Army Soldier Test Islamic Studies Syllabus

What is 'Zakat' and what is its standard rate?

Zakat is the obligatory charity given annually on wealth held for a full year above the Nisab. Its standard rate is 2.5% (1/40th) of eligible wealth.

What is 'Nisab' in the context of Zakat?

Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth a Muslim must possess for one lunar year before Zakat becomes obligatory — equivalent to 7.5 tolas (87.48 g) of gold or 52.5 tolas (612.36 g) of silver.

What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Zakat is an obligatory (Fard) fixed charity (2.5%) given to specific categories; Sadaqah is voluntary charity given at any time, in any amount, to anyone in need.

What is 'Hajj' and where is it performed?

Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah (Saudi Arabia), performed once in a lifetime by every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.

In which Islamic month is Hajj performed?

Hajj is performed in the month of Zul-Hijjah (Dhul-Hijjah), the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, mainly from the 8th to the 12th/13th.

What is 'Ihram' in the context of Hajj?

Ihram is the sacred state and the two white unstitched sheets worn by male pilgrims (women wear ordinary modest clothing) that a pilgrim must enter before performing Hajj or Umrah.

What is 'Tawaf' and around what is it performed during Hajj?

Tawaf is the act of circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction as part of Hajj and Umrah.

What is 'Sa'i' during Hajj?

Sa'i is walking/running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajra's (Hagar's) search for water for her son Ismail (AS).

What is the significance of the plain of Arafat in Hajj?

Standing (Wuquf) at the plain of Arafat on the 9th of Zul-Hijjah is the most essential pillar (Rukn) of Hajj; without it, Hajj is incomplete.

What is the Holy Quran and in what language was it revealed?

The Quran is the final holy book of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It was revealed in the Arabic language.

Over how many years was the Quran revealed, and where did its revelation begin?

The Quran was revealed over about 23 years (13 in Makkah, 10 in Madinah). Revelation began in the Cave of Hira near Makkah.

How many Surahs (chapters) and Paras (parts/Juz) are there in the Holy Quran?

The Quran has 114 Surahs and 30 Paras (Juz).

What were the first verses of the Quran ever revealed, and from which Surah?

The first revealed verses were 'Iqra bismi Rabbik...' (Read in the name of your Lord) — the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq (Surah 96).

What is the difference between 'Makki' and 'Madani' Surahs?

Makki Surahs were revealed before the migration (Hijrah) in Makkah and mainly deal with faith, Tauheed, and the Hereafter; Madani Surahs were revealed after Hijrah in Madinah and mainly deal with laws, social rules, and governance.

What is Surah Al-Fatiha and what is its special title?

Surah Al-Fatiha is the opening Surah of the Quran, consisting of 7 verses. It is titled 'Umm-ul-Kitab' (Mother of the Book) and is recited in every Rakat of Salah.

Which is the longest Surah and which is the shortest Surah in the Quran?

The longest is Surah Al-Baqarah (286 verses); the shortest is Surah Al-Kausar (3 verses).

What is the central theme of Surah Al-Ikhlas?

Surah Al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) declares the pure Oneness (Tauheed) of Allah — that He is One, eternal, begets not nor is begotten, and has no equal. It is said to equal one-third of the Quran in meaning.

What is 'Ayat-ul-Kursi' and where is it found?

Ayat-ul-Kursi is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah. It describes the power, knowledge, and sovereignty of Allah and is considered the greatest verse of the Quran.

What are the 'Mu'awwidhatain' (the two Surahs of refuge)?

Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114) — recited for seeking protection (refuge) from evil, harm, and Satan.

What is a 'Hadith' and what does 'Sunnah' refer to?

A Hadith is a recorded saying, action, or approval of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sunnah refers to the practices, way of life, and example set by the Prophet (PBUH).

What are the six most authentic books of Hadith, called 'Sihah Sittah'?

Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah.

According to a famous Hadith, on how many pillars is Islam built?

Islam is built on five pillars: testifying there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing Salah, paying Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan.

What does the famous Hadith say about actions and intentions ('Innamal a'malu binniyat')?

'Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will get what they intended' — meaning the reward of deeds depends upon the intention (Niyyah) behind them.

What does a famous Hadith teach about cleanliness in relation to faith?

'Cleanliness is half of faith' (At-Tuhuru shatrul Iman) — emphasizing that purity and cleanliness are an essential part of being a Muslim.

When and where was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born?

He was born in 570 CE (the Year of the Elephant) in the city of Makkah.

What were Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) titles before Prophethood due to his honesty?

He was known as 'Al-Sadiq' (the Truthful) and 'Al-Ameen' (the Trustworthy) even before receiving Prophethood.

At what age did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) receive the first revelation, and in which cave?

At the age of 40, in the Cave of Hira on Mount Noor (Jabal-an-Noor) near Makkah.

What is the 'Hijrah' and from where to where did it take place?

The Hijrah is the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah (then Yathrib) in 622 CE. It marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

What was the 'Misaq-e-Madina' (Charter of Madinah)?

It was the first written constitution/treaty drafted by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah, establishing rights, duties, and peaceful relations among Muslims, Jews, and other tribes of the city.

Name the major battles of early Islam in order with their years.

Battle of Badr (624 CE / 2 AH), Battle of Uhud (625 CE / 3 AH), Battle of the Trench/Ahzab (627 CE / 5 AH), and the Conquest of Makkah (630 CE / 8 AH).

What was significant about the Battle of Badr?

Fought in 2 AH (624 CE), Badr was the first major battle of Islam. About 313 Muslims defeated around 1000 Quraish, marking a decisive early victory for the Muslims.