widely believed responsible for al-Sadr's disappearance?
A) Hafez al-Assad
B) Muammar Gaddafi
C) Omar al-Bashir
D) Saddam Hussein
- 6. What was Fouad Ajami's primary academic field?
A) African politics
B) European history
C) Asian economics
D) Middle Eastern studies
- 7. Which city served as Musa al-Sadr's main base of operations in Lebanon?
A) Sidon
B) Beirut
C) Tyre
D) Tripoli
- 8. What was al-Sadr's country of birth?
A) Syria
B) Iraq
C) Lebanon
D) Iran
- 9. Which Lebanese civil war militia grew out of al-Sadr's movement?
A) PSP
B) Amal militia
C) Hezbollah
D) Lebanese Army
- 10. What religious title is commonly used for Musa al-Sadr?
A) Sheikh
B) Caliph
C) Mufti
D) Imam
- 11. What was al-Sadr's educational background?
A) Engineering in Beirut
B) Islamic jurisprudence in Qom
C) Law in Paris
D) Medicine in Cairo
- 12. What social class did al-Sadr primarily mobilize?
A) Landowning elites
B) Urban merchants
C) Christian intellectuals
D) The Shia underclass
- 13. How does Ajami characterize al-Sadr's political style?
A) Radical and uncompromising
B) Traditional and conservative
C) Secular and modernist
D) Charismatic and pragmatic
- 14. Which country granted al-Sadr citizenship?
A) Iraq
B) Libya
C) Lebanon
D) Iran
- 15. How does Ajami describe al-Sadr's legacy?
A) As a symbol of vanished leadership
B) As a failed revolutionary
C) As a nationalist hero
D) As a religious reformer
- 16. What was al-Sadr's main contribution to Lebanese Shia?
A) Political mobilization
B) Military training
C) Economic development
D) Religious purification
- 17. Which conflict was ongoing during al-Sadr's activism?
A) Lebanese Civil War
B) Gulf War
C) Six-Day War
D) Iran-Iraq War
- 18. Which international power was suspicious of al-Sadr's activities?
A) United States
B) United Kingdom
C) Soviet Union
D) France
- 19. Which religious concept did al-Sadr emphasize for Shi'a?
A) Mystical experience
B) Religious purity
C) Social justice
D) Political quietism
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