Understanding Madrasas: Architecture, Evolution, and Significance
- An Iwan is a hall that is open entirely to the courtyard.
A Madhab: A set of rules
- They needed to study the 4 interpretations of Shari’aa, or the 4 madhabs.
- There is Sunni and Shi’ite, where there are 4 madhabs.
- In Morocco, we teach the Maliki Madhab.
Definition and Early Evolution
Madrasa/Jami‘/Kuttab
- The Madrasa (Medersa): is an institution of higher education in which religious sciences are taught, such as fiqh (jurisprudence), tafsir (Quran exegesis), and hadith (Traditions). The madrasa was
Adam Smith and Karl Marx: Economic Theories Compared
Adam Smith’s Economic Theories
Adam Smith‘s work took place during the era of mercantilism and the physiocrats. Smith aimed to challenge mercantilist ideas, which viewed the world economy as a zero-sum game. He also opposed the physiocrats, who believed that agriculture was the only productive sector because it produced “nature,” while industry merely transformed existing materials.
The physiocrats advocated for free trade to address famine-related riots. Adam Smith generalized the concept of laissez-
Read MoreUnderstanding Consumption Patterns: Trickle, Bubble, Jump
Introduction
This essay explores the complex dynamics of consumption patterns within society, focusing on the phenomena of trickle-down, bubble-up, and jump effects. While traditionally, consumption trends have been believed to trickle down from the upper to the lower social classes, recent research has shown instances where trends bubble up from the lower classes or jump between social strata. Through analysis and case studies, this essay aims to elucidate these phenomena and their implications
Read MoreExploring León Cathedral: History, Architecture, and Art
León Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Spanish Gothic Architecture
León Cathedral, known locally as Catedral de León, stands as a magnificent example of Spanish Gothic architecture. Conceived around 1221 under the guidance of French master Henri, it is considered one of Spain’s most important Gothic cathedrals.
Architectural Layout and Design
The cathedral’s layout takes the form of a Latin cross. This design was slightly modified from traditional Gothic styles, with a shorter transept compared to Romanesque
Read MoreHistorical Materialism: Marxist Theory of Social Evolution
Historical Materialism: A Marxist Perspective
Historical Materialism: Marx and Engels not only exposed the materialistic dialectical character of development in nature but also applied it to society. With this action, they created the scientific theory of social evolution, i.e., historical materialism, which aims at the study of society and the laws governing its development. These laws are objective, that is, as independent of consciousness as are the laws of nature. They are also knowable, and
Read MoreMax Weber’s Bureaucracy: Principles, Legitimacy, and Impact
Max Weber’s Bureaucratic Model
Weber’s model, applicable to public companies, defines an organization as a social group characterized by a purpose, permanence, and formal structures and rules. The scientific organization of labor is a form of bureaucracy with a hierarchical structure and bureaucratic norms. Weber argued that this provides technical superiority to other organizations. Bureaucratic power is a crucial tool for administrative leadership. Weber emphasizes power’s importance in defining
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