- 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) Ayatollah Khomeini
B) Imam Musa al-Sadr
C) Gamal Abdel Nasser
D) Hassan Nasrallah
- 2. In which country did Musa al-Sadr's disappearance occur?
A) Syria
B) Iran
C) Libya
D) Lebanon
- 3. Which Lebanese political movement did Musa al-Sadr help found?
A) Future Movement
B) Amal Movement
C) Lebanese Forces
D) Hezbollah
- 4. What year did Musa al-Sadr disappear?
A) 1975
B) 1978
C) 1990
D) 1982
- 5. Which Libyan leader is widely believed responsible for al-Sadr's disappearance?
A) Omar al-Bashir
B) Muammar Gaddafi
C) Hafez al-Assad
D) Saddam Hussein
- 6. What was Fouad Ajami's primary academic field?
A) Asian economics
B) Middle Eastern studies
C) European history
D) African politics
- 7. Which city served as Musa al-Sadr's main base of operations in Lebanon?
A) Sidon
B) Beirut
C) Tripoli
D) Tyre
- 8. What was al-Sadr's country of birth?
A) Iraq
B) Syria
C) Iran
D) Lebanon
- 9. Which Lebanese civil war militia grew out of al-Sadr's movement?
A) Hezbollah
B) PSP
C) Amal militia
D) Lebanese Army
- 10. What religious title is commonly used for Musa al-Sadr?
A) Imam
B) Caliph
C) Sheikh
D) Mufti
- 11. What was al-Sadr's educational background?
A) Medicine in Cairo
B) Law in Paris
C) Islamic jurisprudence in Qom
D) Engineering in Beirut
- 12. What social class did al-Sadr primarily mobilize?
A) Urban merchants
B) Christian intellectuals
C) Landowning elites
D) The Shia underclass
- 13. How does Ajami characterize al-Sadr's political style?
A) Charismatic and pragmatic
B) Traditional and conservative
C) Secular and modernist
D) Radical and uncompromising
- 14. Which country granted al-Sadr citizenship?
A) Iraq
B) Lebanon
C) Iran
D) Libya
- 15. How does Ajami describe al-Sadr's legacy?
A) As a failed revolutionary
B) As a symbol of vanished leadership
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) Religious purification
C) Economic development
D) Military training
- 17. Which conflict was ongoing during al-Sadr's activism?
A) Gulf War
B) Six-Day War
C) Lebanese Civil War
D) Iran-Iraq War
- 18. Which international power was suspicious of al-Sadr's activities?
A) Soviet Union
B) France
C) United States
D) United Kingdom
- 19. Which religious concept did al-Sadr emphasize for Shi'a?
A) Social justice
B) Political quietism
C) Religious purity
D) Mystical experience
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