PMS Examination Islamic Studies / Ethics Syllabus

What was the Charter of Madinah (Misaq-e-Madinah), and who issued it?

The Charter of Madinah (Misaq-e-Madinah) was the written constitution drafted by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) around 622 CE after the Hijrah. It governed relations among the Muhajirun, Ansar, Jews, and other tribes of Madinah, forming them into one community (Ummah).

Name three key provisions of the Charter of Madinah.

(1) All signatory groups, including Jews, formed one community (Ummah) with mutual obligations; (2) freedom of religion was guaranteed; (3) Madinah was a common, jointly defended state, with the Prophet (PBUH) as the final arbiter in disputes, and tribes bound to mutual defense and ending internal warfare.

In what year was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah signed, and between whom?

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was signed in 628 CE (6 AH) between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) representing the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah.

State two main terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.

(1) A ten-year truce/ceasefire between Muslims and Quraysh; (2) Muslims would return to Madinah that year without performing Umrah but could perform it the following year. Also, tribes were free to ally with either side, and any Makkan going to Madinah would be returned, but not vice versa.

Why is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah called a "clear victory" (Fath-e-Mubin) despite its seemingly unfavorable terms?

It was called Fath-e-Mubin (Surah Al-Fath) because it brought peace allowing Islam to spread rapidly through dawah, gave de facto recognition to the Muslim state, and set the stage for the peaceful Conquest of Makkah two years later.

In what year did the Conquest of Makkah (Fath-e-Makkah) occur, and what was its most notable feature?

The Conquest of Makkah occurred in 630 CE (8 AH). Its most notable feature was the Prophet's (PBUH) general amnesty and forgiveness of his former enemies, the bloodless entry into the city, and the cleansing of the Kaaba of idols.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan-e-Islam)?

(1) Shahadah (declaration of faith), (2) Salah (five daily prayers), (3) Zakat (obligatory almsgiving), (4) Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), and (5) Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah for those able).

How many obligatory (Fard) Salah are there daily, and name them with their rakat of Fard.

Five daily prayers: Fajr (2 Fard), Zuhr (4 Fard), Asr (4 Fard), Maghrib (3 Fard), and Isha (4 Fard).

What is Sawm, when is it obligatory, and on whom?

Sawm is fasting, abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). It is obligatory during the month of Ramadan on every adult, sane, healthy Muslim (with exemptions for the sick, traveling, menstruating, pregnant, etc.).

What is the spiritual and social significance of Sawm (fasting)?

Spiritually, Sawm develops Taqwa (God-consciousness), self-discipline, and patience (Sabr). Socially, it fosters empathy for the poor and hungry, encourages charity, and strengthens community bonds through shared fasting, Iftar, and Taraweeh.

What is the Nisab and rate for Zakat on cash, gold, and silver?

Zakat is obligatory at a rate of 2.5% on wealth held for one lunar year above the Nisab threshold. The Nisab is equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

Who are the eight categories of recipients of Zakat as listed in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)?

(1) The poor (Fuqara), (2) the needy (Masakin), (3) Zakat administrators (Amilin), (4) those whose hearts are to be reconciled (Muallafat al-Qulub), (5) freeing slaves/captives (Riqab), (6) those in debt (Gharimin), (7) in the cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah), and (8) the stranded traveler (Ibn al-Sabil).

How does Zakat promote economic justice in Islam?

Zakat redistributes wealth from the rich to the poor, prevents hoarding and concentration of wealth (Surah Al-Hashr 59:7), circulates money through the economy, reduces inequality and poverty, and purifies both wealth and the giver's heart from greed.

What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Zakat is obligatory (Fard) charity at a fixed rate (2.5%) on wealth above Nisab, given to specified categories. Sadaqah is voluntary charity of any amount, given at any time to anyone in need, without fixed rules.

What is Hajj, when is it performed, and what is its significance?

Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah, performed once in a lifetime by every able Muslim during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. It symbolizes unity, equality, and submission to Allah, gathering Muslims worldwide in identical Ihram dress regardless of race or status.

Name four key rituals (Manasik) of Hajj.

(1) Wearing Ihram and making intention, (2) Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), (3) Sai (walking between Safa and Marwah), (4) standing at Arafat (Wuquf), plus stoning the Jamarat at Mina, animal sacrifice (Qurbani), and shaving/cutting hair.

