CSS Compulsory Papers 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 CSS Compulsory Papers, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Introduction to Islam

   3 topics

   • Meaning and Significance of Islam
   • Distinctive Features of Islam
   • Articles of Faith
2. 2

   Sources of Islam

   4 topics

   • The Holy Quran
   • Sunnah and Hadith
   • Ijma and Qiyas
   • Ijtihad in Islam
3. 3

   Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

   4 topics

   • Life in Makkah and Madinah
   • The Prophet as a Statesman and Reformer
   • Charter of Madinah
   • The Prophet as a Role Model
4. 4

   The Islamic Social System

   4 topics

   • Family System in Islam
   • Rights and Duties
   • Status of Women in Islam
   • Human Rights in Islam
5. 5

   The Islamic Economic and Political System

   4 topics

   • Concept of Economy in Islam
   • Zakat, Ushr and Prohibition of Riba
   • Concept of State and Sovereignty in Islam
   • Shura and Islamic Governance
6. 6

   Islamic Civilization and Contemporary Thought

   4 topics

   • Contributions of Muslims to Science and Knowledge
   • Islam and the Challenges of Modernity
   • Islam and Contemporary Global Issues
   • Comparative Study of Major Religions (for Non-Muslims)

Islamic Studies flashcards for CSS Compulsory Papers

21 of 51 cards from the Islamic Studies deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the literal meaning of the word "Islam" and from which Arabic root is it derived?

   Islam means "submission, surrender, and obedience" (to the will of Allah) and also "peace." It is derived from the Arabic root "S-L-M" (silm/salama), which conveys peace, safety, and submission.

2. Define a "Muslim" in light of the meaning of Islam.

   A Muslim is one who submits and surrenders his will completely to Allah, attaining peace through obedience to His commands.

3. What is meant by "Tauhid" and why is it the foundational concept of Islam?

   Tauhid is the absolute Oneness and Unity of Allah in His being, attributes, and worship. It is foundational because the entire structure of Islamic belief and practice rests on the affirmation that there is no god but Allah.

4. List four distinctive features that make Islam a complete code of life (Deen).

   1) Belief in absolute monotheism (Tauhid); 2) A complete and universal code covering all spheres of life (religious, social, economic, political); 3) Simplicity and rationality, with no priesthood or intermediaries; 4) Balance between material and spiritual life (this world and the Hereafter).

5. Why is Islam described as a "universal" religion rather than a national or racial one?

   Islam is addressed to all humanity regardless of race, color, language, or geography. Its message is for all times and places, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a mercy to the entire universe (Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen).

6. How does Islam reconcile material and spiritual life?

   Islam rejects monasticism and unrestrained materialism alike, teaching a balanced approach where worldly activities done within divine limits become acts of worship, integrating the spiritual and material dimensions of life.

7. How many Articles of Faith (Iman-e-Mufassal) are there, and what are they?

   There are seven: belief in (1) Allah, (2) His Angels, (3) His Books, (4) His Messengers, (5) the Day of Judgment, (6) Qadr (Divine Decree, good and bad), and (7) Resurrection/Life after death.

8. What is the difference between Iman-e-Mujmal and Iman-e-Mufassal?

   Iman-e-Mujmal is the faith stated in brief (belief in Allah and obedience to Him). Iman-e-Mufassal is the detailed declaration of faith, enumerating belief in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree.

9. In Islamic belief, what are angels (Mala'ika) and what is their nature?

   Angels are created from light (Nur), are sinless, do not eat or sleep, have no free will, and constantly obey Allah's commands. Examples include Jibril (revelation), Mikail (sustenance), Israfil (the Trumpet), and Izrail (death).

10. Name the major revealed Books mentioned in Islam and the Prophets to whom they were given.

    The Tawrat (Torah) to Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalms) to Dawud (David), the Injil (Gospel) to Isa (Jesus), and the Quran to Muhammad (PBUH). Suhuf (scrolls) were given to Ibrahim and others.

11. What is the Islamic concept of belief in the Prophets (Risalah)?

    Muslims believe Allah sent prophets to every nation to guide humanity; all preached Tauhid; they are sinless (Ma'sum); and Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final Prophet (Khatam-un-Nabiyyin), after whom no new prophet will come.

12. Define "Qadr" (Taqdir) as an article of faith.

    Qadr is belief in Divine Decree and predestination: that Allah has knowledge of and has decreed all things, both good and bad, yet humans retain free will and accountability for their choices.

13. What is the Holy Quran and over how long a period was it revealed?

    The Quran is the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through angel Jibril. It was revealed gradually over approximately 23 years (13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madinah).

14. State the number of Surahs and the approximate division of the Quran.

    The Quran contains 114 Surahs (chapters). It is divided into 30 Juz (paras/parts) and 7 Manazil. Surahs are classified as Makki or Madani based on place of revelation.

15. What was the first revelation of the Quran, and where and when did it occur?

    The first revelation was the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq ("Iqra bismi Rabbika...") revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) in the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur, in the month of Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr), around 610 CE.

16. Distinguish between Makki and Madani Surahs in subject matter.

    Makki Surahs (revealed before Hijrah) generally emphasize Tauhid, the Hereafter, resurrection, and moral teachings, and are usually shorter. Madani Surahs (revealed after Hijrah) deal with laws, social order, jihad, and community matters, and are often longer.

17. During whose caliphate was the Quran first compiled into a single book, and who compiled it?

    It was first compiled into one volume (Mushaf) during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA), undertaken by Zaid bin Thabit, after the Battle of Yamama in which many Huffaz were martyred.

18. During whose caliphate was the standardized written copy of the Quran prepared and distributed?

    During the caliphate of Uthman (RA), who had standardized copies prepared (the Uthmani Mushaf) and sent to various provinces to ensure uniformity of recitation.

19. Define "Sunnah" in Islamic terminology.

    Sunnah refers to the sayings, actions, and tacit approvals (taqrir) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — his way of life — which serves as the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran.

20. Define "Hadith" and name its two main structural components.

    Hadith is a report narrating the words, deeds, or approvals of the Prophet (PBUH). Its two components are the Isnad/Sanad (the chain of narrators) and the Matn (the actual text/content of the report).

21. What is the difference between Sunnah and Hadith?

    Hadith is the verbal report or record, while Sunnah is the actual practice and normative example of the Prophet (PBUH). Hadith conveys the Sunnah; Sunnah is the demonstrated way of life that Hadith transmits.

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