Past Questions Flashcards
(127 cards)
1
Q
The first revelation the Prophet received was: “Read (or recite)! In the name of your Lord…” (96:1–5), True or False?
A
True
2
Q
How many of the Prophet’s sons reached adulthood?
A
None
3
Q
It was in Mecca that the Prophet and the Muslims first fought the Quraysh in self-defence. True or False?
A
False
4
Q
When the Muslims conquered Mecca, what happened? (Choose any/all that apply).
A
Prophet Muhammad pardoned the Quraysh
Prophet Muhammad cleansed the Ka’ba of idols
5
Q
Are the traditional accounts of the life of the Prophet Muhammad accepted by all as historically accurate?
A
Most Muslims accept the traditional account, although there have always been doubts about parts among Muslim scholars.
6
Q
What are some alternative theories about the Prophet Muhammad and his life that a small number of Western scholars have advanced?
A
- That there was no historical person called Muhammad, but that he was invented as a mythological figure.
- That Muslim biographers “whitewashed” the story of Prophet Muhammad’s life to remove any pagan “stain”.
- That initially, Islam was a form of Semitic monotheism, a “movement of believers” rather than a distinct religion.
- That stories about Zayd were manufactured to emphasise the notion of Muhammad being the last prophet.
The answer is all of the above
7
Q
Who was included in the earliest concept of ummah? (Choose any/all the apply)
A
- The Ansar (the Muslims from Medina) and the Muhajirun (the Muslims from Mecca who emigrated).
- The Muslims and the affiliated Jewish and pagan tribes that made a pact.
- Anyone who converted to Islam
8
Q
A messenger (rasul) is a prophet (nabi) but a prophet is not always a messenger. True or false?
A
True
9
Q
What did the Treaty of Hudaybiyya establish? (Choose any/all that apply).
A
- A ten-year truce between the Quraysh and the Muslims.
- Prophet Muhammad’s willingness to engage in diplomacy.
- That aligned tribes could not attack each other.
10
Q
How do most practicing Muslims venerate the Prophet Muhammad?
A
Through following his sunnah (emulating his life).
11
Q
According to the traditional account, the Qur’an was written down during the _________, and compiled during __________
A
- During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad
- During the reign of Caliph Uthman
12
Q
Which verses are short and dramatic
A
Meccan verses
13
Q
Which verses are longer and flowing
A
Medinan verses
14
Q
Which verses are often about community functioning?
A
Medinan Verses
15
Q
Which verses are often poetic and emphatic.
A
Meccan verses
16
Q
Which verses are from the first part of the Prophet’s career.
A
Meccan verses
17
Q
Which verses are about interfaith relations
A
Medinan verses
18
Q
How do Muslims think of the Qur’an?
A
It is the literal word of God
19
Q
What is the Fatihah?
A
The opening chapter of the Qur’an and the canonical prayer.
20
Q
What are abrogating verses?
A
The abrogating verses are those which nullify an/some earlier verse/s. .
21
Q
The major themes of the Qur’an include: (choose any/all that apply).
A
- The oneness of God
- The creation of human beings
- The coming day of Judgement
- The existence of spiritual beings
22
Q
According to Saeed (2006), Fazlur Rahman held a revisionist interpretation of revelation that argued the Qur’an was actually composed by the Prophet Muhammad, although under direction of God.
True or False?
A
False
23
Q
What are the words most Muslims accept as being the first revelation given to the Prophet Muhammad?
A
Read! In the name of your Lord Who created, created humans from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught humanity what they knew not.
Surah Iqra
24
Q
Definition of Hadith
A
the recorded sayings, actions and approval of Prophet Muhammad, forming a major source of Islamic teachings
25
Define Sunnah
the way of life and practices of Prophet muhammad, considered a model for Muslims
26
Define the Quran
The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad
27
Define isnad
the chain of narrators that transmits a hadith, used to assess its authenticity
28
Muslims commonly hold the text of the Qur’an is the same today as when it was given to the Prophet Muhammad.
True or False?
True
29
Shariʿa has a principle that means Muslims can do things that would ordinarily be prohibited if there is a vital need.
True or False?
True
30
Some scholars have defined the aim/s of shariʿa as:
To preserve life, religion, reason, wealth, family, and honour.
31
What was the example of analogical reasoning given by Prof. Saeed in the pre-recorded lecture?