What is the Islamic concept of Ilm (knowledge), and what was the first revealed word of the Quran?

In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge (Ilm) is obligatory and a form of worship, encompassing both religious and worldly sciences. The first revealed word of the Quran was "Iqra" (Read/Recite), in Surah Al-Alaq (96:1), emphasizing the supreme value of knowledge.

State one Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge.

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory (Fard) upon every Muslim." The Prophet (PBUH) also said, "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave," highlighting that learning is a lifelong duty.

Name three notable Muslim scientists/scholars and their fields of contribution.

(1) Al-Khwarizmi, founder of Algebra; (2) Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen), pioneer of optics and the scientific method; (3) Ibn Sina (Avicenna), physician and author of "Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb" (The Canon of Medicine). Also Jabir ibn Hayyan (chemistry) and Al-Razi (medicine).

What were Muslim contributions to mathematics and astronomy?

Muslims introduced the decimal system and Arabic numerals, developed Algebra (Al-Khwarizmi) and Trigonometry, advanced the astrolabe, mapped stars, calculated the Earth's circumference, and built observatories. Al-Biruni and Al-Tusi made major astronomical contributions.

What contributions did Muslims make to arts and architecture?

Muslims developed distinctive arts including Arabic calligraphy, geometric and arabesque patterns, miniature painting, and grand architecture such as the Dome of the Rock, the Alhambra, and the Taj Mahal, along with intricate domes, minarets, and ornamental tilework.

What are the basic human rights guaranteed in Islam?

Islam guarantees the right to life, property, honor and dignity, freedom of religion ("there is no compulsion in religion" - 2:256), equality and justice, education, basic necessities, and protection of the weak, women, minorities, and the oppressed.

When and where did the Prophet (PBUH) deliver his charter of human rights, and name one of its key points.

The Prophet (PBUH) delivered the Farewell Sermon (Khutbah Hajjat al-Wida) in 632 CE at Arafat during his final Hajj. Key points include the sanctity of life and property, the abolition of racial superiority (an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab except by piety), and the rights of women.

How does Islam establish the equality of all human beings, and which verse expresses it?

Islam declares all humans equal in origin and worth, with superiority based only on Taqwa (piety/righteousness). Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) states: "O mankind, We created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. The most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous."

What are the core principles of the Islamic political system?

The core principles are: (1) Sovereignty belongs to Allah (Hakimiyyah); (2) the ruler/state is His vicegerent (Khilafah) and a trustee; (3) Shura (mutual consultation) in governance; (4) rule of law and justice (Adl); and (5) accountability of rulers to the people and to Allah.

What is the meaning and significance of Shura in the Islamic political system?

Shura means mutual consultation, the principle that the ruler must consult the people/qualified members in state affairs. It is commanded in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38) and Surah Al-Imran (3:159), and it forms the basis of consultative, participatory governance in Islam, opposing autocracy.

What is the concept of Khilafah in Islam?

Khilafah is the concept that humans are Allah's vicegerents (Khalifah) on earth, ruling as trustees according to His guidance, not as absolute sovereigns. In politics it refers to a system of governance based on Quran and Sunnah, where the Khalifah is chosen and accountable to both Allah and the community.

What is the difference between Iman, Islam, and Ihsan?

Iman is inner faith (belief in the six articles). Islam is outward submission and practice (the five pillars). Ihsan is excellence in worship, to worship Allah as if you see Him, and though you cannot see Him, knowing that He sees you (from the Hadith of Jibril).

What is the spiritual and social significance of Salah?

Spiritually, Salah maintains a constant connection with Allah, instills discipline, humility, and remembrance (Dhikr), and restrains from indecency (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45). Socially, congregational (Jamaat) prayer fosters unity, equality, brotherhood, punctuality, and community cohesion across all social classes.

What is the difference between Fard, Sunnah, and Nafl acts in Islamic worship?

Fard is an obligatory act commanded by Allah, abandoning it is sinful. Sunnah is an act practiced by the Prophet (PBUH); rewarded if done, not strictly sinful to miss (Sunnah Muakkadah being emphasized). Nafl is voluntary/optional worship that earns extra reward but carries no sin if left.