Islamic Religious Knowledge 2018 Jamb Examination

In Islamic theology, magic (Sihr) is fundamentally linked to the rebellion and deceptive nature of Shaytan (Satan). While the Qur'an mentions in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:102) that two angels, Harut and Marut, were sent to Babylon as a trial for mankind, the actual practice and spread of magic are attributed to the devils who taught it to people to lead them astray from the path of monotheism. Islamic law strictly prohibits the practice of magic, classifying it as a form of disbelief (Kufr) because it often involves seeking aid from jinn or supernatural forces other than Allah. Therefore, the source and inspiration for the practice of magic in human society are attributed to the influence of Shaytan.

The act of Tawaf, which is the circumambulation of the Ka'bah, is a central rite of both Hajj and Umrah. A complete Tawaf consists of exactly seven circuits, performed in a counter-clockwise direction starting from the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). This specific number is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who performed seven circuits during his pilgrimages. Each circuit represents a spiritual journey towards the centre of one's faith, and the completion of the seven rounds symbolises the pilgrim's devotion and submission to the Oneness of Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) passed away in the city of Madinah in the 11th year of the Hijrah, which corresponds to June 632 C.E. He died at the age of 63 after a short illness, shortly after performing his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada). His death marked the end of the era of Prophetic revelation and the beginning of the era of the Khulafah ar-Rashidun (the Rightly Guided Caliphs). The year 610 C.E., mentioned in the options, marks the beginning of his call to prophethood in Makkah, not his death.

Surah al-Kawthar (Chapter 108) is the shortest surah in the Holy Qur'an, consisting of only three verses. It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in Makkah as a source of comfort and a divine promise of 'Abundance' (al-Kawthar) following the death of his male children and the subsequent taunts from his enemies. Despite its brevity, it contains powerful messages about prayer, sacrifice, and the ultimate failure of those who oppose the Truth. While other surahs like Al-Ikhlas and An-Nas are also very short, Al-Kawthar holds the distinction of having the fewest words and verses.

The term 'al-Khulafah ar-Rashidun' refers to the first four leaders of the Muslim community following the death of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). These leaders—Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib—are described as 'Rightly Guided' because they adhered strictly to the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet in their governance and personal lives. Their period of rule is considered the golden age of Islamic administration and justice, serving as a model for subsequent Muslim leadership throughout history.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A) was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the first person to embrace Islam. Her contribution was multifaceted: she provided vital moral support and reassurance during the terrifying initial moments of revelation in the Cave of Hira, and she used her considerable wealth and social status to support the fledgling Muslim community during the years of persecution in Makkah. She stood by the Prophet during the social and economic boycott of the Banu Hashim, sacrificing her comfort and resources for the sake of the message. This combination of unwavering emotional loyalty and financial sacrifice makes her contribution unparalleled in the early history of Islam.

Taharah refers to the state of ritual purity required for acts of worship like prayer. Wudu (partial ablution) and Tayammum (dry ablution when water is unavailable) are standard methods of achieving this purity. Istinja (sometimes written as Istijanah) refers to the cleaning of the private parts after relieving oneself, which is a prerequisite for Taharah. Ihram, however, is not a form of cleaning or ritual purity in itself; rather, it is the sacred state and the specific clothing a pilgrim enters into to perform Hajj or Umrah. While one must be in a state of Taharah to enter Ihram, the Ihram itself is a state of consecration, not a method of ritual purification.

As-Salām is one of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah (Asma al-Husna). It is derived from the root 'S-L-M', which relates to peace, safety, and perfection. As an attribute of Allah, it means 'The Source of Peace' and 'The Giver of Security'. It signifies that Allah is free from all defects and deficiencies, and He is the one who grants peace and tranquillity to the hearts of the believers and safety to His creation. The Muslim greeting 'Assalamu Alaikum' is a prayer for this divine peace to be upon another person.

Surah al-Quraysh is the 106th chapter of the Holy Qur'an. It is a Makkan surah consisting of four verses. The surah reminds the tribe of Quraysh of the blessings Allah bestowed upon them, specifically the security and prosperity of their two major trade caravans—the winter journey to Yemen and the summer journey to Syria. It calls upon them to worship the Lord of the Ka'bah in gratitude for protecting them from hunger and fear. This surah is often read alongside Surah al-Fil due to their historical and thematic connection regarding the protection of Makkah.

The belief that a physical coincidence or a natural event (like stubbing a toe) is a sign of bad luck or an omen is known as superstition (Tiyarah). In Islamic law, Tiyarah is strictly forbidden as it contradicts the belief in Al-Qadr (Divine Decree). Islam teaches that both good and harm come only by the will of Allah, and believing that objects or random events have the power to influence one's destiny is a form of minor Shirk. The Prophet (S.A.W) encouraged Muslims to have 'Fa'l' (positive thinking/optimism) and to rely solely on Allah rather than being swayed by irrational omens.