Prophets
Do Prophets commit sin? Why or why not?
No, because a Prophet's purpose is to lead us on the right path of Islam. We need sinless and good leaders to follow.
Who were the parents of Imam Husayn (as)?
Imam Ali (as) and Sayyidah Fatimah (a)
Why didn't Imam Husayn (as) swear allegiance to Yazid?
Yazid was a terrible person who was evil and greedy. Imam Husayn (as) could not accept such a bad person as the leader of Islam, a religion of peace and good.
Which celestial object (in space) is the Islamic calendar based on?
The moon. Islam follows the lunar calendar.
What does masum mean?
Sinless; never doing anything bad or committing any sin.
What country is Karbala in?
Iraq
What does bayah mean? Give both the English term and its definition.
Allegiance, which means to swear loyalty and support to something.
When can we say that the next Islamic month has started? What about the moon's appearance tells us?
When we see the new moon with a very thin crescent.
What is the difference between a Nabi and a Rasul?
A Nabi is a Prophet who follows the laws sent by his previous Prophets. A Rasul is a Prophet that brings newer/updated laws.
What were the differences in character and quality between the brothers Hashim and Abd Shams?
Hashim was generous and kind, giving his time and wealth for the sake of growing Mecca into a powerful and safe city. Abd Shams was jealous and greedy. He hated his brother for his good and power.
Who was the one to take clay from the grave of Imam Husayn (as) and use it for sajdah?
Imam Zayn ul-Abideen (as)
Do we start our Islamic new year with celebrations? Why or why not?
We do not. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a sad month where we remember Imam Husayn (as) and his family's sacrifices to save Islam from evil.
Who are the 5 Ulul Azm Prophets?
Prophet Nuh (a), Prophet Ibrahim (a), Prophet Musa (a), Prophet Isa (a), and Prophet Muhammad (s)
How old was Imam Husayn (as) when he arrived in Karbala?
56 years old, in year 61 AH
What is Turbat al-Husayniyyah?
The earth/soil taken from the haram of Imam Husayn (as) in Karbala. It is where the blood of the martyrs was spilled on. It is the best thing that you can perform sajdah on.
Do the Islamic months fall in different seasons? Why or why not? (hint: using an example might be helpful)
Yes. Following the lunar calendar means that all Islamic months are on different days relative to the widely used solar calendar. For example, Ramadan could start in March one year, but in November 10 years later.
True or False: a Rasul changes the Islamic laws of the previous Prophets. Explain your answer.
False! Islamic laws are not changed. As time and people advanced, we needed more detailed laws to relate to our lives. So, Rasuls brought the people of their time more advanced and updated laws, but they never changed any rulings.
Who are the 4 main descendants of 'Abd Shams? (his son, grandson, great-grandson..)
Umayyah, Abu Sufyan, Muawiyah, Yazid
Which two Furu-ad-Din branches are related to Imam Husayn (as)'s story and bayah? Give their name, English definition, and an explanation.
Amr bil-Maruf (doing good and encouraging others to do good): Imam Husayn (as) was a good person and wanted to also guide people towards doing what is right.
Nahi anil-Munkar (staying away from bad and discouraging others from doing bad): Imam Husayn (as) fought bravely against Yazid to stop his evil and discourage others from following Yazid simply because of his power.
List all of the Islamic Months in order.
Muharram, Safar, Rabi ul-Awwal, Rabi ath-Thani, Jamad ul-Awwal, Jamad al-Ukhrah, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah