JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2024

The compilation of the Qur'an was primarily presided over by Zayd ibn Thabit.

Zayd ibn Thabit was a young companion of the Prophet Muhammad and had a reputation for being very knowledgeable and trustworthy. He was chosen by the first caliph after the Prophet's death, Abu Bakr, to lead the task of compiling the Qur'an into a single written form. This decision was made due to the concern that many of those who memorized the Qur'an were dying in battles, and there was a risk of parts of the Qur'an being lost.

Zayd had previously served as one of the scribes for Prophet Muhammad, meaning he was already familiar with the Qur'anic revelations as they occurred during the Prophet's lifetime. Abu Bakr instructed Zayd to gather all the pieces of the Qur'an that were written down or memorized, verify them, and compile them into a unified document. This effort ensured the preservation of the Qur'an for future generations and was a monumental achievement in Islamic history.

Later, during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, Zayd ibn Thabit also played a significant role in creating standardized copies of the Qur'an to ensure uniformity and avoid variations or discrepancies. This effort led to the production of the "Uthmanic Codex," which serves as the reference for Muslims even today.

A person who worships other beings is called an Idolater.

The term "Idolater" is derived from the word "idolatry," which refers to the practice of worshiping idols or other beings apart from a central, often monotheistic, deity. In many religious contexts, this means showing reverence to deities or objects that are considered false or secondary to a supreme being. It reflects the act of giving undue importance to physical representations or other divine figures, rather than adhering to the belief in a single, ultimate deity.

This concept is important in various religions, where the act of worship should be directed toward one main god, and worshipping other entities is seen as a deviation from this practice.

The preservation of the al-Qur'an is a significant aspect of Islamic tradition and history. Several key processes have been involved in ensuring that it remains unchanged and authentic over centuries. These processes include:

Arrangement: The chapters (known as Surahs) and verses (Ayahs) of the Qur'an were meticulously arranged under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad. The arrangement plays a crucial role in its preservation by maintaining the order that was divinely inspired.

Standardization: Over time, different dialects and readings of the Qur'an began to emerge. To preserve the uniformity and accuracy of the Qur'an's recitation and written form, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan standardized the text. This involved producing a single, unified version of the Qur'an and distributing it to different regions. This step was vital to ensure that all Muslims, regardless of their location, were using the same text.

Compilation: The Qur'an was initially revealed orally and then memorized by the followers of Islam. However, after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad, it was compiled into a written book. The first comprehensive compilation was carried out during the caliphate of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, under the leadership of Zayd ibn Thabit. This ensured that the oral transmission was accurately reflected in a physical form.

The option that is not part of the preservation of the al-Qur'an is italicization. Italicization is a typographic style that is used in writing to emphasize certain words or passages. While it might be used in modern printing or digital texts to highlight or differentiate certain parts for stylistic purposes, it is not a fundamental element of the traditional or historical process of preserving the Quranic text. The preservation of the Qur'an relies on the accurate transmission, memorization, and reproduction of its content without alterations in its text, including its style. Therefore, italicization does not play a role in its historical preservation.

The **Ka'abah**, located in Mecca, holds a significant place in Islam as the most sacred site. According to Islamic tradition, it was originally **built** by **Prophet Ibrahim (AS)** and his son **Ismail (AS)**. They constructed the structure as a house of worship to Allah. This act is an important event in Islamic history, and the Ka'abah has since been central to Islamic rituals and pilgrimage, known as the **Hajj**.

Surah Al-Zalzalah, also known as "The Earthquake," is a chapter in the Quran that emphasizes the **Day of Judgement.** This surah illustrates the magnitude and consequences of that day, when the earth will shake violently and reveal all its burdens. On this day, all human actions, regardless of their significance, will be exposed and judged.

The core message of Surah Al-Zalzalah is to remind people about the **inevitability of the Day of Judgement** when everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. This serves as a powerful reminder for individuals to live a righteous life, being conscious of their actions and understanding that everything will be scrutinized on this decisive day.

