NTS Islamic Studies Knowledge 2 — 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.
NTS Islamic Studies Knowledge 2
How many Surahs (chapters) are there in the Holy Quran?