JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2015

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The earliest contact of Islam with Africa occurred during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn Khattab, who sent an expedition to conquer Egypt in 640 CE. The Muslims gradually spread their influence across North Africa and eventually into sub-Saharan Africa. As for the book "Ulum ad-din," it was written by Al-Ghazali, a prominent Muslim theologian and philosopher who lived in the 11th century. The book explores various aspects of Islamic theology and law, including the nature of God, the duties of Muslims, and the role of reason and intellect in religious belief. It is considered one of the most influential works of Islamic scholarship and has been studied for centuries by scholars and students alike.

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The text of Talbiyah in Hajj emphasizes the pilgrim's recognition of Allah's absolute authority. The Talbiyah is a prayer that Muslims recite during Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The prayer begins with the words "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik" which means "Here I am, O Allah, here I am." By reciting this prayer, the pilgrim declares their readiness to observe the rites of Hajj to the end and their aspiration for a reward. However, the main emphasis of the Talbiyah is on the recognition of Allah's absolute authority. By declaring "Here I am, O Allah, here I am," the pilgrim acknowledges that they are answering the call of Allah and submitting themselves to His will. This recognition of Allah's authority is a central aspect of the Hajj pilgrimage and is a reminder to the pilgrim of their duty to obey Allah's commands in all aspects of their lives.

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Qur'an 2:193 states that believers should fight against those who engage in aggression towards them and their faith, and who seek to drive them out of their homes and lands, until there is no more persecution and worship is devoted to Allah alone. The verse does not encourage fighting for the purpose of recognizing the believers, getting rid of unbelievers, or strengthening the Muslim community. Rather, the focus is on self-defense and the protection of religious freedom.

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The expression "And consult them in the affairs ..." (Qur'ān 3:159) emphasizes the principle of shūrā, which means consultation or seeking the opinions and advice of others in decision making. This principle stresses the importance of considering different perspectives and involving others in the process of finding solutions to problems or making important decisions. It encourages collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect among individuals and communities.

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According to Islamic teachings, angels are loyal servants of Allah. They are created from light and are completely obedient to Allah's commands. Angels have no free will and are incapable of committing sins. They perform various tasks assigned to them by Allah, such as delivering messages, recording human deeds, and guarding the believers. Angels are not like human beings or jinns, and they are not divine in nature. Rather, they are a unique creation of Allah, existing solely to serve and worship Him.

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The core of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) da'awah (mission) in Makkah was the unity of Allah. He preached and taught people about the existence of one true God, Allah, and the importance of worshiping and submitting to Him alone. He emphasized the idea of monotheism and the rejection of idol worship and other false gods. Through his message, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought to guide people towards the right path and bring them closer to Allah. This was the central theme of his da'awah in Makkah.

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The practice of comparing the back of one's wife to that of one's mother as a method of divorce is known as "Zihar" in Islamic law. Zihar is a form of divorce in which a husband compares his wife to his mother in order to declare that he will no longer have any sexual relations with her. This was considered a derogatory and insulting statement in Arab culture, and was thus recognized as a valid ground for divorce. Under Zihar, the husband had to make a formal statement to this effect, after which the couple would be considered separated, and the woman could go back to her family. This practice has been abolished in many countries, including most Muslim-majority countries, as it is considered a form of verbal abuse and goes against the principles of gender equality.

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In the Islamic economic system, baytuk māl is equivalent to the public treasury. Baytuk māl is an Arabic term that translates to "house of money" or "public treasury." It refers to a financial institution that manages the collection, distribution, and administration of funds in a Muslim state or community. Baytuk māl serves as a central repository of wealth in an Islamic society and is responsible for collecting various forms of taxes, such as zakat (charitable giving), jizya (tax on non-Muslims), and khums (tax on income). The funds collected by baytuk māl are then used to provide social welfare, public goods, and services to the community, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Therefore, unlike commercial banks or community banks, baytuk māl is a public institution that serves the collective interests of the Muslim community, rather than generating profits for private individuals or shareholders.

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Polygamy is permitted in Surah 4:3 of the Quran, however Surah 4:129 modifies it. The verse in Surah 4:3 allows a man to have up to four wives, but it also mentions the requirement of treating all wives equally, which is difficult to achieve. In Surah 4:129, the Quran highlights the problems inherent in polygamy and the difficulties of treating multiple wives equally. The verse states that it is better to have only one wife, as it is easier to treat her justly and fulfill her rights. Thus, while polygamy is allowed, the Quran puts limits on it and encourages treating all wives equally, which can be challenging to achieve in practice.