The prayer known as Salatul Eidayn refers to the special prayer performed during the two main Islamic festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. For each of these occasions, the prayer consists of **two raka'ah**. The term "raka'ah" denotes a unit of Islamic prayer, comprised of both physical postures and supplications.

Unlike the standard daily prayers, Salatul Eidayn is unique in its structure and is performed in congregation without the call to prayer (adhan). This prayer involves additional Takbirat, which are pronouncements of "Allahu Akbar" that happen multiple times within the prayer, setting it apart from regular prayers.

In summary, the prayer for each Eid is composed of two raka'ah, during which specific elements and sequences are observed, contributing to its celebratory and communal spirit.

The word Talaq means divorce. In Islamic law, it is a formal way for a husband to end a marriage with his wife. The process involves specific verbal declarations and may include conditions for reconciliation. Talaq ensures that both parties have clarity in the dissolution of their marriage. In summary, Talaq is legally recognized as a way of terminating a marriage in Islam.

In Islamic tradition, the term "Ulul Azim" refers specifically to **five major prophets** who are considered highly resolute and perseverant in their mission to spread the message of Allah. These prophets hold a significant position because of the extraordinary challenges they faced and the strong determination they exhibited in carrying out their prophetic duties. The five prophets included in this category are:

• Prophet Noah (Nuh)
• Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)
• Prophet Moses (Musa)
• Prophet Jesus (Isa)
• Prophet Muhammad

Each of these prophets played a crucial role in their respective missions and delivered Allah's message to their people with great persistence and patience, despite facing numerous hardships. Thus, the Ulul Azim are five prophets.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijrah calendar, also known as the Islamic or lunar calendar.

The Hijrah calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning it is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, and Ramadan holds significant religious importance for Muslims around the world.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset as a form of worship and self-discipline. It is a time for increased prayer, reflection, and community engagement. Fasting during this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a crucial time for spiritual growth and community bonding.

The term Al-Rahman is an Arabic word that is often translated to mean "The Merciful". It is one of the many names and attributes of God in Islam.

Here is why Al-Rahman is associated with being merciful:

• The root of the word Rahman comes from the Arabic letters "R-H-M," which relate to mercy and compassion.
• In Islamic theology, Al-Rahman signifies God's boundless and all-encompassing mercy and compassion towards all creation.
• This attribute emphasizes God’s kindness and a willingness to forgive and provide, reflecting a deep sense of empathy and care for all beings.

Therefore, when someone refers to God as Al-Rahman, they are invoking and acknowledging His attribute of vast and universal mercy. This term is often used in Islamic prayers and scriptures to highlight God's compassionate nature.

The phrase "Subhana Rabbiyal azim wabihamdih" is recited during **Ruku** in Islamic prayers. **Ruku** refers to the bowing position in the prayer, where a person bends forward at the waist while keeping their back and head level, and hands on the knees. During this position, it is customary to recite words of glorification and praise to Allah, and "Subhana Rabbiyal azim wabihamdih" translates to "Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great, and praising Him," which fits perfectly with the spirit of humility and reverence displayed in **Ruku**.

When a person is in the state of ihram, which is a sacred state a Muslim must enter to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), there are specific acts that are prohibited. These acts are intended to maintain the sanctity of the religious practice. Let's explore which acts are prohibited and the exception among them.

• Sexual intercourse is prohibited while in the state of ihram. One must refrain from any such intimate relations until the completion of the pilgrimage rituals.
• Shaving or cutting one's hair is also prohibited during ihram. This is to demonstrate a departure from worldly concerns and maintain a humble and simplistic approach during the pilgrimage.
• Hunting is prohibited while in ihram as well. Hunting or intentionally killing any animal is not allowed, emphasizing respect for all forms of life during this holy period.

The exception among these acts is bathing. Bathing is allowed while in ihram to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness, as cleanliness is an integral part of Islamic practices. However, while bathing, one must avoid the use of scented products or soaps, as wearing anything that has a fragrance is not allowed during ihram.

In conclusion, while in the state of ihram, sexual intercourse, shaving, and hunting are prohibited, whereas bathing is permitted as long as it abides by the guidelines of avoiding scented substances.

