JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2023

The first pledge of Aqabah was signed in 621 C.E.
The pledge of Aqabah was a significant event in the early history of Islam. It took place in the city of Aqabah, near Mecca, in the year 621 C.E. This event marked a turning point in the spread of Islam and the relationship between the Muslim community and the people of Medina.
During this pledge, a group of twelve people from the city of Medina, known as the Ansar or supporters, met with the Prophet Muhammad and made a commitment to support and protect him and his followers. This pledge showed their faith in Islam and their willingness to join the growing Muslim community.
The significance of this pledge was that it provided a safe haven for Muslims who were facing persecution in Mecca. It also laid the foundation for the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, which would later become the capital of the Islamic state.
In summary, the first pledge of Aqabah was signed in the year 621 C.E. It was a crucial event in the history of Islam, signifying the support and protection of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers by the people of Medina. This pledge played a vital role in the expansion and establishment of the Muslim community.

Talaq al-Bida'ah is a type of divorce that takes effect when it is pronounced in a specific manner. To understand this, let's break down the conditions: 1. Firstly, the divorce should be pronounced when the wife is still in her marital home. This means that the husband cannot divorce his wife when she is away from their shared residence. 2. Secondly, the divorce should be pronounced when the wife is purified of her menses. In Islamic law, a divorce cannot be validly pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle. It can only be done when she is in a period of purity. 3. Thirdly, the divorce can be either pronounced verbally or in writing. This means that the husband can say the words of divorce out loud or write them down and communicate it to his wife. 4. Finally, Talaq al-Bida'ah takes effect when the husband pronounces the divorce three times simultaneously. This means that he has to state divorce words such as "I divorce you" three times in one instance. It is important for the husband to utter the divorce words only once, but with the understanding that it counts as three divorces. It is essential to understand that Talaq al-Bida'ah, also known as triple divorce or instant divorce, is considered highly discouraged in Islam. Scholars emphasize the importance of reconciliation and exhausting other means of resolving marital disputes before resorting to this form of divorce.

Marriage is a special and important relationship between two individuals that serves many purposes. However, it is important to note that not all functions of marriage are related to personal or material gain. One of the functions that marriage does not fulfill is a quick means of getting rich.
Marriage provides many important functions, such as sexual satisfaction, the foundation of family life, and security in old age.
Firstly, sexual satisfaction is an essential function of marriage. It allows two individuals to build an intimate physical connection, fostering love and emotional well-being within the relationship.
Secondly, marriage serves as the foundation of family life. It is where couples come together to form a family unit, creating a stable and nurturing environment for children to grow and develop emotionally, socially, and psychologically.
Thirdly, marriage provides security in old age. As couples grow older, they can rely on each other for emotional and financial support. This helps to alleviate concerns about loneliness and financial instability in the later stages of life.
However, marriage is not a quick means of getting rich. While a strong and healthy marriage can provide economic stability, it is not a guaranteed shortcut to amassing wealth. Financial success requires effort, hard work, and smart decision-making, both individually and as a couple.
In conclusion, marriage fulfills important functions such as sexual satisfaction, serving as the foundation of family life, and offering security in old age. However, it should not be viewed as a means of quickly acquiring wealth.

The classifications of Hadith are used to categorize the authenticity and reliability of the narrations. The given options are:

Daif: This classification refers to weak Hadiths. These narrations have a weakness in either their chain of narrators or in the content of the Hadith itself. They are not considered strong or reliable enough to form a basis for beliefs or practices.

Mawdu: Mawdu Hadiths are fabricated or forged narrations that have been falsely attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These Hadiths were intentionally created by individuals for various reasons and are not considered authentic or reliable.

Sahih: Sahih refers to authentic Hadiths. These are narrations that have a strong and reliable chain of narrators and are in accordance with Islamic teachings. Sahih Hadiths are considered a reliable source of guidance and can be used to derive Islamic rulings and understand the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Hasan: Hasan Hadiths are those that have a good, but not as strong, chain of narrators. While they are not as strong as Sahih Hadiths, they are still considered reliable and can be used as a source of guidance in matters of Islamic practice.

