Islamic Religious Knowledge 2018 Jamb Examination

Surah al-Mā'ūn (The Small Kindnesses) specifically addresses the characteristics of those who deny the faith or are hypocritical in their devotion. In the later verses of this surah, Allah warns those who perform their prayers (Salah) only to be seen by others, a concept known as 'Riya' (showing off). The surah states: "So woe to those who pray, [but] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds]" (Q. 107:4-6). This serves as a critical reminder that worship in Islam must be performed with pure sincerity (Ikhlas) for the sake of Allah alone, and that actions performed to gain social status or praise from people are spiritually hollow and condemned.

The revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) began in the year 610 CE in the Cave of Hira and continued until shortly before his death in 632 CE. This process occurred incrementally over a period of approximately 23 years. The revelation is divided into two distinct phases: the Makkan period, which lasted about 13 years and focused primarily on monotheism and spiritual foundations, and the Madinan period, which lasted about 10 years and focused on legislation, social justice, and the administration of the early Muslim community. This gradual revelation allowed the early believers to internalise the teachings and implement them in their daily lives.

Tawaf al-Wadā‘ (the Farewell Tawaf) is the final rite performed by pilgrims before they depart from the holy city of Makkah after completing the Hajj. The word 'Wadā‘' in Arabic literally means 'farewell' or 'bidding goodbye'. It consists of seven circuits around the Ka'bah. This practice is based on the instruction of the Prophet (S.A.W) that the last act of a pilgrim in Makkah should be the circumambulation of the House of Allah. It is considered mandatory (Wajib) for all pilgrims coming from outside the sacred boundaries (Miqat), and its performance signifies the emotional and spiritual conclusion of the pilgrimage journey.

Hadith 16 in Imam an-Nawawi's 'Forty Hadith' collection records a man who came to the Prophet (S.A.W) and asked for advice. The Prophet (S.A.W) simply replied, "Do not get angry." The man repeated his request several times, and each time the Prophet (S.A.W) gave the same response: "Do not get angry." This Hadith highlights the importance of self-control and emotional regulation in Islam. Anger is often viewed as the root of many other sins and social conflicts, and by mastering one's temper, a believer protects themselves and others from impulsive and harmful actions.

The Talbiyah is the specific chant recited by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah after entering the state of Ihram. The words are: "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk..." (Here I am, O Allah, here I am...). While the Talbiyah is recited throughout the journey, it is most emphasized and encouraged while the pilgrims are in transit between the various holy sites, particularly while moving toward Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. The recitation continues until the pilgrim begins the stoning of the Jamarat al-Aqaba on the Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha). It serves as a continuous declaration of the pilgrim's submission and response to the call of Allah to perform the pilgrimage.

Ar-Rahmān and Ar-Rahīm are two of the most significant names of Allah, both derived from the Arabic root 'R-H-M', which relates to mercy and compassion. Ar-Rahmān (The Beneficent/The Most Gracious) refers to the vastness of Allah's mercy that encompasses all creation, including believers and disbelievers, providing them with life and sustenance. Ar-Rahīm (The Most Merciful) refers to the specific, enduring mercy that Allah bestows upon the believers, especially in the Hereafter. These names are invoked at the beginning of almost every chapter of the Qur'an in the Basmalah, reminding Muslims that mercy is the defining attribute of the Creator's relationship with His creation.

The title 'Khātam an-Nabiyyīn' (Seal of the Prophets) is found in Surah al-Ahzab (33:40) of the Qur'an. It is uniquely applied to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to signify that he is the final messenger sent by Allah to humanity. In Islamic theology, this means that the line of prophethood is closed and no other prophets or new divine revelations will follow after him. This concept establishes the universality and finality of the Islamic message, confirming that the Qur'an is the final testament and the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is the last guide in the long succession of prophets that began with Adam (A.S).

The Battle of Badr (2 AH / 624 CE) was the first major military encounter between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah. The Muslim army was significantly outnumbered, consisting of approximately 313 men who were poorly equipped. In contrast, the Makkan force, led by Abu Jahl, numbered approximately 1,000 well-armed soldiers, including cavalry. Despite being outnumbered nearly three to one, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory. This outcome is attributed in the Qur'an to divine assistance and the steadfastness of the believers, and it served to establish the Muslim community as a formidable power in the Arabian Peninsula.

According to the famous Hadith of Jibril and other prophetic traditions, Islam is built upon five pillars. The first and most fundamental pillar is the 'Shahadah' (the Testimony of Faith). This is the declaration that "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This declaration is the entry point into Islam and the foundation upon which all other acts of worship and beliefs are built. Note: The options provided in the original text contained 'Iman' twice; I have corrected Option C to 'Shahadah' to reflect the correct terminology for the first pillar of Islam, as 'Iman' refers to the Articles of Faith.

In Islamic belief, Allah sent various scriptures to different prophets throughout history. The Tawrah (Torah) was given to Prophet Musa (A.S), the Zabur (Psalms) to Prophet Dawud (A.S), and the Injil (Gospel) to Prophet Isa (A.S). The final revelation, the Al-Qur'an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) through the Angel Jibril over a period of 23 years. The Qur'an is considered by Muslims to be the literal word of Allah, preserved in its original Arabic language, and acting as a 'Muhaymin' (criterion/guardian) over the previous scriptures, confirming the truth within them and correcting subsequent distortions.