JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2016

Akọwa Nkọwa

In Islam, begging is discouraged as it goes against the principle of self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor. Muslims are encouraged to work hard and earn a living through honest means. Islam promotes the idea of collective bargaining, where workers can come together to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. Additionally, Islam encourages the formation of labor associations to protect workers' rights and ensure fair treatment. In the same vein, trade bargaining is also encouraged as it helps to promote fair competition and a just economy. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to work hard and earn their livelihood with dignity, rather than resorting to begging.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The characteristics common to most Makkan Suwar (chapters) of the Quran are that they are short, poetic, and easy to recite. The Makkan Suwar are the chapters of the Quran that were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his time in Mecca before he migrated to Medina. These chapters are generally shorter in length than the Madinan Suwar, which were revealed in Medina, and are characterized by their poetic style and rhythmic flow. The Makkan Suwar are often referred to as the "heart" of the Quran, as they focus on the oneness of God, the Day of Judgment, and the importance of good deeds and moral conduct. The language used in these chapters is often simple and easy to understand, and they are meant to appeal to both the heart and the intellect. Overall, the Makkan Suwar are known for their beauty, simplicity, and powerful message. They are a testament to the poetic and literary excellence of the Arabic language and serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims around the world.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The complete Glorious Qur'an was taken from the Preserved Tablet (Lawn al-mahfuz) to the lowest of the heavens known as Bait al-Izzah. Bait al-Izzah, also known as the House of Honor or the House of Majesty, is located in the lowest heaven and is the location where the angels gather to worship and praise Allah. According to Islamic tradition, the complete Glorious Qur'an was brought down to Bait al-Izzah from the Preserved Tablet on the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) in the holy month of Ramadan. From Bait al-Izzah, the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of 23 years. The first revelation occurred while he was meditating in the Cave of Hira outside of Mecca, and the rest of the revelation continued throughout his prophethood. Overall, the concept of Bait al-Izzah represents the majesty and power of Allah and serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and devotion to Him. The revelation of the Qur'an is considered a miraculous event in Islamic history, and it continues to guide and inspire Muslims around the world.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

The caliph who introduced stipend for teachers was 'Umar. He was one of the early leaders of the Islamic community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad and is known for his wise and just rule. One of his important contributions was to provide financial support for teachers in order to encourage the spread of knowledge and education. He believed that investing in education was essential for the growth and development of the community, and so he introduced the idea of a stipend, which was a regular payment given to teachers to support their work. This helped to ensure that teachers could focus on their work and not be discouraged by financial difficulties, and also made it possible for more people to receive an education.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The significant message contained in Surah at-Takāthur is that passion for wealth and position may divert man's attention from worship of Allah. Surah at-Takāthur is the 102nd chapter of the Quran and its central theme is the dangers of materialism and excessive desire for wealth and worldly goods. The surah warns that such desires can consume a person and cause them to neglect their religious duties and responsibilities. The message of the surah is that people should be careful not to let their love of wealth and status get in the way of their worship of Allah and their commitment to living a virtuous life. The surah encourages people to focus on what is truly important and to be mindful of the dangers of materialism and greed.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

