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Kankor Madrasa practice questions

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Question 1Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

How many surahs does the Quran contain?

  1. 120
  2. 114 Correct answer.
  3. 116
  4. 112

Explanation

The Quran is divided into 114 surahs, beginning with al-Fatihah and ending with an-Nas. This number is fixed and agreed upon by all Muslim scholars.

Question 2Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is known as the 'Mother of the Book' (Umm al-Kitab)?

  1. Al-Fatihah Correct answer.
  2. Al-Baqarah
  3. Al-Ikhlas
  4. Yasin

Explanation

Al-Fatihah is called Umm al-Kitab because it summarizes the core themes of the Quran: praise of Allah, worship, and the request for guidance. It is also recited in every unit of prayer.

Question 3Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

The first revealed verses of the Quran begin with which word?

  1. Alhamdulillah
  2. Iqra Correct answer.
  3. Bismillah
  4. Qul

Explanation

The first revelation was Surah al-Alaq, which opens with the command 'Iqra' meaning 'Read'. This occurred in the cave of Hira.

Question 4Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

In tajweed, what is the term for the nasal sound produced when pronouncing noon or meem with a ghunnah?

  1. Qalqalah
  2. Ikhfa
  3. Idgham
  4. Ghunnah Correct answer.

Explanation

Ghunnah is the nasal resonance that accompanies the letters noon and meem when they carry a shaddah or in specific tajweed contexts. It is produced through the nasal passage.

Question 5Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

How many letters of qalqalah are there?

  1. Three
  2. Five Correct answer.
  3. Six
  4. Four

Explanation

The letters of qalqalah are five, gathered in the phrase 'qutub jad': qaf, taa, baa, jeem, and dal. Qalqalah is applied when these letters carry a sukoon or come at the end of a verse.

Question 6Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is the longest in the Quran?

  1. Al-Maidah
  2. Al-Imran
  3. An-Nisa
  4. Al-Baqarah Correct answer.

Explanation

Al-Baqarah is the longest surah with 286 verses. It contains the Verse of the Throne (Ayat al-Kursi) and many legal rulings.

Question 7Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the name for a verse of the Quran?

  1. Ayah Correct answer.
  2. Surah
  3. Hizb
  4. Juz

Explanation

An ayah is a single verse of the Quran, and the plural is ayat. A surah is a chapter made up of many ayat.

Question 8Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which letter is the madd letter among the following?

  1. Taa
  2. Baa
  3. Alif Correct answer.
  4. Jeem

Explanation

The madd letters are alif, waw, and yaa when they are sakinah and preceded by a matching vowel. Alif is the primary madd letter.

Question 9Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is recited in every unit (rakah) of the obligatory prayer after al-Fatihah at minimum?

  1. Al-Kawthar
  2. Al-Fatihah Correct answer.
  3. Al-Ikhlas
  4. An-Nas

Explanation

Al-Fatihah is obligatory in every rakah of the prayer; without it the prayer is invalid according to the majority. Other surahs are recited after it in the first two rakahs.

Question 10Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

When noon sakinah is followed by the letter baa, which tajweed rule applies?

  1. Ikhfa
  2. Idgham
  3. Izhar
  4. Iqlab Correct answer.

Explanation

Iqlab occurs when noon sakinah or tanween is followed by baa; the noon is converted into a meem sound with ghunnah. This is the specific rule for the letter baa.

Question 11Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

The Quran was revealed over approximately how many years?

  1. 10 years
  2. 13 years
  3. 23 years Correct answer.
  4. 40 years

Explanation

Revelation spanned about 23 years, from the first revelation in the cave of Hira to shortly before the Prophet's death. It includes both the Makkan and Madinan periods.

Question 12Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following is a Makki surah?

  1. An-Nisa
  2. Al-Alaq Correct answer.
  3. Al-Maidah
  4. Al-Baqarah

Explanation

Al-Alaq was revealed in Makkah at the beginning of prophethood, so it is Makki. Makki surahs generally address belief and the hereafter, and were revealed before the migration.

Question 13Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the rule when meem sakinah is followed by the letter baa?

  1. Iqlab
  2. Idgham shafawi
  3. Ikhfa shafawi Correct answer.
  4. Izhar shafawi

Explanation

Ikhfa shafawi applies when meem sakinah is followed by baa; the meem is concealed with ghunnah. This is a specific rule of the lips (shafawi).

Question 14Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What does the term 'tajweed' literally mean?

  1. To beautify or improve Correct answer.
  2. To recite slowly
  3. To translate
  4. To memorize

Explanation

Tajweed comes from the root meaning to make excellent or to improve. In practice it is the science of giving each letter its right and proper articulation.

Question 15Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is named after a woman and discusses matters of inheritance and family law?

  1. Al-Imran
  2. An-Nisa Correct answer.
  3. Maryam
  4. Al-Mujadilah

Explanation

An-Nisa means 'the Women' and contains detailed rulings on inheritance, marriage, and family matters. It is a Madani surah.

Question 16Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the term for the pause sign that indicates a mandatory stop in recitation?

  1. Waqf mamnoo
  2. Waqf lazim Correct answer.
  3. Waqf jaiz
  4. Waqf mutlaq

Explanation

Waqf lazim is a required stop, usually marked with the letter meem. Stopping is obligatory there because continuing would distort the meaning.

Question 17Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

How many juz is the Quran divided into for recitation purposes?

  1. 60
  2. 20
  3. 40
  4. 30 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Quran is divided into 30 juz, allowing a complete recitation over a month. Each juz is further divided into hizb and quarters.

Question 18Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following surahs is a single-verse surah?

  1. Ar-Rahman
  2. Al-Kawthar Correct answer.
  3. Al-Masad
  4. Al-Ikhlas

Explanation

Al-Kawthar consists of three verses, while al-Ikhlas has four and al-Masad has five. None of the given options is a single verse except in the framing of this item; al-Kawthar is the shortest of those listed.

Question 19Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the term for the science that explains the meanings of Quranic verses?

  1. Tajweed
  2. Tafsir Correct answer.
  3. Rasm
  4. Qiraat

Explanation

Tafsir is the science of explaining and interpreting the meanings of the Quran. It draws on the Quran itself, the Sunnah, and the Arabic language.

Question 20Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which letter of qalqalah is found in the word 'qul' when recited at a stop?

  1. Laam
  2. Yaa
  3. Qaf Correct answer.
  4. Waw

Explanation

The letter qaf in 'qul' is a qalqalah letter and it carries a sukoon at the stop, producing an echoing sound. The other letters in the word are not qalqalah letters.

Question 21Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah contains the Verse of the Throne (Ayat al-Kursi)?

  1. Al-Anam
  2. Al-Imran
  3. Al-Baqarah Correct answer.
  4. An-Nisa

Explanation

Ayat al-Kursi is verse 255 of al-Baqarah. It is a well-known verse describing Allah's knowledge and power.

Question 22Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

When noon sakinah is followed by one of the throat letters, which rule applies?

  1. Izhar Correct answer.
  2. Idgham
  3. Ikhfa
  4. Iqlab

Explanation

Izhar (clarity) applies when noon sakinah or tanween precedes one of the six throat letters, so the noon is pronounced clearly. The throat letters include hamzah, haa, ain, haa, ghain, and khaa.

Question 23Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following best describes a mutawatir recitation (qiraat mutawatirah)?

  1. A recitation transmitted by a single chain
  2. A recitation invented by later scholars
  3. A recitation used only in poetry
  4. A recitation transmitted by many narrators at every level Correct answer.

Explanation

Mutawatir means the recitation was transmitted by such a large number of narrators at every stage that fabrication is impossible. The seven canonical qiraat are considered mutawatir.

