CSS Compulsory Papers Islamic Studies Syllabus

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.

Classify Hadith according to the number of narrators in the chain.

Mutawatir (reported by so many narrators at every stage that collusion on a lie is impossible) and Ahad (reported by a limited number). Ahad is subdivided into Mashhur, Aziz, and Gharib.

Classify Hadith according to authenticity/reliability.

Sahih (authentic/sound), Hasan (good/fair), Da'if (weak), and Maudu (fabricated/forged).

Name the two most authentic books of Hadith (the "Sahihayn") and their compilers.

Sahih al-Bukhari, compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, and Sahih Muslim, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.

What are the "Sihah Sitta" (Six Authentic Books) of Hadith?

Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud, Jami at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasai, and Sunan Ibn Majah.

Define "Ijma" as a source of Islamic law.

Ijma is the consensus (unanimous agreement) of the Muslim jurists (Mujtahidun) of a particular era on a point of Islamic law not explicitly settled by the Quran or Sunnah. It is the third primary source of Shariah.

Define "Qiyas" and name its four essential elements (Arkan).

Qiyas is analogical reasoning: extending a ruling from an original case to a new case sharing the same effective cause. Its four elements are: Asl (original case), Far' (new case), Hukm (the ruling), and Illah (the effective/common cause).

Give the classic example used to illustrate Qiyas regarding intoxicants.

Wine (khamr) is prohibited in the Quran because its illah (cause) is intoxication. By Qiyas, all other intoxicants (e.g., other drugs/alcohol) are also prohibited because they share the same effective cause of intoxication.

List the four primary sources of Islamic law (Shariah) in order.

1) The Quran, 2) The Sunnah, 3) Ijma (consensus), and 4) Qiyas (analogical reasoning).

Define "Ijtihad" and from which Arabic root is the term derived.

Ijtihad means the exertion of maximum effort by a qualified jurist (Mujtahid) to deduce a legal ruling from the sources of Shariah. It derives from the root "J-H-D" meaning to strive or exert effort.

What are the principal conditions/qualifications required of a Mujtahid to perform Ijtihad?

Knowledge of the Quran and its sciences, knowledge of the Sunnah and Hadith sciences, mastery of Arabic, knowledge of Ijma and points of consensus, understanding of Qiyas and Usul al-Fiqh (principles of jurisprudence), and piety/God-consciousness.

Cite the well-known Hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal that establishes the basis of Ijtihad.

When the Prophet (PBUH) sent Mu'adh to Yemen, he asked how he would judge. Mu'adh replied: by the Quran; if not found, by the Sunnah; and if not found there, "I will exercise my own judgment (Ijtihad)." The Prophet approved this approach.

What is the significance of Ijtihad for Islam in changing times?

Ijtihad provides Islamic law with flexibility and dynamism, enabling jurists to address new issues and circumstances not explicitly covered by the texts, keeping Shariah responsive and applicable in every age.

In which year was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born, and what is that year commonly called?

He was born in 570 CE in Makkah, in the "Year of the Elephant" (Aam al-Fil), the year of Abraha's failed attack on the Ka'bah.

At what age did the Prophet (PBUH) receive his first revelation and become a Prophet?

He received the first revelation at the age of 40 (around 610 CE) in the Cave of Hira.

What was the Prophet's reputation in Makkah before prophethood, reflected in his titles?

He was known as "Al-Sadiq" (the Truthful) and "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) due to his honesty and integrity even before prophethood.

What is the Hijrah, in which year did it occur, and what calendar does it mark?

The Hijrah is the Prophet's migration from Makkah to Madinah (Yathrib) in 622 CE. It marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar.

What were the two key fraternal/social measures the Prophet (PBUH) took upon arriving in Madinah?

He established Mu'akhat (brotherhood) between the Muhajirun (Makkan migrants) and the Ansar (Madinan helpers), and he built the Masjid-e-Nabawi as the center of community life. He also drafted the Charter of Madinah.

Contrast the nature of the Makkan and Madinan phases of the Prophet's mission.

The Makkan phase (13 years) focused on preaching Tauhid, patience under persecution, and building faith. The Madinan phase (10 years) focused on establishing an Islamic state, legislation, social organization, defense (battles), and treaties.

Name three major battles fought during the Madinan period and their years.

Battle of Badr (2 AH/624 CE), Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE), and Battle of the Trench/Khandaq (5 AH/627 CE).

How did the Prophet (PBUH) demonstrate statesmanship in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah?

In 6 AH he accepted seemingly unfavorable terms (a 10-year truce, postponing pilgrimage) showing far-sighted diplomacy. The peace allowed Islam to spread rapidly and the Quran called it a "clear victory" (Fath-e-Mubin).

Describe the Prophet's conduct during the Conquest of Makkah as a reformer and statesman.

In 8 AH the Prophet entered Makkah peacefully without bloodshed and granted general amnesty to former enemies, demonstrating magnanimity, reconciliation, and the abolition of idolatry and tribal vengeance.

Identify three social reforms introduced by the Prophet (PBUH) in Arabian society.

Abolition of female infanticide and elevation of women's rights; abolition of interest (Riba) and exploitative economic practices; abolition of tribal/racial superiority by establishing equality, and gradual abolition of slavery through emancipation.

What is the Charter (Constitution) of Madinah, and in which year was it drafted?

It was a written constitutional document drafted by the Prophet (PBUH) shortly after the Hijrah (1 AH/622 CE) regulating relations among the various groups of Madinah — Muhajirun, Ansar, Jews, and other tribes.

Why is the Charter of Madinah considered historically significant?

It is regarded as the first written constitution in human history, establishing a pluralistic city-state, defining rights and duties of all communities, and recognizing the Prophet (PBUH) as the supreme authority and arbiter.

State three key provisions of the Charter of Madinah.

1) The Muslims and Jews/other tribes form one community (Ummah) for defense; 2) Each group has freedom of religion and internal autonomy; 3) Madinah is a sacred, inviolable territory and all parties must jointly defend it and refer disputes to the Prophet (PBUH).

What rights did the Charter of Madinah grant to the Jewish tribes?

It guaranteed them religious freedom, protection of life and property, equal status as members of the state, internal autonomy in their affairs, and a share in the collective defense and expenses of the city.

On what Quranic basis is the Prophet (PBUH) described as a perfect role model (Uswa-e-Hasana)?

The Quran states: "Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example (Uswatun Hasana)" (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21), establishing him as the ideal model for all believers to follow.

Identify four spheres of life in which the Prophet (PBUH) serves as a role model.

As a worshipper and spiritual guide; as a family man (husband and father); as a leader, judge, and statesman; as a merchant/trader exemplifying honesty; and as a commander, neighbor, and friend — comprehensive in every role.

What are the foundational objectives (Maqasid) of the family system in Islam?

To provide a lawful means of procreation and continuation of the human race, to ensure tranquility and mutual love (sukun, mawaddah, rahmah) between spouses, to safeguard chastity and morality, and to provide a nurturing environment for raising righteous children.

Outline the key mutual rights and duties of spouses in the Islamic family system.

The husband must provide maintenance (Nafqah), shelter, kind treatment, and the dower (Mahr); the wife must safeguard the home, honor, and her husband's property, and show obedience in lawful matters. Both owe each other companionship, fidelity, mutual respect, and cooperation in raising children.