Therefore, from the given options, the classification of Hasam does not exist. It is not a recognized classification of Hadith.

The Surah which begins with four oaths is Surah at-Tin. In this Surah, Allah takes four solemn oaths to emphasize the importance of the message that is to follow. The use of oath is a rhetorical device to grab the attention of the listener and highlight the significance of what is being said. The Surah begins with the oath by the fig, then the oath by the olive, followed by the oath by Mount Sinai, and finally, the oath by this city (Makkah). These oaths serve as a way to capture the attention of the listeners and make them reflect upon the greatness of Allah's creation. Each oath corresponds to a specific lesson or message. The fig represents God's perfect creation and its sweetness can be seen as a symbol of the sweetness and goodness found in obedience to Allah. The olive is another tree that is mentioned in the Quran, and it symbolizes peace and blessings. Mount Sinai is the place where Prophet Musa (Moses) received the revelation from Allah, highlighting the importance of divine guidance. And the city, Makkah, holds great significance as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the center of Islam. The Surah continues to deliver a powerful message of gratitude, warning, and a reminder of human responsibilities. It emphasizes that those who do righteous deeds, believe in Allah, and follow His guidance will be rewarded with a blissful life, while those who reject the truth and engage in wrongdoing will face consequences. In summary, Surah at-Tin begins with four oaths to grab the attention of the listeners and highlight the importance of the message that follows. Each oath symbolizes a specific lesson and serves to remind us of Allah's greatness and the importance of following His guidance. The Surah emphasizes the importance of righteousness, gratitude, and warns against the consequences of rejecting the truth.

Imam an-Nasai spent his days in Khurasan. Khurasan is a historical region located in northeastern Iran, parts of Afghanistan, and Central Asia. It was a very important cultural and intellectual center during Imam an-Nasai's time.
Imam an-Nasai was a renowned scholar and had a deep knowledge of the hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). He spent a significant amount of time in Khurasan, studying, collecting, and teaching hadiths.
Khurasan was known for its vibrant scholarly community and was home to many prominent Islamic scholars. Imam an-Nasai benefited from the rich intellectual environment of Khurasan and devoted himself to the study and preservation of the hadiths.
His dedication in collecting hadiths led to the compilation of a famous book called "Sunan an-Nasai," which is one of the six most authentic books of hadiths in Sunni Islam. This book contains a collection of hadiths along with their chains of narrators, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
In conclusion, Imam an-Nasai spent his days in Khurasan, where he immersed himself in the study of hadiths and contributed greatly to the preservation of Islamic knowledge through his compilation of "Sunan an-Nasai."

The first Mu'adh-Dhin in Islam was Bilal. He holds a significant place in Islamic history as he was chosen by Prophet Muhammad himself to be the one to call the Muslims to prayer. Bilal was known for his beautiful voice and his unwavering faith. He was a former slave who embraced Islam and became one of the Prophet's most trusted companions.
Bilal's selection as the first Mu'adh-Dhin highlights the value and importance Islam places on equality. It shattered the social norms of the time, where a former slave was given such a prestigious role in the community. Prophet Muhammad recognized Bilal's devotion and piety, proving that in Islam, one's worth is not determined by their social status or background, but by their faith and character.
Bilal's call to prayer became an iconic symbol of Islam. His voice echoed through the streets of Madinah, inviting people to worship Allah and reminding them of their obligations as Muslims. The adhan, or call to prayer, continues to be a vital part of Islamic practice worldwide to this day.
In a simple summary, the first Mu'adh-Dhin in Islam was Bilal. He was chosen by Prophet Muhammad for his faith and beautiful voice, regardless of his former slave status. This emphasizes the Islamic principle of equality and showcases the importance of the call to prayer in the religion.

