NTS Islamic Studies Knowledge — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many Surahs (chapters) are there in the Holy Quran?
- 110
- 112
- 114 (Correct answer)
- 116
Correct answer: 114
The Holy Quran contains 114 Surahs (chapters), ranging from the longest (Al-Baqarah) to the shortest (Al-Kawthar).
The Holy Quran consists of 114 Surahs (chapters). The longest Surah is Al-Baqarah (The Cow) with 286 verses, and the shortest is Al-Kawthar (The Abundance) with 3 verses. The Quran was revealed over approximately 23 years. Surahs are classified as Makki (revealed in Makkah) or Madani (revealed in Madinah). Basic Quranic knowledge is essential for NTS Islamic studies.
Question 2: Which is the first pillar of Islam?
- Salah (Prayer)
- Zakat (Charity)
- Shahada (Declaration of Faith) (Correct answer)
- Sawm (Fasting)
Correct answer: Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
Shahada (the declaration of faith) is the first and most fundamental pillar of Islam.
The five pillars of Islam in order are: 1) Shahada (Declaration of Faith - La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah), 2) Salah (Five daily prayers), 3) Zakat (Obligatory charity, 2.5%), 4) Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), 5) Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah). Shahada is the foundation upon which all other pillars rest. The five pillars are fundamental NTS Islamic studies content.
Question 3: In which city is Masjid al-Aqsa located?
- Makkah
- Madinah
- Jerusalem (Correct answer)
- Istanbul
Correct answer: Jerusalem
Masjid al-Aqsa is located in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), in the Old City.
Masjid al-Aqsa is located in the Old City of Jerusalem (Al-Quds). It is the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. It was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to Makkah. The Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took him to Masjid al-Aqsa. Islamic holy sites are regularly tested in NTS.
Question 4: Who was the first Caliph of Islam after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
- Hazrat Umar (RA)
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) (Correct answer)
- Hazrat Uthman (RA)
- Hazrat Ali (RA)
Correct answer: Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was the first Caliph, ruling from 632 to 634 CE.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) (573-634 CE) was the first of the four Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphs. He was the Prophet's closest companion, father-in-law, and the first adult male to accept Islam. His caliphate lasted about 2 years, during which he united Arabia and compiled the Quran. The order of the four Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali (RA). Islamic history is core to NTS.
Question 5: Which month in the Islamic calendar is known for fasting?
- Muharram
- Rajab
- Sha'ban
- Ramadan (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). The Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Ramadan on the night of Laylat al-Qadr. Islamic calendar and worship practices are fundamental NTS topics.
Question 6: How many times is Salah (prayer) obligatory for Muslims in a day?
- 3 times
- 4 times
- 5 times (Correct answer)
- 7 times
Correct answer: 5 times
Muslims are required to perform Salah five times daily: Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.
The five obligatory daily prayers (Salah) are: 1) Fajr (dawn, 2 rakats), 2) Zuhr (noon, 4 rakats), 3) Asr (afternoon, 4 rakats), 4) Maghrib (sunset, 3 rakats), 5) Isha (night, 4 rakats). Total obligatory rakats = 17. Salah is the second pillar of Islam and was prescribed during the Night Journey (Mi'raj). This is fundamental Islamic knowledge tested in NTS.
Question 7: What is the meaning of 'Zakat' in Arabic?
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Purification (Correct answer)
- Pilgrimage
Correct answer: Purification
Zakat literally means 'purification' or 'growth' in Arabic, as it purifies wealth.
Zakat comes from the Arabic root 'z-k-a' meaning purification, growth, and blessing. It is the third pillar of Islam, requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their qualifying wealth annually to those in need. The eight categories of Zakat recipients are specified in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60). Zakat purifies the giver's wealth and soul. Arabic terminology and Islamic concepts are regularly tested in NTS.
Question 8: Which battle was the first major military encounter in Islamic history?
- Battle of Uhud
- Battle of Badr (Correct answer)
- Battle of Khandaq
- Battle of Hunayn
Correct answer: Battle of Badr
The Battle of Badr, fought in 624 CE (2 AH), was the first major battle between Muslims and the Quraysh of Makkah.
The Battle of Badr took place on March 13, 624 CE (17 Ramadan, 2 AH) between 313 Muslims led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and approximately 1,000 Quraysh warriors from Makkah. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory. This battle is significant as it established the Muslim community as a military force. Islamic history battles are important NTS topics.
Question 9: Which Prophet is mentioned the most times in the Holy Quran?
- Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
- Prophet Musa (AS) (Correct answer)
- Prophet Isa (AS)
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Correct answer: Prophet Musa (AS)
Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS) is mentioned approximately 136 times in the Quran, more than any other prophet.
Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS) is mentioned by name approximately 136 times in the Holy Quran, making him the most frequently mentioned prophet. He is mentioned in 34 different Surahs. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is mentioned about 69 times, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is mentioned by name 4 times (though addressed throughout). Quranic knowledge is essential for NTS Islamic studies.
Question 10: What is the significance of Hajj in Islam?
- Celebration of Eid
- Annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Correct answer)
- Monthly prayer gathering
- Weekly sermon
Correct answer: Annual pilgrimage to Makkah
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and is the fifth pillar of Islam.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, requiring every able Muslim (physically and financially) to undertake the pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime. It takes place during 8th-12th Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Key rituals include Tawaf (circling the Ka'bah), Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat, and stoning at Mina. The five pillars are core NTS content.
Question 11: Which Surah of the Quran is known as the 'Heart of the Quran'?
- Surah Al-Fatiha
- Surah Ya-Sin (Correct answer)
- Surah Al-Baqarah
- Surah Ar-Rahman
Correct answer: Surah Ya-Sin
Surah Ya-Sin is often referred to as the 'Heart of the Quran' based on a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Surah Ya-Sin (the 36th Surah) is known as 'Qalb al-Quran' (Heart of the Quran). A Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states: 'Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Quran is Ya-Sin.' It contains 83 verses and discusses themes of resurrection, divine signs in nature, and the consequences of disbelief. Knowledge of important Surahs is regularly tested in NTS Islamic studies.
Question 12: In which year did the Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) take place?
- 610 CE
- 615 CE
- 622 CE (Correct answer)
- 630 CE
Correct answer: 622 CE
The Hijrah took place in 622 CE, and this event marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
The Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah to Madinah (then called Yathrib) took place in 622 CE. This event was so pivotal that Caliph Umar (RA) later established it as the starting point of the Islamic Hijri calendar. In Madinah, the Prophet established the first Islamic state and the Constitution of Madinah. The Hijrah and its significance are fundamental NTS Islamic history topics.
