Exam study guide

2
nd
semester
Section 1: Commentary
1. In Ayah #8 of Surah Inshiqaaq, Allah says, Then soon, his account will be taken as
an easy account, whereas the Beloved Prophet has said, He who is questioned
about his deeds will have to be punished. It seems like the Hadith is going against the
Ayah. How will we reconcile this?
Sayyidinah `Aishah asked the Prophet a question similar to this. He explained
that the Ayah signifies that the deeds will be merely presented before Allah without
the person being questioned. The hadith on the other hand refers to a person who is
questioned by Allah about his deeds.
2. What is the procedure of Sajdah e Tilawah?
1) Make sure that the 7 prerequisites of Salah are in tact.
2) Make Niyyah (intention) for Sajdah e Sahw.
3) Sat the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and start the Sajdah from the standing position
without raising the hands.
4) Perform 1 Sajdah.
5) Recite the Tasbeehat.
6) Upon completion, raise the head from Sajdah while saying Takbir.
7) There is no Salaam.
3. Ayah #4, of Surah Al Buruj (

) refers to which people? Please relate the

incident pointed to by the Ayah in as much detail as you can (points will be given
according to how detailed you write).
Ayah # 4 refers to the People of the Trench. Their story is recounted in a Hadith
reported by Imam Muslim (r) as follows: There was a Kaafir king who ruled Yemen. He
had a soothsayer, or, according to some narrations, a magician. His name, according to
Ibn 'Abbas , was Yusuf Dhu Nuwas, and he lived about seventy years before the birth
of the Holy Prophet . The soothsayer or magician [occult teacher] said to the king that
he should be given an intelligent boy, so that he could train him in the skill of foretelling
or the black magic. Accordingly, the king sent a boy, 'Abdullah Ibn Tamir by name, to be
trained by the soothsayer or magician [occult teacher]. Whenever the boy went to his
teacher, he had to pass by a Christian monk. He followed the true religion of 'Isa and
worshipped Allah . Since the religion of 'Isa was the true religion in those days, the
monk was, in fact, a Muslim. The boy sat with the monk and was very much impressed
by his teachings. As a result, he frequented the monk's house and sat with him for long
hours before proceeding to his teacher, and ultimately embraced Islam. Allah had
blessed him with such a strong faith that he was prepared to bear any pain and
persecution for the sake of Allah . His teacher used to beat him for his coming late. On
his way back from the occult teacher, he would spend some time again with the monk
and used to go home late. The family would then beat him up for being late. But he was
so keen to have the company of the monk that he managed to sit regularly with the
monk without fear of persecution. Through the blessings of this, Allah had gifted him
with many miracles [karamah]. Once it happened that the boy saw a lion has blocked
the path and prevented people from passing. They were perturbed. He picked a stone
and prayed: "O Allah! If the religion of the monk is true, then kill this beast with this
stone [so that people may pass]. And if the soothsayer or magician is true, then the
beast must not die with my stone." So praying, he aimed at the lion and it died instantly.
The news spread among the people that the boy possesses wonderful knowledge. A
blind man heard about this and came up to him. He requested him to restore his sight.
The boy conceded on the condition that he embraces Islam. The blind man agreed. The
boy prayed and Allah restored his sight. The blind man became Muslim. The king
came to know about these incidents, and he got the boy, the monk and the blind [and
they were] were apprehended. They were brought before the king. He got the blind and
the monk killed, and ordered that the boy be taken to the summit of a mountain and be
thrown from there. But those who had taken him up there fell and died. The boy went
home safely. Then the king ordered to have him drowned in the sea. The boy escaped
safely, while the people who took him to the sea were drowned. The boy then himself
told the king how to kill him. He told him to take an arrow from his quiver and place it in
his bow, and reciting, Bismillahi Rabbi 'In the name of Allah, my Lord' they should
shoot. They did that and they boy finally died. In this way, the boy gave his life away but
seeing this, the entire nation of the king cried out spontaneously: "We believe in Allah."
At this, the king was greatly enraged and, after consultation with his cabinet, ordered
for deep trenches to be dug and filled with fire. An announcement was then made that
the people must renounce their faith in Allah . If they refuse, they would be thrown
into the fiery furnace. Eventually, a woman carrying her infant child was brought to a
trench, but she hesitated. Allah granted speech to her child who said: "O mother, be
steadfast, because you are certainly on the truth." In this way, many people were
burned. According to some reports, about twelve thousand people were burned to
ashes and, according to other reports, the number is put more than this. Consequently,
Divine wrath descended on the People of the Trench and fiery furnace. Reference in
Ayah # 4 is made to this incident after taking an oath.
4. What are the conditions for the acceptance of Tawbah? How about when it is
concerning the right of another human?
1) To give up the sin immediately.
2) To regret what has happened in the past.
3) To make a firm intention to never go back to it again.
If it involves the right of a human, the person must first ask that person for forgiveness
and give back his right (for example, if he stole from someone, he must ask for
forgiveness and return the stolen item). Afterwards, he must make sure that the above
three conditions are met.
5. In Ayah number 8 of Surah Al-A`ala, Allah says, And We will facilitate for you to
the easiest way. What lesson do Mufassireen derive from this Ayah?
First of all, we learn that the easiest way refers to the Deen over here. Mufasireen tell
us that Allah says that We will facilitate for you to the easiest way meaning We will
mold you so that you will fit Deen. Allah did not say it the other way around. It does
not mean the We will mold the Deen to fit you. The lesson derived from here is that we
must change our lifestyles to fit the Deen because changing the Deen to fit our lives is
not even an option.
6. In Ayah #14 of Surah Al-A`ala, Allah says, Certainly, the one who purifies himself has
succeeded. What is meant by this purification and how can it be achieved?
Purification refers to the purification of the heart which results in the rectification and
reformation of the soul. This means that a person works hard to get rid of his spiritual
diseases (hatred, jealousy, pride, etc.) and to instill good character (having Taqwa, being
thankful, patient, being obedient, etc.) A person may reach this objective by treading
the path of knowledge, sitting in the company of pious saints, engaging in the
remembrance and supplication to Allah , or by taking Bay`at. Bayat refers to the
promise of allegiance that the Mureed (follower) takes with the Sheikh that he will
