Islamic Beliefs
#1. The articles of faith in Islam number:
The six articles are belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. They are set out in the well-known hadith of Jibril.
#2. Shirk is defined in Islamic belief as:
Shirk is the association of partners with Allah in His divinity or worship. The Quran describes it as the gravest wrong.
#3. Voluntary charity in Islam is termed:
Sadaqah is voluntary charity given beyond the obligatory zakat. It may be given at any time and in any amount.
#4. The belief that Muhammad is the final prophet is expressed by the term:
Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is the doctrine of the finality of prophethood. It is derived from Surah Al-Ahzab and numerous hadith.
#5. The white days on which voluntary fasting is recommended are the:
Ayyam-ul-Bid are the three days around the full moon. Voluntary fasting on them is recommended in hadith.
#6. The angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgement is:
Israfil is charged with blowing the trumpet to signal the resurrection. The blast is mentioned in several Quranic passages.
#7. The direction faced during prayer is called the:
The qiblah is the direction of the Kaaba. It was changed from Jerusalem in the second year after the Hijrah.
#8. The purpose of zakat in Islamic economic teaching is chiefly to:
Zakat purifies wealth and circulates it toward those in need. It addresses concentration of wealth.
#9. The number of circuits in one tawaf is:
One tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba. It begins and ends at the Black Stone.
#10. A person permanently unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age may offer:
Fidyah is compensation of feeding a needy person for each missed day. It applies where making up the fast is not possible.
#11. The well within the precinct of the Kaaba associated with Hajar and Ismail is:
The well of Zamzam is located near the Kaaba. Pilgrims commonly drink from it.
#12. Ushr refers to zakat levied on:
Ushr is the levy on agricultural output. It is due at harvest rather than after a lunar year.
#13. The six voluntary fasts recommended after Ramadan fall in the month of:
Six days of voluntary fasting in Shawwal are recommended in hadith. They may be kept consecutively or separately.
#14. The Quran describes the month of Ramadan as the month in which:
Surah Al-Baqarah states that the Quran was sent down in Ramadan. This is connected with Lailat-ul-Qadr.
#15. The rate on agricultural produce from artificially irrigated land is:
Land requiring irrigation effort is charged at half the rain-fed rate. This reflects the additional cost borne by the cultivator.
#16. The person who leads the congregational prayer is called the:
The imam leads the congregation in prayer. The muezzin calls the adhan.
#17. Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah is called:
Say is the walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. It commemorates Hajar’s search for water.
#18. The two Eid prayers are performed:
The Eid prayers are performed in congregation. They are followed by a sermon.
#19. The number of jamarat pillars stoned during Hajj is:
There are three jamarat at Mina. On the tenth only the largest is stoned, and all three on subsequent days.
#20. The Kaaba is described in the Quran as the first house established for:
Surah Al-Imran describes the Kaaba as the first house appointed for mankind’s worship. It is located at Makkah.
#21. The Quran states that fasting was prescribed so that believers may attain:
The verse of fasting states its purpose as the attainment of God-consciousness. This is the stated objective of the obligation.
#22. The purification of the soul from moral defects is referred to as:
Tazkiyah denotes purification and refinement of the self. Surah Ash-Shams links success to it.
#23. The farewell tawaf performed before leaving Makkah is called:
Tawaf al-Wida is the farewell circumambulation before departure. Menstruating women are exempted from it.
#24. A missed prayer performed after its appointed time is termed:
Qada is the making up of a missed obligatory prayer. It is required when a prayer is missed.
#25. The pre-dawn meal taken before commencing the fast is called:
Suhur is the meal taken before dawn. The Prophet described it as containing blessing.
#26. The niche in a mosque indicating the direction of prayer is called the:
The mihrab indicates the qiblah direction in a mosque. The minbar is the pulpit used for sermons.
#27. The day of sacrifice during Hajj falls on:
The tenth of Dhul Hijjah is Yawm-un-Nahr, the day of sacrifice. It coincides with Eid-ul-Adha.
#28. Fasting on the day of Eid is:
Fasting is prohibited on the two days of Eid. Hadith explicitly forbid it.
#29. The Quranic term for sincere repentance is:
Tawbah is turning to Allah in repentance. The Quran describes Allah as the acceptor of repentance.
#30. The scrolls revealed to Prophet Ibrahim are referred to in the Quran as:
Surah Al-Ala mentions the scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa. These scrolls are not extant today.