Voluntary fasting is encouraged on Mondays.
Fasting on Mondays is considered a virtuous act in Islam. It is not obligatory but highly recommended as it follows the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who used to fast on Mondays.
Fasting on Mondays has several benefits. It helps to gain extra rewards from Allah, strengthens one's faith, purifies the soul, and provides an opportunity for self-discipline and self-reflection. Additionally, fasting on Mondays can boost physical health by allowing the body to detoxify and promoting weight loss.
However, it is important to note that fasting is a personal choice and one should always consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking any fasting regimen, as individual circumstances may vary.

In the Quran chapter 95 verse 3, Makkah is referred to as the city of *security*. This means that Makkah is a place of safety and protection. It is a city where people can feel secure and have peace of mind. This verse highlights the importance of security in Makkah and emphasizes the sacredness and tranquility of the city. Makkah is considered to be a holy city in Islam, and millions of Muslims visit it every year for the pilgrimage known as Hajj. During this time, the city is filled with worshippers from around the world, and it is essential for them to feel safe and protected during their journey. The mention of Makkah as the city of security in the Quran highlights the significance of this aspect and emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful and secure environment for the people who visit and reside in Makkah.

The main means of transport used by the Arabs in the desert was the camel.
Camels are perfectly designed for living and traveling in desert environments. They have some unique adaptations that make them the ideal choice for traversing the desert.
One of the key reasons for using camels is their ability to conserve water. Camels are able to go for long periods of time without drinking water, which is a crucial factor in arid desert conditions where water sources may be scarce. They can survive for several days without drinking, and when they do have access to water, they can drink up to 30 gallons at once to replenish their reserves.
Another advantage of camels is their ability to tolerate extreme temperatures. They have a thick coat that helps to insulate them from the heat during the day and keep them warm at night. Their broad feet distribute their weight over a larger surface area, preventing them from sinking into the soft desert sand.
Camels also have a unique way of navigating through the desert. They have a strong sense of direction and can remember their travel routes even after long periods of time. They can use landmarks and the position of the sun and stars to find their way and avoid getting lost.
In addition to their physical adaptations, camels have been an integral part of Arab culture for centuries. They have been domesticated and trained to carry heavy loads, making them valuable for transporting goods and people across the vast desert landscapes. They are also well-suited for long journeys, as they are resilient and can withstand the challenges of desert travel.
Therefore, the camel was the primary means of transportation for the Arabs in the desert due to its adaptability to the harsh desert environment, its water conservation capabilities, its heat tolerance, its navigation skills, and its cultural significance in Arab society.

Hadith 5 of an-Nawawi teaches us about the importance of intention in our actions. It highlights that our intentions should be pure and sincere when performing any act of worship or obeying Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Indeed, actions are judged by intentions, and every person shall have what they intended." This means that our intentions are the foundation of our actions.
Whether it is praying, giving charity, or fasting, our actions will only be accepted by Allah if our intentions are solely for His sake and not for worldly gains or show-off. This hadith reminds us to constantly check and purify our intentions so that our acts of worship become a means of drawing closer to Allah and seeking His pleasure.
In addition, this hadith also emphasizes that our intentions influence the value and reward of our actions. If our intention is to please Allah and seek His reward, our actions will be considered as acts of worship. On the other hand, if our intention is driven by worldly desires or to impress others, our actions may not have any spiritual value.
Therefore, this hadith reminds us to reflect on our intentions and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. By having sincere intentions, we can transform our everyday actions into acts of worship, strengthen our faith, and avoid any innovations or deviations in our religious practices.

The capital of the ancient Ghana empire was Awkar. The Ghana empire existed from the 4th to 13th centuries in West Africa. Awkar was located in present-day Mali, near the Niger River.
Awkar was an important trading city and served as the political and economic center of the Ghana empire. It was strategically situated between the desert region to the north and the forest region to the south, which allowed for easy access to valuable trade resources from both areas.
The wealth and power of the Ghana empire were primarily built on the control of gold and salt trade routes. Gold was abundant in the forest regions to the south, while salt was scarce in the desert regions to the north. The empire's location made it a critical hub for facilitating trade between the two regions.
Awkar became a flourishing city due to its role as a commercial center. It attracted merchants from various parts of Africa and beyond. These merchants brought goods like textiles, spices, and other valuable resources, creating a bustling marketplace in Awkar.
As the capital of the Ghana empire, Awkar was also home to important political and administrative institutions. It was where the king, known as the Ghana, held court and made decisions regarding the empire. The city was likely adorned with beautiful palaces, mosques, and other structures representing the empire's wealth and influence.
In summary, Awkar served as the capital of the ancient Ghana empire. It was a thriving city located in present-day Mali, known for its importance in trade, politics, and administration.

