2012 JAMB ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Question 1
Which question paper type of Islamic Religious Studies is given to you?
A. Green
B. Purple
C. Red
D. Yellow
Answer: B. Purple
Explanation: PURPLE
Question 2
The injunction from the Glorious Qur’an for Muslims to fight the unbelievers in self-defence is a characteristic of
A. The Makkan suwar
B. The Madinan suwar
C. Surat an-Nisai
D. Surah al-Ma’idah
Answer: B. The Madinan suwar
Explanation: The Madinan surahs discuss jihad and rulings concerning it.
Question 3
Why was the Glorious Qur’an revealed in Arabic?
A. Allah wanted everybody to be an Arab
B. Allah wanted the dominance of Arabic over languages
C. The inhabitants of Makkah were Arabs
D. The message would not have been understood if it were in another language
Answer: D. The message would not have been understood if it were in another language
Explanation: The verse says that Allah made the Qur’an accessible in the Prophet’s own language so people would remember its message.
Question 4
Ta’wil is the explanation of the
A. Inner meaning of the Glorious Qur’an
B. Peripheral meaning of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Categorical meaning of the Glorious Qur’an
D. Outer meaning of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: A. Inner meaning of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Ta’wil explores deeper layers of meaning within the Qur’an.
Question 5
The chapters of the Glorious Qur’an with seven verses are
A. Al-Falaq and al-Fil
B. An-Nas and al-Kawthar
C. Al-Ikhlas and al-Fatihah
D. Al-Fatihah and al-Ma’un
Answer: D. Al-Fatihah and al-Ma’un
Explanation: Counting the Bismillahi-r-Rahmani-r-Raheem as its first verse, Surat Al-Fatihah contains seven verses.
Question 6
The verses above teach that man should
A. Rumour mongering
B. Not think that his wealth would make him last forever
C. Not think that wealthy people are the most respectable
D. Avoid backbiting
Answer: B. Not think that his wealth would make him last forever
Explanation: Surat Al-Humazah (Q.104:3) describes someone who assumes his money will keep him alive forever.
Question 7
Quraish taunted the Prophet (S.A.W.) over the seizure of revelation, which resulted in the revelation of
A. Surah ad-Duha
B. Surah at-Tin
C. Surah al-Qadr
D. Surah al-Asr
Answer: A. Surah ad-Duha
Explanation: Surah ad-Duha came after a pause in revelation during which opponents mocked the Prophet by claiming that his Lord had abandoned him.
Question 8
Az-Zalzalah describes the events preceding
A. The Day of Judgement
B. Jumu’ah Day
C. Id al-Kabir Day
D. The Arafat Day
Answer: A. The Day of Judgement
Explanation: Surat Al-Zalzalah (Q.99) portrays the alarming happenings of Judgment Day.
Question 9
The Prophet (S.A.W.) initially prohibited the recording of the Hadith primarily for the
A. Fear of being misinterpreted
B. Love of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Fear of it being mixed with the Glorious Qur’an
D. Sake of piety and fear of Allah
Answer: C. Fear of it being mixed with the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri reported the Messenger’s instruction not to write his words apart from the Qur’an, while permitting their oral narration (Muslim, al-Zuhd wa’l-Raqaa’iq 5326). This restriction addressed concern that the Prophet’s words might be confused with Qur’anic text; writing Hadith was later permitted when that risk passed.
Question 10
In Hadith reporting, it is important to note that
A. Isnad preceded matn
B. Matn precedes Isnad
C. Isnad and matn are always separated
D. Matn is independent of isnad
Answer: A. Isnad preceded matn
Explanation: A Hadith has a matn, its wording; an isnad, its chain of transmitters; and a taraf, an opening portion pointing to the Prophet’s words, deeds, qualities or approval of others’ actions. The chain comes before the text.
