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Module: | Communal Harmony & Inter-faith Dynamics

Q78: Consider the following statements regarding the psychological comfort behind Jainulabdeen's water-blessing ritual:

1. Jainulabdeen performed the water-blessing ritual because he believed his fingertips possessed genuine, scientifically proven medicinal properties.
2. He performed the ritual out of compassion, recognizing the intense psychological need of the people for a comforting mediator during times of distress.
3. He maintained his spiritual integrity by constantly redirecting the people's gratitude away from himself and toward Allah.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A
Only 1 and 2
B
Only 2 and 3
C
Only 1 and 3
D
All 1, 2, and 3
✅ Correct Answer: B
🎯 Quick Answer:
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. He performed the ritual out of compassion and redirected all gratitude to God.
Concept Definition: Psychological comfort refers to the mental relief provided by a ritual, even if the practitioner knows the ritual is symbolically, rather than medically, effective.
Structural Breakdown: The dynamic shows Jainulabdeen's empathy: he disagrees with the superstition ("not a correct approach at all") but still provides the service ("I am a go-between") to alleviate immediate panic, whilst ensuring theological correctness (thanking Allah). Historical/Related Context: Effective community leaders often have to balance their own high-level philosophical understanding with the immediate emotional needs of a frightened populace.
This nuance deeply impressed Kalam.
Causal Reasoning: Statement 1 is incorrect because Jainulabdeen did not believe he possessed medical superpowers; he viewed himself merely as a spiritual conduit to God, who was the true source of healing.