"Lam yalid wa lam yulad"(Q 112:3) is preceded by "Qul Huwal Lahu Ahad". In the Quran, "Qul Huwal Lahu Ahad" is the 112th chapter, also known as Surah Al-Ikhlas. It is a short but powerful chapter that emphasizes the oneness of Allah. Before the verse "Lam yalid wa lam yulad"(Q 112:3), which translates to "He neither begets nor is born," Allah asks Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to proclaim that He is One and has no partners or children. This affirmation of Allah's oneness sets the context for the following verse which emphasizes that Allah does not have any children or offspring. By stating "Lam yalid wa lam yulad," Allah clarifies that He does not have the need to have children or to be born Himself. This is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief, as it highlights the uniqueness and incomparability of Allah. It reinforces the concept that Allah is eternal, self-sufficient, and does not share any attributes or characteristics with His creation. Overall, the verse "Lam yalid wa lam yulad" serves as a reminder for believers to understand and accept the concept of divine oneness, and to recognize that Allah is beyond any human understanding or resemblance.

Maliki yawmid-Din is translated as "the King of the Day of Judgement". This phrase is part of the opening chapter of the Quran, known as Surah Al-Fatihah. It is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer. In this phrase, "Maliki yawmid-Din", the word "Malik" means "king" or "sovereign". It refers to Allah, the one and only God, as the ultimate ruler who holds complete authority and power over everything that exists. The phrase "yawm al-Din" translates to "the Day of Judgement". It refers to a future day when everyone will be held accountable for their actions in this world. It is the day when people will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds. Putting it all together, "Maliki yawmid-Din" means that Allah is the supreme King who possesses complete authority and control over the Day of Judgement. It emphasizes the concept of divine justice, where Allah will judge everyone fairly and impartially based on their actions on that final day. Overall, this phrase acknowledges Allah's sovereignty and reminds believers of their ultimate accountability and the significance of the Day of Judgement.

The state into which the pilgrim enters before the time of Hajj is Ihram. Ihram is a sacred state that pilgrims enter into before performing Hajj or Umrah. It is a state of purity and devotion that involves specific rituals and restrictions.
When a pilgrim enters Ihram, they must dress in prescribed clothing, which consists of two unsewn white sheets for men and modest clothing for women. This simple attire symbolizes equality and unity among all pilgrims, regardless of their social status or wealth.
Entering into Ihram involves making intentions and pronouncing the Talbiyyah, which is a declaration of a pilgrim's dedication and intention to perform Hajj or Umrah. The Talbiyyah is recited throughout the pilgrimage as a constant reminder of the purpose and devotion of the pilgrim.
In this state of Ihram, certain restrictions are imposed. Pilgrims must abstain from activities such as cutting hair or nails, using perfumes or scented products, engaging in any form of sexual activity, and arguing or engaging in any form of violence. These restrictions are meant to shift the pilgrim's focus solely on the spiritual journey and to promote a peaceful and harmonious environment among fellow pilgrims.
By entering into Ihram, the pilgrim embraces a state of humbleness, purity, and dedication to their religious obligations. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness and significance of the pilgrimage and helps pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience of Hajj or Umrah.

The Suratud-Duha in the Quran consists of a total of 11 verses. If we exclude the last verse from this surah, we are left with the remaining verses. Therefore, without the last verse, the remaining verses are 10.
To summarize: - Suratud-Duha has 11 verses in total. - If we remove the last verse from this surah, we are left with the remaining verses. - Hence, without the last verse, the remaining verses in Suratud-Duha are 10.
Therefore, the correct answer is 10.

