PMA Long Course Islamic Studies Syllabus

Who are the eligible recipients (Masarif) of Zakat according to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)?

Eight categories: the poor (Fuqara), the needy (Masakin), Zakat collectors, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing slaves, those in debt (Gharimin), in the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah), and the stranded traveller (Ibn as-Sabil).

What is Hajj, and when is it performed?

Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah (fifth pillar of Islam), performed once in a lifetime by those who are able, during the month of Dhul-Hijjah (8th to 12th/13th).

What are the three Fard (obligatory) acts of Hajj?

1) Ihram (entering the sacred state with intention), 2) Wuquf at Arafat (standing at the plain of Arafat on 9th Dhul-Hijjah), and 3) Tawaf al-Ziyarah (the obligatory circumambulation of the Kaaba).

What is Tawaf and Sa'i in the rites of Hajj/Umrah?

Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise. Sa'i is walking/running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for Ismail.

What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj is the obligatory major pilgrimage performed only in Dhul-Hijjah with specific rites like Wuquf at Arafat. Umrah is a voluntary 'lesser pilgrimage' (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, shaving/trimming) that can be performed any time of year.

What does 'Revelation' (Wahi) mean, and over how long was the Quran revealed?

Wahi is divine revelation from Allah to His prophets. The Quran was revealed gradually to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over approximately 23 years (13 in Makkah, 10 in Madinah).

Through which angel was the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and where did revelation begin?

It was revealed through Angel Jibril (Gabriel). Revelation began in the Cave of Hira (Ghar-e-Hira) on Mount Noor with the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq ('Iqra' / Read).

During whose caliphate was the Quran first compiled into a single book, and who led the compilation?

The first compilation (collection into one manuscript) occurred during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA), led by Zaid bin Thabit, after many Huffaz were martyred at the Battle of Yamama.

During whose caliphate was the Quran standardized into one official copy, and what was that copy called?

During the caliphate of Uthman (RA). The standardized official copies were known as 'Mushaf-e-Uthmani', and divergent copies were burned to prevent variation in recitation.

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

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

What is the difference between Makki and Madani Surahs?

Makki Surahs were revealed before the Hijrah (in Makkah), generally shorter, focusing on Tauheed, Aakhirat, and morals. Madani Surahs were revealed after Hijrah (in Madinah), generally longer, focusing on laws, social order, and governance.

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

Surah Al-Fatiha ('The Opening') is the first chapter of the Quran, with 7 verses. It is recited in every rakat of Salah and is called 'Umm al-Quran' (Mother of the Quran) and 'Sab'a al-Mathani'.

Which is the longest Surah of the Quran, and what notable verse does it contain?

Surah Al-Baqarah (Surah 2) is the longest, with 286 verses. It contains Ayat al-Kursi (verse 255), the greatest verse of the Quran on Allah's majesty.

Which is the shortest Surah of the Quran?

Surah Al-Kawthar (Surah 108), consisting of only three verses.

What are the 'Muawwidhatayn', and what is their purpose?

The Muawwidhatayn are the last two Surahs: Al-Falaq (113) and An-Nas (114). They are recited for protection (seeking refuge in Allah) from evil, envy, and the whispers of Shaitan.

Which Surah is called the 'heart of the Quran'?

Surah Ya-Sin (Surah 36) is traditionally referred to as the 'heart of the Quran' (Qalb al-Quran).

What are the central teachings of the Quran regarding belief (Aqeedah)?

The Quran teaches Tauheed (Oneness of Allah), Risalat (prophethood), Aakhirat (Hereafter), belief in angels, divine books, and Taqdeer (divine decree), forming the articles of faith (Iman).

What does the Quran teach about human conduct and social justice?

It emphasizes justice (Adl), honesty, kindness to parents, care for orphans and the poor, prohibition of usury (Riba), fairness in dealings, fulfilling promises, and brotherhood/equality of all humans.

According to the Quran, on what basis are humans judged as superior to one another?

Not by race, color, or wealth, but by Taqwa (piety and God-consciousness). The Quran (49:13) states the most noble in Allah's sight is the most righteous (Atqaakum).

When and why did Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) public preaching begin in Makkah?

After the first revelation (610 CE) he preached privately for about 3 years, then began public preaching around 613 CE following the command in Surah Al-Hijr ('proclaim openly what you are commanded').

What were the titles given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the Makkans even before Prophethood?

He was called 'Al-Sadiq' (the Truthful) and 'Al-Ameen' (the Trustworthy) due to his honesty and integrity, even by those who later opposed him.

What was the 'Year of Sorrow' (Aam al-Huzn) in the Makkan period?

It was the year (around 619 CE) in which Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle/protector Abu Talib both died, leaving him without key support.

What was the migration to Abyssinia (Habsha) during the Makkan period?

Due to severe Makkan persecution, the Prophet (PBUH) instructed a group of Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia (in two stages), where the just Christian king Najashi (Negus) gave them refuge.

What was the Hijrah, and from what event does the Islamic calendar begin?

The Hijrah was the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. The Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar dates its first year from this event.

What was the 'Mawakhat' (brotherhood) established by the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah?

Mawakhat was the bond of brotherhood the Prophet (PBUH) created between the Muhajireen (Makkan migrants) and the Ansar (Madinan helpers), pairing them so the Ansar shared their wealth and homes.

What was the 'Mithaq-e-Madina' (Charter/Constitution of Madinah)?

It was the first written constitution, drafted by the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah, establishing rights and duties of Muslims, Jews, and other tribes, ensuring mutual defense, justice, and religious freedom within one unified state.

Name the three major battles of the Madinan period and their years.

Battle of Badr (2 AH/624 CE) — a decisive Muslim victory; Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE) — a setback; and Battle of the Trench/Khandaq (5 AH/627 CE) — a defensive Muslim success.

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

A 10-year peace treaty between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Makkah. Though its terms seemed unfavorable, it was called a 'clear victory' (Fath-e-Mubeen) as it brought peace, allowed Islam to spread rapidly, and led toward the Conquest of Makkah.

What was the Conquest of Makkah (Fath-e-Makkah), and how did the Prophet (PBUH) treat his former enemies?

In 8 AH (630 CE) the Prophet (PBUH) peacefully conquered Makkah, cleansed the Kaaba of idols, and granted a general amnesty, forgiving the Quraysh who had persecuted the Muslims for years.

What major event marked the end of the Prophet's (PBUH) life in Madinah, and what is the Farewell Sermon?

He performed his only Hajj (Hajj al-Wida) in 10 AH and delivered the Farewell Sermon (Khutbah-e-Hujjat-ul-Wida) at Arafat, emphasizing human equality, women's rights, sanctity of life/property, and holding fast to the Quran and Sunnah. He passed away in 11 AH (632 CE) in Madinah.