1. Define Islam.

  • Literal Meaning: The word Islam means "submission" or "surrender" to Allah, indicating a life dedicated to obeying Allah's will and commands.
  • Technical Meaning: Islam is the complete submission to Allah in every aspect of life—social, personal, economic, and spiritual.
  • Quranic Reference: “Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam…” (Quran, 3:19). This verse highlights that Islam is the only true path to Allah, based on complete submission.

2. List the Distinguishing Qualities of Islam.

Answer: Each quality of Islam shows how it is designed to be a comprehensive and enduring way of life.

  • Unity: Islam promotes unity among people through shared beliefs and practices.

    • Quranic Reference: “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran, 3:103).

  • Everlasting: Islam is meant to remain relevant and applicable for all generations until the Day of Judgment.

    • Quranic Reference: Allah says, “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian” (Quran, 15:9), ensuring its preservation over time.

  • Comprehensive: Islam covers all aspects of life, from personal ethics to community relations.

    • Quranic Reference: “We have not neglected in the Book a thing” (Quran, 6:38).

  • Universal: Islam is a message for all humanity, not limited to one race, region, or time.

    • Quranic Reference: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Quran, 21:107).

  • Perfect: Allah perfected Islam for humanity as a complete way of life.

    • Quranic Reference: “This day I have perfected for you your religion” (Quran, 5:3).

  • Equality: Islam teaches that all humans are equal in the sight of Allah.

    • Hadith Reference: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, nor a white person over a black, nor a black over a white, except by righteousness” (Sahih Muslim).

  • Unchangeable: The core teachings of Islam are fixed and will not be altered.

    • Quranic Reference: “No change is there in the words of Allah” (Quran, 10:64).

3. What are the Articles of Faith?

Answer: The Articles of Faith are the foundational beliefs that every Muslim must hold:

  • Belief in Allah: Recognizing Allah as the only God, worthy of worship.
  • Belief in Angels: Acknowledging the existence of angels who carry out Allah’s commands.
  • Belief in the Revealed Books: Accepting the scriptures sent by Allah, including the Quran, Torah, Gospel, and others.
  • Belief in the Prophets: Believing in all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH), as Allah’s messengers.
  • Belief in the Day of Judgment: Understanding that all will be resurrected and judged by Allah.
  • Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree): Accepting that everything happens by Allah’s will and decree.

4. Explain the Types of Tawheed.

Answer: Tawheed, the concept of Allah's Oneness, is divided into three types:

  • Tawheed-ar-Rububiyya (Oneness of Lordship): Belief in Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe.

    • Quranic Reference: “Say, ‘Who provides for you from the sky and from the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?’ They will say, ‘Allah’” (Quran, 10:31).

  • Tawheed-al-Uluhiyya (Oneness of Worship): Only Allah is worthy of all forms of worship.

    • Quranic Reference: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him” (Quran, 17:23).

  • Tawheed-al-Asma was-Sifat (Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes): Belief that Allah’s names and attributes are unique and should not be compared to anything in creation.

    • Quranic Reference: “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing” (Quran, 42:11).

Long Questions

1. Discuss the Distinguishing Qualities of Islam with References.

Answer:

  • Unity in Teachings: Islam emphasizes unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

    • Quranic Reference: “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran, 3:103).

  • Everlasting Religion: Islam is designed to last through all times.

    • Quranic Reference: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian” (Quran, 15:9).

  • Comprehensive and Complete: Islam addresses every part of a believer’s life.

    • Quranic Reference: “We have not neglected in the Book a thing” (Quran, 6:38).

  • Universal Religion: Islam is intended as guidance for all of humanity.

    • Quranic Reference: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Quran, 21:107).

  • Perfect Religion: Allah has completed Islam as a perfect religion for humanity.

    • Quranic Reference: “This day I have perfected for you your religion” (Quran, 5:3).

  • Religion of Equality: Islam teaches the equality of all people before Allah.

    • Hadith Reference: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a white person over a black, nor a black over a white, except by righteousness” (Sahih Muslim).

  • Unchangeable: Islam’s core beliefs and practices remain unchanged.

    • Quranic Reference: “No change is there in the words of Allah” (Quran, 10:64).

2. Explain the Concept of Tawheed and Its Importance in Islam.

Answer:

  • Definition: Tawheed signifies the Oneness of Allah in all aspects.

  • Importance: Tawheed is the foundation of Islam and emphasizes that Allah alone is worthy of worship.

  • Quranic Reference: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One” (Quran, 112:1).

  • Types of Tawheed:

    • Tawheed-ar-Rububiyya (Lordship): Recognizing Allah’s sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer.
    • Tawheed-al-Uluhiyya (Worship): Directing all acts of worship to Allah alone.
    • Tawheed-al-Asma was-Sifat (Names and Attributes): Accepting Allah’s unique attributes without likening them to anything.

3. What are the Effects of Tawheed on a Believer’s Character?

Answer:

  • Open-mindedness: Tawheed fosters a broader outlook, promoting respect for others.
  • Self-Esteem and Humility: A strong belief in Allah builds confidence while promoting humility.
  • Virtuous and Upright Character: Tawheed encourages moral and ethical conduct.
  • Strong Faith and Determination: Tawheed instills resilience, giving believers the strength to face life’s challenges.
  • Quranic Reference: “Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast…” (Quran, 41:30). This verse shows the strength and resolve that Tawheed brings to believers.