PPSC Educators Test Islamic Studies Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Islamic Studies deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is Hajj, where and when is it performed, and on whom is it obligatory?

   Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is obligatory once in a lifetime on every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able.

2. What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

   Hajj is the major pilgrimage performed only on specific days of Dhul-Hijjah and is one of the five pillars (obligatory). Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage, performable any time of year, and is not obligatory.

3. What are the six Articles of Faith (Iman-e-Mufassal)?

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

4. Name the four major revealed Books 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.

5. What is Iman-e-Mujmal?

   It is the brief declaration of faith: 'I believe in Allah as He is with His names and attributes, and I accept all His commands.'

6. Name four major angels in Islam and their primary duties.

   Jibreel (conveying revelation), Mikail (provision/rain), Israfil (blowing the trumpet on Judgment Day), and Izrail/Malak-ul-Maut (taking souls).

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

   1) Abu Bakr Siddiq, 2) Umar bin Khattab (Farooq-e-Azam), 3) Uthman bin Affan (Dhun-Nurayn), 4) Ali bin Abi Talib.

8. What was the major challenge during Abu Bakr's caliphate and how did he respond?

   The Ridda (apostasy) wars, in which several tribes rebelled and refused Zakat. Abu Bakr firmly fought them and reunited Arabia under Islam.

9. Why is Umar bin Khattab titled 'Al-Farooq,' and name two of his major administrative reforms.

   He is called Al-Farooq (the one who distinguishes truth from falsehood). Reforms: established the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and created the Diwan (state treasury/register) system; he also organized police and provincial governance.

10. Why is Uthman bin Affan titled 'Dhun-Nurayn,' and what was his greatest religious contribution?

    He is called Dhun-Nurayn (possessor of two lights) because he married two daughters of the Prophet. His greatest contribution was standardizing and distributing the official Quran copies.

11. What was the title of Ali bin Abi Talib, and for what knowledge was he renowned?

    He was titled 'Asadullah' (Lion of Allah) and 'Bab-ul-Ilm' (Gate of Knowledge). He was renowned for his deep knowledge, justice, and eloquence.

12. What major administrative institution did Umar establish to manage state finances and salaries?

    The 'Diwan' system — a register/department that organized the treasury (Bait-ul-Mal), recorded stipends, and managed payments to soldiers and citizens.

13. Which caliph first introduced the institution of the night patrol and is known for personally checking on citizens?

    Umar bin Khattab, who famously patrolled Madinah at night to ensure the welfare of the people.

14. During whose caliphate was the first Islamic naval fleet established?

    During the caliphate of Uthman bin Affan, who established the first Muslim naval fleet.

15. What is the meaning of the famous Hadith: 'Actions are judged by intentions (Innamal A'malu bin-Niyyat)'?

    It teaches that the value and reward of every deed depend on the intention behind it; each person receives according to what they intended.

16. Complete and explain the Hadith: 'None of you truly believes until...'

    '...he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.' It teaches that true faith requires wishing for others the good one desires for oneself.

17. What does the Hadith 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' emphasize?

    It emphasizes the high virtue and superiority of learning the Quran and teaching it to others.

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

    It highlights that purity and cleanliness (physical and spiritual) hold great importance in Islam and constitute a major part of faith.

19. What is the meaning of the Hadith: 'A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe'?

    It defines a true Muslim as someone whose speech and actions cause no harm to others, emphasizing peace and good conduct.

20. What is Fiqh, and what is the difference between Fiqh and Shariah?

    Fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence — the human understanding and derivation of laws. Shariah is the divine law itself from the Quran and Sunnah; Fiqh is its scholarly interpretation and application.

21. What are the four primary sources (Usul) of Islamic law (Fiqh) in order?

    1) Quran, 2) Sunnah (Hadith), 3) Ijma (consensus of scholars), 4) Qiyas (analogical reasoning).

22. Name the four major Sunni schools of Fiqh and their founders.

    Hanafi (Imam Abu Hanifa), Maliki (Imam Malik), Shafi'i (Imam Shafi'i), and Hanbali (Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal).

23. What are the five categories (Ahkam) of human actions in Fiqh?

    1) Fard/Wajib (obligatory), 2) Mustahab/Mandub (recommended), 3) Mubah (permissible), 4) Makruh (disliked), and 5) Haram (forbidden).

24. What is the difference between Fard, Wajib, and Sunnah in Islamic law?

    Fard is an obligatory act proven by definitive evidence (denial is disbelief). Wajib is obligatory but on slightly less definitive evidence. Sunnah is the established practice of the Prophet — strongly recommended but not obligatory.

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