Question 11
Tadlis in Hadith narration is a form of
A. Verification
B. Forgery
C. Criticism
D. Forgetfulness
Answer: B. Forgery
Explanation: Tadlis means disguising a problem in a report’s transmission chain or narrating in a way that misleads, for instance by hiding who a transmitter is.
Question 12
A chain of Hadith with two or more narrators omitted is known as
A. Al-mu’dal
B. Al-munqati’u
C. Al-mut-awaitir
D. Al-maq’tul
Answer: A. Al-mu’dal
Explanation: In a mu’dal narration, at least two transmitters have been omitted at one or more points in the isnad.
Question 13
Muwatta of Imam Malik contains
A. Ahadith and athar
B. The ahadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.)
C. Imam Malik’s fatawa only
D. Ideas of many scholars
Answer: A. Ahadith and athar
Explanation: Imam Malik’s Muwatta’ contains more than Prophetic Hadith: it also records legal judgments from Companions, Successors and certain later scholars.
Question 14
The lesson to be derived from Hadith 9 of an-Nawawi is that
A. Earlier people were too argumentative
B. When prophets speak believers should listen
C. Muslims are advised not to be extreme in their actions
D. Muslims should avoid asking unnecessary questions
Answer: D. Muslims should avoid asking unnecessary questions
Explanation: Abu Huraira reported the Prophet’s teaching to avoid what is forbidden and fulfil commands as far as one can. He warned that earlier peoples were ruined by excessive questioning and disagreements with their prophets (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Question 15
In the 5th Hadith of an-Nawawi, the Prophet (S.A.W.) described one who introduces alien practices of Islam as
A. An unbeliever
B. A reprobate
C. A hypocrite
D. A gossip
Answer: B. A reprobate
Explanation: Aishah (R.A.) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) rejected practices introduced into the religion without a basis in it; Muslim also reports that an act inconsistent with the religion is rejected. The explanation defines “reprobate” as morally improper or deviant, describing such a person as a bad egg.
Question 16
In Islam, trust is next to
A. Deen
B. Salah
C. Iman
D. Sawn
Answer: C. Iman
Explanation: Anas related that the Messenger repeatedly taught in his sermons that a person who betrays a trust lacks faith and one who breaks promises lacks religion.
Question 17
Intoxicants are disallowed because they are
A. Bitter in taste
B. Expensive to buy
C. Stimulants
D. Harmful to health
Answer: D. Harmful to health
Explanation: Intoxicating substances are forbidden in Islam because they damage individuals and communities and cloud sound thinking and judgment.
Question 18
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “He has really no faith who does not fulfill his trust…” The Hadith above enjoins the believers to
A. Learn to be trusted in dealing with people
B. Learn to trust others as they wish to be trusted
C. Be careful in trusting people
D. Appreciate trusted people
Answer: A. Learn to be trusted in dealing with people
Explanation: According to Anas, the Prophet regularly reminded his listeners that faith requires keeping trusts and religion requires honouring promises.
Question 19
The effect of the encounter between Prophet Musa and the magicians is that
A. Truth always prevails over falsehood
B. Magicians are respected in Egypt
C. Egyptian kings patronized magicians
D. Musa’s eloquence attracted converts
Answer: A. Truth always prevails over falsehood
Explanation: When Musa’s staff consumed the magicians’ display, they recognized his mission as true and embraced belief. The episode illustrates truth overcoming falsehood.
Question 20
“Those Apostles we endowed with gifts, some above other. To one of them Allah spoke…” (Q.2:253). The prophet being referred to in the verse above is
A. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
B. Prophet Musa (A.S.)
C. Prophet ’Isa (A.S.)
D. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.)
Answer: B. Prophet Musa (A.S.)