In Quran 24:32, the injunction is that Muslims are encouraged to marry righteous partners. This means that it is recommended for Muslims to seek spouses who are pious, morally upright, and have good character. This verse does not command Muslims to marry more than one wife nor does it discourage polygamy. Its main emphasis is on the importance of choosing a spouse who is committed to their faith and leads a righteous life. Therefore, the correct option is that Quran 24:32 enjoins Muslims to marry righteous partners.

A'ishah played a major role in the transmission of Hadiths. A'ishah was one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, and she possessed a remarkable memory and knowledge. She had a close relationship with the Prophet, which allowed her to witness and learn directly from him. As a result, she became a prominent source for the collection and transmission of Hadiths, which are the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. A'ishah narrated numerous Hadiths, and her knowledge and expertise in Islamic matters made her a renowned scholar among the companions of the Prophet. Her contributions in preserving and conveying the teachings and traditions of the Prophet have played a crucial role in shaping Islamic scholarship.

Fajr = 2
Jummah = 2
Asr = 4
Magrib = 3
Ishai = 4

Lawhul-Mahfudh is a Quranic term that refers to the Preserved Tablet in Islam. According to Islamic beliefs, the Quran is considered to be the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over the course of 23 years.
The Lawhul-Mahfudh is seen as a sacred tablet where the entirety of the Quran has been recorded since the beginning of time. It is believed to be an eternal and unchangeable copy of the Quran that exists in the heavenly realm.
The Lawhul-Mahfudh is associated with the Quran in terms of preservation. It signifies that the Quran has been meticulously protected and safeguarded from any alterations or distortions throughout history. The belief is that every word and letter of the Quran has remained unchanged since it was first revealed. This is considered a miraculous aspect of the Quran and demonstrates its authenticity and divinity.
While the options provided also touch on other aspects related to the Quran, such as memorization, compilation, and recitation, the term Lawhul-Mahfudh specifically emphasizes the concept of preservation. It reflects the belief that the Quran is not only a book that was compiled and memorized by early Muslims, but also a divine scripture that has been safeguarded by God Himself.

The idol that was not a part of Jahilliyyah was al-Jibl.
Jahilliyyah refers to the pre-Islamic Arabian period of ignorance and idol worship. During this time, the Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by various tribes who venerated idols and practiced polytheism. They believed that these idols were intermediaries between them and the gods.
Out of the four options given, al-Jibl is the only idol that does not have a direct connection to the pre-Islamic period of Jahilliyyah. The other three idols, namely al-Manat, al-Uzzah, and al-Lat, were revered and worshipped by the Arabian tribes during that time.
One important thing to note is that when Islam emerged, the Prophet Muhammad preached against idol worship and encouraged monotheism. He declared that these idols, including al-Manat, al-Uzzah, and al-Lat, were false deities and had no power or influence.
By rejecting idol worship and promoting monotheism, Islam brought an end to the era of Jahilliyyah and established a new era of faith in one God, Allah.

The prayer that is not observed between Isha and Fajr is the Istisqa prayer.
The Istisqa prayer is a special prayer that is performed to seek rainfall from Allah during times of drought or scarcity of water. It is not specifically tied to any particular time of the day and can be performed at any time when the need for rain arises.
On the other hand, the other three prayers mentioned - Tahajjud, Shafi, and Witr - are all observed between the Isha and Fajr prayers.
Tahajjud is the voluntary night prayer that is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is a recommended prayer that holds immense spiritual benefits and allows individuals to seek closeness to Allah in the tranquility of the night.
Shafi is a voluntary prayer that can be performed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. It is a Sunnah prayer that is highly recommended, although not obligatory. It is performed in pairs of two units (raka'ahs).
Witr is the final prayer of the day and is performed after the Tahajjud prayer or, if one did not perform Tahajjud, after the Isha prayer. It is a single unit prayer and it is considered highly recommended to perform Witr prayer before going to sleep.
Therefore, the prayer that is not observed between Isha and Fajr is the Istisqa prayer, as it is not specifically tied to any fixed time of the day and can be performed whenever the need arises for seeking rainfall.