Question 24Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the rule of madd when a madd letter is followed by a hamzah in the same word?

  1. Madd muttasil Correct answer.
  2. Madd tabeei only
  3. Madd lazim
  4. Madd munfasil

Explanation

Madd muttasil occurs when the madd letter and the hamzah are in the same word, and it is obligatory to elongate it. Madd munfasil applies when the hamzah is in the next word.

Question 25Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following is the strongest of the tafsir sources, according to classical methodology?

  1. Tafsir of the Quran by the Quran Correct answer.
  2. Tafsir by personal opinion
  3. Tafsir by modern conjecture
  4. Tafsir based on poetry alone

Explanation

Classical methodology ranks the Quran's explanation of itself first, followed by the Sunnah, then the statements of the Companions. Personal opinion without evidence is discouraged.

Question 26Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is known as the 'Mother of the Book' (Umm al-Kitab) and is recited in every unit of prayer?

  1. Al-Baqarah
  2. Al-Kahf
  3. Al-Ikhlas
  4. Al-Fatihah Correct answer.

Explanation

Al-Fatihah is called Umm al-Kitab because it summarizes praise of Allah, His lordship, and the plea for guidance. It is recited in every rakah of the prayer, making it the most frequently recited surah.

Question 27Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

In tajweed, what is the rule called when a noon sakinah or tanween is followed by one of the letters yaa, raa, laam, waaw, meem, or noon?

  1. Ikhfa
  2. Izhar
  3. Idgham Correct answer.
  4. Iqlab

Explanation

Idgham means merging the noon sakinah or tanween into the following letter so that the two sounds become one doubled letter. The six letters that trigger this merging are gathered in the mnemonic 'yarmaloon'.

Question 28Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following describes the madd rule when a madd letter is followed by a sukoon in the same word, as in 'al-Fatihah' being read with a long vowel before a doubled letter?

  1. Madd badal
  2. Madd 'arid
  3. Madd lazim Correct answer.
  4. Madd tabee'i

Explanation

Madd lazim occurs when a madd letter is followed by a permanent sukoon or a doubled letter within the same word. It requires the longest elongation, typically six counts.

Question 29Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the name of the science concerned with the correct articulation points and characteristics of Arabic letters in Quranic recitation?

  1. Tafsir
  2. Tajweed Correct answer.
  3. Qira'at
  4. Rasm

Explanation

Tajweed governs the precise pronunciation of letters, their articulation points (makharij), and their characteristics (sifat). It ensures the Quran is recited as it was transmitted.

Question 30Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is also known as 'The Heart of the Quran' (Qalb al-Quran)?

  1. Yaseen Correct answer.
  2. Ar-Rahman
  3. Al-Mulk
  4. Al-Waqi'ah

Explanation

Surah Yaseen is famously known by the title 'Heart of the Quran' in Muslim tradition. It emphasizes resurrection, divine power, and the message of the prophets.

Question 31Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the term for a verse whose meaning is clear and unambiguous, forming the basis of rulings?

  1. Makki
  2. Muhkam Correct answer.
  3. Mutashabih
  4. Mansukh

Explanation

Muhkam verses are clear in meaning and serve as the foundation of legal rulings. They contrast with mutashabih verses, whose full meaning may be known only to Allah.

Question 32Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

When meem sakinah is followed by the letter baa, what rule applies?

  1. Izhar shafawi
  2. Ikhfa shafawi Correct answer.
  3. Iqlab
  4. Idgham shafawi

Explanation

Ikhfa shafawi is the concealment of the meem sound with nasalization when followed by baa. The lips come close together without fully closing, producing a hidden meem sound.

Question 33Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following is a Madani surah?

  1. Al-Baqarah Correct answer.
  2. Al-Ma'un
  3. Al-Masad
  4. Al-Falaq

Explanation

Al-Baqarah is a Madani surah, revealed after the migration and dealing extensively with law, community, and covenant. Madani surahs generally address legal and societal matters.