Explanation: Surat Al-Baqarah (Q.2:253) says Allah favoured some messengers over others and spoke directly to some. Musa spoke with Allah at an appointed meeting and requested to see Him, but was told that he could not (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Question 21
The sum total of a Muslim’s belief in destiny is that
A. Man has power over his actions
B. Muslims will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment
C. Whoever repents will be forgiven
D. Man has no power over what Allah has decreed
Answer: D. Man has no power over what Allah has decreed
Explanation: Faith in Qadar affirms Allah’s complete knowledge, will and decree regarding events, while people remain responsible for the choices they can make.
Question 22
The characteristics of good deeds according to Q.3:134 are
A. Spending in the cause of Allah such as building mosques
B. Relating with fellow Muslims with dignity, kindness and passion
C. Assisting the orphans, the widows and the wayfarers
D. Spending freely in the cause of Allah, restraining from anger and pardon for all
Answer: D. Spending freely in the cause of Allah, restraining from anger and pardon for all
Explanation: The passage labelled Surat An-Nisa, Q.3:134, praises those who give in times of ease and hardship, control anger and pardon others; it says Allah loves such good-doers.
Question 23
The parts of the body rubbed during tayammum are
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: A. Two
Explanation: Tayammum is described as touching earth with the hands, passing each palm over the back of the other, removing excess dust and then wiping the face (commentary on Surat Al-Maidah Q.5:6, Noble Qur’an, Muhsin Khan, p. 143).
Question 24
The minimum wealth on which zakah is payable is called
A. Al-mudd
B. Hiqqah
C. Nisab
D. An-niyyah
Answer: C. Nisab
Explanation: Nisab denotes the lowest amount of eligible wealth at which a Muslim becomes liable to pay Zakah.
Question 25
The station where pilgrims put on their ihram for either Umrah or Hajj is known as
A. Mihrab
B. Miqat
C. Haram
D. Jamrah
Answer: B. Miqat
Explanation: The miqat are designated locations where pilgrims undertaking Hajj enter Ihram and put on the pilgrim clothing.
Question 26
The verse of the Glorious Qur’an above indicates that part of the importance of marriage is
A. Procreation
B. To get relations
C. Fraternity
D. To know each other
Answer: A. Procreation
Explanation: The verse says Allah provides people with spouses of their own kind, children, grandchildren and good sustenance, then questions belief in false gods and denial of His favour.
Question 27
At-Tahrim al-Mu’abbad in marriage means
A. Temporary prohibition
B. Permanent prohibition
C. Conditional prohibition
D. Future prohibition
Answer: B. Permanent prohibition
Explanation: At-Tahrim al-Mu’abbad is a lasting ban on marriage between particular people, including specified near blood relatives.
Question 28
In Islamic marriage, the dowry goes to the
A. Bride’s mother
B. Bride’s father
C. Bride herself
D. Bride’s sisters
Answer: C. Bride herself
Explanation: Mahr belongs personally to the bride and must be paid to her, as Qur’an 4:4 instructs.
Question 29
During the iddah period, the husband
A. Keeps his wife in his house
B. Asks his wife to go out of his house
C. Prevents her the right to return
D. Demands the refund of the dowry
Answer: A. Keeps his wife in his house
Explanation: Surat Al-Baqarah (Q.2:228) gives a husband the right to resume the marriage during the waiting period when reconciliation is intended. The explanation limits this to a divorce in which he remains entitled to take her back during her iddah, with a sincere aim of repairing the relationship (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Question 30
When a wife dies, the husband takes half of her property if she leaves no
A. Parents
B. Children
C. Sisters
D. Brothers
Answer: B. Children
Explanation: Under Qur’an 4:12, a husband receives half his late wife’s estate if she has no child.
Question 31
The followers of the Hanbali School of Law are mostly found in
A. Saudi Arabia
B. North Africa
C. West Africa
D. East Africa
Answer: A. Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Hanbali jurisprudence has long held strong influence across the Arabian Peninsula and is Saudi Arabia’s leading traditional legal school.
