Islamic Studies
What the Islamic Studies section tests
The paper tests foundational beliefs and practice rather than advanced jurisprudence: the articles of faith, the five pillars, the Quran's structure and revelation, the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the caliphate, and basic rules of worship and finance. Questions are usually factual and definitional.
Core rules
- Six articles of faith: belief in Allah, angels, revealed books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree.
- Five pillars: shahadah, salah, zakat, sawm, and Hajj.
- The Quran has 114 surahs; the first revelation was Iqra; the Hijra occurred in 622 CE and marks the start of the Islamic calendar.
- Zakat is an annual obligatory charge of 2.5% on qualifying wealth held for one lunar year above nisab; it is not a voluntary charity.
- Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for an adult Muslim who is physically and financially able.
Worked example
A person keeps savings of PKR 400,000 for a full lunar year and has no immediate liabilities. What zakat is due? Reasoning: first confirm the amount is above nisab. Then apply the rate: 2.5% of 400,000 = 0.025 × 400,000 = PKR 10,000. The key is that zakat is calculated on the zakatable balance after deducting immediate debts, and the lunar year must be complete.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing zakat with sadaqah; only zakat is obligatory.
- Applying zakat to a personal residence or household car not held for trade.
- Mixing the 2.5% zakat rate with ushr rates on agricultural produce.
- Placing the Battle of Badr in the wrong year; it was 2 AH.
- Mixing the number of surahs (114) with the number of parts (30 juz).