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The battle of Badr was a significant battle in Islamic history that took place in the 2nd year after the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina. This event is known as Hijrah and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The battle of Badr was fought between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, who were the opponents of Islam. It took place in the month of Ramadan, in the year 624 A.H. The Muslims were outnumbered and poorly equipped, but with the help of Allah, they were able to defeat the Quraysh army. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: 624 A.H.

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The Caliph who appointed the Shura Council to produce a successor after his death was Umar b. Khattab. He was the second Caliph of Islam and ruled from 634 to 644. During his reign, he realized the importance of having a system in place for selecting future leaders of the Muslim community. To ensure a smooth transition of power, he established the Shura Council, a group of trusted advisors who would consult with each other and the community to choose the next Caliph. This council helped establish a tradition of consensus-based decision making in the selection of future leaders of the Muslim community.

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The doctrine of trinity is regarded in Islam as a form of shirk. Shirk is the Arabic term for polytheism, or the belief in multiple gods. In Islam, it is considered the greatest sin because it goes against the fundamental principle of tawhid, which is the belief in the oneness of God. The doctrine of the trinity, which states that there is one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), is considered shirk in Islam because it is seen as a form of polytheism and a denial of the oneness of God.

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The verse from the Qur'ān implies that man's knowledge of the Hereafter is limited and partial. It means that the full understanding of what happens after this life is beyond human comprehension, and that it is only possible to have a limited or partial understanding of it.

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The prophet whose wife was impious and suffered the same calamity as the unbelievers was Lut, also known as Lot in the Bible. Lut was sent by God as a prophet to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were known for their immoral behavior. Despite Lut's warnings, the people of the cities refused to repent and change their ways. According to Islamic tradition, Lut's wife was among the disbelievers and did not follow her husband's teachings. When God punished the people of Sodom and Gomorrah with a shower of stones, Lut's wife was also struck and suffered the same fate as the unbelievers. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's teachings and avoiding sinful behavior.

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A woman in her menstrual period is not exempted from all forms of 'ibādah (worship). However, she is restricted from performing certain acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and touching the Qur'an. She can still engage in other acts of worship such as making supplication (dua), giving charity (sadaqah), and remembering Allah (dhikr). Once her menstrual period is over, she can resume her regular worship activities.

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When the Angel Jibril asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to recite, his response was "I cannot read." This response indicated that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was not educated in the traditional sense of reading and writing, and it also demonstrated his humility. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was illiterate, meaning that he did not know how to read or write. However, this did not prevent him from becoming one of the most important figures in history, as he received the divine revelation from Allah (SWT) through Angel Jibril and transmitted it to his followers through oral communication. The response of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to Angel Jibril's request to recite reflects his modesty and submission to Allah (SWT). He did not claim to be a scholar, judge, or preacher, but instead acknowledged his limitations and relied on Allah's guidance to fulfill his mission. This response is a reminder to all Muslims to be humble and to rely on Allah (SWT) in all aspects of their lives.

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Ahmad Baba was an early West African 'Ulamā' based in Timbuktu. Timbuktu was a major center of Islamic learning during the 16th century, attracting scholars and students from all over West Africa and beyond. Ahmad Baba was one of the most prominent scholars of his time and wrote numerous works on a wide range of subjects, including law, theology, history, and literature. He was known for his expertise in Maliki law, one of the four major schools of Islamic law, and his contributions to Islamic scholarship have had a lasting impact on West African intellectual and cultural history.

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Ignorance of religious rites and duties is not excusable in Islam because it is obligatory on all Muslims to seek knowledge. This is a fundamental principle in Islam, as the pursuit of knowledge is seen as a way of deepening one's understanding and relationship with God. Muslims are encouraged to learn about their faith and its teachings, so that they can fulfill their religious obligations and live a virtuous life. This belief is based on several verses in the Qur'an, such as "And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge" (20:114), and Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) that emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge.

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According to Islamic teachings, Muslims who are traveling during the holy month of Ramadan are allowed to defer their fasting. In this scenario, the adult Muslim traveled 300km by road and arrived at his destination on the same day. He spent three days there and returned on the fifth day. Since he traveled for a total of five days, he is allowed to defer his fasting for those five days. This means he can make up those missed fasts at a later time, such as after Ramadan has ended or on other suitable days. So in this case, he can defer his fasting for the first day, the last day, and the days in between - that is, from the first to the last day of his journey.

