Quran Deep Dive
How many surahs are in the Quran?
114
What title is given to Imam Ali (AS) meaning "Commander of the Faithful"?
Amir al-Mu'minin
Who was the governor of Kufa who executed Muslim ibn Aqeel, Imam Husayn's (AS) envoy?
Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad
What is the Arabic term for the one-fifth tax on excess wealth paid by Shia Muslims?
Khums
Prophet Musa (AS) is mentioned more times than any other prophet in the Quran. Who was his brother who assisted him in his mission, and what disability did Musa (AS) ask Allah to cure him of?
His brother was Harun (AS). Musa (AS) asked Allah to loosen the knot in his tongue so he could speak clearly — mentioned in Surah Ta-Ha (20:27-28)
This surah is nicknamed "the heart of the Quran" and is recited for the deceased.
Surah Yasin (36)
How many companions did Imam Husayn (AS) have with him at Karbala on Ashura?
72
In which year AH did the Battle of Karbala take place?
61 AH
Name all five Usul al-Din
The five Usul: Tawhid, Adl, Nubuwwa, Imamah, Ma'ad
Prophet Dawud (AS) was given a unique scripture. What is it called, and what special ability did Allah grant him that is mentioned in the Quran?
He was given the Zabur (Psalms). Allah made iron soft for him and made the mountains and birds echo his praises — Surah Saba (34:10)
The Quran refers to the People of the Cave in Surah Al-Kahf. How many years did they sleep according to one narration?
309 years (300 solar, 309 lunar)
Which Imam is buried in Mashhad, Iran, and what is his title?
Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (AS), the 8th Imam, titled "Al-Ridha"
What is the period between the 11th Imam's death and the Major Occultation called, and how long did it last?
The Minor Occultation (Al-Ghayba al-Sughra) — approximately 69 years, 260–329 AH
What is the difference between a wajib and a mustahabb act in Shia fiqh? Give one example of each that is specific to Shia practice.
Wajib is obligatory — leaving it is sinful (e.g. reciting Qunut in the second rakat, or sajda on turbah/khak). Mustahabb is recommended — leaving it is not sinful (e.g. Ziyarat of the Imams, reciting Du'a Kumayl on Thursday nights)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is given a unique title in the Quran that no other prophet receives. What is the title, what does it mean, and in which surah does it appear?
He is called "Khalilullah" — the friend of Allah. It appears in Surah An-Nisa (4:125), where Allah says He took Ibrahim as a khalil (close friend)
Name the two surahs known as Al-Mu'awwidhatan and explain why they're called that.
Surah Al-Falaq (113) and Surah An-Nas (114) — both begin with "I seek refuge," making them the two surahs of seeking refuge
Imam Ali (AS) left behind a famous collection of sermons, letters, and sayings. Name the collection.
Nahj al-Balagha
Who was the commander of Imam Ali's (AS) forces at the Battle of Jamal, and which two companions of the Prophet (S) led the opposing side alongside Aisha?
Imam Ali (AS) commanded his own forces. The opposing side was led by Talha ibn Ubaydullah and Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, alongside Aisha
What does the Shia theological concept of Bada mean and why is it significant?
A manifestation of change in divine will — it upholds God's omnipotence and counters fatalism
How many prophets are mentioned by name in the Quran?
25 prophets
The Verse of the Sword (Ayat al-Sayf) is said to have abrogated many other verses. In which surah and verse does it appear?
Surah At-Tawbah (9), Verse 5
Sayyida Fatima (SA) delivered a famous sermon defending her right to a specific piece of property. What is it called, and how long after the Prophet's (S) death was it delivered?
Khutba al-Fadakiyya — approximately 90 days after his death
The Battle of Nahrawan was fought by Imam Ali (AS) against which group, and what theological position did they hold that caused the conflict?
The Khawarij — they declared anyone who accepted human arbitration to be a kafir, and thus declared Imam Ali (AS) an apostate for accepting arbitration at Siffin
Explain Taqiyya as understood in Shia jurisprudence — when is it permitted, obligatory, and forbidden?
Permitted when revealing beliefs endangers life or property. Obligatory when facing near-certain death. Forbidden when it would spread injustice, corrupt the faith, or lead to the killing of an innocent
Prophet Nuh (AS) preached to his people for an extraordinarily long time before the flood. How many years does the Quran specify, and which surah mentions it?
950 years — Surah Al-Ankabut (29:14)