1. ISLAM AND PROPHET MOHAMMAD (S.A.W.)

Question 1

What is the literal meaning of Islam?

Answer 1

to surrender oneself completely to God’s will.

Question 2

Who is considered a Muslim?

Answer 2

one who practices Islam and surrenders to God’s will.

Question 3

Is Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) considered divine in Islam?

Answer 3

No, he is not considered divine. He is the human messenger of God’s revelation.

Question 4

Why do Muslims reject the term “Mohammedans”?

Answer 4

Muslims reject the term “Mohammedans” because it wrongly implies that they worship Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) rather than God alone.

Question 5

Where was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) born, and when?

Answer 5

around 570 A.D. in Mecca, a commercial town

Question 6

What significant event in Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s life marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar?

Answer 6

622 A.D., the year of the Hijra (emigration) from Mecca to Medina.

Question 7

When was the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad?

Answer 7

around 610 A.D.

Question 8

What was the religious situation in Mecca before Islam?

Answer 8

It involved the worship of spirits, idols, and multiple gods and goddesses.

Question 9

What is the period of ‘Jahiliyyah’?

Answer 9

The period of ignorance before the advent of Islam, characterized by practices like infanticide and idol worship.

Question 10

The period of ignorance before the advent of Islam, characterized by practices like infanticide and idol worship.

Answer 10

Jahiliyyah

Question 11

Who were the ‘hanif’?

Answer 11

Hanif were monotheists who believed in one God, like Abraham in the Qur’an.

Question 12

Were monotheists who believed in one God, like Abraham in the Qur’an.

Answer 12

hanif

Question 13

What role did Mecca play before the rise of Islam?

Answer 13

center of pilgrimage, commerce, and a meeting place of many religions.

Question 14

What accusation was made against Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) when he first started preaching?

Answer 14

He was accused of being possessed by spirits, like other people in Mecca who made strange pronouncements.

Question 15

What hardships did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) experience in his early life?

Answer 15

He was orphaned early in life, experiencing deprivation, poverty, and insecurity.

Question 16

Who was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s first wife, and how did she influence his life?

Answer 16

His first wife was Khadijah, a wealthy widow who provided him with children, security, and happiness. She was also his first believer and supporter after his initial revelation.

Question 17

Describe the first revelation that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received.

Answer 17

While praying on a hill near Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received a revelation from the Angel Gabriel, commanding him to “Recite!” This revelation is recorded in Surah 96:1-4 of the Qur’an.

Question 18

What was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s initial reaction to the revelation, and how did he gain confidence in his role as a prophet?

Answer 18

His initial reaction was fear and apprehension, thinking he might be possessed. However, with the encouragement of his wife Khadijah, he eventually accepted his role as the Messenger of God.

Question 19

How did the people of Mecca initially react to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s preaching?

Answer 19

The people of Mecca first laughed at him, then grew annoyed and angry, as his teachings threatened their vested interests.

Question 20

the “community of faith” that followed Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), leaving behind their lives in Mecca to support and live under his guidance in Medina.

Answer 20

Ummah

Question 21

What was the significance of the “Ummah” that traveled with Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to Medina?

Answer 21

The Ummah was the “community of faith” that followed Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), leaving behind their lives in Mecca to support and live under his guidance in Medina.

Question 22

Why did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) initially face Jerusalem during prayer, and why was this later changed?

Answer 22

Initially, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and his followers faced Jerusalem during prayer, thinking of their religion as a continuation of Judaism. When the Jews rejected his message, the direction of prayer (Qibla) was changed to Mecca.

Question 23

The victory at the ___ was seen as a sign of God’s approval of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s mission, consolidating his power and influence in Medina.

Answer 23

Battle of Badr

Question 24

In __, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) negotiated an agreement with the Meccans to allow him and his followers to perform the pilgrimage the following year.

Answer 24

628 A.D.

Question 25

What was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s first act after the peaceful surrender of Mecca?

