JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2012

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The first person who recognized signs of Prophethood on Muhammad (SAW) was a Christian Monk named Bahira. According to Islamic tradition, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a young boy, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria. While passing through the town of Busra, they stopped at a monastery where they met the monk Bahira. The monk noticed some signs of Prophethood on Muhammad (SAW), such as a mark between his shoulder blades and the appearance of a cloud that seemed to follow him. Bahira asked Abu Talib about the boy, and when he learned that he was the son of Abdullah, he realized that he was the Prophet foretold in the Christian scriptures. Bahira advised Abu Talib to protect Muhammad (SAW) and to beware of the Jews, who would seek to harm him. This encounter is regarded as one of the early indications of the Prophet's future mission and is a significant event in Islamic history.

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Islam as a monotheistic religion expects that every faithful follower should serve Allah without associates. This is one of the central principles of Islam, known as tawhid, which is the belief in the oneness of Allah and the rejection of any form of polytheism or idolatry. Muslims are taught to worship Allah alone and to devote their lives to serving and pleasing Him. This is seen as the ultimate goal of a Muslim's life, and is reflected in the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

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The ruler who instituted Friday prayers in Mali was Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa was the tenth Mansa of the Mali Empire, who came to power in 1312 AD. He is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca, which he undertook in 1324 AD, and for his role in promoting Islam in Mali. One of the ways he did this was by instituting Friday prayers, which were held in mosques across the empire. This helped to establish Islam as a major religion in Mali, and it remains an important part of the country's culture and identity to this day.

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The entrenchment of an Islamic economic system is aimed at promoting equitable distribution of wealth. This economic system is based on the principles of social justice, fairness, and equality. It emphasizes the concept of zakat (obligatory charity) and prohibits riba (usury or interest), gharar (uncertainty or speculation), and maysir (gambling or lottery). The main objective of an Islamic economic system is to ensure that wealth is distributed equitably among all members of society and that the basic needs of the poor and the needy are met. It also promotes entrepreneurship, encourages trade and commerce, and emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in economic activities.

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Allah commands Muslims to observe and fulfill agreements with non-Muslims, even if the non-Muslims violate the terms of the agreement. This is based on the Islamic principle of trustworthiness and honesty in fulfilling agreements, which is considered a fundamental aspect of Islamic ethics. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of fulfilling agreements and keeping promises, and warns against betraying the trust of others. In the context of agreements between Muslims and non-Muslims, the Qur'an stipulates that as long as non-Muslims do not infringe on the fundamental rights of Muslims or engage in acts of aggression or injustice, Muslims are obligated to fulfill their agreements with them. This obligation to observe and fulfill agreements is not contingent on the behavior of the non-Muslims, but is considered an essential aspect of Islamic morality and ethics. Thus, according to Islamic teachings, it is imperative for Muslims to uphold their agreements and fulfill their obligations, regardless of the behavior of the other party.

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Khulafahar Rashidun refers to "the rightly guided Khalifa" in Islam. These were the first four leaders of the Muslim community who succeeded Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his death. They were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). They are called "rightly guided" because they were chosen by the Muslim community to lead them, and they followed the example of the Prophet in guiding the community based on the teachings of Islam. The term "Khulafahar Rashidun" is often used to refer to this period in Islamic history when the Muslim community was led by these four leaders.

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The supererogatory fasting of Āshura is observed on the 10th of al-Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It is a recommended act of worship and is not obligatory, but Muslims who observe this fast believe it carries great reward and blessings. The fasting of Āshura has a significant historical significance in Islam, as it marks the day when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the Pharaoh in Egypt. It is also believed to be the day on which Allah forgave the sins of Adam (the first man) and his wife Eve. Muslims observe this fast by abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, just like the obligatory fast of Ramadan. It is recommended to also fast on either the 9th or the 11th of Muharram to distinguish this supererogatory fast from the Jewish practice of fasting on the 10th of Muharram, which is known as Yom Kippur.

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Mas'uliyyah as a principle of the Islamic political system is a measure to check misappropriation. Mas'uliyyah is a concept in Islamic political thought that refers to the responsibility and accountability of leaders and rulers. It holds that leaders and rulers are responsible for the well-being of their people and must act justly and responsibly in managing the affairs of the state. The principle of mas'uliyyah serves as a check on the actions of leaders and helps to prevent misappropriation of resources and abuse of power. In this way, mas'uliyyah is an important principle for promoting good governance and ensuring that leaders are accountable to the people they serve.

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The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) died in the year 632 C.E. This event is known in Islamic history as the "Farewell Pilgrimage" or Hajjat al-Wada'. It occurred in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, in the city of Medina, which is now located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. The Prophet's death marked the end of his mission as the final prophet and messenger of Allah, and it had a profound impact on the Islamic community. His teachings and example continue to inspire Muslims around the world today, and his legacy as a spiritual leader, social reformer, and political figure remains central to the Islamic faith.

