JAMB UTME - Islamic Religious Studies - 2024

Surah Al-Zalzalah, also known as "The Earthquake," is a chapter in the Quran that emphasizes the **Day of Judgement.** This surah illustrates the magnitude and consequences of that day, when the earth will shake violently and reveal all its burdens. On this day, all human actions, regardless of their significance, will be exposed and judged.

The core message of Surah Al-Zalzalah is to remind people about the **inevitability of the Day of Judgement** when everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. This serves as a powerful reminder for individuals to live a righteous life, being conscious of their actions and understanding that everything will be scrutinized on this decisive day.

Suratul Zalzalah, also known as "The Earthquake," primarily stresses the Day of Judgement. This chapter of the Quran vividly describes the significant events and scenes that will occur on this momentous day. It portrays how the earth will shake with a mighty convulsion, and everything hidden in it will be exposed. The chapter reminds believers of the consequences of their actions, as all individuals will witness the deeds they have performed, no matter how small or large. There will be a clear accountability and the splitting of good deeds and bad. The emphasis is to make people aware of the inevitable day where every soul will see the results of what it has put forward. This serves as a powerful reminder of accountability and the transient nature of worldly life.

The last chapter of the Qur'an is **Surah An-Nas**. The Qur'an is a holy book in Islam divided into chapters called "Surahs." Surah An-Nas is the 114th and final chapter. It comprises **6 verses** and is a short chapter that focuses on seeking protection from evil things. This chapter emphasizes the importance of asking for **God's protection** from harmful thoughts and actions. In contrast, the other chapters mentioned are located elsewhere within the Qur'an: **Surah Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter**, **Surah Al-Falaq is the penultimate chapter**, and **Surah Al-Alaq is an early revelation**.

The chain of narrators of a Hadith is called Isnad. In Islamic tradition, a Hadith refers to the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. To ensure the authenticity of a Hadith, it is essential to have a reliable chain of transmission, known as the Isnad.

The Isnad is essentially a list of individuals who have passed the Hadith from one person to another, ultimately tracing it back to the Prophet Muhammad or his companions. Each person in the chain is referred to as a "narrator."

The authenticity of a Hadith heavily depends on the credibility and reliability of the narrators in the Isnad. Scholars meticulously study the chain to determine whether the narrators were trustworthy and whether they actually met each other and transmitted the information accurately.

The Al-Qur'an is a divine book from Allah. It is considered the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah (God) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Qur'an is written in Arabic and consists of 114 chapters called surahs. Muslims regard it as a guide for personal conduct and spiritual life, providing instructions, teachings, and lessons for daily life. It covers various aspects of human existence, including moral, social, legal, and spiritual guidance.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This is a significant time in the Islamic calendar as Muslims worldwide commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Before the sacrifice was carried out, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing divine intervention and mercy.

Eid al-Adha coincides with the completion of the pilgrimage rites by millions of Muslims in Mecca, known as Hajj, which also occurs in this holy month. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are particularly important, culminating in Eid al-Adha on the tenth day. Therefore, the correct answer to when Eid al-Adha is observed is the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

The prayer known as Salatul Eidayn refers to the special prayer performed during the two main Islamic festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. For each of these occasions, the prayer consists of **two raka'ah**. The term "raka'ah" denotes a unit of Islamic prayer, comprised of both physical postures and supplications.

Unlike the standard daily prayers, Salatul Eidayn is unique in its structure and is performed in congregation without the call to prayer (adhan). This prayer involves additional Takbirat, which are pronouncements of "Allahu Akbar" that happen multiple times within the prayer, setting it apart from regular prayers.

In summary, the prayer for each Eid is composed of two raka'ah, during which specific elements and sequences are observed, contributing to its celebratory and communal spirit.

The phrase "Subhana Rabbiyal azim wabihamdih" is recited during **Ruku** in Islamic prayers. **Ruku** refers to the bowing position in the prayer, where a person bends forward at the waist while keeping their back and head level, and hands on the knees. During this position, it is customary to recite words of glorification and praise to Allah, and "Subhana Rabbiyal azim wabihamdih" translates to "Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great, and praising Him," which fits perfectly with the spirit of humility and reverence displayed in **Ruku**.