Prohibition of drug use based on prohibition of alcohol consumption
32
Where is the Maliki School school found
Maliki - dominated north and west africa
33
Where does Hanafi school dominate
north governmed by turks and mogols, central asia, turkey
34
Where is Hanbali school found
mostly present as a minority in some central Middle East and dominate some parts of arabian peninsula
35
Where is Shafi'i school found?
central Middle East and along across coasts of the indian ocean in the arabian peninsula to parts of southeast asia
36
Where is Jafari school found
developed in medina and kufa, it can now be found in Iran, Iraq and lebanon
37
What is the primary difference between shariʿa and fiqh?
Shariʿa refers to Islamic law believed to be a divine and perfect system, while fiqh is the human interpretation and application of that law.
38
During the Umayyad caliphate, two styles of interpreting law emerged: from ‘the people of reason’ and ‘the people of hadith’. What were the key characteristics of these two approaches? (Choose all that apply
- The people of reason emphasised the use of personal judgment and analogy in interpreting the texts.
- The people of hadith prioritised literal adherence to the texts over personal reasoning.
39
Define Ijma
Consensus on a legal or theological issue
40
Define Qiyas
Analogical reasonings used to apply established rulings to new situations
41
In at least 150 words answer: do you think "consensus" can be achieved? Why /why not?
Consensus cannot be achieved as it has become increasing difficult to reach a majority agreement due to the many differing opinions amongst muslims/scholars. In the past, Islam was a religion with very few members however in modern times, it has become the 2nd largest (and continuously growing) religion which makes coming to an agreement that the majority are content with very difficult. Furthermore, the ruling that is agreed upon by the majority of muslims does not necessarily mean it is legitimate or valid. We may not know what is the correct ruling and there is no guarantee that a majority agreement on a ruling is considered the right one. Ultimately, what is agreed upon by a majority of muslims is still an interpretation which is subject to bias. This may mean there may be an unconscious bias towards our contemporary contexts in our interpretations. Furthermore, the textual evidence of rulings are constantly questioned and re-interpreted which makes coming to an unanimous agreement extremely difficult.
42
From the sixth century AH / twelfth century CE, many scholars argued that “the gates of ijtihad” were closed, meaning that independent legal reasoning was no longer necessary.
True or False?
True
43
According to Saeed (2006), what was one of the primary purposes of laws?
To create a God-conscious and morally sensitive person with an acute sense of right and wrong
44
Sunni Muslims constitute approximately 85% of the global Muslim population.
True or False?
True
45
Khariji Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's direct lineage.
True or false?
False
- It is Shiʿi Muslims who believe the leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's lineage.
46
Who is considered the first Imam by Shiʿi Muslims?
Ali ibn Abi Talib
47
The Kharijis emerged as a distinct group after which event?
The Arbitration at Siffin
48
____ Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of _______at the Battle of Karbala.
1. Shi'i
2. Husayn ibn 'Ali
49
Which of the following statements concerning what Muslims believe about the Mahdi is NOT accurate?
Some Muslims believe that the Mahdi and the return of Jesus are the same person.
50
What are some things that Muslims believe about Mahdi?
- Neither Sunni nor Shiʿi Muslims know the identity of the Mahdi.
- When the Mahdi comes he will join Jesus in fighting the Dajjal (the Anti-Christ).
- Both Sunni and Shiʿi Muslims believe the Mahdi is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
51
Historically, Sunni and Shiʿi Muslims have been roughly equal in power and dominance in the Muslim world.
True or False?
False
52
How did the Zaydi Muslims (Shia) develop
Zaydi Muslims split over a disagreement about the fifth Imam
53
How did the Ismaili Muslims develop?
Ismaʿili Muslims split over a disagreement about the seventh imam
54
What is a key distinction of Ithna Ashari Muslims
Ithna ʿAshari Muslims recognise a line of twelve Imams
55
What is the difference between Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims
Sunni Muslims recognise Ali (The cousin and son-in law of Prophet Muhammad) as the foruth Caliph
56
The term "dhikr" in Sufism refers to:
Litanies of remembrance of God
57
What does the term "fana'" in Sufism refer to?
Annihilation of the ego
58
Which Sufi saint is associated with the famous line "I am Truth" ("ana al-Haqq")?