#31. The number of obligatory units in the Maghrib prayer is:
Maghrib comprises three obligatory units. It is prayed after sunset.
#32. The say between Safa and Marwah commemorates the search for water by:
The rite commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail. The well of Zamzam is associated with this event.
#33. Zakat is best described as:
Zakat is a compulsory levy on wealth held above a threshold for a lunar year. It is the third pillar of Islam.
#34. The recitation of the testimony while seated in prayer is called:
The tashahhud is recited in the sitting position during prayer. It includes the testimony of faith.
#35. Ihsan is defined in the Hadith of Jibril as:
Ihsan denotes excellence in worship with awareness of Allah’s presence. It represents the highest level of religious practice.
#36. The number of obligatory daily prayers is:
Five prayers are obligatory each day. They were made obligatory during the Miraj.
#37. Hunting land game while in the state of ihram is:
The Quran prohibits hunting land game while in ihram in Surah Al-Maidah. Expiation is prescribed for violation.
#38. The days following the day of sacrifice spent at Mina are called:
Ayyam at-Tashriq are the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims remain at Mina and complete the stoning.
#39. Fasting in Ramadan is:
Fasting Ramadan is obligatory upon every sane adult Muslim capable of it. The obligation is stated in Surah Al-Baqarah.
#40. The highest level of Paradise mentioned in hadith is:
Firdaws is described in hadith as the highest part of Paradise. The Prophet encouraged asking Allah for it.
#41. The voluntary fast on the tenth of Muharram is known as:
The fast of Ashura falls on the tenth of Muharram. Fasting an additional adjacent day is recommended.
#42. A traveller or a sick person who does not fast in Ramadan is required to:
The Quran permits deferring the fast for illness or travel with later compensation. This is stated in Surah Al-Baqarah.
#43. The Hajj performed by the Prophet in 10 AH is known as:
Hajjat-ul-Wida was the Prophet’s only Hajj. He delivered the Farewell Sermon during it.
#44. Charity whose benefit continues after the giver’s death is called:
Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity such as a well or a place of learning. Hadith mention it among deeds continuing after death.
#45. The obligation of fasting is stated in the Quran in Surah:
Surah Al-Baqarah contains the verses prescribing the fast. It also states the purpose as attaining taqwa.
#46. The full ritual bath required after major impurity is termed:
Ghusl is the complete washing of the body required in states of major impurity. It is obligatory before prayer in such states.
#47. The prostration performed to compensate for an error in prayer is called:
Sujud Sahw is the prostration of forgetfulness performed for lapses in prayer. Its manner varies slightly between schools.
#48. The semicircular wall adjacent to the Kaaba is known as:
Hijr Ismail is the semicircular area adjoining the Kaaba. It is regarded as part of the Kaaba structure.
#49. Congregational prayer is regarded in Islamic teaching as:
Hadith indicate that congregational prayer carries multiplied reward. Its observance is strongly emphasised for men.
#50. Reliance and trust placed in Allah is termed:
Tawakkul is reliance upon Allah while undertaking lawful means. It is emphasised throughout the Quran.
#51. The spiritual significance of Hajj emphasised in Islamic teaching includes:
The uniform dress and shared rites express equality among pilgrims. Distinctions of wealth and rank are set aside.
#52. The angel responsible for conveying revelation is:
Jibril is charged with conveying revelation to the prophets. He is described in the Quran as the Trustworthy Spirit.
#53. The prayer performed for guidance in a decision is called:
Salat-ul-Istikharah is offered when seeking guidance in a matter. A specific supplication accompanies it.
#54. The prayer performed during eclipses is called:
Salat-ul-Kusuf is performed at a solar eclipse and Khusuf at a lunar eclipse. The Prophet observed it during his lifetime.
#55. The tawaf performed after returning from Mina on the day of sacrifice is called:
Tawaf al-Ifadah is an essential element of Hajj performed after Arafat and Muzdalifah. It is also called Tawaf az-Ziyarah.
#56. Pilgrims proceed after Arafat to spend the night at:
Pilgrims move to Muzdalifah after sunset on the ninth. They gather pebbles there for the stoning ritual.
#57. Restrictions during ihram include a prohibition on:
Ihram prohibits grooming, perfume, hunting and marital relations. Violations may require expiation.
