FPSC CSS Screening Test (MPT) Islamic Studies / Civics & Ethics Syllabus

What is the difference between Makki and Madani Surahs?

Makki Surahs were revealed before the Hijra (mostly on faith, Tawheed, and the Hereafter); Madani Surahs were revealed after the Hijra (mostly on law, social order, and community matters).

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

The longest is Surah Al-Baqarah (2); the shortest is Surah Al-Kawthar (108).

Which Surah is known as the 'Heart of the Quran'?

Surah Ya-Sin (36).

Which Surah is recited in every unit (rakah) of every prayer, and what is its other name?

Surah Al-Fatihah; it is also called 'Umm al-Kitab' (Mother of the Book).

Which Surah does not begin with Bismillah?

Surah At-Tawbah (9).

What is Hadith?

The recorded sayings, actions, and tacit approvals (taqrir) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); it is the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran.

What are the two main structural parts of a Hadith?

The Sanad (Isnad) — the chain of narrators — and the Matn — the actual text/content of the Hadith.

What is a Hadith Qudsi, and how does it differ from the Quran?

A Hadith Qudsi conveys words whose meaning is from Allah but expressed in the Prophet's (PBUH) wording; unlike the Quran, it is not recited in prayer and is not considered the literal, miraculous (i'jaz) word of Allah.

Name the classification of Hadith by authenticity (reliability).

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

What is the difference between Mutawatir and Ahad Hadith?

Mutawatir Hadith is reported by so many narrators at every stage that collusion on a lie is impossible; Ahad (Khabar al-Wahid) is reported by a limited number of narrators.

What are the six canonical Hadith collections (Sihah Sittah)?

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

Which Hadith collections are considered the two most authentic (Sahihayn)?

Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

In which year and city was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born?

In 570 CE (the Year of the Elephant) in Makkah.

What was the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) title before prophethood, reflecting his reputation?

Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful).

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

At the age of 40.

What was the 'Year of Sorrow' (Aam al-Huzn) in the Prophet's (PBUH) life?

The year (around 619 CE) in which both his wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle and protector Abu Talib died.

What event is known as the social and economic boycott of the Muslims in Makkah?

The boycott of Banu Hashim by the Quraysh, confining them to the valley of Shi'b Abi Talib for about three years.

What is the Hijra, and what calendar does it mark?

The migration of the Prophet (PBUH) and Muslims from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE; it marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar.

Who accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) during the Hijra and hid with him in the Cave of Thawr?

Abu Bakr (RA).

What was the original name of Madinah before the Hijra?

Yathrib.

What was the Charter (Constitution) of Madinah?

A written agreement drawn up by the Prophet (PBUH) establishing rights and duties among the Muslims (Muhajirun and Ansar) and the Jewish tribes, forming a unified pluralistic community (Ummah).

Who were the Muhajirun and the Ansar?

The Muhajirun were the emigrants from Makkah; the Ansar were the 'helpers' — the Muslims of Madinah who hosted and supported them.

In which year was the Battle of Badr fought, and what was its significance?

2 AH (624 CE); the first major and decisive battle in which roughly 313 Muslims defeated about 1,000 Quraysh, a major morale-boosting victory.

What lesson is associated with the Battle of Uhud (3 AH)?

The Muslims suffered a setback when archers abandoned their assigned post against the Prophet's (PBUH) orders — teaching the importance of obedience and discipline.

What strategy gave the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa-e-Khandaq, 5 AH) its name?

The Muslims dug a defensive trench around Madinah (on the advice of Salman al-Farsi) to repel the large allied Quraysh-led army (the Confederates/Ahzab).

What was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH)?

A 10-year peace treaty between the Muslims and the Quraysh; though its terms seemed unfavorable, it was later called a 'clear victory' as it brought peace and allowed Islam to spread rapidly.

What major event occurred in 8 AH regarding Makkah?

The Conquest of Makkah (Fath al-Makkah) — the Prophet (PBUH) entered the city peacefully, granted general amnesty, and cleansed the Kaaba of idols.

What are key teachings emphasized in the Prophet's (PBUH) Last Sermon (Khutbah Hujjat-ul-Wida)?

The sanctity of life, property, and honor; the abolition of interest (riba) and blood feuds; the rights of women; the equality of all people regardless of race; and holding fast to the Quran and Sunnah.

Where and when did the Prophet (PBUH) deliver his Last Sermon?

In the Plain of Arafat during the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat-ul-Wida) in 10 AH (632 CE).

Who are the four Khulafa-e-Rashideen (Rightly Guided Caliphs) in order, and the period they covered?

Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) — covering roughly 632 to 661 CE.

What were the major achievements of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)?

Vast expansion of the Islamic state (conquest of Persia, Egypt, Syria, Jerusalem), establishment of the Hijri calendar, the Diwan (state register/treasury system), and a strong administrative and justice system.