BPSC Test Islamic Studies Syllabus

Islamic Studies syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Islamic Studies in BPSC Test, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   The Holy Quran

   4 topics

   • Concept of Revelation
   • Compilation of the Quran
   • Major Themes and Teachings
   • Selected Surahs and Their Lessons
2. 2

   Life and Teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

   4 topics

   • Makkan and Madinan Life
   • The Prophet as a Model for Humanity
   • Charter of Madinah
   • Farewell Sermon
3. 3

   Articles of Faith and Pillars of Islam

   4 topics

   • Tawheed and Risalat
   • Belief in the Hereafter
   • Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj
   • Concept of Ibadah
4. 4

   Islamic Civilization and Culture

   4 topics

   • The Rightly Guided Caliphs
   • Contributions to Science and Knowledge
   • Islamic Art and Architecture
   • Spread of Islam
5. 5

   Islamic Social and Economic System

   4 topics

   • Rights and Duties in Islam
   • Concept of Halal and Haram
   • Islamic Economic Principles
   • Concept of Justice and Accountability
6. 6

   Contemporary Issues

   4 topics

   • Islam and Modern Challenges
   • Concept of Jihad and Its Misconceptions
   • Muslim Ummah and Unity
   • Islam, Tolerance and Pluralism

Islamic Studies flashcards for BPSC Test

21 of 50 cards from the Islamic Studies deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the Islamic concept of Wahi (Revelation)?

   Wahi is the divine communication from Allah to His chosen prophets, conveying guidance through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is the means by which scriptures like the Quran were transmitted to humanity.

2. Name the three modes of divine revelation mentioned in Surah Ash-Shura (42:51).

   (1) Direct inspiration into the heart, (2) speech from behind a veil, and (3) sending a messenger angel (Jibril) who reveals by Allah's permission.

3. What was the first revelation of the Quran and where was it revealed?

   The first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq ('Iqra bismi Rabbik...'), revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira near Makkah in 610 CE.

4. Over how many years was the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad?

   Approximately 23 years (about 13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madinah).

5. During whose caliphate was the Quran first compiled into a single written collection (Mushaf)?

   During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, prompted by the death of many Quran-memorizers (huffaz) in the Battle of Yamama. Zayd ibn Thabit led the compilation.

6. Which caliph standardized the Quran into a single official dialect and distributed copies across the empire?

   Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, who produced standardized copies (the 'Uthmani Mushaf') and ordered variant manuscripts destroyed to prevent dispute.

7. Who was the chief scribe entrusted with compiling and standardizing the Quran under both Abu Bakr and Uthman?

   Zayd ibn Thabit, a companion who had served as a scribe of revelation during the Prophet's lifetime.

8. How many surahs (chapters) and approximately how many verses (ayat) does the Quran contain?

   114 surahs and approximately 6,236 verses (counts vary slightly by tradition).

9. What is the difference between Makki and Madani surahs?

   Makki surahs were revealed before the Hijrah (in Makkah) and focus on faith, Tawheed, and the Hereafter; Madani surahs were revealed after the Hijrah (in Madinah) and focus on law, social order, and community governance.

10. What are the major themes of the Quran?

    Tawheed (oneness of God), prophethood, the Hereafter and accountability, moral and social conduct, stories of past nations, and guidance for worship and law.

11. What is the central lesson of Surah Al-Fatihah?

    It teaches praise of Allah, His mercy and lordship, exclusive worship and seeking help from Him, and supplication for guidance to the straight path. It is recited in every unit of Salah.

12. What is the key teaching of Surah Al-Ikhlas?

    The absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed): He is One, Eternal, neither begets nor is begotten, and has no equal.

13. What lesson does Surah Al-Asr convey about success and loss?

    All humanity is in loss except those who have faith, do righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to truth and patience.

14. What is the main message of Surah Al-Kafirun?

    It establishes the principle of religious tolerance and disassociation from disbelief: 'For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.'

15. Describe the Prophet Muhammad's life in Makkah before prophethood.

    He was known as 'Al-Sadiq Al-Amin' (the truthful and trustworthy), worked as a trader, married Khadijah, and was known for honesty and good character before receiving revelation at age 40.

16. What major event marked the transition from the Makkan to the Madinan period of the Prophet's life?

    The Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, which also marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

17. How did the nature of the Muslim community change after the Hijrah to Madinah?

    It transformed from a persecuted minority into an organized political and social community (Ummah) with its own laws, treaties, governance, and a mosque as its center.

18. In what ways is the Prophet Muhammad considered a model (Uswa Hasana) for humanity?

    He is the perfect exemplar in worship, honesty, justice, mercy, family life, leadership, statesmanship, and treatment of friends and enemies, as stated in Quran 33:21.

19. What was the Charter (Constitution) of Madinah?

    A written agreement drafted by Prophet Muhammad establishing the rights, duties, and mutual obligations of Muslims, Jews, and other tribes of Madinah, forming a single political community.

20. Why is the Charter of Madinah historically significant?

    It is regarded as one of the first written constitutions in history, guaranteeing religious freedom, mutual defense, and rule of law in a pluralistic society.

21. On what occasion did the Prophet deliver the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat-ul-Wada)?

    During his final Hajj in 10 AH (632 CE) at Arafat, before a large gathering of pilgrims.

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