Islamic Religious Knowledge 2018 Jamb Examination

The Qur'an explicitly mentions four major scriptures revealed by Allah to His messengers. The Tawrah (Torah) was revealed to Prophet Musa (A.S), the Zabur (Psalms) to Prophet Dawud (A.S), the Injil (Gospel) to Prophet Isa (A.S), and finally the Qur'an itself to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). While the word 'Kitab' simply means 'book' and 'Furqan' is a title for the Qur'an meaning 'The Criterion', the distinct names of the four primary heavenly books as recognized in Islamic theology are the Injil, Tawrah, Zabur, and Qur'an.

In 610 C.E., the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was engaging in a period of spiritual retreat and meditation when the Angel Jibril appeared to him with the first verses of Surah al-Alaq. This historic event took place in Cave Hira, a small grotto located on Jabal al-Nur (the Mountain of Light) near Makkah. While the mountain itself is Jabal Nur, the specific location or chamber of the revelation is Cave Hira. Cave Thawr, on the other hand, was the place where the Prophet and Abu Bakr (R.A) hid during the Hijrah to Madinah years later.

The Quraysh of Makkah opposed the Prophet's message because it threatened the very foundations of their society. Primarily, Islam's strict Monotheism directly challenged the Idolatry that was central to Makkan life and its economy (which relied on pilgrims visiting the idols in the Ka'bah). Furthermore, the Prophet's message condemned the social and economic exploitation of the poor, orphans, and widows by the wealthy elite. The call for absolute equality before Allah and the dismantling of tribal hierarchies was perceived as a revolutionary threat to the political and financial interests of the Makkan leadership.

For Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl to be valid, the water used must be 'Mutlaq' (pure and purifying). Rainwater, river water, and well water are all considered natural, flowing, or self-purifying sources that meet this criteria. A pond, specifically if it is small and stagnant, can easily become 'Mutanajjis' (polluted) if any impurity falls into it, as it lacks the volume or flow to remain pure. In Islamic jurisprudence, stagnant water that has changed in colour, taste, or smell due to impurities is not permissible for ritual purification. Therefore, amongst the options, a stagnant pond is the least likely to be considered inherently 'good' or reliable for ablution compared to the other natural sources.

The concept of Tawhid, or the absolute Oneness of Allah, is the most fundamental principle of Islam. It defines the Islamic form of Monotheism, which distinguishes it from polytheism, atheism, or any belief system that attributes divine qualities to created beings. This belief influences every aspect of a Muslim's life, from their mode of worship to their ethical conduct. Without the firm foundation of Tawhid, the other pillars and practices of Islam lose their spiritual significance, making it the essential cornerstone of the entire faith.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (R.A), the Prophet's first wife, was the very first person—male or female—to believe in his message and accept Islam. When the Prophet (S.A.W) returned from Cave Hira terrified by his first encounter with Angel Jibril, she was the one who comforted him, believed his account without hesitation, and provided the moral and psychological support he needed to begin his mission. Her immediate acceptance of the faith played a crucial role in the early success of the Prophetic mission in Makkah.

In Islamic belief, Adam (A.S) was the first human being created by Allah from clay and is regarded as the father of all humanity. Allah breathed a spirit into him and taught him the names of all things, exalting him above the angels and jinns. His creation was a divine sign of Allah's power and wisdom. Adam (A.S) was also the first Prophet, receiving guidance directly from the Creator and establishing the lineage of messengers that would eventually conclude with the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) had several children, but all of his sons (Qasim, Abdullah, and Ibrahim) died in infancy. His daughters (Zainab, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum) also passed away during his lifetime. The only child who survived the Prophet (S.A.W) was his youngest daughter, Fatimah (R.A), who passed away approximately six months after his death. She is highly revered in Islam as the 'Leader of the Women of Paradise' and the mother of the Prophet's only surviving grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn.

The term 'Seal of the Prophets' (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) is a title given exclusively to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in the Qur'an (Surah al-Ahzab 33:40). It signifies that he is the final messenger in the long succession of prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity. With his mission, the divine revelation was completed, and the Qur'an was sent as the final and universal guidance for all of mankind until the Day of Judgment. This belief is a core tenet of the Islamic faith, affirming that no other prophet or new scripture will appear after him.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was known for his impeccable character and moral excellence (Husn al-Khuluq). Attributes such as immense forgiveness (even toward his enemies in Makkah), profound kindness to children and animals, and extraordinary patience (Sabr) during years of persecution were central to his personality. Forgetfulness, in the sense of being neglectful or failing in his duty to deliver the message, is not a quality attributed to him. While he was a human being, he was divinely protected ('Ismah) from errors in the delivery of the divine message and was consistently mindful and attentive to his spiritual and social responsibilities.