PMA Graduate Course Islamic Studies Syllabus

Who were the Muhajirun and the Ansar?

Muhajirun were the Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah; Ansar ('helpers') were the Muslims of Madinah who welcomed and supported them.

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

In 624 CE (2 AH). It was the first major battle of Islam; about 313 Muslims defeated roughly 1,000 Quraysh, a decisive and morale-defining victory.

What happened at the Battle of Uhud (625 CE)?

The Muslims initially gained the upper hand but suffered a setback when archers left their posts; the Prophet was wounded and his uncle Hamza (RA) was martyred. It was a costly lesson in discipline.

What was the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa Khandaq) and whose strategy was used?

Fought in 627 CE (5 AH), the Muslims dug a trench around Madinah on the advice of Salman al-Farsi (RA) to repel a large confederate army (Ahzab). The siege failed, securing Madinah.

What was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE)?

A 10-year peace agreement between the Muslims and the Quraysh. Though its terms seemed unfavorable, it was a strategic victory that allowed Islam to spread peacefully and led to the later Conquest of Makkah.

When did the Conquest of Makkah (Fatah Makkah) occur and what was notable about it?

In 630 CE (8 AH). Makkah was taken almost without bloodshed; the Prophet granted general amnesty and cleansed the Kaaba of idols.

What was the Battle of Khaybar (628 CE)?

A campaign in which Muslims captured the fortified Jewish settlements of Khaybar, with Ali (RA) famously capturing the fort of Qamus. It secured the northern frontier of Madinah.

What is the literal meaning of 'Quran' and how was it revealed?

Quran means 'the recitation/that which is read.' It was revealed gradually to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over about 23 years through the Angel Jibreel.

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

114 Surahs (chapters) and 30 Juz (paras/parts).

What is the difference between Makki and Madani Surahs?

Makki Surahs were revealed before the Hijrah (mostly short, focusing on faith, Tawheed, and the Hereafter); Madani Surahs were revealed after the Hijrah (often longer, focusing on law, social order, and community).

Which is the first Surah of the Quran and what is it called?

Surah Al-Fatihah ('The Opening'). It has 7 verses and is recited in every unit (rakah) of Salah.

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

The longest is Surah Al-Baqarah (286 verses); the shortest is Surah Al-Kawthar (3 verses).

What is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) and in which Surah is it mentioned?

The night in Ramadan when the Quran began to be revealed; it is 'better than a thousand months.' It is described in Surah Al-Qadr (Surah 97).

What is Hadith and how does it differ from Sunnah?

Hadith is a recorded report of the sayings, actions, or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sunnah refers to his practice or way of life that the Hadith describes.

What is the importance of Hadith as a source of Islamic law?

Hadith is the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran. It explains, details, and supplements Quranic injunctions and provides practical examples of how to implement Islam.

What are the two main parts of a Hadith?

Isnad (the chain of narrators who transmitted it) and Matn (the actual text or content of the report).

Name the major classifications of Hadith by authenticity.

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

Name two of the most authentic Hadith collections (the 'Sahihain').

Sahih al-Bukhari (compiled by Imam Bukhari) and Sahih Muslim (compiled by Imam Muslim). They are regarded as the two most authentic books after the Quran.

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

Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar bin Khattab (Umar Farooq), Usman bin Affan (Usman Ghani), and Ali bin Abi Talib (RA).

How long was the combined era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs?

About 30 years, from 632 CE (death of the Prophet) to 661 CE.

Who was the first Caliph of Islam, and what major challenge did he face?

Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). He faced the Ridda (apostasy) wars and the rise of false prophets, which he suppressed, preserving the unity of the Muslim state.

What major administrative achievement is associated with Caliph Umar (RA)?

He established the Islamic calendar (Hijri), founded the Diwan (state register/treasury system), organized provinces with governors, set up a judiciary, and greatly expanded the Islamic state.

For what major contribution to the Quran is Caliph Usman (RA) known?

He standardized and compiled the Quran into a single authoritative written codex (the 'Usmani' mushaf) and distributed copies, preventing variant readings.

What is Caliph Ali (RA) noted for?

Known for his deep knowledge, justice, and bravery (titled 'Lion of Allah'). His caliphate faced internal conflicts including the Battles of Jamal and Siffin.

During whose caliphate was the first compilation of the Quran into one book completed, and who suggested it?

During Abu Bakr's (RA) caliphate; it was suggested by Umar (RA) after many Quran-memorizers (Huffaz) died in the Battle of Yamama. Zaid bin Thabit (RA) carried out the compilation.

What administrative reforms did Caliph Umar (RA) introduce for governance?

He divided the empire into provinces with appointed governors, established a public treasury (Bait-ul-Maal), introduced regular salaries and stipends, set up police, prisons, and a system of accountability for officials.

How is Zakat calculated on savings/wealth?

Zakat is 2.5% (one-fortieth) of accumulated wealth that has reached the Nisab threshold and been held for one lunar year (Hawl).

What is the Nisab in Zakat?

The minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes obligatory, traditionally set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

What is Sa'i in Hajj?

Walking or running seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's (RA) search for water for her son Ismail (AS).

What is Tawaf and the Day of Arafat in Hajj?

Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise. The Day of Arafat (9th Dhul-Hijjah) is the standing (Wuquf) on the plain of Arafat, considered the essential pillar of Hajj.

What core moral and ethical values does Islam emphasize?

Honesty (Sidq), trustworthiness (Amanah), justice (Adl), patience (Sabr), kindness, forgiveness, humility, keeping promises, respect for parents and elders, and tolerance toward others.