Living the Ayahs
Based on Surah Al-Mulk, life and death were created for what purpose?
To test who among people is best in deeds (i.e., who acts righteously and sincerely).
"He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed — and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving." (67:2)
In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), what expression does the Qur'an forbid Muslims from saying to their parents out of respect?
"Uff" — even the slightest expression of annoyance or disrespect.
What can we learn from Prophet Yusuf's (pbuh) forgiveness of his brothers?
Forgiveness brings unity and healing after betrayal.
What is secularism and how does Islam view it?
Separating religion from life; Islam rejects it.
What does "Islah" mean in Islam?
Reform and correction based on Qur’an and Sunnah.
Who was the greatest female scholar and narrator of Hadith among the Sahaba?
Aisha (RA).
In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), the Qur'an describes the worldly life (dunya) as a cycle of ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______ in wealth and children.
In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), the Qur'an describes the worldly life (dunya) as a cycle of play, amusement, adornment, boasting, and rivalry in wealth and children.
If a person becomes angry, then what actions did the Prophet (ﷺ) recommend they should take? Provide two.
Stay silent, sit down or lie down, seek refuge in Allah, and perform wudu.
During his final sermon, what did the Prophet (ﷺ) do to demonstrate justice?
He asked the crowd if he had wronged anyone and stood ready to repay them.
Is Islam a set of private, individual rituals and practices? What is Deen?
No - Islam is a complete system of life guided by the Quran and Sunnah.
What type of obligation is establishing the Khilafah according to scholars?
Fard Kifayah (collective duty).
Which scholar authored Ihya 'Ulum ad-Din to revive the soul of Islamic practice?
Imam Al-Ghazali.
According to the Maqasid al-Shariah, what five fundamental aspects of human well-being does Islamic law aim to protect?
1. Religion (Deen)
2. Life (Nafs)
3. Intellect (Aql)
4. Lineage/Progeny (Nasl)
5. Property/Wealth (Maal)
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should ________ or _______ when speaking." Fill in the blanks.
Speak good or remain silent.
Prophet Nuh (pbuh) called his people for 950 years. What quality does his story teach us about da'wah?
Patience and perseverance over long periods.
Why is nationalism criticized in Islam?
It prioritizes loyalty to nation or tribe over the unity of the Ummah.
When and where did the last Khilafah fall?
In 1924, with the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate.
Name the four greatest Imams of Sunni Islam.
Abu Hanifah, Malik, Ash-Shafi’i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
Following the advice of Luqman (pbuh) to his son in the Qur'an, why should we be mindful even of our smallest actions?
Because Allah is fully aware of even the tiniest deeds, whether hidden or visible, and will bring them forth on the Day of Judgment for reward or punishment.
"˹Luqmân added,˺ “O my dear son! ˹Even˺ if a deed were the weight of a mustard seed—be it ˹hidden˺ in a rock or in the heavens or the earth—Allah will bring it forth. Surely Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware."
If a Muslim wrongs another person, what steps should they take to make things right?
Seek forgiveness and compensate the wronged party.
Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) showed that _______ requires rejecting _______ even if it opposes society’s traditions.
Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) showed that tawheed requires rejecting falsehood even if it opposes society’s traditions.
What are dangers of social media for a Muslim’s faith? Provide two reasons.
Spreads immodesty, arrogance, time-wasting, and showing off (riya’).
What is the principle of Shura that the Caliph uses to govern and that the people use to appoint the ruler?
Caliph is obligated to govern by Shura, rather than as a tyrant or dictator.
Shura of Ahl al-Hall wal-‘Aqd (the people of authority and influence who represent the people) appoints the Caliph based on majority.
Who is known as the best companion of the Prophet (pbuh)?
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
According to Surah Al-Furqaan, some people take their own ______ as their god, following their whims instead of divine guidance.
According to Surah Al-Furqaan, some people take their own desires as their god, following their whims instead of divine guidance.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever guarantees for me what is between his _____ and his _____, I can guarantee for him Paradise."
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever guarantees for me what is between his jaws (tongue) and his legs (private parts), I can guarantee for him Paradise."
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6474
If a believer follows the example of Prophet Musa (pbuh) against Pharaoh, then what principle of faith are they demonstrating?
Confronting oppression with courage and trust in Allah.
According to a Hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "I have not left behind me any fitnah (trial) more harmful to men than ______."
"Women"
What is a monopoly? What is the Islamic ruling on it?
Monopoly: Controlling a product or service to limit supply and raise prices unfairly.
It is Haram and bears legal consequences in the Fiqh.
Which companion was appointed to judge in Yemen due to his strong Islamic knowledge? He was also known as the one most knowledge about halal and haram by the Prophet (pbuh).
Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA)
In the tafsir/context of Surah At-Tawbah, verse 31, in what way did the People of the Book take their rabbis and monks as gods?
They followed their rulings without divine authority (i.e., they obeyed them in making halal what was haram and making haram what was halal, without Allah's permission).
What is the definition of backbiting (ghibah) in Islam?
Saying about your brother what he would dislike if he heard it, even if it’s true.
How did the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, although seemingly unfavorable, turn out to be a major victory for the Muslims?
It secured peace between the Muslims and Quraysh, allowing Islam to spread freely without fear of attack.
According to Hadith, what is the greatest fitnah (trial) feared for this Ummah after the death of the Prophet (pbuh)?
Worldly temptations (dunya) — wealth, status, and luxury.
The Prophet (pbuh), said: "The nations will soon summon one another to attack you, just as people invite others to share their dish."
The companions asked: "Will we be few in number that day, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied: "No, you will be numerous, but you will be like the foam (scum) of the sea. Allah will remove fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and will cast wahn into your hearts."
They asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what is wahn?".
Wahn is "Love of the dunya (worldly life) and hatred of death."
What were the names of the first three generations of Islam and what's their significance?
(First generation were called _____. Second generation were called ____. Third generation were called _____.)
1. Sahabah (Companions)
2. Tabi‘un (Followers/Successors)
3. Atba‘ al-Tabi‘in (Followers of the Followers)
Signifance: "The best of my Ummah is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."