Khilafah: 50 MCQs 1 What does Khilafah generally mean? (a) Charitable donation (b) Succession, stewardship, or caliphal leadership, depending on context (c) Commercial partnership (d) None of these 2 Which Arabic term refers to a caliph? (a) Khalifah (b) Mustahiq (c) Mutawalli (d) None of these 3 Which Qur’anic verse describes Allah telling the angels…
Shura: 50 MCQs 1 What does Shura mean? (a) Inheritance (b) Consultation (c) Interest (d) None of these 2 Which Surah is named after the concept of consultation? (a) Surah Ash-Shura (b) Surah Al-Fil (c) Surah Al-Kawthar (d) None of these 3 Which Qur’anic verse describes believers as conducting their affairs through mutual consultation? (a)…
Justice in Governance: 50 MCQs 1 What is the Arabic term commonly used for justice? (a) Adl (b) Riba (c) Gharar (d) None of these 2 Which Qur’anic verse commands believers to stand firmly for justice, even against themselves or their relatives? (a) Surah Al-Fil 105:1 (b) Surah An-Nisa 4:135 (c) Surah Al-Kawthar 108:1 (d)…
Accountability of Rulers in Islam: 50 MCQs 1 What does accountability of rulers mean? (a) Freedom from all scrutiny (b) Responsibility for decisions, conduct, and use of authority (c) Unlimited personal privilege (d) None of these 2 Which Arabic term means trust and is relevant to public office? (a) Amanah (b) Maisir (c) Riba (d)…
Major Younas Khalil: Romanticism, Freedom and the Modern Pashto Poetic Voice Introduction Major Younas Khalil was a modern Pashto poet whose work is associated with romanticism, national consciousness, freedom, honour and intellectual independence. His poetry brings together personal emotion and broader concerns about society, cultural identity and human dignity. Literary scholarship has highlighted his distinctive…
Abdur Rahim Majzoob: Romantic Imagination, Scholarship and Modern Pashto Poetry Introduction Abdur Rahim Majzoob (1935–2021) was a distinguished Pashto poet, writer, researcher, translator and jurist. He is recognised for his unusual intellectual range, literary imagination and ability to combine romantic feeling with philosophical and cultural reflection. His work helped broaden the subjects and expressive possibilities…
Qalandar Momand: Poet, Critic and Champion of Pashto Literary Scholarship Introduction Qalandar Momand (1930–2003) was an influential Pashto poet, short-story writer, literary critic, journalist, linguist and researcher. His importance lies not only in his creative writing but also in his efforts to strengthen critical thinking and scholarly standards in Pashto literature. He belonged to a…
Amir Hamza Shinwari: The Father of Modern Pashto Ghazal Introduction Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari (1907–1994), widely known as Hamza Baba, was one of the most influential poets, writers and Sufi thinkers in modern Pashto literature. He is celebrated particularly for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Pashto ghazal. By combining classical poetic traditions…
Ghani Khan: The Poet, Philosopher and Artist Introduction Abdul Ghani Khan (1914–1996), widely known as Ghani Khan, was one of the most original and influential figures in modern Pashto literature. A poet, philosopher, essayist, painter and sculptor, he developed a distinctive intellectual and artistic identity that combined imaginative expression, philosophical independence, appreciation of beauty, mystical…
Socialization: Meaning, Types and Processes Introduction Socialization is one of the fundamental concepts in sociology because it explains how individuals learn to become functioning members of society. Human beings are born with biological capacities, but they must learn the language, values, norms, beliefs, roles and patterns of behaviour that enable them to participate in social…
Primary, Secondary and Anticipatory Socialization Introduction Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn the culture, norms, values, skills and social roles required for participation in society. It begins in early childhood and continues as people enter schools, develop friendships, join workplaces, establish families and encounter new social environments. Sociologists distinguish among different forms…
Agents of Socialization: Family, School, Peers and Media Introduction Human beings are not born knowing the language, values, norms, customs and social expectations of their society. They acquire these through interaction with other people and participation in social institutions. The process through which individuals learn the culture of their society and develop the skills required…
Civilization, Modernity and Cultural Globalization Introduction Human societies have developed different systems of settlement, knowledge, technology, political organization, religion, art and social life. Over time, large and complex societies have emerged, while scientific discoveries, industrialization and international communication have transformed how people work, govern themselves and interact. These developments are commonly discussed through the concepts…
Multiculturalism, Cultural Identity and Cultural Hybridity Introduction Contemporary societies are increasingly shaped by migration, urbanization, globalization, international communication and interaction among diverse cultural groups. People may share the same national territory while maintaining different languages, religions, ethnic traditions, historical experiences and ways of life. At the same time, individuals frequently combine cultural influences from multiple…
Nuclear Proliferation 1. Introduction Nuclear proliferation is a major concern in international security because the spread of nuclear weapons increases the number of actors capable of causing catastrophic destruction. It affects regional power balances, international diplomacy, arms control, deterrence, and the risk of nuclear conflict. The international community has developed treaties, safeguards, export controls, inspections,…
Nuclear Deterrence 1. Introduction Nuclear deterrence is one of the central concepts in modern strategic studies. It seeks to prevent an adversary from taking an unwanted action by convincing it that the expected costs will exceed the potential benefits. Nuclear weapons transformed deterrence because their destructive power made retaliation potentially catastrophic. During the Cold War,…
Nuclear Weapons and International Security 1. Introduction Nuclear weapons transformed international security by introducing the possibility of destruction on a scale far beyond that of conventional warfare. Their development during the Second World War and their subsequent incorporation into military doctrines changed the meaning of deterrence, national defence, strategic stability, and great-power competition. Unlike conventional…
Future Warfare 1. Introduction Future warfare refers to the anticipated evolution of armed conflict as a result of technological innovation, changes in geopolitical competition, new military doctrines, and transformations in society and the international system. Warfare has continually adapted to developments such as gunpowder, industrial production, aviation, nuclear weapons, satellites, and digital communications. The next…
Cyber Warfare 1. Introduction Cyber warfare has emerged as an important dimension of contemporary international security. As governments, armed forces, financial institutions, energy systems, transportation networks, and communications increasingly depend on digital infrastructure, cyber operations have created new opportunities for espionage, disruption, coercion, and military advantage. Unlike conventional warfare, which often involves physical combat between…
Cultural Diffusion, Cultural Lag and Cultural Change Introduction Culture is not static. Societies continuously encounter new ideas, technologies, beliefs, customs and ways of organizing social life. Some cultural elements spread from one community to another, while others change because of technological innovation, economic transformation, political developments, migration or generational differences. These processes influence family life,…