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Symbolism in Sufi Poetry Trivia Quiz

Most Sufi poetry has two meanings, using earthly terminology to symbolize divinity. My main reference for this quiz was Peter Lamborn Wilson, especially the foreword to "The Drunken Universe".

A multiple-choice quiz by kordo_vos. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
kordo_vos

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
272,111

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
197

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Who is referred to as "The Beloved"? Hint

Spouse

Allah / God

Homeland

Children

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Question 2 of 10

2. What does "Wine" represent? Hint

Evil

Happiness

Loneliness

Spiritual knowledge

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is referred to as "Beauty"? Hint

The glory of the Beloved

Worldliness

Temptation

The Sufis themselves

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Question 4 of 10

4. What does a "curl" or a "tress" signify? Hint

Knowledge that is false

Knowledge that does not exist

Knowledge that is true

Knowledge that is hidden

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Question 5 of 10

5. What does it mean to be "intoxicated"? Hint

Enlightened

Impaired

Mislead

Stupified

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Question 6 of 10

6. What would you be doing if you were in a deep "sleep"? Hint

Contemplating

You are oblivious

Resting

You are unconscious

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is a "mole"? Hint

A demon

A guide

Unity

An obstacle

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Question 8 of 10

8. Who would you call an "idolater"? Hint

A man of pure faith

A false prophet

An infidel

The Beloved

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Question 9 of 10

9. Where would you find a "torch"? Hint

In the above

In the mind

In the heart

In the hand

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Question 10 of 10

10. BONUS: Which of the following was not a Sufi poet? Hint

Mawlana Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

Sa'd Ud Din Mahmud Shabistari

Khwajeh Shams od-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi

Khalid bin al-Walid

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Who is referred to as "The Beloved"?

Answer: Allah / God

Practictioners of Sufism have a deep love for their deity that could be equated with romantic love, but on a higher plane.

2. What does "Wine" represent?

Answer: Spiritual knowledge

Wine is strictly forbidden in traditional Islam, making it an ironic choice for the symbol of knowledge for the Sufis.

3. What is referred to as "Beauty"?

Answer: The glory of the Beloved

Because of the Sufis' personal relationship with the Beloved, the bond can be equated (as stated earlier) with romantic love. The Beloved contains a spiritual beauty in this case.

4. What does a "curl" or a "tress" signify?

Answer: Knowledge that is hidden

True wisdom is a puzzle to the ordinary mind, and requires more than a straight path to obtain it.

5. What does it mean to be "intoxicated"?

Answer: Enlightened

Just as wine represents spiritual knowledge, being intoxicated is to be filled with that knowledge and love for the Beloved.

6. What would you be doing if you were in a deep "sleep"?

Answer: Contemplating

Sleep is contemplation or meditation.

7. What is a "mole"?

Answer: Unity

According to Peter Lamborn Wilson, the mole on the cheek is the point of indivisible unity.

8. Who would you call an "idolater"?

Answer: A man of pure faith

According to various sources, an idolater is a man of pure faith, not an infidel when it is used in Sufi poetry. This is because traditional Islam at the time most of the poems were penned did not approve of Persian Sufism.

9. Where would you find a "torch"?

Answer: In the heart

The torch is the light kindled in the heart by the Beloved.

10. BONUS: Which of the following was not a Sufi poet?

Answer: Khalid bin al-Walid

Khalid bin al-Walid was one of the two famous Arab generals during the Muslim conquests of the 7th Century.

Source: Author kordo_vos

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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