The permission to marry up to four wives in Islam is aimed at treating them equally. In Islam, men are allowed to have up to four wives under certain conditions, such as being able to treat them all equally in terms of financial support, time, and attention. The permission to marry multiple wives is not aimed at bearing more children or reducing the number of unmarried women, but rather at ensuring that all wives are treated with fairness and justice. Islam places great emphasis on the importance of maintaining family relationships, and if a man cannot treat his wives equally, he is advised to marry only one. Furthermore, the permission to marry multiple wives is also aimed at preventing adultery by providing a legitimate and lawful means for men to satisfy their natural desires within the framework of marriage.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In Quran 5:7, Allah instructs that if you are ill or traveling and cannot find water to perform wudū (ablution), then you should perform at-tayammum (dry ablution) instead. Wudū is the act of cleaning specific parts of the body with water before performing prayer, which is required for Muslims. However, if water is not available due to illness or traveling, at-tayammum can be performed instead. At-tayammum involves using clean earth or sand to wipe the face and hands. It serves as a substitute for wudū and allows Muslims to fulfill their obligation to perform prayer even when water is not available. Qasr, on the other hand, refers to shortening the length of prayers during travel, and al-ghusl is a full-body washing ritual performed after sexual intercourse or other specific situations.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Excluded from inheritance is a person who kills his father for his estate. In Islam, inheritance is divided according to specific rules and guidelines set out in the Quran. It is considered a right of family members to inherit from their deceased relatives based on their relationship and the degree of closeness. However, if a person murders their own father in order to gain his inheritance, they are not entitled to any share of the estate. This is because such an act is considered a heinous crime in Islam and goes against the values of justice and fairness that are at the core of Islamic teachings. In addition, it is important to note that gender is not a factor in determining inheritance in Islam, and both male and female family members have the right to inherit from their deceased relatives according to their relationship and degree of closeness.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Raiding as a characteristic of the Jahilyyah Arabs led to fighting inter-tribal wars. The Jahilyyah was a pre-Islamic period in Arabian history and during this time, the Arab tribes were not united and often engaged in conflicts with each other. These conflicts were often resolved through raiding, where one tribe would attack another tribe's caravan or settlement to seize their goods and property. This behavior contributed to a culture of violence and war in Arabia during the Jahilyyah period.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The book of hadith that contains reports on the practices of the people of Madinah apart from hadith is the Muwatta Malik. This book is a collection of hadiths and athar, which are reports on the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions. It is considered one of the earliest and most authentic collections of hadiths. However, the Muwatta Malik is not limited to hadiths alone. It also includes reports on the practices and customs of the people of Madinah during the time of the Prophet. These reports give insight into the social and cultural context of the early Islamic community and provide a deeper understanding of the way of life of the Prophet and his companions. In addition to hadiths and athar, the Muwatta Malik also contains opinions and rulings of Malik ibn Anas, a prominent jurist of the time.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Hadith 4 of An-Nawawi's collection is about the complete nature of man's creation. An-Nawawi's collection, also known as "Forty Hadiths of An-Nawawi," is a collection of forty hadiths (traditions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) that are considered to be particularly important for understanding the teachings of Islam. Hadith 4 of this collection is about the creation of man and provides insight into the nature of human beings and their purpose in life. It emphasizes the idea that man is a unique and special creation, made by God with a specific purpose and with the capacity to reflect on his own existence. The hadith provides a deep understanding of the nature of man and his place in the world, and is considered to be a valuable source of guidance and wisdom for people of all times.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Among the Sunnah steps of ablution is wiping the head, including the back of the skull. This is done after washing the face and arms. The head is wiped one time, using the right hand, with water that is left over on the fingers after washing the face and arms. The purpose of wiping the head is to purify the entire body and to complete the ablution. In addition, it is Sunnah to make a supplication or du'a at every stage of the ablution, although this is not one of the physical steps of the ablution itself. The du'a is a way of seeking Allah's blessings and asking for forgiveness. It can be said silently or aloud, as long as it is not distracting to others. Brushing the teeth is not part of the Sunnah steps of ablution, but it is recommended to brush the teeth before performing ablution or before each prayer. This helps to maintain good oral hygiene and cleanliness.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Al-Kawthar in the Glorious Qur'an is otherwise called a river in paradise. Al-Kawthar is a term mentioned in the Qur'an that refers to a river in paradise that is reserved for the righteous and is one of the blessings promised to the Prophet Muhammad. The exact nature of Al-Kawthar is not specified in the Qur'an, but it is commonly understood as a river of abundant water and other blessings in paradise. It is important to note that Al-Kawthar is not the same as other terms in the Qur'an that refer to blessings in paradise, such as gardens or light, or the fruit in paradise. The term Al-Kawthar specifically refers to a river.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In Hadith 6 of an-Nawawi's collection, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the lawful and unlawful things in Islam are clear, but between them are ambiguous matters. These ambiguous matters are referred to as "matters that are doubtful or unclear" (in Arabic, al-mushtabihat). They are things that may not be clearly defined as either lawful or unlawful, and can be open to interpretation or subject to debate among scholars and followers of Islam. Examples of these ambiguous matters could include issues related to finance, dietary restrictions, or social interactions, among others. In many cases, these matters may not be explicitly mentioned in the Quran or the Hadith, and may require the use of reason and judgment to determine the appropriate course of action. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned his followers to avoid these ambiguous matters, as they can lead to confusion and uncertainty in one's faith and actions. He encouraged his followers to seek knowledge and guidance from reliable sources, such as the Quran, the Hadith, and knowledgeable scholars, in order to avoid falling into sin or error. Overall, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge, using reason and judgment, and following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger in all matters of faith and practice. It also emphasizes the need for humility and caution in one's approach to matters that may be uncertain or ambiguous.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The phrase that is used to alert an Imam leading prayer that he has forgetfully risen when he is to sit is "Subhānallah". It is an Arabic phrase which means "Glory be to Allah". It is commonly used in Islamic religious practices to praise and glorify Allah. In this particular situation, it is used to remind the Imam that he needs to sit down and continue the prayer in the correct manner. It is important to note that this phrase is not limited to this particular situation and can be used in various other contexts in Islamic practices.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Zihar is a term used in Islamic law that refers to a particular situation where a husband compares or equates his wife with someone or something that he perceives as forbidden for him to have sexual relations with. For example, if a husband says something like "You are to me like the back of my mother," he is making a comparison between his wife and his mother's back, which is considered taboo in Islamic culture. This statement is considered to be a form of Zihar and is seen as an insult to the wife's honor and dignity. It is important to note that the comparison made by the husband in Zihar must be explicit and direct, meaning that it cannot be a subtle or indirect comparison. Additionally, Zihar can have serious consequences under Islamic law, and the husband may be required to make amends or pay a penalty to his wife to rectify the situation.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Talaq al bai'in refers to an irrevocable divorce. It is a type of divorce in Islamic law that terminates a marriage and cannot be undone. The term "bai'in" means "clear" or "explicit," indicating that this type of divorce is final and cannot be reversed. In this type of divorce, the husband pronounces the divorce in a clear and unambiguous manner, and the wife is immediately free to marry someone else if she chooses to do so.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Fasting has been prohibited on a doubtful day, which is the 30th of Sha'aban in the Islamic calendar. This is because the timing of the new moon sighting to determine the start of Ramadan can sometimes be uncertain, and there is a risk of fasting on the wrong day if the moon is not sighted correctly. Fasting on a doubtful day is not considered a good deed in Islam because it does not have the desired effect of bringing one closer to Allah. Therefore, it is important for Muslims to be cautious and follow the guidance of their local religious authorities to ensure that they fast on the correct day.

