2011 JAMB ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Question 1
The outcome of the Prophet’s visit to Cave Hira was
A. Compilation of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Revelation of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Award of a chieftaincy title by the Makkan aristocrats
D. His resolve to migrate to Madinah
Answer: B. Revelation of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: While in the Cave of Hira, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received Allah’s first revelation through Angel Jibril; this began the revelation of the Qur’an.
Question 2
One of the importance of the first revelation was
A. Description of the Arabian peninsula to the Prophet (S.A.W.)
B. Dissemination of knowledge
C. Explanation of knowledge
D. Description of the steps of acquiring knowledge
Answer: B. Dissemination of knowledge
Explanation: The earliest revelation opened by instructing the Prophet to read, drawing attention to education and the sharing of knowledge.
Question 3
The gradual spiritual and moral development of Muslims was the wisdom behind the
A. Compilation of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Standardization of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Preservation of the Glorious Qur’an
D. Piecemeal revelation of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: D. Piecemeal revelation of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: The Qur’an came down in stages so Muslims could gradually absorb, comprehend and apply its guidance.
Question 4
“إنا نحن نزلنا الذكر وإنا له لحفظون” The above is in relation to the
A. Standardization of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Preservation of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Compilation of the Glorious Qur’an
D. Arrangement of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: B. Preservation of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Surat Al-Hijr (Q.15:9) says Allah sent down the Dhikr, the Qur’an, and promised to preserve it from alteration.
Question 5
The battle that served as a pointer to the compilation of the Glorious Qur’an was fought at
A. Khandaq
B. Ubud
C. Tabuk
D. Yamamah
Answer: D. Yamamah
Explanation: After Abu Bakr as-Siddiq became caliph, some recently converted tribes abandoned Islam. In 11 AH, Khalid bin Al-Walid led the Muslims against Musaylima’s followers at Al-Yamamah, where 70 Qur’an reciters died. Fearing that further losses could endanger the Qur’an’s preservation, Umar bin Khattab urged Abu Bakr to gather it into a single book.
Question 6
The committee that standardized the Glorious Qur’an is made up of
A. Six people
B. Five people
C. Four people
D. Three people
Answer: C. Four people
Explanation: Uthman selected four people, with Zayd ibn Thabit in charge, to produce uniform copies of the Qur’an.
Question 7
A characteristic common to Makkan chapters is that, they
A. Are long
B. Address the people of the Book
C. Contain lots of oaths
D. Make references to battles
Answer: C. Contain lots of oaths
Explanation: Makkan surahs often contain oaths, such as the invocation of the star.
Question 8
The victory of the Roman Empire over the Persian Empire after the Persians have defeated the Romans as stated in the Glorious Qur’an (Q.30:2-3) is an evidence of the
A. Beauty of the words of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Historical nature of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Simplicity of the wordings of the Glorious Qur’an
D. Authenticity of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: D. Authenticity of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Surat Ar-Rum (Q.30) describes the Romans as defeated in a nearby land, identified here with Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Palestine, while predicting that they would later win.
Question 9
The Qur’an is different from other revealed books because
A. It is a prayer book only
B. Barren women can be helped through it
C. Both spiritual, moral and social values are found in it
D. One can use it for protection only
Answer: C. Both spiritual, moral and social values are found in it
Explanation: The Qur’an guides spiritual matters as well as ethical behaviour and relations among people.
Question 10
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) did not hand-over the Glorious Qur’an to his companions in an arranged form and in a single written volume because
A. He did not want only the Quraish to inherit the Book
B. The revelation did not come in one piece but at intervals
C. Many tribes would want to take over its distribution
D. There was no need for it
Answer: B. The revelation did not come in one piece but at intervals
Explanation: Because revelation arrived over the course of the Prophet’s mission, the Qur’an was not assembled as one finished written volume while it was still being revealed.
Question 11
The correct meaning of Tafsir is the
A. Detailed explanation and commentary of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Scientific application of the contents of the Qur’an to human life
C. True reflections on the contents of the Glorious Qur’an
D. Practical application of the contents of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: A. Detailed explanation and commentary of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Tafsir is the discipline of explaining the Qur’an’s meanings, commentary, commands and the circumstances in which its passages were revealed.
Question 12
Tajwid, as one of the sciences of the Glorious Qur’an, is important because
A. It allows for the understanding of the history of the Glorious Qur’an
B. It provides the basis for the deeper understanding of the Glorious Qur’an
C. It provides the knowledge of correct pronunciation and recitation of the Glorious Qur’an
D. It increases the ability to recite and communicate in Arabic
Answer: C. It provides the knowledge of correct pronunciation and recitation of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Tajwid is the set of pronunciation principles followed when reciting the Qur’an.