#58. The station of Ibrahim near the Kaaba is called:
Maqam Ibrahim is the station associated with Prophet Ibrahim. The Quran instructs taking it as a place of prayer.
#59. Kufr in Islamic terminology refers to:
Kufr denotes the rejection or covering of the truth. It is contrasted with iman.
#60. The form of Hajj performed alone without Umrah is called:
Hajj Ifrad is performed without an accompanying Umrah. No sacrifice is required in this form.
#61. Zakat may NOT ordinarily be given to:
Zakat cannot be paid to those whose maintenance is already one’s obligation. This includes parents, children and spouse in most rulings.
#62. The tawaf performed on first arriving in Makkah is called:
Tawaf al-Qudum is the arrival tawaf performed by those coming from outside. It is not required of residents of Makkah.
#63. The stoning of the pillars at Mina is called:
Ramy al-Jamarat is the throwing of pebbles at the three pillars. It takes place over several days at Mina.
#64. The voluntary night prayer performed in Ramadan in congregation is:
Tarawih is the voluntary prayer of Ramadan nights. Scholars differ on the number of units customarily performed.
#65. The number of categories of zakat recipients specified in the Quran is:
Eight categories are named including the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, and those in debt. The verse appears in Surah At-Tawbah.
#66. The designated points at which pilgrims enter the state of ihram are called:
The mawaqit are the boundary points for entering ihram. They differ according to the direction of approach.
#67. The cutting or shaving of hair marking release from ihram is called:
Halq is shaving and taqsir is shortening the hair. Either marks the exit from ihram.
#68. The Quran states that Allah forgives all sins for whom He wills except:
Surah An-Nisa states that Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him while forgiving lesser sins for whom He wills. Repentance from shirk is nevertheless accepted.
#69. The standing at Arafat takes place on which date of Dhul Hijjah?
Wuquf at Arafat occurs on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah. It extends from midday until sunset and beyond.
#70. Spiritual retreat in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan is called:
Itikaf is seclusion in the mosque for worship. The Prophet observed it in the final ten days of Ramadan.
#71. Continuous fasting without breaking at night, known as wisal, is:
The Prophet forbade continuous fasting for his companions. He indicated that his own case was distinct.
#72. Umrah differs from Hajj chiefly in that Umrah:
Umrah has no fixed time and omits Arafat, Muzdalifah and the stoning. It consists chiefly of ihram, tawaf and say.
#73. Jinn are described in Islamic belief as created from:
The Quran states that jinn were created from smokeless fire. They possess free will and accountability like human beings.
#74. The prostration performed upon reciting certain verses is called:
Sujud Tilawah is the prostration of recitation at the designated verses. Scholars differ on their exact number.
#75. Combining two prayers in one time period is termed:
Jam refers to combining Zuhr with Asr or Maghrib with Isha. Scholars differ on the circumstances permitting it.
#76. The sermon delivered before the Friday prayer is called:
The khutbah is the sermon preceding the Friday prayer. Attending it is part of the observance.
#77. The zakat levied on agricultural produce from rain-fed land is:
Rain-fed produce is subject to ushr at ten percent. Artificially irrigated land is charged at five percent.
#78. The intermediate state between death and resurrection is called:
Barzakh is the barrier or intermediate realm after death. The Quran mentions it in Surah Al-Muminun.
#79. The Friday congregational prayer is called:
Salat-ul-Jumuah replaces Zuhr on Fridays and includes a sermon. Surah Al-Jumuah addresses its observance.
#80. The prayer performed at dawn is called:
Fajr is prayed between the true dawn and sunrise. It consists of two obligatory units.
#81. The sacrifice offered during Hajj is called:
The hady is the sacrificial animal offered during Hajj. Qurbani is offered more widely on Eid-ul-Adha.
#82. The angels who question the deceased in the grave are named:
Munkar and Nakir question the deceased concerning faith. Their names appear in hadith literature.
#83. The shortening of prayer while travelling is called:
Qasr is the shortening of four-unit prayers to two while travelling. The Quran permits it in Surah An-Nisa.
#84. The standard rate of zakat on cash, gold and trade goods is:
The rate on monetary wealth and trade goods is one fortieth, or two and a half percent. Different rates apply to agriculture and minerals.
#85. The pillars of Islam number:
The five pillars are the shahadah, salah, zakat, sawm and Hajj. They are enumerated in a well-known hadith.