Answer 25

purify the Kaabah of its idols, leaving only the Black Stone, and proclaiming the oneness of God.

Question 26

After Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)’s death in __, his close companion and father-in-law, __, was appointed as __, the first leader to succeed him in ruling the Muslim community.

Answer 26

• 632 A.D
• Abu Bakr
• Caliph

Question 27

What are the five (5) pillars of Islam/Basic tenets of Islam?

Answer 27

1. The Profession of Faith (Shahada)
2. The Five Times Daily Prayers (Salat)
3. Alms giving (Zakat)
4. Fasting (Saum)
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Question 28

What are the five (5) obligatory prayers?

Answer 28

1) Salat al-Fajr - The Dawn Prayer
2) Salat al Zufr - The Noon Prayer
3) Salat al-Asr - The Afternoon Prayer
4) Salat al-Maghrib - The Sunset Prayer
5) Salat al Aisha - The Evening Prayer

Question 29

What does the Shahada declare?

Answer 29

“There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

Question 30

What is the third pillar of Islam, related to charity?

Answer 30

Zakat (Almsgiving)

Question 31

How many times do Muslims pray daily?

Answer 31

5 times

Question 32

How much wealth must Muslims typically give for Zakat?

Answer 32

2.5% of their wealth.

Question 33

During which month do Muslims fast?

Answer 33

The holy month of Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Question 34

What is the significance of fasting in Islam?

Answer 34

It promotes spiritual discipline, self-control, and empathy for the less fortunate.

Question 35

What is the name of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth pillar of Islam?

Answer 35

Hajj

Question 36

How many times must a Muslim complete the Hajj if able?

Answer 36

Once in a lifetime

Question 37

The first pillar of Islam is (1)__ (The Profession of Faith). It represents the core belief in the oneness of God ((2)__) and the acceptance of Muhammad as God’s messenger. The Shahada states: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

Answer 37

1) Shahada
2) Tawhid

Question 38

the most fundamental expression of Islamic beliefs. It is whispered into the ear of a newborn and repeated during prayers and throughout life. Reciting it with conviction makes one a Muslim, and it is the last phrase a Muslim should hear or say before death.

Answer 38

Shahada

Question 39

The second pillar of Islam is (1)__ (The Five Daily Prayers). Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing (2)__. The prayers occur at specific times: dawn ((3)__), noon ((4)__), afternoon ((5)__), sunset ((6)__), and night ((7)__).

Answer 39

1) Salat
2) Mecca
3) Fajr
4) Zuhur
5) Asr
6) Maghrib
7) Isha

Question 40

Before performing Salat, a Muslim must perform (1)__(__), which is a purification ritual. The face, hands, arms, and feet are washed, and one must be in a clean state of body and mind. The prayer space must also be clean, though a mosque is not required.

Answer 40

1) Wudhu (ablution)

Question 41

The third pillar of Islam is (1)__(Almsgiving). Muslims are required to give (2)__ of their accumulated wealth and assets to those in need annually. Zakat purifies wealth, reminds Muslims of the blessings they have, and ensures economic justice by helping the poor and destitute.

Answer 41

1) Zakat
2) 2.5%

Question 42

Are there any exceptions to fasting during Ramadhan?

Answer 42

Yes, exceptions include the sick, elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and children who have not yet reached puberty. Those unable to fast must compensate by feeding the poor or fasting at a later date.

Question 43

The fifth pillar is (1)__ (Pilgrimage to Mecca). Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs during the Islamic month of (2)__ and involves a series of rituals over several days.

Answer 43

1) Hajj
2) Dhul-Hijjah

Question 44

The (1)__, a cube-shaped structure in Mecca, is the holiest site in Islam. It is believed to have been built by the (2)__ and his son (3)__ as a house of monotheistic worship. During Hajj, pilgrims walk around it (4)__ times in a ritual called (5)__, symbolizing the unity of believers in the worship of the One God.

Answer 44

1) Kaaba
2) Prophet Abraham
3) Ishmael
4) seven
5) Tawaf