JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2023

In the Quran chapter 95 verse 3, Makkah is referred to as the city of *security*. This means that Makkah is a place of safety and protection. It is a city where people can feel secure and have peace of mind. This verse highlights the importance of security in Makkah and emphasizes the sacredness and tranquility of the city. Makkah is considered to be a holy city in Islam, and millions of Muslims visit it every year for the pilgrimage known as Hajj. During this time, the city is filled with worshippers from around the world, and it is essential for them to feel safe and protected during their journey. The mention of Makkah as the city of security in the Quran highlights the significance of this aspect and emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful and secure environment for the people who visit and reside in Makkah.

The main means of transport used by the Arabs in the desert was the camel.
Camels are perfectly designed for living and traveling in desert environments. They have some unique adaptations that make them the ideal choice for traversing the desert.
One of the key reasons for using camels is their ability to conserve water. Camels are able to go for long periods of time without drinking water, which is a crucial factor in arid desert conditions where water sources may be scarce. They can survive for several days without drinking, and when they do have access to water, they can drink up to 30 gallons at once to replenish their reserves.
Another advantage of camels is their ability to tolerate extreme temperatures. They have a thick coat that helps to insulate them from the heat during the day and keep them warm at night. Their broad feet distribute their weight over a larger surface area, preventing them from sinking into the soft desert sand.
Camels also have a unique way of navigating through the desert. They have a strong sense of direction and can remember their travel routes even after long periods of time. They can use landmarks and the position of the sun and stars to find their way and avoid getting lost.
In addition to their physical adaptations, camels have been an integral part of Arab culture for centuries. They have been domesticated and trained to carry heavy loads, making them valuable for transporting goods and people across the vast desert landscapes. They are also well-suited for long journeys, as they are resilient and can withstand the challenges of desert travel.
Therefore, the camel was the primary means of transportation for the Arabs in the desert due to its adaptability to the harsh desert environment, its water conservation capabilities, its heat tolerance, its navigation skills, and its cultural significance in Arab society.

The unity of Allah is expressed in Suratul Ikhlas. This chapter of the Quran emphasizes the concept of Tawheed, which is the belief in the oneness of Allah. Surah Ikhlas begins with the statement "Qul huwa Allahu ahad", which means "Say, He is Allah, the One". This verse affirms that Allah is unique and singular, and there is no one like Him. It emphasizes the absolute oneness of Allah, without any partners or associates. The Surah goes on to describe Allah as "As-Samad", which means the Self-Sufficient. This demonstrates that Allah is not in need of anyone or anything, and everything in the universe relies on Him for their existence. Surah Ikhlas also declares that Allah neither begets nor is begotten, meaning that He does not have any children nor is He born or created by anyone. This emphasizes that Allah is eternal and has no beginning or end. By emphasizing these qualities of Allah, Surah Ikhlas conveys the fundamental belief in the unity of Allah and refutes any notions of polytheism or associating partners with Allah. It highlights the importance of understanding and recognizing the uniqueness and singularity of Allah in our faith. In summary, Suratul Ikhlas expresses the unity of Allah by affirming His oneness, uniqueness, and self-sufficiency. It serves as a reminder to believers of the fundamental belief in the Tawheed and the importance of recognizing and worshiping Allah as the one and only God.

The first Mu'adh-Dhin in Islam was Bilal. He holds a significant place in Islamic history as he was chosen by Prophet Muhammad himself to be the one to call the Muslims to prayer. Bilal was known for his beautiful voice and his unwavering faith. He was a former slave who embraced Islam and became one of the Prophet's most trusted companions.
Bilal's selection as the first Mu'adh-Dhin highlights the value and importance Islam places on equality. It shattered the social norms of the time, where a former slave was given such a prestigious role in the community. Prophet Muhammad recognized Bilal's devotion and piety, proving that in Islam, one's worth is not determined by their social status or background, but by their faith and character.
Bilal's call to prayer became an iconic symbol of Islam. His voice echoed through the streets of Madinah, inviting people to worship Allah and reminding them of their obligations as Muslims. The adhan, or call to prayer, continues to be a vital part of Islamic practice worldwide to this day.
In a simple summary, the first Mu'adh-Dhin in Islam was Bilal. He was chosen by Prophet Muhammad for his faith and beautiful voice, regardless of his former slave status. This emphasizes the Islamic principle of equality and showcases the importance of the call to prayer in the religion.

