JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2024

Maelezo ya Majibu

In Islamic tradition, the angel who is in charge of rain is Mika'il, also known as Michael. Mika'il is one of the four archangels in Islam.

Mika'il's responsibilities include the distribution of nourishment to creatures and ensuring that the earth receives water through rainfall, which is essential for sustaining life. He manages the natural world and the sustenance provided by it. This role is vital because rain is crucial for replenishing water supplies, irrigating plants, and maintaining ecological balance.

In summary, Mika'il is recognized in Islamic teachings as the angel who oversees rainfall and natural provisions, thereby playing a critical role in sustaining life on Earth.

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The phrase "Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in" is found in Surat Al-Fatihah. Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter of the Quran, and it holds a special significance in Islamic prayer as it is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer (Salah).

Al-Fatihah, also referred to as "The Opening," consists of seven verses. The phrase in question means "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help", emphasizing the monotheistic worship of and reliance on Allah.

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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.

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The pilgrims go to Arafah on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. This day is known as the Day of Arafah, and it is one of the most important days during the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafah to perform prayers, seek forgiveness, and engage in supplication. The gathering at Arafah is an essential part of the Hajj rituals, and it symbolizes unity and devotion among Muslims from all over the world.

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In Islamic practice, **"Sand ablution"** is known as Tayammum. Tayammum is an alternative to traditional *Wudu* (ablution) when water is not available or when someone is unable to use water due to health issues. It involves using clean earth, typically sand or dust, to purify oneself before performing prayers.

Here is a simple way to perform Tayammum:

• First, make the intention to perform Tayammum in your heart.
• Find a clean spot of earth, sand, or dust. Place your hands flat on the ground.
• Strike the earth lightly with both your hands.
• Wipe over your entire face with the dust from your hands.
• Then, wipe your right hand with your left hand and your left hand with your right hand.

This act of cleansing symbolizes purity and is an important practice for maintaining cleanliness in Islamic rituals, particularly when traditional methods are not possible.

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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.

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Hadith is classified into two main groups:
1. Sahih (authentic): These are Hadith that are considered to be genuine and reliable, meeting the highest standards of authenticity.
2. Daif (weak): These are Hadith that are considered to be less reliable or authentic, due to issues with the chain of narrators or other factors.
However, some scholars also categorize Hadith into additional groups, such as:
- Hasan (good): These are Hadith that are considered to be reliable, but not to the same level as Sahih.
Mawdu' (fabricated): These are Hadith that are considered to be false or fabricated.
Maqlub (reversed): These are Hadith that have been altered or distorted in some way.
But the most common and basic classification is into two groups: Sahih and Daif.

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Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Ka'bah, and it is an essential ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage.

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Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This is a significant time in the Islamic calendar as Muslims worldwide commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Before the sacrifice was carried out, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing divine intervention and mercy.

Eid al-Adha coincides with the completion of the pilgrimage rites by millions of Muslims in Mecca, known as Hajj, which also occurs in this holy month. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are particularly important, culminating in Eid al-Adha on the tenth day. Therefore, the correct answer to when Eid al-Adha is observed is the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

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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.

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The phrase "Lakum Dinukum Waliyadin" is from the last verse of Surah Al-Kafirun. Surah Al-Kafirun is the 109th chapter of the Qur'an. The chapter is comprised of six verses and emphasizes the distinction between Islam and disbelief. The phrase itself means "To you be your religion, and to me my religion," highlighting the Qur'anic principle of religious tolerance and respect for differing beliefs. This concluding verse reinforces the message of mutual respect and the notion that everyone is responsible for their own faith.

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Laylatul-Qadr is known as the "Night of Power." It holds great significance in Islam and is considered one of the holiest nights. This night is believed to be the time when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this night, which occurs in the last ten days of Ramadan, it is said that blessings and mercy are abundant, sins are forgiven, and prayers are accepted. The night is so special that it is described as better than a thousand months, emphasizing its importance and the great rewards associated with it.

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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.

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During the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the recording of the Qur'an was primarily done using the materials that were readily available and durable in the region. The common materials included:

• Animal Skin: Known as parchment, animal skin was widely used because it was durable and relatively easy to write on.
• Leaves: Palm leaves or other large leaves available in the region were utilized for writing due to their availability.
• Animal Bones: Flat bones, such as the shoulder blades of camels or other large animals, provided a suitable surface for writing.

Paper: was not used during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This is because paper, as we know it today, originated from China and did not become commonplace in the Arabian region until much later. During the Prophet’s time, paper was neither readily available nor a feasible medium for writing. Hence, it is the material that was not used for recording the Qur'an during that era.

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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.

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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.

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In Islamic tradition, the two angels responsible for recording an individual's deeds are Raqib and Atid. These two angels are often referred to collectively as the "Kiram and Katibin," which means the Honorable Recorders. Their role is to meticulously note down every good and bad deed performed by an individual.

Raqib is stationed on a person's right side and records all the good deeds they perform. In contrast, Atid is positioned on the left side and is responsible for noting any wrongdoings or sins.

This concept emphasizes personal accountability and awareness of one's actions, reminding individuals that their deeds are being observed and recorded for future judgment. It serves as a moral compass, encouraging people to do good and avoid evil. Thus, Raqib and Atid play a significant role in guiding ethical and moral behavior in the Islamic faith.

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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.

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Washing hands up to the elbows is considered a recommended act (sunnah) during ablution.

