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PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies Syllabus

The Islamic Studies syllabus for PPSC Assistant Director Test in full: 5 chapters and 14 topics, every one listed below, plus 51 Islamic Studies flashcards with answers.

5Chapters
14Topics
51Flashcards

Islamic Studies syllabus: all 5 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

  1. Quran and Its Sciences

    3 topics
    • Revelation and Compilation of the Quran
    • Makki and Madani Surahs
    • Important Surahs and Their Themes
  2. Seerat-un-Nabi

    3 topics
    • Life in Makkah and Madinah
    • Conduct and Teachings of the Prophet (PBUH)
    • Khutbah Hajjat-ul-Wida
  3. Pillars of Islam and Iman

    3 topics
    • Five Pillars of Islam
    • Articles of Faith
    • Concept of Tawheed and Risalat
  4. Hadith and Sunnah

    2 topics
    • Famous Books of Hadith
    • Selected Ahadith and Their Meanings
  5. Islamic History and Caliphate

    3 topics
    • The Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen)
    • Major Islamic Personalities
    • Spread of Islam

PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies flashcards — 51 questions with answers

  1. In which Islamic month and on which night did the first revelation of the Quran begin?

    It began in the month of Ramadan, on Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Power), in the cave of Hira.

  2. Who was the first revelation of the Quran brought to the Prophet (PBUH) by, and what were its first words?

    It was brought by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The first words were 'Iqra' (Read!) from Surah Al-Alaq.

  3. Over what time period was the entire Quran revealed to the Prophet (PBUH)?

    Approximately 23 years (about 13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madinah).

  4. During whose caliphate was the Quran first compiled into a single written copy (mushaf), and who led the task?

    During the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA); the compilation was led by Zaid bin Thabit (RA).

  5. Which caliph standardized the Quran into one official recension and distributed copies, earning the title 'Jami-ul-Quran'?

    Caliph Uthman (RA), who prepared standardized copies and sent them to major Islamic cities.

  6. What are Makki Surahs, and where were they revealed?

    Makki Surahs are chapters revealed before the migration (Hijrah), in Makkah. They mainly deal with Tawheed, faith, the Day of Judgment, and resurrection.

  7. What are Madani Surahs, and what subjects do they generally cover?

    Madani Surahs are chapters revealed after the Hijrah, in Madinah. They mainly deal with laws, social conduct, jihad, hudood, and community matters.

  8. Generally, how do Makki Surahs differ in length and tone from Madani Surahs?

    Makki Surahs are usually shorter with powerful, rhythmic verses focused on belief; Madani Surahs are usually longer and detail legislation and social rules.

  9. How many total Surahs are there in the Quran, and how many verses (approximately)?

    There are 114 Surahs and approximately 6,236 verses (ayat).

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

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

  11. What is Surah Al-Fatiha also known as, and what is its main theme?

    It is known as 'Umm-ul-Kitab' (Mother of the Book). Its theme is praise of Allah, His mercy and lordship, and a prayer for guidance on the straight path.

  12. What is the central theme of Surah Al-Ikhlas?

    It declares the pure Oneness of Allah (Tawheed): Allah is One, eternal, self-sufficient, and has no offspring nor equal.

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

    Surah Yaseen is traditionally called the heart (Qalb) of the Quran.

  14. What is the theme of Surah Al-Asr?

    It teaches that mankind is in loss except those who believe, do righteous deeds, and counsel one another to truth and patience.

  15. Which Surah of the Quran does not begin with Bismillah?

    Surah At-Tawbah (Surah 9) does not begin with Bismillah.

  16. What was the social, religious, and moral condition of Arabia before Islam called?

    It was called the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah), marked by idol worship, tribal warfare, burying daughters alive, gambling, and injustice.

  17. At what age did the Prophet (PBUH) receive his first revelation, and at what age did he pass away?

    He received the first revelation at age 40 and passed away at age 63.

  18. What was the event of Hijrah, and what calendar begins from it?

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

  19. What was the first thing the Prophet (PBUH) did upon arriving in Madinah?

    He built the Masjid-e-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) and established brotherhood (Mu'akhaat) between the Muhajireen and Ansar.

  20. What was the Charter (Constitution) of Madinah?

    It was a written agreement organizing relations among Muslims, Jews, and other tribes of Madinah, guaranteeing mutual defense, rights, and religious freedom.

Show the other 31 Islamic Studies flashcards
  1. What titles were given to the Prophet (PBUH) by the people of Makkah even before prophethood?

    He was called 'Al-Sadiq' (the Truthful) and 'Al-Amin' (the Trustworthy).

  2. What is meant by the Prophet (PBUH) being described as 'Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen'?

    It means he was sent as a 'Mercy to all the worlds' — his message and conduct were a blessing for all of mankind.

  3. Name three key moral teachings demonstrated in the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH).

    Truthfulness and honesty, kindness and mercy to all (including enemies and animals), and justice and forgiveness, as shown at the conquest of Makkah.

  4. When and where was the Khutbah Hajjat-ul-Wida (Farewell Sermon) delivered?

    It was delivered in 10 AH (632 CE) during the Farewell Pilgrimage, at the plain of Arafat near Makkah.

