Islamic Studies/Islamiat MCQs
Topic Notes: Islamic Studies/Islamiat
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
71
What is the Islamic view of angels (mala’ikah)?
Answer:
They are created from light and obey Allah completely
Angels are created from light, sinless, and always obedient to Allah. They do not possess desires like humans or jinn. Denying their existence is kufr, as they are mentioned explicitly in Qur’an. Belief in angels is one of the six pillars of iman.
Tasawwuf & Akhlaq
72
The Ash’ari school of theology was founded by:
Answer:
Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari
Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari left Mu’tazilism and founded the Ash’ari school. His creed balanced rational argument with textual fidelity. It became dominant among Sunni theologians. It defended Islam against philosophical distortions.
73
What is the belief regarding the Qur’an in Sunni creed?
Answer:
Eternal uncreated word of Allah
Ahl al-Sunnah affirm the Qur’an is Allah’s eternal, uncreated speech. The Mu’tazilah deviated by saying it was created. The Mihnah (inquisition) was a major trial over this doctrine. This belief preserves the divine nature of revelation.
74
Which scholar refuted Greek philosophy and emphasized revival of Islamic sciences?
Answer:
Imam Ghazali
Imam al-Ghazali critiqued philosophy in Tahafut al-Falasifah. He also wrote Ihya’ Ulum al-Din to revive Islamic spirituality. His work balanced rational sciences with revealed knowledge. He preserved aqeedah from philosophical corruption.
75
The attribute of Allah "al-Qayyum" means:
Answer:
The Ever-Sustaining
Al-Qayyum means Allah sustains all creation and is in need of none. It appears in Ayat al-Kursi, highlighting His sovereignty. The name affirms both independence of Allah and dependence of creation. It is central to understanding Tawhid.
76
What is the "Beatific Vision" (Ru’yah) in Sunni theology?
Answer:
Seeing Allah in the Hereafter by believers
Sunni theology affirms believers will see Allah in the Hereafter, as stated in Qur’an and sahih hadith. This vision is without modality (bila kayf). Denying it was a Mu’tazili stance. The belief emphasizes ultimate nearness to Allah.
77
Which group denied Qadar (divine decree)?
Answer:
Qadariyyah
The Qadariyyah rejected divine predestination, claiming man creates his own acts independently. This contradicts Qur’anic verses affirming Allah’s decree. It emerged early in Islamic history as a theological deviation. Sunni aqeedah balances divine decree with human responsibility.
78
What is the meaning of Tawhid al-Rububiyyah?
Answer:
Oneness in lordship and creation
Tawhid al-Rububiyyah affirms Allah as sole Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all existence. It is recognized even by pre-Islamic Arabs. However, it must be coupled with Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (worship) for true monotheism. This distinction is essential in aqeedah.
79
The rule "Al-yaqin la yazulu bil-shakk" means:
Answer:
Certainty is not removed by doubt
This usul principle means established certainty cannot be overturned by mere doubt. For example, if one is certain of wudu, mere doubt of breaking it does not nullify it. It preserves stability in religious practice. Without it, fiqh would lead to obsessive doubt (waswas).
Aqeedah
80
Which usul principle refers to blocking the means to harm?
Answer:
Sadd al-Dhara’i
Sadd al-Dhara’i means blocking means to evil even if the act itself is permissible. For example, banning sale of grapes to known wine-makers. It reflects the preventative wisdom of Shariah. Scholars emphasize its role in preserving society from corruption.