Lady Cadet Course Islamic Studies Syllabus

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

It was around 619 CE when both his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his protective uncle Abu Talib died in the same year, leaving him without key support.

What was the Hijrah (Migration), and which event marks the start of the Islamic calendar?

The Hijrah was the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Muslims from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar.

Who accompanied Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the Hijrah, and where did they hide?

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) accompanied him. They hid in the Cave of Thawr for three days while the Quraysh searched for them.

What was Yathrib renamed after the Prophet's migration, and what was the first thing he built there?

Yathrib was renamed Madinah al-Nabi (City of the Prophet), or simply Madinah. The first thing he built was the Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque).

What was the Charter (Constitution) of Madinah?

It was the first written constitution, drafted by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), establishing rights, duties, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims (Muhajirun and Ansar), Jews, and other tribes of Madinah as one community.

Who were the Muhajirun and the Ansar?

The Muhajirun were the Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah. The Ansar ('Helpers') were the Muslims of Madinah who welcomed, hosted, and supported the migrants.

When and where was the Battle of Badr fought, and what was its significance?

It was fought in 624 CE (2 AH) near the wells of Badr. It was the first major battle of Islam, a decisive victory for ~313 Muslims against ~1,000 Quraysh, boosting the morale of the early Muslim community.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE)?

The Muslims initially won but suffered a setback when archers left their assigned positions on the hill, allowing a Quraysh counterattack led by Khalid bin Walid. The Prophet was injured and his uncle Hamza (RA) was martyred.

What was the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa al-Khandaq / Ahzab) and its key strategy?

Fought in 5 AH (627 CE), the Muslims dug a trench around Madinah (a strategy suggested by Salman al-Farsi) to defend against a large confederate army of Quraysh and allied tribes, who eventually withdrew without success.

Who suggested digging the trench in the Battle of Khandaq?

Hazrat Salman al-Farsi (RA), a companion of Persian origin, suggested the trench-digging defensive strategy.

What was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH) and why is it significant?

It was a 10-year peace treaty between Muslims and the Quraysh of Makkah. Though its terms seemed unfavorable, it brought peace allowing Islam to spread; the Quran called it a 'clear victory' (Fath al-Mubin).

When did the Conquest of Makkah (Fath Makkah) occur, and how did the Prophet enter the city?

It occurred in 8 AH (630 CE). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) entered Makkah peacefully with about 10,000 Muslims, almost without bloodshed, and granted general amnesty to the people of Makkah.

What did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) do upon entering the Kaaba during the Conquest of Makkah?

He cleansed the Kaaba by destroying the 360 idols housed inside and around it, reciting 'Truth has come and falsehood has vanished' (Quran 17:81), restoring it as a place of pure monotheistic worship.

What general amnesty did the Prophet declare at the Conquest of Makkah?

He forgave the people of Makkah, including former enemies, saying 'Go, for you are free,' demonstrating mercy instead of revenge.

Over what period was the Quran revealed, and in which two cities?

The Quran was revealed gradually over approximately 23 years — about 13 years in Makkah and about 10 years in Madinah.

What is the difference between Makki and Madani Surahs?

Makki Surahs were revealed before the Hijrah (mostly in Makkah); they focus on faith, Tawheed, the Hereafter, and are generally shorter. Madani Surahs were revealed after the Hijrah (in Madinah); they focus on laws, society, and community matters and are often longer.

Who first compiled the Quran into a single book, and under which caliph?

The Quran was first compiled into one manuscript (Mushaf) during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), with Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) leading the task, after many Huffaz were martyred at the Battle of Yamamah.

Which caliph standardized the Quran into a single uniform copy and distributed it?

Hazrat Uthman (RA) standardized the Quran by producing official copies in one dialect (Qurayshi) and distributing them to major centers, ordering other variant copies be destroyed; he is titled 'Jami al-Quran.'

How many Surahs and how many Juz (Paras) are in the Quran?

