Foundations We All Share
What is the central statement that makes someone Muslim?
The Shahada
What does the word Quran literally mean?
Recitation
Why do Muslims pray five times a day?
To remember Allah regularly and stay spiritually grounded
Does Islam belong to a specific ethnicity or culture?
No
What is the Islamic term for sincere repentance?
Tawbah
What does it mean to say Muhammad ﷺ is the "Messenger of Allah"?
He conveyed Allah's message and final revelation
Why was the Quran revealed gradually over 23 years?
To guide, strengthen, and respond to situations over time
What intention (niyyah) is required before fasting Ramadan?
Intending to fast for Allah
Name one companion of the Prophet ﷺ who was not Arab.
Bilal ibn Rabah (Ethiopian),
Salman al-Farsi (Persian),
or Suhayb ar-Rumi (Roman upbringing)
What does the Quran say about despairing of Allah's mercy?
What is the difference between Islam and Iman?
Islam is outward submission; Iman is inner belief
What is a surah made up of?
Ayat (verses)
What breaks a fast besides eating and drinking?
Sexual relations (also accepted: intentional vomiting)
What language is the Quran preserved in, regardless of culture?
Arabic
What is the greater form of jihad according to many scholars?
Struggling against one's own self (nafs)
What is Ihsan according to the famous Hadith of Jibreel?
Worship Allah as you see Him; if not, know He sees you
What is the purpose of parables (amthal) in the Quran?
To teach lessons through examples people can understand
When is prayer shortened (qasr) allowed?
During travel
Why can cultural practices sometimes be confused with Islam?
Because culture and religion can overlap but are not the same
What is one wisdom behind tests and hardships in Islam?
Purification, growth, or drawing closer to Allah
Which hadith defines Islam, Iman, and Ihsan together?
The Hadith of Jibreel
What does Allah mean when He describes the Quran as shifa'?
A healing (for hearts, minds, and souls)
What principle allows ease in hardship within Islamic law?
"Hardship brings ease" (al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysir)
What sermon emphasized racial and cultural equality in Islam?
The Farewell Sermon
What does Allah promise to those who remain patient (sabr)?
Reward without measure