The capital of the ancient Ghana empire was Awkar. The Ghana empire existed from the 4th to 13th centuries in West Africa. Awkar was located in present-day Mali, near the Niger River.
Awkar was an important trading city and served as the political and economic center of the Ghana empire. It was strategically situated between the desert region to the north and the forest region to the south, which allowed for easy access to valuable trade resources from both areas.
The wealth and power of the Ghana empire were primarily built on the control of gold and salt trade routes. Gold was abundant in the forest regions to the south, while salt was scarce in the desert regions to the north. The empire's location made it a critical hub for facilitating trade between the two regions.
Awkar became a flourishing city due to its role as a commercial center. It attracted merchants from various parts of Africa and beyond. These merchants brought goods like textiles, spices, and other valuable resources, creating a bustling marketplace in Awkar.
As the capital of the Ghana empire, Awkar was also home to important political and administrative institutions. It was where the king, known as the Ghana, held court and made decisions regarding the empire. The city was likely adorned with beautiful palaces, mosques, and other structures representing the empire's wealth and influence.
In summary, Awkar served as the capital of the ancient Ghana empire. It was a thriving city located in present-day Mali, known for its importance in trade, politics, and administration.

In Quran 24:32, the injunction is that Muslims are encouraged to marry righteous partners. This means that it is recommended for Muslims to seek spouses who are pious, morally upright, and have good character. This verse does not command Muslims to marry more than one wife nor does it discourage polygamy. Its main emphasis is on the importance of choosing a spouse who is committed to their faith and leads a righteous life. Therefore, the correct option is that Quran 24:32 enjoins Muslims to marry righteous partners.

Ashura, Qada', Tasu'a, and Sittah Shawwal are all types of voluntary fasting that can be observed by Muslims. However, there is one option among the given choices that does not fall under the category of voluntary fasting.
Ashura is the voluntary fasting observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a recommended fast as it holds significance in Islamic history, such as the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh. It is not obligatory, but highly recommended.
Qada' refers to making up for any obligatory fast that was missed due to a valid reason, such as illness or travel. In this case, it is not a voluntary fasting, but rather a required act to compensate for the missed fast.
Tasu'a is the voluntary fasting observed on the 9th day of Muharram. It is an optional fast, mostly practiced by Shia Muslims in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the battle of Karbala.
Sittah Shawwal refers to the voluntary fasting observed for six consecutive days in the month of Shawwal, immediately after the conclusion of Ramadan. It is a recommended act and is encouraged as a way to gain more rewards after the compulsory fasting of Ramadan.
Therefore, among the given options, Qada' is the one that does not fall under voluntary fasting. Qada' fasting is a necessary requirement to make up for any missed obligatory fasts, whereas the others are recommended but not obligatory.

Fajr = 2
Jummah = 2
Asr = 4
Magrib = 3
Ishai = 4

In the battle of Uhud, the number of Makkan soldiers who took part was 3000.
The battle of Uhud took place between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh tribe from Mecca. The Quraysh tribe brought a large army to attack the Muslims in Medina. The Makkan army consisted of a significant number of soldiers.
To be more specific, there were 3000 Makkan troops who participated in the battle. These soldiers were well-equipped and had a strong desire to defeat the Muslims and regain their dominance in Mecca.
The Muslims, on the other hand, had fewer soldiers compared to the Makkan army. They had around 1000 warriors defending Medina. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims managed to put up a strong resistance.
During the battle, there were moments when the Muslims had the upper hand, but due to some strategic errors and a lack of discipline in some of the Muslim ranks, the tide turned in favor of the Makkan army.
Overall, the battle of Uhud was a turning point in the early history of Islam. It highlighted the importance of discipline, unity, and strategic planning. It also showed the Muslims the need to learn from their mistakes and work towards improving themselves in the future.

The classifications of Hadith are used to categorize the authenticity and reliability of the narrations. The given options are:

Daif: This classification refers to weak Hadiths. These narrations have a weakness in either their chain of narrators or in the content of the Hadith itself. They are not considered strong or reliable enough to form a basis for beliefs or practices.

Mawdu: Mawdu Hadiths are fabricated or forged narrations that have been falsely attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These Hadiths were intentionally created by individuals for various reasons and are not considered authentic or reliable.

Sahih: Sahih refers to authentic Hadiths. These are narrations that have a strong and reliable chain of narrators and are in accordance with Islamic teachings. Sahih Hadiths are considered a reliable source of guidance and can be used to derive Islamic rulings and understand the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Hasan: Hasan Hadiths are those that have a good, but not as strong, chain of narrators. While they are not as strong as Sahih Hadiths, they are still considered reliable and can be used as a source of guidance in matters of Islamic practice.