The phrase "Subhana Rabbiyal a'la wabihamdihi" is recited during sujud. Sujud is the position in Islamic prayer (Salah) where a person is in full prostration, touching the ground with the forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and all toes simultaneously. This act of submission and devotion is accompanied by this specific phrase, which translates to "Glory is to my Lord, the Most High, and praise is to Him." It is a way to express humility and glorify Allah during the prayer. This phrase is not recited during other parts of the prayer such as tashahhud, ruku', or julus.

Salatul Istisqa is a special prayer performed by Muslims to ask Allah for rain, especially during times of drought or when there is a severe shortage of water. This prayer is a supplication for relief when there is a need for rainfall. It is not related to other phenomena such as moon eclipse, journeys, or any other events. The community typically gathers in an open area to perform Salatul Istisqa, reflecting their humility and dependence on divine mercy for sustenance and relief from the difficulties caused by scarcity of rain.

According to many religious beliefs, especially in Islamic tradition, **angels were created from light**. This concept is deeply rooted in teachings and texts that describe angels as beings that are pure, formless, and not bound by physical constraints like humans. They do not possess a bodily form that requires sustenance or rest. Their creation from light symbolizes purity, a state free from the desires and imperfections that come with physical material like dust, clay, or fire.

In contrast, other beings in religious narratives are often created from different substances to highlight their unique attributes. For instance, humans are often described as being created from **dust or clay**, indicating our tangible, earthy nature, connected to the physical world. Alternatively, beings like jinn in Islamic tradition are said to have been created from **smokeless fire**, which signifies their ethereal and energetic attributes.

Thus, in summary, angels, in their traditional description, are considered to be **created from light**, marking them as entities that are inherently close to divinity and distinct from the physical realm inhabited by other creatures like humans or jinn.

When we talk about sources of pure water, we are referring to origins where water is naturally found in a state suitable for drinking, without contamination. Let's analyze the sources listed:

• Rain: Rainwater is generally considered pure as it comes directly from the atmosphere, free of most contaminants. It hasn't picked up pollutants from the ground yet, which makes it a viable source of pure water.
• Stream: Streams consist of water that flows naturally over the Earth’s surface. They are often sourced from rainfall or groundwater and generally contain low levels of contaminants, though the purity can vary based on location and pollutant exposure. It is typically cleaner than rivers or lakes.
• River: Rivers are larger bodies of flowing water. While they can start relatively clean, as rivers travel, they often collect pollutants from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban areas. This means that river water is rarely considered pure without treatment.
• Sewage: Sewage is a collection of wastewater from domestic, industrial, and stormwater sources. It contains a high level of organic waste, chemicals, and other pollutants. Therefore, sewage is definitely not a source of pure water.

Given this analysis, **sewage** is the one that is not a source of pure water by any means. It requires extensive treatment to remove contaminants before it can be considered safe or pure for consumption or release back into the environment.

The word al-Qari'ah, which means "The Calamity," is an important term found in the Quran, particularly in a chapter named after it. This chapter is Chapter 101, also known as Surah al-Qari'ah. In this chapter, the word al-Qari'ah is repeated a total of three times. The repeated mention emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the events described. Thus, the correct answer is three.

In the context of hadith, reporters are those individuals who have compiled, collected, or narrated the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Among the options you have provided, three are known as compilers of hadith:

• Tirmidh: He is known for compiling the collection called "Jami' at-Tirmidhi," which is one of the six major hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
• ibn Majah: He is the compiler of "Sunan Ibn Majah," another one of the six major hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
• Bukhari: He compiled "Sahih al-Bukhari," which is one of the most trusted and revered collections of hadith.

ibn Sina, however, was not a collector or reporter of hadith. He was a highly influential Persian polymath known for his contributions to philosophy, medicine, and science, among other fields. His works, particularly in medicine, were standard texts in both medieval Islamic and European universities. Therefore, ibn Sina is the exception in the context of reporters of hadith.