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Islam encourages every Muslim to seek a lawful livelihood through the dignity of labor. This means that every type of work or occupation that is not forbidden by Islam is considered honorable and deserving of respect. Muslims are encouraged to work hard, be productive, and strive for excellence in their chosen field of work. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself worked as a merchant and emphasized the importance of honest trade and fair dealings in business. In Islam, seeking a lawful livelihood is seen as a means of fulfilling one's duty to provide for oneself and one's family, as well as contributing to society in a positive way.

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The number one pillar of Islam is Iman, which means faith or belief. It is the belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and that Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God. This belief is the foundation of Islam and is a requirement for any individual to become a Muslim. Iman also includes the belief in the angels, the holy books (such as the Quran), the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. It is the first and most important of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that are central to the practice of Islam. Without Iman, a Muslim's actions, such as prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, would not have any spiritual significance.

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At-tashriq are the days of eating and drinking. In Islamic tradition, At-tashriq refers to the three days following the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. During these three days, Muslims around the world traditionally feast and enjoy communal meals with family and friends. The focus on eating and drinking during At-tashriq reflects the joy and gratitude that Muslims feel after completing the rituals of Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca that is also performed during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. In addition to the celebratory meals, Muslims may also engage in acts of charity and kindness during At-tashriq, such as visiting the sick, helping the poor, and showing compassion to others. Overall, At-tashriq is a time for Muslims to come together in joy and fellowship, to reflect on their blessings, and to express their gratitude to Allah.

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The shortest surah in the Quran is Surat Al-Kawthar. The Quran is divided into 114 chapters, known as surahs, and Surat Al-Kawthar is the shortest of all these chapters, consisting of just three verses. Despite its brevity, Surat Al-Kawthar is considered to be one of the most significant surahs in the Quran and is considered to be a source of great blessings for those who recite it. The surah is named after the word "kawthar," which means "abundance," and its message is centered around the idea of the abundance of blessings that Allah has granted to Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and to the believers.

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During the Jihiliyya era, the Ka'aba in Mecca was a significant religious site and also the center of cultural events, including an annual festival that attracted poets from different tribes. This festival was called "Ukāz" and was known for hosting poetic contests. Poets would recite their compositions, and judges would evaluate their performances and award the winners. The festival was a platform for poets to showcase their talents, share their thoughts and ideas, and gain fame and recognition. Thus, Ukāz was a crucial event in the pre-Islamic Arabian cultural landscape.

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The place where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first received revelations of the Quran is known as Cave Hira. This cave is located on Jabal al-Nur (the "Mountain of Light") near the city of Makkah in modern-day Saudi Arabia. It was in this cave that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and began revealing the words of the Quran to him. This event marked the beginning of the Islamic faith and is known as the first revelation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would often retreat to this cave to meditate and reflect on the message he received from Allah.

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One of the conditions that make prayer obligatory on believers is the attainment of maturity. In Islam, maturity refers to reaching the age of puberty. Once a Muslim has reached this stage, they are required to perform the five daily prayers as a mandatory act of worship. The other conditions mentioned (social status, reciting the Qur'an with proper Tajweed, and following a pious Imam) do not determine the obligation of prayer.

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A Muslim man who turns back after hitting his leg against a stone and saying he is unlucky according to Islamic law, believes in superstition. In Islam, it is considered to be superstitious and contrary to the teachings of the faith to attribute events such as hitting one's leg against a stone to luck or misfortune. Rather, Muslims are taught that all events are determined by Allah and that everything happens according to His will. Believing in superstition or attributing events to luck or chance is seen as a form of disbelief in the power and sovereignty of Allah, and is discouraged in Islam.

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The teachings of Uthman b. Fodio are remembered today as it relates to all forms of syncretism. Uthman b. Fodio was a prominent Islamic scholar and leader in the 19th century in what is now Nigeria. He preached against the mixing of Islamic practices with traditional African beliefs and practices, which he considered to be a form of syncretism. He encouraged his followers to embrace Islam in its purest form and to reject all forms of idol worshiping and superstitious practices. His teachings and influence helped to spread Islam in the region and led to the establishment of a number of Islamic states, including the Sokoto Caliphate.

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A pilgrim circumambulates around the Kaaba seven times. This is known as Tawaf, and it is a mandatory part of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Islam. The Kaaba is a cubic structure located in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and is considered the most sacred site in Islam. During Tawaf, pilgrims walk around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction, starting and ending at the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone is located. They recite prayers and supplications as they walk around the Kaaba, reflecting on the significance of the pilgrimage and their relationship with God. The seven circuits of Tawaf symbolize the unity of God and the unity of the Muslim community, as well as the Muslim's submission to God's will.