Therefore, from the given options, the classification of Hasam does not exist. It is not a recognized classification of Hadith.

The supererogatory prayer with a single rak'ah is Salatul Witr.
Salatul Witr is a voluntary prayer that is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It consists of an odd number of rak'ahs (units of prayer), with the minimum being one rak'ah.
This prayer is considered supererogatory, meaning it is not obligatory but highly recommended. It is a way for individuals to earn extra rewards and strengthen their connection with Allah.
Salatul Witr is a special prayer that holds great virtue in Islam. It is often performed separately from the regular daily prayers. It is recommended to perform it during the night, after the Isha prayer, but before the Fajr prayer. However, if someone is unable to wake up for it before Fajr, they can still perform it before going to sleep.
The prayer consists of various rak'ahs, with odd numbers being preferred. The final rak'ah, known as the Witr rak'ah, is the one that distinguishes this prayer from others. It is usually performed with an odd number of units, such as one rak'ah, three rak'ahs, or five rak'ahs, but it can also be performed with more.
During Salatul Witr, additional supplications, known as Qunoot, are made in the final rak'ah. These supplications can be made in Arabic or the person's local language, and they can ask for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.
Performing Salatul Witr is highly recommended, but it is important to remember that it is not obligatory like the five daily prayers. However, it holds immense spiritual benefits and can strengthen one's relationship with Allah.

"Lam yalid wa lam yulad"(Q 112:3) is preceded by "Qul Huwal Lahu Ahad". In the Quran, "Qul Huwal Lahu Ahad" is the 112th chapter, also known as Surah Al-Ikhlas. It is a short but powerful chapter that emphasizes the oneness of Allah. Before the verse "Lam yalid wa lam yulad"(Q 112:3), which translates to "He neither begets nor is born," Allah asks Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to proclaim that He is One and has no partners or children. This affirmation of Allah's oneness sets the context for the following verse which emphasizes that Allah does not have any children or offspring. By stating "Lam yalid wa lam yulad," Allah clarifies that He does not have the need to have children or to be born Himself. This is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief, as it highlights the uniqueness and incomparability of Allah. It reinforces the concept that Allah is eternal, self-sufficient, and does not share any attributes or characteristics with His creation. Overall, the verse "Lam yalid wa lam yulad" serves as a reminder for believers to understand and accept the concept of divine oneness, and to recognize that Allah is beyond any human understanding or resemblance.

The fifty Muslim archers at the battle of Uhud were instructed to stay in their position and not leave their post. This means that they were told to maintain their position and not move or abandon their post under any circumstances. By doing so, they were expected to provide protection and cover for the Muslim army against any potential attacks from the rear.
Their role as archers was crucial to the overall strategy of the battle. They were strategically positioned on a hill behind the main Muslim army, serving as a defensive line against the enemy cavalry. It was essential for them to maintain their position in order to ensure the protection of the Muslim forces.
However, during the course of the battle, when the Muslim army initially gained the upper hand, a portion of the archers saw a chance to gain war booty and left their post against the orders they were given. This opened up a gap in the defensive line, allowing the enemy cavalry to attack from the rear.
As a result, this breach in the defensive line proved to be a turning point in the battle, leading to a setback for the Muslim forces and ultimately their defeat. The lesson learned from this incident is the importance of following instructions and maintaining discipline in the face of temptation.

The reign of Caliph Uthman b. Affan is known for several key contributions during his time as the Caliph of the Islamic state. One of the notable achievements was **standardization of the Qur'an**. During this time, the Islamic community was expanding rapidly, and there were multiple versions of the Qur'an in different dialects. This led to confusion and inconsistencies in the recitation and interpretation of the holy book. Caliph Uthman took the initiative to establish a standardized version of the Qur'an to ensure uniformity and accuracy in its recitation. To accomplish this, Caliph Uthman appointed a committee of scholars, including prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad, to compile an official version of the Qur'an. They used the original written materials and the oral traditions passed down from the Prophet. The compiled version, known as the Uthmanic codex, formed the basis for the standardization of the Qur'an that we have today. This standardization had significant implications. It allowed for **consistency in the teachings of Islam** across different regions, ensuring that everyone was reciting and understanding the same message. It also helped in preserving the integrity of the Qur'an, protecting it from any alterations or variations. The standardization of the Qur'an during the reign of Caliph Uthman played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of the Islamic faith. It helped establish a solid foundation for the community and ensured the Quranic teachings were accurately conveyed from one generation to another.