The Pilgrims go to Arafah on the **ninth** day of Dhul-Hijjah.

To explain further: The pilgrimage in Islam, known as Hajj, consists of several important days and rituals. Among them, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is one of the most significant. This day is also known as the **Day of Arafah**. On this day, the pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafah, which is a vital part of the Hajj rituals. Pilgrims spend the afternoon there in prayer and reflection. It is said that standing on Arafah is the essence of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims ask for forgiveness and seek Allah's blessings.

This day precedes the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, which is commemorated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

The pilgrims go to Arafah on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. This day is known as the Day of Arafah, and it is one of the most important days during the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafah to perform prayers, seek forgiveness, and engage in supplication. The gathering at Arafah is an essential part of the Hajj rituals, and it symbolizes unity and devotion among Muslims from all over the world.

Allahus Samad is translated as "Allah is eternal and absolute".

This phrase is part of Surah Al-Ikhlas from the Qur'an, specifically in verse 2. The term 'Samad' refers to Allah as the being who is independent, self-sufficient, and is not in need of anything from anyone, while everyone else relies on Him for everything. It signifies that Allah is complete, perfect, and the ultimate sustainer for all creation. Unlike any other entity, He neither ages nor experiences death, making Him truly eternal.

Thus, "Allah is eternal and absolute" captures the essence of being timeless and beyond all limitations, qualities that are exclusive to Allah.

When a person is in the state of ihram, which is a sacred state a Muslim must enter to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), there are specific acts that are prohibited. These acts are intended to maintain the sanctity of the religious practice. Let's explore which acts are prohibited and the exception among them.

• Sexual intercourse is prohibited while in the state of ihram. One must refrain from any such intimate relations until the completion of the pilgrimage rituals.
• Shaving or cutting one's hair is also prohibited during ihram. This is to demonstrate a departure from worldly concerns and maintain a humble and simplistic approach during the pilgrimage.
• Hunting is prohibited while in ihram as well. Hunting or intentionally killing any animal is not allowed, emphasizing respect for all forms of life during this holy period.

The exception among these acts is bathing. Bathing is allowed while in ihram to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness, as cleanliness is an integral part of Islamic practices. However, while bathing, one must avoid the use of scented products or soaps, as wearing anything that has a fragrance is not allowed during ihram.

In conclusion, while in the state of ihram, sexual intercourse, shaving, and hunting are prohibited, whereas bathing is permitted as long as it abides by the guidelines of avoiding scented substances.

A person who worships other beings is called an Idolater.

The term "Idolater" is derived from the word "idolatry," which refers to the practice of worshiping idols or other beings apart from a central, often monotheistic, deity. In many religious contexts, this means showing reverence to deities or objects that are considered false or secondary to a supreme being. It reflects the act of giving undue importance to physical representations or other divine figures, rather than adhering to the belief in a single, ultimate deity.

This concept is important in various religions, where the act of worship should be directed toward one main god, and worshipping other entities is seen as a deviation from this practice.

The person who attempted to destroy the Ka'bah is Abrahah. This historical event is associated with an incident called the "Year of the Elephant". Abrahah was a Christian ruler of Yemen who wanted to divert the pilgrimage to Yemen by destroying the Ka'bah, which is located in Mecca.

Abrahah led a formidable army, which included war elephants, towards Mecca. However, according to Islamic tradition, when Abrahah's army approached Mecca, their plan was thwarted by a divine intervention. It is believed that flocks of birds, known as "Ababil", were sent by God who dropped small stones upon Abrahah's army. This event is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), vividly depicting how Abrahah's forces were defeated.

The event of the attempted destruction is significant in Islamic history and is considered a miracle that affirmed the sacredness and protection of the Ka'bah. This incident is also noteworthy as it occurred in the same year the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born.

Suratul 'Adiyat, which is the 100th chapter of the Quran, prominently warns man against his tendency towards ingratitude. This chapter begins with a vivid imagery of a scene involving horses that charge swiftly, highlighting their energy and dedication in carrying out tasks. The purpose of these opening verses is to create a strong contrast between the loyalty and effort of these animals and the behavior of humans.

In the subsequent verses, the surah articulates that man, despite the many blessings and favors bestowed upon him by God, frequently shows a lack of appreciation. This is underscored by the verse that mentions how man often bears witness to this ingratitude himself, recognizing it but still falling short in expressing gratitude.

Furthermore, the surah emphasizes that in the end, humans will be held accountable for their actions, and their ungratefulness will be brought to light. These verses serve as a reminder for individuals to be mindful of their tendency towards ingratitude and to strive to be more appreciative of the blessings they have.

Therefore, the essence of Suratul 'Adiyat is a warning against man's **ingratitude**. It urges believers to be aware of this characteristic and encourages them to show gratitude for all the benevolences they receive.

The preservation of the al-Qur'an is a significant aspect of Islamic tradition and history. Several key processes have been involved in ensuring that it remains unchanged and authentic over centuries. These processes include:

Arrangement: The chapters (known as Surahs) and verses (Ayahs) of the Qur'an were meticulously arranged under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad. The arrangement plays a crucial role in its preservation by maintaining the order that was divinely inspired.

Standardization: Over time, different dialects and readings of the Qur'an began to emerge. To preserve the uniformity and accuracy of the Qur'an's recitation and written form, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan standardized the text. This involved producing a single, unified version of the Qur'an and distributing it to different regions. This step was vital to ensure that all Muslims, regardless of their location, were using the same text.

Compilation: The Qur'an was initially revealed orally and then memorized by the followers of Islam. However, after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad, it was compiled into a written book. The first comprehensive compilation was carried out during the caliphate of Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, under the leadership of Zayd ibn Thabit. This ensured that the oral transmission was accurately reflected in a physical form.

The option that is not part of the preservation of the al-Qur'an is italicization. Italicization is a typographic style that is used in writing to emphasize certain words or passages. While it might be used in modern printing or digital texts to highlight or differentiate certain parts for stylistic purposes, it is not a fundamental element of the traditional or historical process of preserving the Quranic text. The preservation of the Qur'an relies on the accurate transmission, memorization, and reproduction of its content without alterations in its text, including its style. Therefore, italicization does not play a role in its historical preservation.

In Islamic tradition, the angel who is in charge of rain is Mika'il, also known as Michael. Mika'il is one of the four archangels in Islam.

Mika'il's responsibilities include the distribution of nourishment to creatures and ensuring that the earth receives water through rainfall, which is essential for sustaining life. He manages the natural world and the sustenance provided by it. This role is vital because rain is crucial for replenishing water supplies, irrigating plants, and maintaining ecological balance.

In summary, Mika'il is recognized in Islamic teachings as the angel who oversees rainfall and natural provisions, thereby playing a critical role in sustaining life on Earth.

Iblis is a figure in Islamic theology who is commonly known as a jinn. According to Islamic texts, the jinn, including Iblis, were created from fire. Specifically, it is said that Iblis was created from a smokeless flame of fire. This is distinct from angels, who are believed to be created from light and humans, who were created from clay or dust. Therefore, the correct answer is fire.

Surah Al-Qariah, also known as "The Calamity," is a chapter in the Quran. It consists of eleven verses. This Surah is part of the thirty-seventh Juz' of the Quran. The chapter primarily emphasizes the significance of the Day of Judgment, highlighting the chaos and distress it will bring. It describes how people's deeds will be weighed, and the impact that will have on their eternal fate. The concise and vivid imagery in this Surah serves to remind individuals of the eventual divine accountability they face, encouraging them to lead a righteous life.

According to many religious beliefs, especially in Islamic tradition, **angels were created from light**. This concept is deeply rooted in teachings and texts that describe angels as beings that are pure, formless, and not bound by physical constraints like humans. They do not possess a bodily form that requires sustenance or rest. Their creation from light symbolizes purity, a state free from the desires and imperfections that come with physical material like dust, clay, or fire.

In contrast, other beings in religious narratives are often created from different substances to highlight their unique attributes. For instance, humans are often described as being created from **dust or clay**, indicating our tangible, earthy nature, connected to the physical world. Alternatively, beings like jinn in Islamic tradition are said to have been created from **smokeless fire**, which signifies their ethereal and energetic attributes.

Thus, in summary, angels, in their traditional description, are considered to be **created from light**, marking them as entities that are inherently close to divinity and distinct from the physical realm inhabited by other creatures like humans or jinn.

In the context of Islamic tradition, a reporter of Hadith is someone who has collected, compiled, and transmitted the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Among the names you listed, three are well-known compilers of Hadith, while one is not.

Ibn Majah was a famous collector of Hadith. His compilation is known as "Sunan Ibn Majah," which is one of the six major Hadith collections in Sunni Islam.

Tirmidh, known as Al-Tirmidhi, is another prominent Hadith compiler. His collection is known as "Jami' at-Tirmidhi," which is also considered one of the six major Hadith books.

Bukhari refers to Imam Al-Bukhari, a revered figure in Islamic tradition. His work, "Sahih Bukhari," is considered one of the most authentic collections of Hadith.

The name that does not fit in the category of Hadith compilers is Ibn Sina. He was a renowned Persian polymath and thinker who made significant contributions to various fields such as medicine, philosophy, and science. Ibn Sina is renowned for works like "The Canon of Medicine," but he is not known for compiling Hadith.

The Qur'an mentions numerous prophets who were sent by Allah to guide humanity throughout different times and regions. While the exact list can vary based on some interpretations, it is generally accepted that there are **twenty-five prophets** mentioned in the Qur'an. Here are some key points regarding the prophets in the Qur'an:

• Prophets in Islam: Muslims believe that prophets were chosen individuals selected by Allah to convey His message and guide people towards righteous living.
• Purpose of Prophets: These prophets were sent with divine messages to reform society and help people attain a closer connection to the one true God.
• Range of Prophets: The Qur'an includes prophets who were sent to different nations, and their stories illustrate lessons and moral guidance for believers.
• Examples of Prophets: Some of the prophets mentioned in the Qur'an include Adam, Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), and Muhammad (the final prophet in Islam), among others.

The prophets serve as exemplars of patience, faithfulness, and perseverance, and their stories are frequently used to provide moral and spiritual lessons to Muslims. Therefore, while the statement "twenty prophets were mentioned in the Qur'an" is not entirely accurate based on most common Islamic teachings, it is clear that only **twenty-five prophets** are identified in the Qur'an.

The compilation of the Qur'an was primarily presided over by Zayd ibn Thabit.

Zayd ibn Thabit was a young companion of the Prophet Muhammad and had a reputation for being very knowledgeable and trustworthy. He was chosen by the first caliph after the Prophet's death, Abu Bakr, to lead the task of compiling the Qur'an into a single written form. This decision was made due to the concern that many of those who memorized the Qur'an were dying in battles, and there was a risk of parts of the Qur'an being lost.

Zayd had previously served as one of the scribes for Prophet Muhammad, meaning he was already familiar with the Qur'anic revelations as they occurred during the Prophet's lifetime. Abu Bakr instructed Zayd to gather all the pieces of the Qur'an that were written down or memorized, verify them, and compile them into a unified document. This effort ensured the preservation of the Qur'an for future generations and was a monumental achievement in Islamic history.

Later, during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, Zayd ibn Thabit also played a significant role in creating standardized copies of the Qur'an to ensure uniformity and avoid variations or discrepancies. This effort led to the production of the "Uthmanic Codex," which serves as the reference for Muslims even today.

When we talk about sources of pure water, we are referring to origins where water is naturally found in a state suitable for drinking, without contamination. Let's analyze the sources listed:

• Rain: Rainwater is generally considered pure as it comes directly from the atmosphere, free of most contaminants. It hasn't picked up pollutants from the ground yet, which makes it a viable source of pure water.
• Stream: Streams consist of water that flows naturally over the Earth’s surface. They are often sourced from rainfall or groundwater and generally contain low levels of contaminants, though the purity can vary based on location and pollutant exposure. It is typically cleaner than rivers or lakes.
• River: Rivers are larger bodies of flowing water. While they can start relatively clean, as rivers travel, they often collect pollutants from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban areas. This means that river water is rarely considered pure without treatment.
• Sewage: Sewage is a collection of wastewater from domestic, industrial, and stormwater sources. It contains a high level of organic waste, chemicals, and other pollutants. Therefore, sewage is definitely not a source of pure water.