Akọwa Nkọwa

According to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the best ibadah or act of worship after the major pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, is to make a fellow Muslim happy. This can be done in many ways, such as through kind words, offering help and support, and performing acts of charity. By bringing joy to others and alleviating their suffering, a person is demonstrating the love and compassion that is at the heart of Islam. It is important to note that all acts of worship are valuable and important, but making a fellow Muslim happy is particularly emphasized as it promotes unity, love, and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The quotation "Allah begets not nor is He begotten" condemns the doctrine of Trinity. This statement affirms the Islamic belief in the oneness of God (Tawheed) and rejects the concept of Jesus as the son of God in Christianity. The doctrine of Trinity suggests that there are three distinct entities in one Godhead, namely the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, which is not accepted in Islam. In Islam, God is considered as one and indivisible, and there is no partner or associate with Him. Therefore, the quotation above emphasizes the importance of the Islamic belief in the oneness of God and refutes any notion of a plurality of deities or divine beings.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The copy of the Glorious Qur'an in use was standardized during the period of Caliph Uthman b. Affan. After the death of Prophet Muhammad, the companions of the Prophet continued to spread Islam and the teachings of the Qur'an throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. However, as Islam began to spread, there were differences in the way that the Qur'an was being recited in different regions. To address this issue, Caliph Uthman b. Affan ordered for a standardized version of the Qur'an to be compiled. A committee of experts was formed to collect all of the written and oral versions of the Qur'an and to compile a single version that was agreed upon by all of the companions of the Prophet. Once the committee completed their work, Caliph Uthman ordered for copies of this standardized version to be made and distributed throughout the Islamic world. This ensured that all Muslims were reciting and studying the same version of the Qur'an, and helped to preserve the integrity of the holy text for future generations.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Qadr in Islam refers to destiny or the divine decree of Allah (God) regarding all that occurs in the universe. It is the belief that everything, including all events and actions of human beings, has been predetermined by Allah and is written in a divine decree known as al-Lauh al-Mahfuz, the Preserved Tablet. In a simple and comprehensive way, Qadr can be understood as the concept that Allah has complete control over all things and that everything that happens in the world, whether good or bad, is part of His plan. This belief is an important aspect of Islamic theology and helps Muslims to trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy, even in difficult circumstances.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Those who are not Pilgrims are advised to fast on the day of Arafat. Arafat is the name of a plain located outside of Mecca where Muslim pilgrims gather on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. This day is known as the Day of Arafat, and it is considered one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. For Muslims who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, fasting on the Day of Arafat is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the upcoming year. This recommendation is based on the practice of the Prophet himself and his Companions. Therefore, for those who are not performing the Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafat is an opportunity to gain rewards and expiate their sins. It is a day of great significance and a time for increased worship and remembrance of Allah.