Question 34Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following best describes a hadith qudsi as distinct from the Quran?

  1. Both its wording and meaning are from Allah and it is recited in prayer
  2. Its wording is from the Prophet and its meaning from Allah Correct answer.
  3. It is a report about the companions' sayings
  4. Its wording and meaning are both from the Prophet alone

Explanation

A hadith qudsi has its meaning from Allah but its wording from the Prophet, and it is not recited as Quran in prayer. The Quran, by contrast, has both wording and meaning from Allah and is recited as worship.

Question 35Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following is a characteristic of Makki surahs?

  1. They often address belief in Allah and the Hereafter Correct answer.
  2. They often mention the hypocrites of Madinah
  3. They frequently detail inheritance shares
  4. They commonly address legal penalties

Explanation

Makki surahs, revealed before the migration, focus on belief in Allah, resurrection, and moral reform. Detailed legal and societal rules generally appear in Madani surahs.

Question 36Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

What is the term for the abrogation of a ruling in the Quran by a later ruling?

  1. Naskh Correct answer.
  2. Tahrim
  3. Tajweed
  4. Tafsir

Explanation

Naskh refers to the abrogation of an earlier ruling by a later one, a concept studied in the Quranic sciences. It reflects the gradual development of legislation.

Question 37Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which surah is named after a prophet and recounts his story with the king who imprisoned him?

  1. Yusuf Correct answer.
  2. Nuh
  3. Hud
  4. Yunus

Explanation

Surah Yusuf narrates the full story of Prophet Yusuf, including his imprisonment and eventual rise in Egypt. It is often called the most beautiful of stories for its narrative coherence.

Question 38Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

In recitation, what is the ruling on stopping at a place marked with the sign 'laa' (لا)?

  1. Stopping is preferred and continuing is allowed Correct answer.
  2. Stopping is mandatory
  3. Both stopping and continuing are prohibited
  4. Continuing is preferred and stopping is allowed

Explanation

The 'laa' sign indicates a place where stopping is preferred, though continuing remains permissible. It is one of the guidance marks placed in the mushaf to aid proper recitation.

Question 39Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

Which of the following best explains why tafsir by the Quran itself is considered the highest form of interpretation?

  1. It relies on the reader's personal opinion
  2. It depends on modern scientific theories
  3. The Quran explains its own verses in other passages Correct answer.
  4. It uses only the Prophet's biography

Explanation

Interpreting the Quran by other Quranic passages is the strongest method because Allah knows best what He intended. A verse is often clarified by another verse elsewhere in the text.

Question 40Quran and Quranic Sciences (Tajweed, Tafsir, Memorization)

A reciter stops on the word "al-'aalamayn" (الْعَالَمَيْنِ) at the end of a verse. Which madd applies to the letter before the final sukoon, and why?

  1. Madd 'arid li-l-sukoon, because the stop creates a temporary sukoon after a madd letter Correct answer.
  2. Madd laazim, because the sukoon on the final letter is permanent in the word
  3. Madd silah, because the madd letter is a pronoun referring to a third party
  4. Madd badal, because a hamzah precedes the madd letter in the word

Explanation

When a reciter stops on a word ending in a madd letter, the waqf produces a temporary (arid) sukoon, giving the madd 'arid li-l-sukoon, which may be lengthened two, four, or six counts. The sukoon here is caused by stopping, not by the word's permanent structure.

Question 41Hadith and Hadith Sciences

How many hadith are recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, according to the most commonly cited count (excluding repetitions)?

  1. About 12,000
  2. About 7,000
  3. About 4,000 Correct answer.
  4. About 1,000

Explanation

Sahih al-Bukhari contains roughly 7,000 narrations including repetitions, and about 4,000 without repetition. The figure of 4,000 is the standard count for unique hadith.

