Islamic Studies Quiz Questions and Answers
Islam is a religion that believes in the justice of God. Its principles govern the relationships between Muslims and their fellow humans, and between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Islam views wealth as a source of honor and dignity. It is also considered as a means of self-development. This is why a Muslim is encouraged to work, whether in business or agriculture.
History of Islam
Islam is the world’s largest and most dominant religion. This collection of 141 enlightening trivia questions offers an introduction to the religion’s history, beliefs, practices, and worldview. Topics include the Quran, Islamic law (Sharia and Fiqh), and other topics of interest.
1- How many times a day are Muslims traditionally expected to pray?
2- Which Islamic city did the prophet Muhammad flee to during the Hegira?
3- What is the second pillar of Islam, involving giving to the poor and needy?
4- What Muslim mathematician was known as the ‘father of algebra’?
It is well established that Jewish people flourished under Islamic rule, with some reaching senior positions within the state. Who was one such example?
Basic Islamic Knowledge and Beliefs
Islam is a monotheistic religion whose teachings are based on reason and logic. Its fundamental beliefs are Allah’s oneness, the prophet hood of Muhammad, and the concept of life after death. Its teachings awaken the human conscience to the reality of existence and promote a healthy balance between the individual and society.
Muslims believe that God sent messengers, or prophets, throughout history to guide humankind. Some of these prophets are mentioned in the Quran, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. The Muslim faith also reveres some material found in the Judeo-Christian Bible.
A central idea in Islam is jihad, or the struggle in the name of God. This can be an internal struggle to defend one’s faith, or it can take the form of a military campaign if necessary. Muslims are required to pay zakat, or a 2% tax on their wealth. This money is used to help the poor, provide for orphans, aid travelers, and support those fighting in the name of Islam.
Quran & Sunnah
Quran, Sunnah and Hadith are the main sources of Islamic law and guidance. The word “Quran” means “Word of God” or “the Word of the Lord”. The Muslims believe that it was revealed to Muhammad by Allah, and was written down by him while he was alive.
The Sunnah refers to the words and actions of the Prophet, Lady Fatimah and the 12 Imams. It contains thousands of stories about the lives of the Prophet, his family and his followers. It is the most authentic and important source of guidance for the Muslims.
The Sunnah can explain the reasons for certain laws, such as why it is permissible to eat pork or not. It can also specify exemptions from general injunctions. For example, it is known from the Sunnah that when the Muslim leader Umar ibn al-Khattab conquered Jerusalem, he did not kill the Christians and allowed them to remain in the city, but they were required to pay a tax called jizya.
Islamic World & Practices
Islamic studies is a broad, diverse and dynamic field. It draws on history, religion, anthropology, Arabic language and literature, and the rich tradition of philosophy developed by Muslim thinkers, while remaining responsive to new discoveries, interpretations and ideologies.
The field focuses on the study of Islam as both a religious text and an enduring global civilization, with its own distinctive worldview. It also examines secular topics from an Islamic perspective, such as law, science and economics.
Master’s students take a comprehensive exam covering the religious history of one geographic region (Arabic Middle East, Turco-Iranian world, South Asia and its diaspora, or Africa), plus one subfield. Examples of fields are Islamic religious history, thought and jurisprudence; Qur’an exegesis, translation and interpretation; and Muslim social and cultural theory. The field also explores Islam’s relation to other religious traditions and contemporary debates. It is taught by an exceptionally distinguished faculty that includes internationally recognized specialists in the history of Islam.