adhere to the instructions prescribed by him. The purpose of Bayat is to take support
from a spiritual guide to change and reform oneself. Bayat is not a requirement for
reformation. While the act of self-reformation and purifying the soul is compulsory; the
very customary practice of taking Bay`at from a Sheikh to acquire this objective is
desirable and an effective way. The basis of Bay`at can be clearly found in the Glorious
Qur`an and the Sunnah. Experience proves that one of the most effective methods to
acquire Islaah (self-reformation) is to submit oneself to the guidance and care of a
Shaikh who is an expert instructor in the field of detecting and diagnosing discrete inner
maladies and imbibing desired traits. The purpose of Bay`at will be defeated if one takes
Bay`at and yet does not reform and change the mode of his life. The connection and
company of the Sheikh should inculcate and develop the quality of Taqwa, motivate a
person to adopt Sunnah and build the consciousness of Allah in one`s life. One must
be very careful when choosing an authentic Shaikh.
7. In Surah Ghaashiyah, Allah speaks about Jannah and Jahannum, but in Ayat #17-20,
He speaks about the camels, sky, mountains, and earth. What is one reasoning
Mufassireen give about this sudden change in the Surah?
Mufassireen tell us that in reality, these Ayat are all connected. In the beginning Ayat,
Allah is talking about Jannah and Jahannam. He is indicating with Ayat #17-20 that Oh
Mumim! Your goals and efforts have to be for Jannah! How?
So do they not look at the camels how they are created? (Ayah 17) It bears so much
hardship. It goes on for days in the heat of the desert without asking for water or food.
Oh Mumin, to get to Jannah, you must go out and bear the hardships of Deen, and even
if it takes days and days, keep on going!
And at the sky and how it is raised high? (Ayah 18) Oh Mumin, your goals should be as
high as the sky! Aim for Jannah!
And at the mountains how they are fixed? (Ayah 19) Oh Mumin, to get to Jannah, you
must be strong! Look at how firm the mountains are; they are holding the earth down!
Oh Mumin, when the Dunya shakes you up, you must be strong!
And at the earth how it is spread out? (Ayah 20) But oh Mumin, with all these high
goals and all the firmness, make sure you are humble like the earth. The earth lets
everyone walk over it. Oh Mumin, let the people walk over you, but dont react to them!
8. In Ayah #3 of Surah Fajr, Allah takes an oath by the even and the odd. What do
they refer to?
Even 10
th
of Dhul Hijjah (The Day of Sacrifice A.K.A. Eidul Adha)
Odd 9
th
of Dhul Hijjah (Day of `Arafah)
9. In Ayah #1 of Surah Balad, the first word (Laa) is not translated. An objection arises
that why is there an extra word in the Quraan? How would you respond?
I would say: Remember, the Quraan is the best form of speech. Therefore, every single
word of the Quraan is needed. No word is there without a purpose. Just because a word
isnt translated doesnt mean that it is not needed.
10. So you claim that every word of the Quraan is needed. Why is the word Laa at the
beginning of Surah Balad whereas it is not even being translated?
Mufasireen give two possible answers to this objection:
1) In Ayah #4, Allah conveys the main message which is, Indeed we have
created man in hardship. To convey this message, Allah takes an oath by
different things. Before even taking the oaths, Allah uses the word Laa to
negate our thought that we should live in comfort. Allah is indicating with the
word Laa that it is not how you think. Know that this life is hadship.
2) Allah is indicating with the word Laa that I do not need to take oath, but I
am taking an oath just so that you, oh human being, understand.
11. In Ayah #4 of Surah Balad, Allah says, Indeed We have created man in hardship.
What is the importance of knowing that?
He is indicating to us that whether we work for Deen or Dunya, we will be suffering both
ways. Thats why its wiser to choose that path after which we can have eternal
relaxation, InshAllah.
12. Why doesnt Allah just guide everyone so that there is peace in the world and
everyone can just go to Jannah?
For Allah to do such is against His Hikmah (wisdom). How would it be a test then?
Humans are known as the best of all creations because even though they have the
capability to do wrong, there are some devout servants of Allah who sacrifice the
Dunya for Him. If Allah forcefully guided everyone, how would humans remain as the
best of all creation? They would be angels then! Even though Allah doesnt forcefully
guide, He does provide all the means of guidance to every person. It is then up to the
person to choose.
13. In Ayah #1 of Surah Sharh, Allah says, Have we not expanded for you your chest?
The Sahabah asked if this expansion of the chest can happen to them (and us) as
well. The Beloved Prophet replied in the affirmative and told us of three signs
through which we can realize that our chest/heart is expanding. What are those three
signs?
1) You will feel your heart getting away from the Dunya.
2) You will feel your heart getting attached to the Hereafter.
3) You will start preparing for death before it arrives.
14. In Surah Sharh, Ayah #6 is a repetition of Ayah #5. Is that done only for emphasis?
To say that this is done for emphasis only is incorrect. Grammar wont accept that. In
the Arabic language, when a word has Alif and Laam in the beginning, it refers to the
same thing even if it is repeated ten times, whereas a word without Alif and Laam will
refer to different things the number of times it is mentioned. Notice that in Ayahs 5 and
6, hardship has Alif and Laam in the beginning, which would mean that both these
hardships refer to only one hardship. The two words of ease do not have Alif and
Laam in the beginning which would mean that it refers to two separate eases. Allah is
conveying the message to us in these two Ayat that we should not worry because every
hardship comes with double amount of ease.
15. In Ayah #5 of Surah Tin, Allah says, Then we turned him into the lowest of the
low, (gave him old age, etc.) but then makes an exception in the next Ayah, Except
those who believed and did the righteous deeds, then, for them is a never ending
reward. An objection arises that Deeni people get old as well. So why did Allah
make them an exception here?
Allah makes them an exception to let us know that they will not suffer big harm due
to their physical or mental deteriorationin old age. Only those people will suffer who
only focused on their physical condition. These two Ayahs are telling us that a Mumin
never becomes useless, even in old age because the good he used to do in his health will
still be recorded in his old age even if he is unable to do it due to the deterioration of his
health. This is supported by a Hadith of the Beloved Prophet , When a Muslim falls ill,
Allah instructs the recording angels to record the good deeds he used to perform in
good health.
16. After reciting the last Ayah of Surah Tin, Is Allah not the greatest ruler of all rulers?
what has the Beloved Prophet taught us to say? Write in Arabic (or its
transliteration) with its translation.

