To tackle the difference between
contribution and
impact in the context of significant figures in
Judaism and
Islam, it’s important to clarify how their work continues to affect their religious tradition long-term. Contribution typically refers to what they did during their lifetime, whereas
impact refers to how those contributions continue to shape, influence, or maintain the religion's relevance
today.
Judaism: Moses Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon)
Maimonides is best known for his works, including the
Mishneh Torah and
The Guide for the Perplexed. Here's how you could delineate his
impact:
- Contribution: He synthesized Jewish law (halakhah) in an accessible and organized way through Mishneh Torah, and philosophically engaged with Greco-Arabic philosophy to reconcile rationalism with Jewish theology in The Guide for the Perplexed.
- Impact:
- Longevity in Jewish Legal Study: Maimonides’ codification of Jewish law continues to serve as a critical resource for rabbis and scholars. The fact that his work is still used today in interpreting Jewish law demonstrates how his work remains central to both modern Orthodox and conservative movements. This keeps Judaism accessible for communities in the modern world, particularly in its relationship with rationalism and legal structure.
- Philosophical Relevance: Maimonides’ reconciliation of reason and faith continues to inspire Jews navigating modernity and secularism. His rationalist interpretation of faith impacts contemporary Jewish philosophy by offering a model for how to balance religious observance with intellectual engagement, making Judaism relevant to scientifically minded individuals today.
Islam: Al-Ghazali
Al-Ghazali was instrumental in reconciling Sufism with orthodox Islam, among many other contributions. Here's how to address his
impact:
- Contribution: Al-Ghazali wrote extensively to defend Sunni orthodoxy against philosophical critiques, particularly through his famous work, The Incoherence of the Philosophers. He also contributed to the integration of Sufi spirituality with Islamic legalism.
- Impact:
- Reinvigorating Islamic Spirituality: Al-Ghazali's defense of Sunni orthodoxy and his efforts to incorporate Sufism allowed for greater flexibility within Islamic practice. Today, his work continues to support Islamic spiritual revival movements and the global popularity of Sufism. This helps maintain the relevance of Islamic mysticism in a rapidly modernizing world, as Muslims seeking a more personal connection with God often turn to Sufism.
- Foundation for Islamic Education: His educational reforms in Islamic thought, particularly his stress on integrating rational thought with religious learning, are reflected in modern Islamic universities and madrassas. His methodologies in education continue to shape Islamic scholarly traditions, ensuring that the religion remains intellectually robust and spiritually deep for future generations.
Key Difference (Impact vs. Contribution)
- Contribution is often about what they did in their time.
- Impact is about how those actions continue to influence religious practice, thought, and identity, making the religion adaptable and relevant to contemporary believers.
For your responses, ensure you're
linking the historical context to ongoing effects today—how these figures ensure the
survival and evolution of their religious traditions. You can now speak of Maimonides' and Al-Ghazali's contributions in historical terms, but
focus on how their work remains influential in shaping modern interpretations and practices, sustaining their religion's relevance in modern contexts.
I hope this helps
Hey, I have my SORII HSC soon and I need help for the significant person for judaism and Islam
I always get marked down for the person because I don't correctly identify 'impact' and instead describe the 'contribution'
What are some of the ongoing impacts of both these people, and how do they help their religion remain relevant today.
E.g. for al-ghazali I talked about reconciling sufism and how it allowed Islam and sufism to coexist, but my teacher said that is still technically a contribution and I needed to describe how it helps in the long run
Thank you!