The state into which the pilgrim enters before the time of Hajj is Ihram. Ihram is a sacred state that pilgrims enter into before performing Hajj or Umrah. It is a state of purity and devotion that involves specific rituals and restrictions.
When a pilgrim enters Ihram, they must dress in prescribed clothing, which consists of two unsewn white sheets for men and modest clothing for women. This simple attire symbolizes equality and unity among all pilgrims, regardless of their social status or wealth.
Entering into Ihram involves making intentions and pronouncing the Talbiyyah, which is a declaration of a pilgrim's dedication and intention to perform Hajj or Umrah. The Talbiyyah is recited throughout the pilgrimage as a constant reminder of the purpose and devotion of the pilgrim.
In this state of Ihram, certain restrictions are imposed. Pilgrims must abstain from activities such as cutting hair or nails, using perfumes or scented products, engaging in any form of sexual activity, and arguing or engaging in any form of violence. These restrictions are meant to shift the pilgrim's focus solely on the spiritual journey and to promote a peaceful and harmonious environment among fellow pilgrims.
By entering into Ihram, the pilgrim embraces a state of humbleness, purity, and dedication to their religious obligations. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness and significance of the pilgrimage and helps pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience of Hajj or Umrah.

Ijma' as a secondary source of Islamic law refers to the consensus opinion of scholars. It means that when scholars unanimously agree on a particular ruling or interpretation of Islamic law, it becomes a reliable source for deriving legal rulings. This consensus is based on the collective wisdom and knowledge of the scholars who specialize in Islamic jurisprudence. Ijma' provides stability and continuity in interpreting and applying Islamic law as it ensures that the understanding of the religion remains consistent over time. It is considered an essential source because it represents the agreement of experts who have extensively studied and analyzed the Islamic texts and principles. It is important to note that ijma' is not based on the number of scholars who agree, but rather on the agreement of the qualified scholars who possess deep knowledge and expertise in Islamic law. This ensures that the consensus is reliable and reflective of the true spirit and teachings of Islam. Ijma' serves as an established basis for justice because it helps prevent individual interpretations from being imposed on the general Muslim community. It promotes unity and harmony among Muslims by providing a common understanding of the law. Overall, ijma' is a significant secondary source of Islamic law that relies on the consensus opinion of qualified scholars. It helps ensure the stability, consistency, and justice in the interpretation and application of Islamic law. Therefore, it holds a crucial role in shaping the legal framework of Islamic societies.

The prayer that is not observed between Isha and Fajr is the Istisqa prayer.
The Istisqa prayer is a special prayer that is performed to seek rainfall from Allah during times of drought or scarcity of water. It is not specifically tied to any particular time of the day and can be performed at any time when the need for rain arises.
On the other hand, the other three prayers mentioned - Tahajjud, Shafi, and Witr - are all observed between the Isha and Fajr prayers.
Tahajjud is the voluntary night prayer that is performed after the Isha prayer and before the Fajr prayer. It is a recommended prayer that holds immense spiritual benefits and allows individuals to seek closeness to Allah in the tranquility of the night.
Shafi is a voluntary prayer that can be performed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. It is a Sunnah prayer that is highly recommended, although not obligatory. It is performed in pairs of two units (raka'ahs).
Witr is the final prayer of the day and is performed after the Tahajjud prayer or, if one did not perform Tahajjud, after the Isha prayer. It is a single unit prayer and it is considered highly recommended to perform Witr prayer before going to sleep.
Therefore, the prayer that is not observed between Isha and Fajr is the Istisqa prayer, as it is not specifically tied to any fixed time of the day and can be performed whenever the need arises for seeking rainfall.

Maliki yawmid-Din is translated as "the King of the Day of Judgement". This phrase is part of the opening chapter of the Quran, known as Surah Al-Fatihah. It is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer. In this phrase, "Maliki yawmid-Din", the word "Malik" means "king" or "sovereign". It refers to Allah, the one and only God, as the ultimate ruler who holds complete authority and power over everything that exists. The phrase "yawm al-Din" translates to "the Day of Judgement". It refers to a future day when everyone will be held accountable for their actions in this world. It is the day when people will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds. Putting it all together, "Maliki yawmid-Din" means that Allah is the supreme King who possesses complete authority and control over the Day of Judgement. It emphasizes the concept of divine justice, where Allah will judge everyone fairly and impartially based on their actions on that final day. Overall, this phrase acknowledges Allah's sovereignty and reminds believers of their ultimate accountability and the significance of the Day of Judgement.