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The acts of Hajj are essential rituals that Muslims perform during their pilgrimage to Mecca. These acts include procedures and events that are crucial for completing the Hajj. Let's describe each of the terms provided and identify which one is not an act of Hajj:

Ihram: This is the first step of Hajj. It involves entering a sacred state by wearing specific garments and observing certain prohibitions. It marks the beginning of the pilgrimage.

Talbiyyah: This is a prayer or chant that pilgrims recite upon entering the state of Ihram and throughout the pilgrimage. It is an expression of their readiness and dedication to performing Hajj.

Tawaf: This is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It's a fundamental ritual of the pilgrimage.

Ziyarah: In the context of Islam, ziyarah generally refers to visiting holy sites, which could be done as part of the pilgrimage or independently. While it can be a component of visiting religious places, it's generally not considered a distinct obligatory act or rite of Hajj itself but rather an *optional* or *additional* visit.

In conclusion, the word **Ziyarah** is not a defined act of Hajj. It is more of a general term used for visiting holy sites beyond the obligatory rituals of Hajj.

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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.

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Hadith 21 of An-Nawawi's collections discourages selfishness and emphasizes the importance of considering others. The Hadith states, "The merciful will be shown mercy by Ar-Rahman (Allah). Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy on you." This Hadith teaches us to be compassionate and kind towards others, and to avoid being selfish and only thinking of our own interests.

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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.

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Ulul Azim refers to the five most prominent prophets in Islam: Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa, Nuh, and Idris. Whil Isa is a significant prophet in Islam, he is not included in this specific group.

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Allahus Samad is translated as "Allah is eternal and absolute".

This phrase is part of Surah Al-Ikhlas from the Qur'an, specifically in verse 2. The term 'Samad' refers to Allah as the being who is independent, self-sufficient, and is not in need of anything from anyone, while everyone else relies on Him for everything. It signifies that Allah is complete, perfect, and the ultimate sustainer for all creation. Unlike any other entity, He neither ages nor experiences death, making Him truly eternal.

Thus, "Allah is eternal and absolute" captures the essence of being timeless and beyond all limitations, qualities that are exclusive to Allah.

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Al-Rahim is one of the names of Allah, emphasizing His mercy and forgiveness.

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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.

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The acts of Hajj are the rituals that Muslims perform as part of the pilgrimage to Mecca, and each of them has specific significance and requirements. In the list you've provided, three of the terms directly relate to the rituals of Hajj, while one stands out as not being an act of Hajj.

Tawaf is a key ritual in Hajj, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. It symbolizes the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, moving around the central point of their faith.

Ihram is the sacred state that a pilgrim must enter before performing the rites of Hajj. It involves wearing specific garments and abstaining from certain actions such as cutting hair or nails, engaging in marital relations, and hunting, as a means to prepare spiritually for the pilgrimage.

Talbiyyah is a devotional phrase repeatedly uttered by pilgrims as they proceed with the rituals of Hajj. It reflects the pilgrim's intention and readiness to perform Hajj, declaring their servitude to Allah and reinforcing their spiritual commitment.

Ziyarah generally refers to visiting holy sites and is not specific to the rituals of Hajj. While visiting places such as the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is recommended, it is not a formal part of the Hajj pilgrimage, hence it is not an act of Hajj.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ulul Azim refers to the five most prominent prophets in Islam: Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa, Nuh, and Idris. Whil Isa is a significant prophet in Islam, he is not included in this specific group.

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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.

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Suratul Fattihah, the first chapter of the Qur'an is recited four times during the Asr prayer.

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The term **Ulul Azim** refers to a group of important and resolute prophets in Islam. The phrase is Arabic, where **"Ulul"** means "possessors" or "owners," and **"Azim"** signifies "steadfastness," "determination," or "resolution." These prophets are distinguished by their exceptional patience, strong will, and their role in conveying major divine messages to guide humanity.

There are **five** prophets identified as **Ulul Azim**. They are:

• Prophet Noah (Nuh) - Recognized for his perseverance in preaching the oneness of God despite the ridicule he faced from his people.
• Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) - Known for his dedication and belief in monotheism, even when faced with immense challenges including a test involving his son.
• Prophet Moses (Musa) - He led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the commandments on Mount Sinai, significantly shaping the course of religious history.
• Prophet Jesus (Isa) - His teachings and miracles were pivotal, and his message centered around love, forgiveness, and devotion to God.
• Prophet Muhammad - The final prophet in Islam, who conveyed the message of the Quran and established the foundation for the Muslim community.

In summary, the **Ulul Azim** are the **five** prophets known for their strong will, determination, and influential roles in delivering God's messages to humanity.

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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.

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The **Zuhr prayer** is a significant part of the daily prayers in Islam. It consists of four units of prayer, also known as **raka'at**.

The Zuhr prayer is offered after midday, when the sun has passed its zenith, and it is one of the five daily prayers that are obligatory for Muslims. The **raka'at** refer to the units or cycles within a prayer, and each unit includes specific postures and recitations. For the **Zuhr prayer**, these cycles are repeated four times, making it a total of **four raka'at**.

This four-unit structure helps offer a suitable amount of time for personal reflection, spiritual connection, and devotion during the middle of the day, helping individuals to take a pause from their daily activities and focus on their faith.

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Suratul Humazah, also known as Surat Al-Humazah, is the 104th chapter of the Quran and consists of 7 verses. I is a Madinan surah that condemns those who slander and backbite others. The surah emphasizes the importance of guarding one's tongue and refraining from harming others through speech. It also warns against the consequences of spreading rumors and falsehoods. The 7 verses of Suratul Humazah provide guidance on the importance of responsible speech and the need to protect others from harm.