Question 32
The main sources of revenue under the Islamic economic system are
A. Zakah, Sadaqah, Khiraj and Hadiyyah
B. Zakah, Jizyah and Sadaqah
C. Zakah, Jizyah and Kharaj
D. Zakah, Jizyah, Kharaj and Ghanimah
Answer: D. Zakah, Jizyah, Kharaj and Ghanimah
Explanation: The items mentioned are recognized revenue sources in the traditional Islamic system of public finance.
Question 33
One major difference between the Islamic economic system and the Western economic system is that
A. The Western economic system was propounded by white men while the Islamic economic system was propounded by the Arabs
B. The Western economic system is macro while the Islamic economic system is micro
C. The Western economic system involves interest in trading while the Islamic economic system is interest-free
D. The Islamic economic system is dynamic while the Western economic system is static
Answer: C. The Western economic system involves interest in trading while the Islamic economic system is interest-free
Explanation: The explanation contrasts interest-based trade in Western economics with an Islamic economic system that prohibits riba. Surat Al-Imran (Q.3:130) warns believers against multiplied usury and urges them to fear Allah.
Question 34
In order to live a socially sound and morally healthy life, Muslims must establish justice
A. Even if it is against them
B. When it is only favourable to them
C. Only in the court of law
D. Especially during the time of emergencies
Answer: A. Even if it is against them
Explanation: Qur’an 4:135 directs believers to uphold justice even when the outcome goes against themselves or their parents and family.
Question 35
The Jahiliyyah Arab woman could not inherit the wealth of her deceased husband because she
A. Might not be able to manage the property judiciously
B. Was herself considered as part of the property inherited
C. Did not have family commitment to attend to
D. Might be accused of causing the husband’s death
Answer: B. Was herself considered as part of the property inherited
Explanation: The explanation says that in Jahiliyyah a widow was treated as inheritable property, even allowing a son to marry his father’s widow. Islam ended this practice (Surat An-Nisa, Q.4:22–23).
Question 36
The nurse that took care of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) when he was young was
A. ‘Atif ut Adabiyyah
B. Umm Aiman
C. Halimah as-Sa’diyyah
D. Sumayyah bint Yasir
Answer: C. Halimah as-Sa’diyyah
Explanation: The daughter of Dhu ’ayyab and one of her three daughters cared for and nursed the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Question 37
The first son of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was
A. Sadiq
B. Qasim
C. Harun
D. Ibrahim
Answer: B. Qasim
Explanation: The Prophet had daughters and sons. His first child, al-Qasim, gave him the kunya Abu’l-Qasim; he died young, although one account says he lived long enough to ride.
Question 38
Khadijah would be remembered forever because she
A. Was a highly successful businesswoman
B. Married a man much younger than herself
C. Helped the Prophet (S.A.W.) in many ways
D. Was from a noble family
Answer: C. Helped the Prophet (S.A.W.) in many ways
Explanation: Khadijah gave Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) both financial and emotional support, believed his mission from the outset and remained beside him through the early hardships of prophethood.
Question 39
Among the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was the
A. First
B. Oldest
C. Youngest
D. Seal
Answer: D. Seal
Explanation: Surat Al-Ahzab (Q.33:40) describes Muhammad as Allah’s Messenger and the last prophet, rather than the father of any of the men addressed, and affirms Allah’s full knowledge.
Question 40
The companion who migrated with Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) when they hid in Cave Thawr was
A. Zayd b. Thabit
B. Khalid b. Al-Walid
C. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
D. ’Uthman b. ’Affan
Answer: C. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
Explanation: The Qur’an and Sunnah recount the Prophet and Abu Bakr sheltering in the Cave of Thawr. Surat At-Tawbah (Q.9:40) describes them as two companions driven out by disbelievers; the Prophet reassured Abu Bakr that Allah was with them. Allah gave tranquillity and unseen support, ensuring His word prevailed.