Tahara simply means purification. In many religious and cultural contexts, especially in Islam, tahara refers to the state of physical cleanliness and spiritual purity that is required before performing certain acts of worship. It involves rituals such as washing certain parts of the body (also known as ablution) to prepare oneself for prayer and other religious activities. Tahara emphasizes the importance of maintaining both an external and internal state of cleanliness and purity.

In the context of Islamic prayers, some prayers include recitations that are spoken softly or silently, while others are recited aloud. Here's an explanation of the prayers you mentioned and whether they involve silent recitation:

Subh: This is the dawn prayer, which consists of two units (rak'ahs). The recitation in this prayer is done aloud.

Jumu'ah: This prayer occurs on Friday, replacing the regular Zuhr prayer with a sermon. Like many other obligatory prayers performed in congregation, the recitation during Jumu'ah is done aloud.

Zuhr: This is the midday prayer, consisting of four units. During Zuhr, the recitation is done silently.

Isha': This is the night prayer, which consists of four units. The recitation in the first two units is done aloud, while the recitation in the last two units is silent.

From the prayers listed, Zuhr involves entirely silent recitation, as each unit of the prayer is recited quietly.

In Islamic theology, one of the 99 names of Allah is "Al-Khaliq". This name translates to the "Creator" in English.

Al-Khaliq refers to Allah's attribute of being the one who creates from nothing. It signifies the power and ability of Allah to bring things into existence without any prior example or material. Unlike humans, who need materials and models to create, Al-Khaliq, as the Creator, is capable of creating any form of life or the universe itself with intricate precision and purpose.

Thus, Al-Khaliq highlights the uniqueness of Allah's creative power, which is unlike any creation by human beings or other entities.

In many religious traditions, "Articles of Faith" refer to the fundamental beliefs that adherents are expected to hold. In the context of Islam, there are six core articles of faith, which include belief in:

• Allah: The one and only God, who is all-powerful and all-knowing.
• Angels: Spiritual beings created by Allah to carry out His commands.
• Prophets: Messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity. This includes figures like Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and the final prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
• Holy Books: Scriptures revealed by Allah, such as the Quran sent down to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Day of Judgment: The belief that all humans will be resurrected for judgment based on their deeds.
• Divine Decree: Belief in predestination, that Allah has knowledge and power over all things.

The word "imam" often refers to a leader in the Islamic community or particularly the prayer leader of a mosque. In some branches of Islam, such as Shia Islam, the term has a more significant theological meaning, but it typically does not appear as one of the core articles of faith that all Muslims must believe in. Therefore, belief in "imam" is not regarded as one of the fundamental articles of faith in Islam.

Iblis is a figure in Islamic theology who is commonly known as a jinn. According to Islamic texts, the jinn, including Iblis, were created from fire. Specifically, it is said that Iblis was created from a smokeless flame of fire. This is distinct from angels, who are believed to be created from light and humans, who were created from clay or dust. Therefore, the correct answer is fire.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is an important Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This month is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the specific day of Eid al-Adha follows the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place on the preceding days.

To ensure clarity, here is a step-by-step explanation:

• Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
• Muslims around the world observe Eid al-Adha on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.
• This day marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage rituals, where a symbolic sacrifice takes place to honor Prophet Ibrahim's devotion.

Therefore, Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

The term Khulafa'ul-Rashidun refers to the Rightly Guided Caliphs, who are considered the first four leaders after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in early Islamic history. These leaders are recognized for their just and effective governance. The Khulafa'ul-Rashidun are:

• Abu Bakr (r.a.), who served as the first caliph.
• Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.a.), the second caliph known for his administrative acumen.
• Uthman ibn Affan (r.a.), the third caliph recognized for compiling the Quran.
• Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a.), the fourth caliph known for his wisdom and knowledge.

Thus, the correct number of Khulafa'ul-Rashidun is four.