#86. The belief in the absolute oneness of Allah is termed:
Tawhid is the foundational doctrine of Islam. All other beliefs derive from it.
#87. The covering placed over the Kaaba is called the:
The kiswah is the cloth covering of the Kaaba. It is replaced annually.
#88. The call announcing the commencement of prayer immediately before it begins is:
The iqamah is called immediately before the prayer begins. It follows the adhan.
#89. The expiation required for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without valid excuse is called:
Kaffarah is the expiation for deliberate violation of the fast. Its prescribed forms are set out in hadith.
#90. Zakat-ul-Fitr differs from ordinary zakat in that it is:
Zakat-ul-Fitr is a fixed amount per head. It is required of those possessing surplus beyond their needs.
#91. The categories of recipients of zakat are enumerated in Surah:
Surah At-Tawbah specifies eight categories of zakat recipients. The verse is the basis for distribution rules.
#92. The elevated place between Paradise and Hell mentioned in the Quran is called:
Surah Al-Araf mentions the heights between Paradise and Hell. The surah takes its name from this.
#93. The prayer seeking rain is known as:
Salat-ul-Istisqa is offered to seek rain during drought. It is performed in congregation.
#94. Zakat becomes payable on qualifying wealth after it has been held for:
The passage of one lunar year over nisab is required for most categories. Agricultural produce is an exception.
#95. The minimum threshold of wealth at which zakat becomes obligatory is called:
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth above which zakat is due. Wealth below it is exempt.
#96. The number of obligatory units in the Zuhr, Asr and Isha prayers is:
Each of these prayers comprises four obligatory units when performed at home. They are shortened when travelling.
#97. The Kaaba was rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim together with:
The Quran describes Ibrahim and Ismail raising the foundations of the House. The event is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah.
#98. The meal breaking the fast at sunset is called:
Iftar is taken at sunset to break the fast. Hastening it is recommended in hadith.
#99. Dry ablution performed with clean earth in the absence of water is called:
Tayammum substitutes for wudu or ghusl when water is unavailable or harmful. The Quran permits it in Surah An-Nisa.
#100. The nisab for silver is traditionally stated as:
The silver nisab is two hundred dirhams. The gold nisab is twenty dinars.
#101. Prayer is described in hadith as the first act a servant will be questioned about on:
Hadith indicate that prayer is the first deed to be reckoned on the Day of Judgement. Its soundness affects the remainder of one’s deeds.
#102. Circumambulation of the Kaaba is called:
Tawaf is the circling of the Kaaba seven times. Several forms occur at different stages of the pilgrimage.
#103. The zakat given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer is called:
Zakat-ul-Fitr is due before the Eid prayer at the close of Ramadan. It is payable on behalf of each member of the household.
#104. The fast begins at:
The fast commences at true dawn, the time of Fajr. It ends at sunset.
#105. Hajj is obligatory upon a Muslim:
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime upon those possessing the means and ability. The condition of capability is stated in Surah Al-Imran.
#106. The Islamic belief regarding intercession on the Day of Judgement holds that it occurs:
The Quran affirms that intercession occurs only with Allah’s permission. Ayat-ul-Kursi states this explicitly.
#107. The pool granted to the Prophet mentioned in Surah Al-Kawthar is known as:
Hawd-e-Kawthar is the pool granted to the Prophet, mentioned in Surah Al-Kawthar. Hadith describe believers drinking from it.
#108. The obligatory acts of wudu are enumerated in Surah:
Surah Al-Maidah sets out washing the face and arms, wiping the head and washing the feet. Schools differ on some details of application.
#109. The declaration of faith in Islam is called:
The shahadah is the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. It is the first pillar of Islam.
#110. The chant recited by pilgrims in the state of ihram is called:
The Talbiyah is the pilgrim’s declaration of response to the call. It is recited repeatedly during Hajj.
#111. The Eid prayer consists of:
The Eid prayer comprises two units with extra takbirs. The number of takbirs differs between the schools.
#112. Fasting is invalidated by:
Deliberate consumption invalidates the fast. Eating out of genuine forgetfulness does not, according to hadith.
#113. The scale on which deeds will be weighed is called:
The Mizan is the balance in which deeds are weighed. Surah Al-Qariah describes its function.