Question 41
By accepting all the conditions given by the Quraish during the Treaty of al-Hudaibiyyah, the Prophet (S.A.W.) demonstrated
A. Honesty
B. Generosity
C. Foresight
D. Perseverance
Answer: C. Foresight
Explanation: Agreeing to terms that seemed disadvantageous showed his long-term judgment, since the peace that followed helped Islam spread.
Question 42
The farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) taught that
A. No Muslim should shed the blood of an innocent Muslim
B. Muslims are allowed to eat pork if very hungry
C. Trading in intoxicants is forbidden
D. Muslims can marry many wives
Answer: A. No Muslim should shed the blood of an innocent Muslim
Explanation: The teaching urges people not to harm others. Ibn Umar (R.A.) reported that a believer retains hope of Allah’s mercy while avoiding the unjust shedding of blood (Sahih Bukhari 9/2, no. 6862).
Question 43
Some Muslim dissidents refused to pay Zakah during the reign of
A. Abu Bakr
B. ’Umar
C. ’Uthman
D. ’Ali
Answer: A. Abu Bakr
Explanation: Some tribes stopped paying Zakah after the Prophet died. Abu Bakr maintained that it was still required and fought those who refused during the Ridda campaigns.
Question 44
Umar b. al-Khattab embraced Islam as a result of the verses which he read in Surah
A. Al-Fil
B. Al-Mulk
C. At-Taha
D. An-Nas
Answer: C. At-Taha
Explanation: He asked his sister to let him see the Qur’anic words. She told him to wash first because he was not clean; reading verses of Surah Ta Ha then moved his heart toward Islam.
Question 45
The reign of Caliph ’Uthman b. ’Affan was noted for
A. The compilation of the Hadith
B. The compilation of the Glorious Qur’an
C. Efficient tax collection
D. The standardization of the Glorious Qur’an
Answer: D. The standardization of the Glorious Qur’an
Explanation: Caliph Uthman commissioned a group of Companions to prepare an authorized, consistent written version of the Qur’an.
Question 46
The Sahabi who introduced Islam to Egypt was
A. Amr b. al-‘As
B. Abdul-lah b. Mas’ud
C. ‘Uqbah b. Nafi’
D. Abdullah b. ’Abbas
Answer: A. Amr b. al-’As
Explanation: The answer identifies Amr ibn al-As (585–6 January 664), the Arab commander associated with the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640. He established Fustat as the capital and built the mosque bearing his name there.
Question 47
One of the rulers of Kanem-Borno who transformed the empire into an Islamic State was
A. Mai Idris Alooma
B. Produced qualified teachers
C. Mai Dunama Ibrahim
D. Mai Ali Ghaji
Answer: A. Mai Idris Alooma
Explanation: Mai Idris Alooma advanced Islamic learning, institutions and religious observance in Kanem-Borno and encouraged Islamic principles during his rule.
Question 48
The main objective of Islamic education is to
A. Establish tawhid among the people
B. Produce qualified teachers
C. Promote a sense of brotherhood
D. Build more schools
Answer: A. Establish tawhid among the people
Explanation: Islamic schooling aims to cultivate learning, moral character and behaviour grounded in Tawhid, recognition of Allah’s oneness, and obedience to Him.
Question 49
The problem Usman b. Fodio had with the Habe rulers was the
A. Marrying of more than four wives
B. Refusal to send their children to school
C. Non-payment of taxes by their subjects
D. Mixing of Islam with customary practices
Answer: D. Mixing of Islam with customary practices
Explanation: Usman Dan Fodio criticized Habe rulers for introducing practices he considered un-Islamic. He presented his reform movement as a return to a purer, earlier form of Islam.
Question 50
One of the most popular figures in the field of Islamic history was
A. Ibn Sina
B. Ibn Khaldun
C. Ar-Razi
D. Al-Ghazali
Answer: B. Ibn Khaldun
Explanation: Ibn Khaldun was an Arab Muslim historian from North Africa often named among the pioneers of sociology, historiography, demography and economics. The explanation also says Turkish scholars valued his contribution to Islamic historical writing.