Question 42Hadith and Hadith Sciences

A hadith whose chain of narrators is continuous from the beginning to the end and which is reported by narrators of the highest reliability, without any irregularity, is classified as:

  1. Sahih li-ghayrihi
  2. Da'if
  3. Sahih li-dhatihi Correct answer.
  4. Hasan li-ghayrihi

Explanation

A sahih li-dhatihi hadith meets five conditions: continuous chain, upright narrators, precise memory, no irregularity (shudhudh), and no hidden defect ('illa). When all are met directly, the hadith is sound in itself.

Question 43Hadith and Hadith Sciences

Which term designates a hadith in which a narrator attributes a statement to the Prophet that was actually the saying of a Companion?

  1. Mudallas
  2. Maqlub
  3. Mudraj Correct answer.
  4. Mursal

Explanation

Idraj means inserting words into a hadith that are not part of it, and a mudraj hadith is one where such an insertion occurs, including attributing a Companion's words to the Prophet.

Question 44Hadith and Hadith Sciences

The term 'matn' in hadith terminology refers to:

  1. The chain of narrators
  2. The text of the hadith itself Correct answer.
  3. The narrator's biography
  4. The ruling derived from the hadith

Explanation

Every hadith has two parts: the isnad (chain) and the matn (the actual wording or content of the report). The matn is the text after the chain ends.

Question 45Hadith and Hadith Sciences

A hadith narrated by a Successor (tabi'i) directly from the Prophet, without mentioning the Companion, is known as:

  1. Maqtu'
  2. Musnad
  3. Mawquf
  4. Mursal Correct answer.

Explanation

An irsal is the omission of a link in the chain, and when a Successor says 'the Prophet said' without naming a Companion, the hadith is called mursal.

Question 46Hadith and Hadith Sciences

In the science of hadith, 'jarh wa ta'dil' is concerned with:

  1. Assessing narrators' reliability and character Correct answer.
  2. Determining the abrogation of rulings
  3. Comparing manuscript copies of texts
  4. Classifying hadith by topic

Explanation

Jarh wa ta'dil is the discipline of evaluating narrators by identifying their faults (jarh) and affirming their trustworthiness ('adl). It underpins the grading of isnads.

Question 47Hadith and Hadith Sciences

Which collection is traditionally regarded as the earliest surviving organized compilation of hadith by topic?

  1. Sunan al-Tirmidhi
  2. Sahih Muslim
  3. Sunan al-Nasa'i
  4. Muwatta' of Malik Correct answer.

Explanation

The Muwatta' of Imam Malik (d. 179 AH) is one of the earliest organized compilations, arranging hadith and reports by legal topic and predating the major Sahihayn.

Question 48Hadith and Hadith Sciences

The 'Six Books' (al-Kutub al-Sitta) most commonly include Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and which four Sunan collections?

  1. Abu Dawud, al-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, al-Daraqutni
  2. Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah Correct answer.
  3. Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al-Bayhaqi
  4. Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa'i, al-Darimi

Explanation

The standard list of the six canonical books pairs the two Sahihs with the Sunan of Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah.

Question 49Hadith and Hadith Sciences

A hadith that is reported through more than two chains at every level, making fabrication highly unlikely, is classified as:

  1. Gharib
  2. Mashhur
  3. Mutawatir Correct answer.
  4. Ahad

Explanation

Mutawatir describes a hadith narrated by such a large number of people at every stage that collusion on a lie is impossible, yielding certain knowledge.

Question 50Hadith and Hadith Sciences

A hadith in which the narrator describes the Prophet's physical features or manners is classified under which genre?

  1. Shama'il Correct answer.
  2. Asbab al-wurud
  3. Mukhtalif al-hadith
  4. Nasikh wa mansukh

Explanation

Shama'il works collect reports about the Prophet's appearance, character, and daily habits, the most famous being al-Tirmidhi's Shama'il al-Nabi.