#114. A pilgrim unable to complete Hajj after entering ihram due to being prevented is described in the Quran under the ruling of:
Ihsar refers to being prevented from completing the rites. Surah Al-Baqarah addresses the required sacrifice in such a case.
#115. The funeral prayer is classified as:
Salat-ul-Janazah is a communal obligation. Its performance by some discharges the obligation for all.
#116. The purpose of the collective obligations of zakat and fasting in Islamic teaching includes:
Both obligations cultivate self-restraint and awareness of others’ needs. They combine individual devotion with social effect.
#117. The prayer offered late at night after sleeping is:
Tahajjud is the voluntary night vigil prayer. The Quran addresses the Prophet concerning it in Surah Al-Isra.
#118. The supplication recited in the witr prayer is known as:
Qunut is the supplication recited in witr and, in some circumstances, other prayers. Practice varies between the schools.
#119. The ritual purification using water for minor impurity is called:
Wudu is the ablution required before prayer. Its obligatory elements are set out in Surah Al-Maidah.
#120. The scriptures Muslims are required to believe in include the Tawrat, Zabur, Injil and:
Belief is required in all revealed scriptures including the Quran as the final revelation. The Quran confirms and supersedes earlier books.
#121. The state of ritual consecration entered for Hajj or Umrah is called:
Ihram is the sacred state entered with specific intention and restrictions. Distinctive garments are worn by men.
#122. The form of Hajj combining Umrah and Hajj with a break in ihram between them is called:
In Hajj Tamattu the pilgrim performs Umrah, exits ihram, then re-enters for Hajj. A sacrifice is required in this form.
#123. The angel charged with taking souls at death is referred to as:
The Quran refers to the Angel of Death, Malak-ul-Mawt. He is commonly identified in tradition as Izrail.
#124. Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan is generally classified as:
Scholars classify it as an emphasised sunnah, treated in the Hanafi school as sunnah upon the community. Practice and classification differ among the schools.
#125. The angel associated with rain and provision is:
Mikail is associated with sustenance and natural provision. He is named in the Quran alongside Jibril.
#126. The gathering of all people on the Day of Judgement is termed:
Hashr refers to the assembling of humanity for judgement. It is described extensively in the Quran.
#127. Fasting the day of Arafah is recommended for:
Fasting on Arafah is recommended for those not on pilgrimage. Pilgrims at Arafah do not fast that day.
#128. The funeral prayer in Islam is known as:
Salat-ul-Janazah is performed for the deceased. It contains no bowing or prostration.
#129. Hajj is performed in the month of:
The rites of Hajj are performed in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month. Its principal days fall between the eighth and thirteenth.
#130. The form of Hajj in which Umrah and Hajj are performed in a single continuous ihram is:
In Hajj Qiran the pilgrim combines both in one ihram without exiting. A sacrifice is required.
#131. The bridge over Hell that must be crossed is referred to as:
The Sirat is described in hadith as a bridge spanning Hell. Its crossing depends on one’s deeds.
#132. Angels in Islamic belief are created from:
Angels are created from light according to hadith. Jinn are created from fire and human beings from clay.
#133. A barrier placed before a person praying to mark their space is called a:
A sutrah is an object placed in front of one praying. It is mentioned in hadith concerning prayer.
#134. The hadith in which Jibril questioned the Prophet about faith, Islam and ihsan is known as:
The Hadith of Jibril sets out iman, islam and ihsan in a single report. It is regarded as a foundational text of Islamic teaching.
#135. Belief in the prophethood of the messengers is termed:
Risalah denotes belief in the prophets and messengers sent by Allah. It requires belief in all of them without distinction.
#136. The essential pillar of Hajj without which the pilgrimage is invalid is:
Standing at Arafat on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah is the essential pillar. A hadith states that Hajj is Arafat.
#137. The angel appointed over Hellfire is named in the Quran as:
Surah Az-Zukhruf names Malik as the keeper of Hell. He is addressed by its inhabitants in that passage.
#138. An obligation binding on every individual Muslim is termed:
Fard Ayn is an individual obligation such as the five daily prayers. Fard Kifayah is a communal obligation.
#139. Belief in the Hereafter influences conduct chiefly by establishing:
Belief in the Hereafter grounds moral accountability. It is emphasised extensively in Makki revelation.
#140. The angels who record the deeds of human beings are called:
The Kiraman Katibin are the noble scribes recording human deeds. They are mentioned in Surah Al-Infitar.