Balaa Wa Ana `Ala Dhalika Minash Shaahideen

Yes indeed and I bear witness to that.
17. Why did Allah choose that the Beloved Prophet doesnt learn how to read and
write? State two possible reasons.
1) Allah didnt want the Beloved Prophet dependent on anything besides Allah
.
2) So that everyone knows that it isnt even possible for the Beloved Prophet to
fabricate even a small portion of the Quraan e Kareem.
18. Why does Allah use the pronoun We for Himself in the Quraan?
In Arabic, the plural form is used for respect. For example, even when we are saying
Salam to only one person, we usually say Assalamu Alaikum which is the plural form.
This is done for respect.
19. Which Duaa did the Beloved Prophet teach Sayyidinah A`ishah and the rest of the
Ummah for the Night of Qadr? Write the Duaa in Arabic (or in its transliteration) and
its English translation.

Allahumma Innaka `Afuwwan Tuhibbal `Afwa Fa` Fu `Anni.

Oh Allah, indeed You are the Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.
20. Mufassireen tell us that there are 3 things that put weight into our deeds. What are
those 3 things?
1) Imaan belief in Allah
2) Ikhlaas having the intention of doing the deed only for Allah
3) Ittiba e Sunnah following the way of the Beloved Prophet
21. In Surah `Asr, Allah tells us of 4 rules through which we will be successful. What are
those 4 rules?
1) To believe in Allah
2) To do righteous deeds
3) To advise each other to follow the truth
4) To advise each other to observe patience




Section 2: Vocabulary Words
Study all words in boxes #1-5.
Section 3: Essential Islamic Rulings
Study the chapters of Haidh & Istihadhah and The Excused Person extremely properly. (Pages 7
15)
Bonus
Study the translation of the Ayat of the following Surahs:
1. Surah Sharh (94)
2. Surah Teen (95)
3. Surah Qadr (97)
4. Surah Zilzaal (99)
5. Surah `Asr (103)
6. Surah Feel (105)
7. Surah Quraysh (106)
8. Surah Kawthar (108)
9. Surah Kaafirun (109)
10. Surah Nasr (110)
11. Surah Iklaas (112)
12. Surah Falaq (113)
13. Surah Naas (114)