The type of Ghusl performed by a new convert to Islam is Dhukil-al-Islam.
Ghusl is a ritual purification in Islam, which involves washing the entire body in a specific manner. There are multiple types of Ghusl, each performed for different reasons.
Janabah is the type of Ghusl performed after sexual intercourse or ejaculation. Nifas is the type of Ghusl performed by women after childbirth or the termination of pregnancy. Haydah is the type of Ghusl performed by women during menstruation.
However, when a person converts to Islam, they need to perform a special type of Ghusl known as Dhukil-al-Islam. This Ghusl is performed to mark their transition into the Islamic faith. It symbolizes purification from their previous beliefs and practices, and their acceptance and commitment to follow the teachings of Islam.
During Dhukil-al-Islam Ghusl, the convert should wash their entire body with the intention of purifying themselves and embracing their new faith. They should ensure that water reaches every part of their body, from head to toe. It is important to perform this Ghusl with sincerity and reverence, understanding the significance of the journey they are embarking upon.
In summary, when a new convert enters Islam, they should perform the Dhukil-al-Islam Ghusl to purify themselves and signify their commitment to the Islamic faith.

The idol that was not a part of Jahilliyyah was al-Jibl.
Jahilliyyah refers to the pre-Islamic Arabian period of ignorance and idol worship. During this time, the Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by various tribes who venerated idols and practiced polytheism. They believed that these idols were intermediaries between them and the gods.
Out of the four options given, al-Jibl is the only idol that does not have a direct connection to the pre-Islamic period of Jahilliyyah. The other three idols, namely al-Manat, al-Uzzah, and al-Lat, were revered and worshipped by the Arabian tribes during that time.
One important thing to note is that when Islam emerged, the Prophet Muhammad preached against idol worship and encouraged monotheism. He declared that these idols, including al-Manat, al-Uzzah, and al-Lat, were false deities and had no power or influence.
By rejecting idol worship and promoting monotheism, Islam brought an end to the era of Jahilliyyah and established a new era of faith in one God, Allah.

In Hadith 16, "La Taghdab" means "do not get angry". It is an Arabic phrase that carries a simple and important message in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised his followers to control their anger and not let it overcome them. Anger is a natural human emotion, but it can often lead to negative consequences and harm both to oneself and others. Getting angry can cloud our judgment, lead us to say hurtful words, and may even result in physical aggression. Therefore, Islam encourages individuals to restrain their anger and respond to difficult situations with patience and understanding. This teaching of "La Taghdab" reminds us to be mindful of our emotions, to avoid reacting impulsively when we feel angry. Instead, we should take a step back, reflect on the situation, and respond in a calm and respectful manner. By doing so, we can maintain harmony in our relationships, contribute to a peaceful society, and earn the pleasure of Allah. It is important to note that anger itself is not condemned in Islam. There are times when anger can be justified, such as when witnessing injustice or oppression. However, even in such cases, Islam advises individuals to channel their anger in a constructive and productive way, seeking to rectify the situation without causing harm. In summary, "La Taghdab" means "do not get angry" in the context of Hadith 16. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to control their anger, respond to challenging situations with patience, and strive for peace and harmony in their interactions with others.

A Juz' of the Quran is a section that the Quran is divided into for ease of recitation and memorization. It is important to note that a Juz' is further subdivided into smaller parts. Let's explain each of the subdivisions:
1. Hizb: This is the first subdivision of a Juz'. A Juz' is divided into two equal parts, and each half is called a Hizb. So, a Juz' consists of two Hizbs. The purpose of this subdivision is to facilitate recitation in smaller portions.
2. Manzil: This is not a subdivision of a Juz'. It refers to a larger division of the Quran that divides it into seven equal parts. Each Manzil is about one-thirtieth of the Quran, enabling its recitation over a span of one week.
3. Rub': This is another subdivision of the Quran, but it is not related to the Juz'. A Rub' represents one-fourth of a Hizb. So, a Hizb consists of four Rubs. It is mainly used to break down the Hizb into smaller portions for easier memorization.
4. Nisf: This is not a subdivision of a Juz'. Nisf means "half" in Arabic, but it is not used to divide a Juz'. Instead, a Juz' is divided into two Hizbs.
To summarize, the correct answer is Manzil. While a Juz' is subdivided into Hizbs, Rubs, and halves (Nisf), Manzil is not a subdivision of a Juz', but rather a larger division of the Quran.