Question 13
“إذا جاء نصر الله والفتح” In the rule of Tajwid, the portion of the verse underlined above applies to
A. Tarqiq
B. Tanwin
C. Tafkhim
D. Tashdid
Answer: C. Tafkhim
Explanation: In Tajwid, tafkhim is the full or heavy pronunciation of particular letters.
Question 14
The only surah in the Glorious Qur’an which must be recited in every obligatory prayer is
A. Al-Baqarah
B. Al-’Alaq
C. Al-Fatihah
D. Al-Ikhlas
Answer: C. Al-Fatihah
Explanation: Surat Al-Fatihah is described as As Sab’ Al-Mathani, the seven verses recited repeatedly (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 1). It is recited at the start of every daily salah.
Question 15
The expression “ما أغنى عنه ماله وما كسب” in Surah Al-Lahab means
A. No profit to him from all his power and business
B. No profit to him from all his military and economic powers
C. No profit to him from all his wealth and gains
D. No profit to him from all his property and children
Answer: C. No profit to him from all his wealth and gains
Explanation: The phrase means that Abu Lahab gained nothing from his riches or from what he earned.
Question 16
One of the important lessons taught in Suratul Kawthar is that Muslims should
A. Always fulfill their promises
B. Protect themselves when the need arise
C. Accept whatever calamity that befall them
D. Worship Allah and sacrifice
Answer: D. Worship Allah and sacrifice
Explanation: Surat Al-Kawthar (Q.108:2) directs believers to pray to their Lord and offer sacrifice solely to Him.
Question 17
Surat Ma’un discusses the privilege to be enjoyed by
A. Givers
B. Travellers
C. The wealthy
D. The needy
Answer: D. The needy
Explanation: Surat Al-Ma’un (Q.107:2–3) identifies the person who turns away an orphan and fails to encourage feeding the poor.
Question 18
The eagerness and zeal of Muslim warriors to fight in the cause of Allah is one of the major theme of Surah
A. Al-Qari’ah
B. Al-Adiyah
C. Al-’Asr
D. Al-Humazah
Answer: B. Al-Adiyah
Explanation: Allah invokes horses galloping into battle in His cause, panting as they run; the audible breath is part of the image (Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Surat Al-Adiyat, Q.100).
Question 19
The allegorical and ambiguous verses of the Glorious Qur’an are understood through the
A. Ijtihad of Muslim Scholars
B. Qiyas of Muslim Jurists
C. Tadabbur in the Glorious Qur’an
D. Tafsir of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: D. Tafsir of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Tafsir interprets Qur’anic passages and makes verses that need explanation easier to understand.
Question 20
Hadith 3 of An-Nawawi’s collection shows that Islam is built upon
A. Believe in Allah
B. Five pillars
C. Fast of Ramadin
D. Articles of faith
Answer: B. Five pillars
Explanation: Ibn Omar reported hearing Allah’s Messenger teach that Islam rests on five pillars: declaring Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s messengership, performing prayer, giving zakat, making pilgrimage to the House and fasting in Ramadan (Bukhari and Muslim).
Question 21
The teaching of the 10th Hadith of An-Nawawi is that
A. Allah accepts prayers from Muslims only
B. Only credible people shall be elected leaders
C. Abstinence from forbidden things is prelude to accepting prayers
D. Abstinence from misconduct by ladies makes them more attractive to men
Answer: C. Abstinence from forbidden things is prelude to accepting prayers
Explanation: Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger’s teaching that Allah is good and accepts only what is good, and that believers, like the messengers, are instructed to consume what is wholesome and act rightly. He described a dusty traveller pleading to Allah while his food, drink, clothes and sustenance were unlawful, raising the question of how that prayer could be answered.
Question 22
‘Do not get angry’. This tradition from the 16th Hadith of An-Nawawi has been repeated by the Prophet (S.A.W.)
A. Once
B. Twice
C. Thrice
D. Many times
Answer: D. Many times
Explanation: Abu Hurairah related that a man repeatedly asked the Prophet for advice, and each time the Prophet told him to avoid anger (Bukhari).
Question 23
What differentiates Hadith Qudsi from Hadith Nabawi is the
A. Place and manner of application
B. Condition under which the two are narrated
C. Wording and teaching intended
D. Chain and reliability of the narrator
Answer: C. Wording and teaching intended
Explanation: A Hadith Qudsi reports a message the Prophet attributes to Allah, whereas a Hadith Nabawi records the Prophet’s own instruction or words.