Akọwa Nkọwa

One major peculiarity between the Makkan and Madinan Surahs of the Glorious Qur'an is that Makkan Surahs are short and poetic while the Madinan Surahs are longer and more generic. The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of many years, and the chapters, or surahs, can be divided into two main categories based on when they were revealed and the historical context in which they were revealed. The Makkan Surahs were revealed during the early part of the Prophet's mission, when he and his followers were in Makkah and facing opposition from the people there. These surahs are generally short, concise, and poetic, and focus on the basic teachings of Islam, including the belief in one God, the importance of prayer and good deeds, and the need to live a virtuous life. In contrast, the Madinan Surahs were revealed after the Prophet had migrated to Madina, and they address a wider range of issues and concerns faced by the growing Muslim community there. These surahs are generally longer and more generic, and address topics such as religious law, social justice, and the importance of community life. The difference between the Makkan and Madinan Surahs reflects the different historical and social contexts in which they were revealed, and highlights the adaptability and flexibility of the Qur'anic message to address the needs of different communities at different times.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

The verse "Peace descending on the righteous throughout the night" is one of the major themes in the Surah al-Qadr. Surah al-Qadr is the 97th chapter of the Quran and is considered to be one of the most important chapters in the Quran. It is believed to have been revealed during the night of power, which is one of the holiest nights of the Islamic calendar. The theme of this chapter is the significance of the night of power and the blessings that come with it, including peace and tranquility for the righteous. The verse you mentioned is a reminder of the peace and comfort that can be found in a righteous life, and encourages people to strive for righteousness in order to experience the blessings of this special night.

Akọwa Nkọwa

According to Qur'an 101:4, on the Day of Judgment, "The mountains will be like flakes of wool." This verse is referring to the great upheaval and destruction that will occur on the Day of Judgment. The mountains, which are typically seen as strong and immovable, will be reduced to nothing more than small pieces of wool or fibers. This metaphor is used to describe the immense power of Allah and the Day of Judgment. It shows that even the mightiest of things on earth will be powerless before the Almighty on that day. The verse does not mention the discharge of fire or the fire of Jahannam, as mentioned in some other verses of the Quran.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Among the obligatory steps of ablution in Islam, which is the ritual washing of certain body parts before prayer, are the following: 1. Intention: The person must intend to perform ablution for the purpose of purification before prayer. 2. Washing the face: The person must wash their entire face, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. 3. Washing the hands to the elbow: The person must wash their hands, including the wrists and forearms, up to the elbows. 4. Washing the feet: The person must wash their feet, including the ankles and heels. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "washing the feet." Other recommended acts during ablution include rinsing the mouth and nose, wiping the two ears, and ensuring silence during the ablution. By performing ablution, a person purifies their body and prepares themselves for the act of prayer, which is a central part of the Islamic faith.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, is a fundamental part of daily prayers for Muslims. The major themes that can be derived from Surah Al-Fatihah are praise, prayer, and pledge. In the Surah, Muslims praise Allah, the Lord of the worlds, for His infinite mercy and guidance. The Surah is a prayer to Allah for guidance and success, as it is recited by Muslims several times a day during their daily prayers. Muslims also pledge their obedience and submission to Allah in the Surah, recognizing Him as the only source of help and guidance. Therefore, the three major themes that can be derived from Surah Al-Fatihah are praise, prayer, and pledge.