Al-Hallaj
59
Ibn 'Arabi was very critical of the doctrine of wahdat al-wujud (the oneness of existence).
True or False?
False
60
dimension of Iman (belief) was developed with which science to explain it?
Theology (kalam)
61
dimension of islam (practice) was developed with which science to explain it?
Jurisprudence (fiqh)
62
dimension of ihsan (perfecting) was developed with which science to explain it?
Sufism (tasawwuf)
63
What happened to Al-Ghazali that pushed him towards Sufism?
He experienced a crisis at the height of his fame as a teacher.
64
What is Rumi's "wedding night"?
The night of Rumi's death, symbolising his union with the Divine.
65
What is "the greater jihad?"
The struggle to purify the heart - to do good and avoid evil.
66
Sufism developed out of, and belongs only to, the Sunni branch of Islam.
True or false?
False
67
What was the role of the Sufi convent?
To teach initiates to learn the practices of the order that founded it.
68
What is the root meaning for the Arabic word j-h-d?
Struggle, striving for, exertion of effort
69
What does fitnah mean?
civil strife
70
what does jihad mean?
struggle
71
what does offensive jihad mean?
initiating war for conquest
72
what does qital mean?
armed conflict
73
Many Sufis say the most important jihad is....
the struggle agaisnt selfish desires
74
Many involved in liberation struggles say the most important jihad is...
taking up arms against oppressive governments
75
Which of the following classes of people are protected in the rules of armed conflict
women, children, non-combatant men, clergy, monks, hermits and elderly men
76
According to classical Muslim jurists, who may declare a jihad?
Only the head of the Muslim state (the caliph)
77
'Qital' (physical fighting) is the same thing as 'jihad'.
True or false?
False
78
Why did the Qur'an give the Muslims given permission to fight?
They were called to defend Medina from the Quraysh's impending attack.
79
The concept of jihad in Islam evolved over time, with some Islamic scholars advocating for more expansionist interpretations.
True or false?
True
80
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the rules of warfare in Islam?
Honoring treaties and agreements is encouraged
81
The verses giving permission for Muslims to eat the food of the People of the Book and marry righteous Jewish and Christian women were abrogated by the verse giving Muslims permission to fight.
True or false?
False
82
What does the word 'caliph' mean?
Deputy or representative
83
What was a major objective of the Abbasids in translating Greek, Persian, and Indian texts?
To advance scientific and philosophical knowledge
84
What significant event marked the end of the Ottoman Caliphate?
The establishment of the Turkish Republic by Atatürk
85
What factors contributed to the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate? (Choose all that apply).
- Internal strife
- Mongol invasion
86
describe some key differences between the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid caliphates
The Rashidun, also known as the "Four Right Guided Calipahtes", were close companions of the Prophet Muhammad and thus, their rule reflected the ideals and goals of the Prophet.
On the other hand, the period of the Umayyads was marked by the internal conflicts between Muslims and the expansion of territories whilst the Abbasids were considered the golden age of knowledge, learning and creation.
The period of the Abbasids was a time of scientific discoveries in fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineerings, Philosophy and more. Indeed, many scholars, philosophers and doctors came to Baghdad to share their ideas.
The Umayyads came into power during a time where there was internal conflict between the Muslims and is a period marked by many social divisions between different groups whereas the Abbasids, after coming together, tried to keep the Caliphate together with its diverse groups and communities however, they had struggled to maintain its rule.
The location of the capital during these period had also changed over time. The capital had moved from Medina, to Damascus and then to Baghdad during the Rashidun, Umayyad and Abbasid periods respectively.
87
Polygamy is practiced universally among Muslims, and every Muslim man is encouraged to have many wives.
True or false?
False
88
Islam considers men and women to have equal spiritual worth and value in the sight of God.
True or False?
True
89
In Islam, women are encouraged to seek knowledge and pursue education.
True or False?
True
90
What are examples of women's rights mentioned in the Qur'an? (Select all that apply.)
- Right to own property
- Right to financial support
91
In general, Muslim women are perceived today as
Having fewer rights than men
92
The Quran made reforms to women’s rights in which areas?
- Inheritance
- Marriage
- Divorce
93
why didDiscriminatory views about women remain in Islamic tradition after the Prophet’s death?