Given this analysis, **sewage** is the one that is not a source of pure water by any means. It requires extensive treatment to remove contaminants before it can be considered safe or pure for consumption or release back into the environment.

The term Al-Rahman is an Arabic word that is often translated to mean "The Merciful". It is one of the many names and attributes of God in Islam.

Here is why Al-Rahman is associated with being merciful:

• The root of the word Rahman comes from the Arabic letters "R-H-M," which relate to mercy and compassion.
• In Islamic theology, Al-Rahman signifies God's boundless and all-encompassing mercy and compassion towards all creation.
• This attribute emphasizes God’s kindness and a willingness to forgive and provide, reflecting a deep sense of empathy and care for all beings.

Therefore, when someone refers to God as Al-Rahman, they are invoking and acknowledging His attribute of vast and universal mercy. This term is often used in Islamic prayers and scriptures to highlight God's compassionate nature.

The **Ka'abah**, located in Mecca, holds a significant place in Islam as the most sacred site. According to Islamic tradition, it was originally **built** by **Prophet Ibrahim (AS)** and his son **Ismail (AS)**. They constructed the structure as a house of worship to Allah. This act is an important event in Islamic history, and the Ka'abah has since been central to Islamic rituals and pilgrimage, known as the **Hajj**.

The term Khulafa'ul-Rashidun refers to the Rightly Guided Caliphs, who are considered the first four leaders after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in early Islamic history. These leaders are recognized for their just and effective governance. The Khulafa'ul-Rashidun are:

• Abu Bakr (r.a.), who served as the first caliph.
• Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.a.), the second caliph known for his administrative acumen.
• Uthman ibn Affan (r.a.), the third caliph recognized for compiling the Quran.
• Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a.), the fourth caliph known for his wisdom and knowledge.

Thus, the correct number of Khulafa'ul-Rashidun is four.

The **Zuhr prayer** is a significant part of the daily prayers in Islam. It consists of four units of prayer, also known as **raka'at**.

The Zuhr prayer is offered after midday, when the sun has passed its zenith, and it is one of the five daily prayers that are obligatory for Muslims. The **raka'at** refer to the units or cycles within a prayer, and each unit includes specific postures and recitations. For the **Zuhr prayer**, these cycles are repeated four times, making it a total of **four raka'at**.

This four-unit structure helps offer a suitable amount of time for personal reflection, spiritual connection, and devotion during the middle of the day, helping individuals to take a pause from their daily activities and focus on their faith.

The twelfth Hadith of the An-Nawawi's collection is centered around the concept of non-interference. This Hadith teaches the importance of focusing on matters that are directly relevant and beneficial to oneself, while avoiding involvement in matters that are not of personal concern or within one's responsibility.

In simpler terms, the teaching encourages people to mind their own business and refrain from unnecessary interference in the affairs of others unless such involvement is warranted or necessary. It underscores the value of being considerate about what one chooses to engage with, promoting personal well-being and social harmony by minimizing unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings that may arise from undue interference.

By emphasizing non-interference, this Hadith aims to instill a sense of self-discipline in individuals, whereby they focus on improving their own lives and actions rather than being distracted by or meddling in matters that do not pertain to them directly.

The phrase "Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in" is found in Surat Al-Fatihah. Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter of the Quran, and it holds a special significance in Islamic prayer as it is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer (Salah).

Al-Fatihah, also referred to as "The Opening," consists of seven verses. The phrase in question means "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help", emphasizing the monotheistic worship of and reliance on Allah.

The Quran, which is the holy book of Islam, contains a total of 114 chapters. These chapters are referred to as "Surahs" in Arabic. Each Surah serves as a chapter of the book, varying in length and covering different aspects of spiritual guidance, moral principles, and laws for living a righteous life according to Islamic beliefs.

The Surahs have been arranged in a particular sequence, which is believed to be divinely inspired, and they vary from very short chapters, such as Surah Al-Kawthar, to much longer ones, like Surah Al-Baqarah. These chapters together comprise the Quran, which is considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the Quran contains 114 chapters.