Surah Al-Qariah, also known as "The Calamity," is a chapter in the Quran. It consists of eleven verses. This Surah is part of the thirty-seventh Juz' of the Quran. The chapter primarily emphasizes the significance of the Day of Judgment, highlighting the chaos and distress it will bring. It describes how people's deeds will be weighed, and the impact that will have on their eternal fate. The concise and vivid imagery in this Surah serves to remind individuals of the eventual divine accountability they face, encouraging them to lead a righteous life.

In Surah Quraysh, the word al-Bayt refers to the Ka'abah. The Ka'abah is an ancient and sacred structure located in the city of Mecca, which is central to Islamic worship and considered the house of Allah. The Quraysh tribe, who are the subject of this Surah, were the custodians of the Ka'abah, giving them prestige and responsibility. This sacred site plays a fundamental role in Islamic rituals, including the Hajj pilgrimage, and it was respected and venerated even before the advent of Islam. Recognizing the Ka'abah as al-Bayt highlights its spiritual and historical significance in Islam.

In Islam, the rules regarding marriage are outlined in the Quran and Hadith. They provide clear guidelines on who a Muslim can and cannot marry. Among the options listed:

• Divorce: A Muslim can marry someone who is divorced. There are specific rules about the waiting period, known as "iddah," for a woman who is divorced or widowed before she can remarry.
• Blood Sister: A Muslim cannot marry his blood sister. It is strictly prohibited, as marrying direct blood relatives is considered incestuous and is not allowed in Islam.
• Friend's Daughter: A Muslim can marry a friend's daughter as long as there is mutual consent and the marriage aligns with the Islamic principles and family agreements.
• Cousin: In Islam, marrying a cousin is allowed. It is quite common in many cultures around the world and is not prohibited by religious laws.

Therefore, among the options provided, a Muslim cannot marry their blood sister due to the prohibition against marrying close blood relatives.

The individual who attempted to destroy the Ka'abah was Abrahah. Abrahah was a Christian ruler of Yemen during the 6th century who wanted to make his cathedral in Yemen the main place of pilgrimage. To achieve this, he planned to destroy the Ka'abah, which was already a significant religious site for the people of the Arabian Peninsula.

Abrahah led a military expedition, which included elephants, to Mecca with the intent of demolishing the Ka'abah. This historical event is famously known as the "Year of the Elephant." According to Islamic tradition, Allah sent a flock of birds carrying small stones to attack Abrahah's army, ultimately thwarting their plans and protecting the Ka'abah.

This event is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Fil (Chapter of the Elephant), highlighting its significance in Islamic history. The defeat of Abrahah's army is considered a miraculous protection of the Ka'abah and serves as a demonstration of divine intervention.

The Al-Qur'an is a divine book from Allah. It is considered the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah (God) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Qur'an is written in Arabic and consists of 114 chapters called surahs. Muslims regard it as a guide for personal conduct and spiritual life, providing instructions, teachings, and lessons for daily life. It covers various aspects of human existence, including moral, social, legal, and spiritual guidance.

The Pilgrims go to Arafah on the **ninth** day of Dhul-Hijjah.

To explain further: The pilgrimage in Islam, known as Hajj, consists of several important days and rituals. Among them, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is one of the most significant. This day is also known as the **Day of Arafah**. On this day, the pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafah, which is a vital part of the Hajj rituals. Pilgrims spend the afternoon there in prayer and reflection. It is said that standing on Arafah is the essence of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims ask for forgiveness and seek Allah's blessings.

This day precedes the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, which is commemorated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

The twelfth Hadith of the An-Nawawi's collection is centered around the concept of non-interference. This Hadith teaches the importance of focusing on matters that are directly relevant and beneficial to oneself, while avoiding involvement in matters that are not of personal concern or within one's responsibility.

In simpler terms, the teaching encourages people to mind their own business and refrain from unnecessary interference in the affairs of others unless such involvement is warranted or necessary. It underscores the value of being considerate about what one chooses to engage with, promoting personal well-being and social harmony by minimizing unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings that may arise from undue interference.

By emphasizing non-interference, this Hadith aims to instill a sense of self-discipline in individuals, whereby they focus on improving their own lives and actions rather than being distracted by or meddling in matters that do not pertain to them directly.