  5. State two major points emphasized in the Farewell Sermon (Khutbah Hajjat-ul-Wida).

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

  6. What did the Prophet (PBUH) declare in the Farewell Sermon about superiority between an Arab and a non-Arab?

    He declared no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, nor white over black, except by piety (taqwa) and good deeds.

  7. What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

    Shahadah (faith/testimony), Salah (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).

  8. What is the Shahadah (the first pillar of Islam)?

    It is the declaration of faith: 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah.'

  9. How many obligatory (fard) daily prayers are there, and how many total fard rak'ahs do they contain?

    There are five obligatory daily prayers (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha), totaling 17 fard rak'ahs.

  10. What is the prescribed rate of Zakat on accumulated wealth, and what is the threshold called?

    The rate is 2.5% of eligible wealth held for one lunar year, payable when wealth reaches the minimum threshold known as Nisab.

  11. During which Islamic month is fasting (Sawm) obligatory, and from when to when does the daily fast last?

    Fasting is obligatory in the month of Ramadan, from dawn (Fajr/Subh Sadiq) until sunset (Maghrib).

  12. In which Islamic month is Hajj performed, and on how many is it obligatory?

    Hajj is performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah and is obligatory once in a lifetime upon every Muslim who is financially and physically able.

  13. What are the six Articles of Faith (Iman) in Islam?

    Belief in: (1) Allah, (2) His Angels, (3) His Books, (4) His Messengers, (5) the Day of Judgment, and (6) Divine Decree (Qadr, good and bad).

  14. Name four revealed Books mentioned in the Articles of Faith and the prophets to whom they were given.

    Torah (Tawrat) to Musa, Psalms (Zabur) to Dawud, Gospel (Injil) to Isa, and the Quran to Muhammad (PBUH).

  15. What is the concept of Tawheed?

    Tawheed is the belief in the absolute Oneness of Allah — that He is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and the only one worthy of worship, with no partner or equal.

  16. What is the concept of Risalat?

    Risalat is the belief in prophethood — that Allah sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity, with Muhammad (PBUH) being the last and final messenger (Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen).

  17. What is the opposite of Tawheed, and why is it the gravest sin in Islam?

    Its opposite is Shirk (associating partners with Allah). It is the gravest sin because it violates the very foundation of Islamic belief — the Oneness of Allah.

  18. What is the title given to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signifying he is the final prophet?

    Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen (the Seal of the Prophets) — no prophet will come after him.

  19. What are the two main categories of Hadith collections, and name the most famous of the first category?

    The categories are the Sihah Sittah (six authentic books) and others. The most famous is Sahih al-Bukhari, considered the most authentic book after the Quran.

  20. List the six canonical books of Hadith known as the Sihah Sittah.

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

  21. Who compiled Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim?

    Sahih al-Bukhari was compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim was compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.

  22. What is a Hadith, and what are its two basic parts?

    A Hadith is a recorded saying, action, or approval of the Prophet (PBUH). Its two parts are the Sanad (chain of narrators) and the Matn (text/content).

  23. Explain the Hadith: 'Actions are judged by intentions (Innamal a'malu bin-niyyat).'

    It means the reward and value of any deed depend on the intention behind it; a person is rewarded according to what they truly intended.

  24. Explain the meaning of the Hadith: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.'

    It teaches that complete faith requires wishing the same good and welfare for fellow Muslims that one desires for oneself.

  25. Explain the Hadith: 'Cleanliness is half of faith (At-tahooru shatrul iman).'

    It emphasizes that physical and spiritual purity is a fundamental part of faith and highly valued in Islam.

  26. Who were the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen) in order?

    Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab (Farooq), Uthman ibn Affan (Ghani), and Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).

  27. How long is the era of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, and who was the first caliph?

    It lasted about 30 years (632–661 CE). The first caliph was Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA).

  28. What major achievement is Abu Bakr (RA) known for during his caliphate?

    He suppressed the apostasy (Ridda) wars, defeated false prophets, and initiated the first compilation of the Quran into one book.

  29. What administrative achievements is Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) famous for?

    He established the Islamic Hijri calendar, founded the system of Diwan (state registers), organized the judiciary and provinces, and greatly expanded the Islamic state (including Persia, Syria, and Egypt).

  30. Why was Uthman (RA) given the title 'Ghani', and what major scholarly work is credited to him?

    He was called 'Ghani' (the Generous) for his wealth spent in Allah's cause. He standardized the Quran into one official version, distributing identical copies across the empire.

  31. What title was given to Ali (RA), and for what knowledge was he renowned?

    He was given the title 'Bab-ul-Ilm' (the Gate of Knowledge) by the Prophet (PBUH), being renowned for his deep knowledge, wisdom, justice, and bravery.

PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies FAQ

What is in the PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies syllabus?

PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies is split into 5 chapters: Quran and Its Sciences, Seerat-un-Nabi, Pillars of Islam and Iman, Hadith and Sunnah and Islamic History and Caliphate. Together they contain 14 topics.

How many chapters are in PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies?

5 chapters, containing 14 topics. The largest chapter is Quran and Its Sciences, with 3 topics.

Are there flashcards for PPSC Assistant Director Test Islamic Studies?

Yes — a 51-card Islamic Studies deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.