Question 24
One of the peculiarities of Sahih Bukhari is that ahadith are sorted according to
A. Topics
B. Chapters
C. Records
D. Biographies
Answer: B. Chapters
Explanation: Al-Bukhari organized his Hadith compilation first into books and then into chapters.
Question 25
One of the two compilers of hadith that deals with legal traditions of permissions and prohibitions is
A. Abu Daud
B. Bukhari
C. Ibn Majah
D. Muslim
Answer: C. Ibn Majah
Explanation: Ibn Majah assembled Sunan Ibn Majah, a major Hadith work whose traditions are largely grouped by legal matters and religious practice.
Question 26
One of the moral lessons in Q.17:23 apart from obedience to parents is
A. Resilience
B. Repentance
C. Perseverance
D. Honesty
Answer: C. Perseverance
Explanation: Surat Al-Isra instructs worship of Allah alone and respectful treatment of parents. When either or both grow old, one should neither speak harshly nor scold them, but address them honourably.
Question 27
The Jews were admonished to avoid mixing truth with falsehood in
A. Q.2:285
B. Q.2:177
C. Q.2:45
D. Q.2:42
Answer: D. Q.2:42
Explanation: Surat Al-Baqarah (Q.2:42) warns against blending truth with falsehood or knowingly hiding what is true.
Question 28
Islam encourages Muslims to seek a lawful livelihood through
A. Equitable distribution of wealth
B. Dignity of labour
C. Family inheritance
D. Shared responsibility
Answer: B. Dignity of labour
Explanation: Islam promotes legitimate, useful employment and lawful income instead of obtaining a living through prohibited means.
Question 29
Islam as a monotheistic religion expects that every faithful follower should
A. Not tell lies
B. Serve Allah without associates
C. Praise the Prophets as enjoined by Allah
D. Perform Salat
Answer: B. Serve Allah without associates
Explanation: Islamic monotheism is the worship of Allah alone, without giving any partner a share in worship.
Question 30
Seeking assistance from the fortune tellers is forbidden because
A. It gives one an insight of what tomorrow holds
B. It creates animosity amongst people
C. It leads to ascribing absolute power to a fellow being
D. Its proceed is unlawful
Answer: C. It leads to ascribing absolute power to a fellow being
Explanation: Fortune-telling contradicts Tawhid because ultimate knowledge of what is unseen belongs to Allah.
Question 31
It is Shirk in Islam to
A. Dance
B. Sing religious song
C. Undergo plastic surgery
D. Masquerade
Answer: D. Masquerade
Explanation: For this question, masquerading that assigns divine or supernatural ability to anything besides Allah is treated as Shirk and contrary to Tawhid.
Question 32
Suhuf was revealed to
A. Prophet Harun (AS)
B. Prophet Ilyas (AS)
C. Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
D. Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Answer: C. Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Explanation: Q.87:18–19 speaks of the scriptures given to Ibrahim and Musa.
Question 33
In Islam the articles of Iman are
A. Six
B. Five
C. Four
D. Three
Answer: A. Six
Explanation: In a report from Umar narrated by Muslim, the Prophet explains iman as belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree, whether its outcome is good or bad.
Question 34
The presentation of sermon is an obligation of the Imam when leading
A. All the prayers
B. Funeral prayers
C. Friday prayers
D. Every prayer on Fridays
Answer: C. Friday prayers
Explanation: The Friday Jumu’ah congregation includes the Khutbah, which is delivered before the prayer.
Question 35
One of the conditions that make prayer obligatory on believers is
A. Social status
B. Reciting the Qur’an with proper Tajweed
C. Following pions Imam
D. Attainment of maturity
Answer: D. Attainment of maturity
Explanation: Once a Muslim reaches puberty or maturity, obligatory Salah applies personally, assuming the other conditions for responsibility are met.
Question 36
The supererogatory fasting of Ashura is observed on the
A. 8th of Al-Muharram
B. 9th of Al-Muharram
C. 10th of Al-Muharram
D. 11th of Al-Muharram
Answer: C. 10th of Al-Muharram
Explanation: Ashura occurs on the tenth of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.
Question 37
Ayyam at-tashriq are the days of
A. Buying and selling
B. Visits and caring
C. Singing and dancing
D. Eating and drinking
Answer: D. Eating and drinking
Explanation: Ayyam at-Tashriq falls on Dhu’l-Hijjah 11, 12 and 13. The Prophet forbade fasting then, describing them as days for food, drink and remembrance of Allah (Ahmad 10286; classified as sahih by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah 3573).