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According to Qur'ān 4:48, setting up partners with Allah is a great offense which Allah will not forgive, even if He forgives all other sins. This means that associating partners with Allah (known as shirk in Islamic terminology) is considered a grave sin that can lead to eternal punishment in the afterlife. However, there are conditions under which Allah may forgive this sin. The first condition is repentance, which means sincerely regretting the sin and resolving not to commit it again. The second condition is intercession from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on behalf of the offender. If these conditions are met, Allah may choose to forgive the sin of shirk. However, it is important to note that shirk is considered one of the most serious sins in Islam, and it is strongly discouraged for Muslims to even approach this sin.

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During the Jahiliyya period, the Arabs worshiped idols because they believed that the idols had the power to intercede on their behalf with the higher powers or deities. They thought that by worshiping these idols, they could gain favors, blessings, and protection from them. They did not necessarily deny the existence of a higher power or God, but they believed that the idols were intermediaries or representatives of that higher power. The idea of intercession through idols was a common practice in the polytheistic religions of that time. Although there were Prophets and revealed Books during this period, the Arabs who worshipped idols did not accept their teachings and continued to follow their own customs and beliefs.

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Compared with the situation in Makkah before Hijrah, the da'wah in al-Madina was more far-reaching. After the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to al-Madina, the community of believers grew in number and strength. This allowed for a more expansive spread of Islam, both within the community of believers and beyond it. In al-Madina, the Prophet Muhammad was able to establish a solid foundation for the Islamic community, both socially and politically. This led to the establishment of the first Islamic state and the formation of a society that was based on Islamic principles. As a result, the Prophet was able to engage with other communities and tribes in the region, and the message of Islam began to spread beyond the boundaries of al-Madina. While the da'wah in Makkah was marked by intense persecution and opposition from the non-believers, the situation in al-Madina allowed for a more far-reaching and less constrained spread of the message of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad was able to develop a comprehensive plan for the propagation of Islam, including both spiritual and practical teachings. This allowed the message of Islam to take root and spread throughout Arabia and beyond.

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The aspect of Nigerian culture that may be regarded as shirk is the worship of ancestors. Shirk is a term used in Islam to refer to the sin of associating partners with Allah (God) and is considered one of the gravest sins in the religion. Muslims believe that Allah alone should be worshiped and that associating partners with Him is a form of idolatry. In some Nigerian cultures, there is a belief in ancestral spirits that are revered and worshiped. This can include offering sacrifices or performing rituals in their honor, seeking their help or guidance, and even asking them for forgiveness. These practices are considered shirk in Islam as they involve associating partners with Allah and attributing divine qualities to other beings. It's important to note that not all aspects of Nigerian culture are considered shirk in Islam, and that there are many cultural practices that are compatible with the religion. However, the worship of ancestors is one example of a practice that conflicts with Islamic beliefs and teachings.

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The revelation of the glorious Qur'an started with a command. The first words that were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were "Read in the name of your Lord who created" (Qur'an 96:1). This command from Allah instructed the Prophet to recite the words that were revealed to him, and to convey them to the people. The command to read and recite the Qur'an was the beginning of a revelation that would last for over 23 years, and would contain guidance for all of humanity. The Qur'an is a book of guidance, containing teachings on how to worship Allah, how to live a righteous life, and how to treat others with kindness and justice. So, the revelation of the Qur'an started with a command from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to read and recite the words that were being revealed to him. This command set in motion a revelation that would shape the course of human history, and provide guidance for all of mankind.

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In Islamic law on divorce, the custody of a child aged two years or less is normally granted to the mother. This is based on the principle that the mother is usually the primary caregiver of the child during the early years of their life, and is considered to be in the best position to provide the necessary care and nurture for the child. However, this is not an absolute rule and custody may be awarded to the father or other relatives if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the child. Ultimately, the decision of custody is based on what is in the best interest of the child and the specific circumstances of each case.

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The similarity between the Jihad of Uthman b. Fodio and the Prophet's hijrah in 622 C.E. was the inspiration from Allah. Both events were motivated by the desire to uphold and propagate the teachings of Islam, and both leaders were driven by their faith in Allah and their devotion to the Islamic cause. The Prophet's hijrah was a turning point in the early history of Islam, as it marked the establishment of the first Islamic state, while the Jihad of Uthman b. Fodio was a significant event in the history of Islamic revivalism in West Africa. Both events were characterized by the zeal and determination of the followers to defend and spread the teachings of Islam, and their success was attributed to the guidance and support of Allah.

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