Diseases of the Heart
A person feels proud of their worship even when nobody else knows about it. Which disease may be present, and how is it different from riya?
Ujub (self-admiration). Unlike riya', which seeks the attention or approval of others, ujub involves excessive admiration of oneself.
Which surah describes believers who give food to the needy, orphan, and captive, seeking only Allah's pleasure?
Surah Al-Insan (76:8–9).
Which companion suggested the trench strategy during the Battle of Khandaq, and why was it effective?
Salman Al-Farisi (RA). The trench prevented the opposing forces from easily attacking Madinah across the exposed approach.
Why was the Hijrah a turning point beyond simply being a migration from Makkah to Madinah?
It enabled the establishment of an organized Muslim community with institutions, mutual responsibilities, and greater ability to practice and protect the faith.
You donate money only because you want everyone to see how generous you are. Name the disease.
What is riya?
What two qualities did Iblis demonstrate when he refused Allah's command to prostrate to Adam (AS), and what reasoning did he give?
Arrogance and disobedience. He claimed superiority because he was created from fire while Adam was created from clay (7:12).
In Surah Al-Kahf, what was the reasoning behind Al-Khidr damaging the boat, and what larger lesson does it illustrate?
The boat belonged to poor people, and a king was seizing sound boats. The damage protected their property. It illustrates the limits of human understanding of Allah's wisdom (18:79).
What was the first major treaty between the Muslims of Madinah and Quraysh, and why did some companions initially find its terms difficult?
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Some terms appeared unfavorable, including returning certain people who came from Makkah, but the truce ultimately opened opportunities for peaceful interaction and da'wah.
Which caliph initiated the first organized collection of the Qur'an into a compiled manuscript after the Battle of Yamamah, and who led the task?
Abu Bakr (RA) authorized the effort, and Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) led the compilation.
You win first place and start thinking everyone else is beneath you. Name the disease.
What is kibr?
Someone is happy about receiving a blessing but feels upset when someone else receives the same blessing. Which disease might this indicate, and what distinguishes it from healthy competition?
Hasad (envy). Healthy competition involves wishing for similar good without wanting another person's blessing diminished.
Which surah contains the account of the Queen of Sheba, and what did Prophet Sulayman (AS) do when he saw her throne brought before him?
Surah An-Naml (27). He recognized it as a test and blessing from Allah, expressing gratitude rather than self-admiration (27:40).
Which prophet was commanded to sacrifice his son in a dream, and what moral qualities are emphasized by the account?
Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Submission to Allah, trust, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice. The Qur'anic passage does not explicitly name the son; Islamic tradition commonly identifies him as Isma'il (AS).
What was the central purpose of Uthman ibn Affan's (RA) standardization of Qur'anic manuscripts?
To preserve unity in the written Qur'anic text and reduce disputes arising from differences in recitation and written copies across expanding Muslim regions.
What is hasad?
A student regularly volunteers, but becomes upset when their contributions are not publicly recognized. Explain how riya' and ujub could both be involved.
Riya' may involve seeking recognition through the deeds, while ujub may involve exaggerated admiration of one's own efforts. The student's intentions need reflection rather than assuming either disease automatically applies.
In Surah Al-Hujurat, identify three behaviors prohibited in verses 11–12 and explain the shared moral principle.
Mockery, insulting others or using offensive nicknames, excessive suspicion, spying, and backbiting. Any three; the shared principle is protecting people's dignity and relationships.
At the Battle of Uhud, what decision contributed to the Muslims losing their initial advantage, and what leadership lesson can be drawn?
Some archers left their assigned positions despite the Prophet's ﷺ instructions. The lesson concerns discipline, obedience to legitimate leadership, and the consequences of abandoning responsibilities.
Explain why the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah is considered a strategic success despite appearing unfavorable to some Muslims at the time.
It established a truce, gave Muslims recognition as a negotiating party, enabled greater peaceful contact, and created conditions that helped the Muslim community grow.
You are preparing to give an Islamic lecture to 1,000 people and begin imagining the applause. Explain two ways to correct your intention without automatically abandoning the lecture.
What are renewing the intention for Allah and focusing on benefiting the audience?
Explain how kibr, ujub, and riya' can reinforce one another. Give a realistic example and a different cure for each.
Example: A student admires their own Qur'an recitation (ujub), considers themselves superior (kibr), and begins reciting for praise (riya'). Cures include gratitude to Allah, practicing humility, and renewing sincerity through private worship.
Surah Al-Ma'un criticizes people who pray yet neglect others. Identify two behaviors condemned in the surah besides neglecting prayer, and explain the relationship between worship and social responsibility.
Examples include mistreating orphans, failing to encourage feeding the poor, showing off, and withholding small acts of assistance. Worship should produce sincere concern and responsibility toward others.
Compare the Prophet's ﷺ response to persecution at Ta'if with his conduct at the Conquest of Makkah. What consistent leadership principles emerge?
Mercy, patience, restraint, and prioritizing guidance over personal revenge. Students should cite the Prophet's refusal to seek destruction for Ta'if and his broad forgiveness at the conquest.
Compare the challenges faced by Abu Bakr (RA) after the Prophet's ﷺ death with those faced by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) during territorial expansion.
Abu Bakr focused on preserving unity and stabilizing the community, including the Ridda conflicts. Umar faced the demands of governing expanding territories, establishing administration, and maintaining justice.
A colleague has fewer opportunities than you and asks for advice. You feel envious and want to withhold useful information. Identify the disease, explain the internal struggle, and describe the best Islamic response.
What is hasad; recognizing envy without obeying it, offering sincere advice, making dua for the collegue, and remembering that Allah distributes blessings?