Question 38
The minimum number of witnesses in an Islamic marriage is
A. Four males
B. Three males
C. Two males
D. One male
Answer: C. Two males
Explanation: According to the rule assumed in this question, a marriage contract needs a minimum of two male witnesses.
Question 39
The term, Shari’ah refers to
A. A path
B. Wisdom
C. Passion
D. An idea
Answer: A. A path
Explanation: Shari’ah means a way or path.
Question 40
One of the scholars reported to have been imprisoned by his non compromising stance was
A. Shafi’i
B. Abu Hanifah
C. Hanbal
D. Malik B. Anas
Answer: B. Abu Hanifah
Explanation: In 763, the Abbasid ruler al-Mansur offered Abu Hanifah the position of chief judge, which he refused so he could remain independent; his student Abu Yusuf was appointed instead. When the ruler accused him of lying, Abu Hanifah replied that a liar could hardly be made a judge. Angered, al-Mansur imprisoned and tortured him, withholding food and care, although Abu Hanifah continued teaching permitted visitors.
Question 41
The entrenchment of an Islamic economic system is aimed at
A. Controlling the world funds
B. Restricting the unlawful acquisition of wealth
C. Restricting men to particular occupations
D. Promoting equitable distribution of wealth
Answer: D. Promoting equitable distribution of wealth
Explanation: The aim is to distribute wealth fairly.
Question 42
One of the major consequences of riba is that, it makes people
A. Wealthy
B. Lazy
C. Smart
D. Parasitic
Answer: B. Lazy
Explanation: In this question’s context, reliance on interest may weaken incentives for productive work and reward income earned without matching productive effort.
Question 43
Mas’uliyyah as a principle of the Islamic political system is a measure to check
A. Indiscipline
B. Rigging
C. Nepotism
D. Misappropriation
Answer: D. Misappropriation
Explanation: Mas’uliyyah is the principle that people must answer for their actions; it means accountability.
Question 44
Allah commands Muslims to observe and fulfil agreements with the non-Muslims if the latter do not
A. Infringe on the right of women
B. Observe the daily prayers
C. Change the language employed
D. Violate the terms of agreement
Answer: D. Violate the terms of agreement
Explanation: Muslims are required to respect agreements and treaties while the other parties uphold their side of the terms.
Question 45
During the Jahiliyyah era, the Ka’aba was the centre of poetic contest at the annual festival called
A. Ijaz
B. Ukaz
C. Manat
D. Ushrah
Answer: B. Ukaz
Explanation: People gathered at the Ukaz Fair for commerce and poetry recitals.
Question 46
In Pre-Islamic Arabia, the Arabs killed their daughters because they
A. The weaker sex
B. Were afraid of incest
C. Feared the females would outnumber the males
D. Did not participate in wars
Answer: D. Did not participate in wars
Explanation: The stated fears were that more daughters would create financial hardship, or that girls taken by an enemy tribe would bring shame by preferring their captors to their own family.
Question 47
The first person who recognized signs of Prophethood on Muhammad (SAW) was
A. Christian Monk
B. Jewish Rabbi
C. Buddhist Monk
D. Soothsayer
Answer: A. Christian Monk
Explanation: In the traditional story referred to by the question, the Christian monk Bahira noticed signs of Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) future prophethood when he was a boy.
Question 48
Members of the Prophet’s family that embraced Islam the first day did so, on the basis of his
A. Truthfulness and uprightness
B. Wealth and influence
C. Love for them
D. Family relation
Answer: A. Truthfulness and uprightness
Explanation: People close to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) already knew his honesty, reliability and good character, helping explain why they accepted his message promptly.
Question 49
The teachings of ’Uthman b. Fodio are remembered today as it relates to
A. Idol worshipping
B. Marrying more than four wives
C. All forms of syncretism
D. Taxing of farm produce
Answer: C. All forms of syncretism
Explanation: Uthman dan Fodio’s campaign for reform challenged the blending of Islamic teaching with religious practices it viewed as inconsistent with Islam.
Question 50
The ruler who instituted Friday prayers in Mali was
A. Mansa Musa
B. Mansa Suleiman
C. Mansa Ule
D. Mansa Abubakar
Answer: A. Mansa Musa
Explanation: Mansa Musa built mosques and minarets, established Friday worship in Mali, brought judges into the country and personally studied religion.