The Quran contains 114 Surahs (chapters) and is divided into 30 Juz (Paras) for ease of recitation.

What is Surah Al-Fatihah, and why is it significant?

It is the opening chapter (Surah 1) of the Quran, with 7 verses. It is recited in every unit (rakat) of every prayer and is called 'Umm al-Kitab' (Mother of the Book).

What is the central theme and significance of Surah Al-Ikhlas (112)?

It declares pure Tawheed — the absolute Oneness and uniqueness of Allah ('Say, He is Allah, the One'). It is said to equal one-third of the Quran in reward and meaning.

What is the longest Surah of the Quran, and what is the longest verse called?

The longest Surah is Al-Baqarah (Surah 2, with 286 verses). The longest verse is Ayat al-Dayn (the verse of debt, 2:282).

What is Ayat al-Kursi, and where is it found?

Ayat al-Kursi (the Verse of the Throne) is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah. It describes Allah's sovereignty, knowledge, and power; it is considered the greatest verse of the Quran.

What are Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas collectively known as?

They are known as 'Al-Mu'awwidhatayn' (the two Surahs of seeking refuge), recited for protection from evil, the last two Surahs (113 and 114) of the Quran.

Define Hadith and name its two main components.

Hadith is the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals (tacit consent) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Its two parts are the Sanad/Isnad (chain of narrators) and the Matn (the actual text/content).

What are the main classifications of Hadith by authenticity?

Sahih (authentic/sound), Hasan (good/reliable), and Da'if (weak). Maudu (fabricated) is rejected as a forged Hadith.

Name the 'Sihah Sittah' (the six canonical books of Hadith).

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

What is the difference between Hadith Qudsi and the Quran?

Hadith Qudsi is a saying where the meaning is from Allah but the wording is the Prophet's, and it is not recited in prayer. The Quran is the literal word of Allah (both meaning and wording), miraculous, and recited in Salah.

Who were the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashidun) in order?

(1) Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, (2) Umar ibn al-Khattab al-Farooq, (3) Uthman ibn Affan Dhun-Nurayn, and (4) Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).

What major achievements mark the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)?

He suppressed the Ridda (apostasy) wars, defeated false prophets, began the compilation of the Quran, and started expansion against the Persian and Byzantine empires. He was the first caliph (632–634 CE).

What administrative reforms is Hazrat Umar (RA) known for?

He established the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, created the Diwan (military/welfare registry), organized provinces with governors, set up a judicial system, public treasury (Bayt al-Mal), and expanded Islam into Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Jerusalem.

Why is Hazrat Uthman (RA) titled 'Dhun-Nurayn' and what is his major contribution?

He is called 'Dhun-Nurayn' (Possessor of Two Lights) because he married two daughters of the Prophet (Ruqayyah, then Umm Kulthum). His major contribution was standardizing and distributing the official copies of the Quran.

What challenges marked the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (RA)?

His caliphate (656–661 CE) faced internal conflicts including the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin, and the emergence of the Khawarij. He is regarded as a model of knowledge, justice, and bravery; he moved the capital to Kufa.

How did Islam spread beyond Arabia after the Prophet's era?

Through military conquests under the Rashidun and later dynasties, peaceful trade and commerce, the work of Sufi missionaries and scholars, and the just conduct and good character of Muslims, reaching Persia, Egypt, North Africa, Central Asia, and beyond.

What role did trade and Sufi missionaries play in spreading Islam to South and Southeast Asia?

Muslim traders introduced Islam through commerce along sea and land routes, while Sufi saints/missionaries spread it peacefully through preaching, good conduct, and spiritual teaching — key to Islam's growth in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Which two major empires did the early Muslims conquer during the Rashidun caliphate?

The Sassanid (Persian) Empire and large parts of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, including Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Persia.

What does the term 'Sunnah' mean and how does it relate to Hadith?

Sunnah refers to the practices, habits, and example/way of life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hadith is the recorded narration that transmits and documents the Sunnah; the Sunnah is the second source of Islamic law after the Quran.