- Due to cultural norms
- The reforms introduced by the Quran were not always put into practice
- Scriptural interpretation remained the domain of men
94
Men and women share the same main religious obligations in Islam, even if there are some secondary differences here and there?
True or false?
True
95
What was known as a "badge of Islam" according to Stillman (2003)?
Men's headcovers
96
is Modern banking interest and riba the same thing?
Some Muslims say it is, other Muslims say it isn’t.
97
Zakat is paid:
Once a year
98
What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah? (Choose all that apply).
- One is voluntary, the other is obligatory
- One is calculated as a percentage, the other can take non-monetary forms
- Only one is a pillar of Islam
99
Riba was prohibited because
It was unjust
100
Islamic banks are different to conventional banks because they:
- Avoid investment in prohibited activities
- Avoid bank interest
101
the challenges facing the Islamic banking industry are:
- The lack of a central authority to regulate them
- Each bank has its own shariʿa board
- The complex contracts that need to be drawn up for permissable transactions
102
Islamic finance products are currently available in Australia?
True or False?
True
103
What’s a problem facing Muslims if interest is considered the same thing as riba?
Inflation means the value of the money decreases over the period of the loan
104
According to Saeed (2004), why do most Islamic banks avoid PLS-based contracts in investment activities?
These contracts are too risky and often result in losses
105
The Pact of Umar is evidence of:
The influence of the historical context on the treatment of religious minorities
106
Quran 49: 13 says, “O humankind We [God] have created you male and female, and made you into communities and tribes, so that you may know one another. Surely the noblest amongst you in the sight of God is the most God-fearing of you. God is All-Knowing and All-Aware.” It can be interpreted to suggest:
a. Diversity is a natural part of society
b. Diversity was planned by God
c. Diversity is God’s will
107
Quran 2:256, “Let there be no compulsion in religion”, is often interpreted to support:
The right to freedom of religion
108
Islam emerged in a religiously plural context
True or False?
True
109
Religions common in Arabia at the time of the Prophet include
a. Polytheism
b. Christianity
110
Mecca in the early 7th century can be described as predominantly:
Polytheistic
111
The Constitution of Medina:
Created one community among the different Medinan tribes
Granted the Jewish tribes religious freedom
Did not distinguish between the Jews and Muslims when it came to their protection
112
Verses of the Quran that appear negative about people of other religions can be understood:
a. As criticising their beliefs, not the people themselves
b. As a response to the particular historical situation at the time
c. As protecting the Muslim community and its identity
113
After Prophet Muhammad died, the treatment of religious minorities by the Muslim state remained the same?
True or False
False
114
Which is not true of the Pact of Umar?
It established restrictions to the right to religious freedom for Muslims
115
Who are the recipients of Zakat according to the Quran
- The poor
- The needy
- Those who are slaves
- Those who are in debt
- The traveller
- In the way of Allah
- Those who administer the collection and distribution of zakat
- Those who have converted to Islam and are in need
116
When and Where was Prophet Muhammad born?
570/571 CE in Mecca
117
What tribe did he come from
Quraysh tribe
118
When did Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation
610 CE - 40 years old
119
When was the migration to Medina, how long was he in Medina
622 CE - 12 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina
120
When and where did Prophet Muhammad die?
632 CE in Medina
121
What is the Uthmanic Codex?
Uthman told people to destroy other writings of Quran to unify them under one standard book
122
What is the structure of the Quran
Longest chapters at the beginning, shortest at the end, 114 chapters in varying lengths
122
What is Ibadat?
Ibadat: rules and regulations associated with worship (prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, zakat, shahadah)
123
What is Muamalat
Mu'amalat: 'transactions' (contracts, civil issues, buying/selling, marriage/divorce)
124
What is Hudud?
Hudud and related matters: matters associated with crimes (criminal law) - this is known as the most controversial aspect of sharia law
Hudud: crimes that carry a penalty explicitly set down in the Quran and/or sunnah
125
Examples of Hudud crimes and punishments
Theft, highway robbery, drinking alcohol, comitting fornication and unsubstantiated accusation of fornication, apostasy
Death penalty, flogging or amputation
126
Who was rumi?
Believed in the capacity of poetry, music and dance as a path to union with God
Emphasised the importance of goodness and charity
Urged unlimited tolerance and peace and respect for other Islamic sects and other religions traditions
Renowned for his poetical works, espeically Masnavi