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The revelation of the Qur'an took a period of 23 years. The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam and contains the revelations that were received by the Prophet Muhammad from Allah, the Islamic God, over a period of 23 years. The revelations were received in fragments or chapters known as surahs, which were later compiled into the complete text of the Qur'an. The process of revelation began in 610 CE when the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira, near Mecca, and continued until his death in 632 CE. Over the course of the 23-year period, the revelations provided guidance and instruction to the early Muslim community, addressing a range of topics including faith, morality, social issues, and governance.

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Seeking assistance from fortune tellers is forbidden in Islam because it leads to ascribing absolute power to a fellow being. Muslims believe that only Allah has knowledge of the unseen, and seeking assistance from fortune tellers undermines this belief. Furthermore, fortune telling can lead to superstition, and may cause people to become overly reliant on something other than Allah for guidance and protection. Therefore, Islam strictly prohibits seeking assistance from fortune tellers or any other form of divination.

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Making a show in worship is condemned in Surah Al-Ma'un in the Quran. This Surah emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and the rejection of those who only perform their religious obligations for show, without true faith in their hearts. It criticizes those who neglect the needs of others, such as the poor and the needy, while still performing their religious rituals and acts of worship in public. In this Surah, Allah reminds us that true faith is not just a matter of performing rituals but also involves compassion and generosity towards others. Therefore, it is important to have sincerity and humility in our worship and to always strive to help and serve others, especially those in need.

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The Holy Book given to Prophet Muhammed (SAW) was the Al-Quran. The Al-Quran is considered by Muslims to be the word of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammed (SAW) through the angel Gabriel. It is considered to be the final and most authoritative revelation from Allah and is considered to be the foundation of Islamic belief and practice. The Al-Quran is considered to be a miraculous book and its message is considered to be universal and timeless. It is considered to be a guide for all of humanity, and its teachings are considered to be the foundation of a just and moral society.

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The four revealed books mentioned in the Qur'an are the Injil (Gospel), Tawrah (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Qur'an itself. The Injil is the holy book of Christians, which contains the teachings of Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus), the Tawrah is the holy book of Jews, which contains the teachings of Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses), and the Zabur is the holy book of the Prophet Dawud (AS) (David). The Qur'an is considered the final and complete revelation from Allah to humanity and is the primary source of guidance and instruction for Muslims. The four books share many similarities, including a belief in one God, ethical principles, and a call to righteous behavior. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of all of the prophets and messengers and incorporates many of their teachings into its message of faith and salvation.

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As-salam is one of the attributes of Allah which means the Source of peace. In Islam, Allah is considered to be the source of all peace and security, and the attribute of As-salam reflects this aspect of Allah's nature. The word "As-salam" is often used in Islamic texts and prayers as a way of invoking the peace and security that is inherent in Allah. It is a reminder that Allah is the ultimate source of peace and that His peace and security is available to all who seek it. The attribute of As-salam is considered to be an important part of the Islamic understanding of Allah and is a central aspect of Islamic spirituality.

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The Makkan force in the battle of Badr was 1,000. The battle of Badr was fought between the Muslims, led by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the polytheists of Makkah. The Muslims were vastly outnumbered with only 313 men, while the Makkan force consisted of approximately 1,000 men. Despite their smaller numbers, the Muslims were victorious in the battle, which is considered a significant event in Islamic history.

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Khadija's greatest contribution to the life of Mohammed in Makkah was that she gave him moral and financial support. Khadija was the first wife of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and played a crucial role in supporting him during the early years of his prophetic mission. Despite facing opposition and persecution for his teachings, Khadija remained a source of comfort and support for Prophet Muhammed (SAW), providing him with both moral and financial support. Her unwavering support and belief in his message was an important factor in helping him to continue his mission and spread the message of Islam. As a result, Khadija is highly regarded by Muslims and is remembered as a devoted wife and a strong supporter of the Prophet.

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Suratul Quraysh is known as Qu'ran chapter 106. It is a short chapter in the Quran that talks about the tribe of Quraysh, which was the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) own tribe. The chapter highlights the blessings and protection that the tribe of Quraysh received from Allah despite their disbelief and disobedience. It serves as a reminder to believers that Allah is the sole provider and protector, and that we should rely on Him alone.

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The presentation of a sermon is an obligation on the Imam when leading Friday prayers. It is an important part of the Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah) in Islam. The Imam delivers a speech or sermon (khutbah) before the congregational prayer, which serves as a means of educating and reminding the community about important Islamic principles, ethics, and values. The sermon also provides an opportunity to address contemporary issues and concerns affecting the community. The sermon typically consists of two parts, with a pause for prayer in between. It is considered a vital component of the Friday prayer and is mandatory for the Imam to deliver.

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Members of the Prophet's family that embraced Islam the first day did so, on the basis of his truthfulness and uprightness. The Prophet Muhammad was known to be an honest and trustworthy person even before his Prophethood. His family members witnessed his character and actions, and they believed in him when he started preaching the message of Islam. They knew that he would not lie or deceive them, and they trusted him completely. This is why they were among the first to accept Islam.