Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Introduction to Islam
Module 2
Module 2: The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
Module 3
Module 3: The Quran and Islamic Theology
The Quran and Islamic Theology
Module 4
Module 4: Islamic History from the 7th Century to the Present
Islamic History from the 7th Century to the Present
Knowledge check
Q1. Who was the first caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate?
- A. Ali ibn Abi Talib
- B. Abu Bakr ✓
- C. Umar ibn al-Khattab
- D. Uthman ibn Affan
Why: Abu Bakr was the first caliph after the death of Prophet Muhammad, marking the beginning of the Rashidun Caliphate.
Q2. Which Islamic empire was known for its tolerance of other religions and its contributions to science and philosophy?
- A. Umayyad Caliphate
- B. Abbasid Caliphate ✓
- C. Ottoman Empire
- D. Mamluk Sultanate
Why: The Abbasid Caliphate is renowned for its cultural and scientific achievements, as well as its relatively tolerant policies towards non-Muslims.
Q3. Which event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar?
- A. The migration of Prophet Muhammad to Medina (Hijra) ✓
- B. The death of Prophet Muhammad
- C. The Battle of Badr
- D. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
Why: The Islamic calendar begins with the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
Q4. Which of the following is a major theological concept in Islam that emphasizes the oneness of God?
- A. Sharia
- B. Tawhid ✓
- C. Sufism
- D. Jihad
Why: Tawhid is the fundamental Islamic belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God, which is central to Islamic theology.
Q5. Which of the following is considered the first written source of Islamic law?
- A. The Quran ✓
- B. The Hadith
- C. The Sunnah
- D. The Sharia
Why: The Quran is the primary and most authoritative source of Islamic law, followed by the Hadith, which records the teachings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.
Module 5
Module 5: Islamic Art and Architecture
Islamic Art and Architecture
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the term used for the decorative script used in Islamic art and architecture?
- A. Calligraphy ✓
- B. Arabesque
- C. Geometric patterns
- D. Mosaics
Why: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing and is highly valued in Islamic art and architecture, often used to display verses from the Quran.
Q2. Which of the following is a common feature of Islamic architecture?
- A. Pointed arches
- B. Domes ✓
- C. Flying buttresses
- D. Stained glass
Why: Domes are a common feature in Islamic architecture, symbolizing the heavens and often found in mosques and other religious buildings.
Q3. What is the name of the courtyard in a traditional Islamic mosque?
- A. Mihrab
- B. Minaret
- C. Haram ✓
- D. Atrium
Why: The courtyard in a traditional Islamic mosque is called the Haram, which is often used for prayer and religious gatherings.
Q4. Which of the following is a key element of Islamic geometric patterns?
- A. Use of human figures
- B. Use of floral designs
- C. Use of repeating shapes and symmetry ✓
- D. Use of calligraphy
Why: Islamic geometric patterns are characterized by the use of repeating shapes and symmetry, reflecting mathematical precision and spiritual harmony.
Q5. What is the primary purpose of a minaret in Islamic architecture?
- A. To serve as a prayer hall
- B. To mark the location of the mosque ✓
- C. To house the imam
- D. To provide shade for worshippers
Why: A minaret is a tall tower attached to a mosque, primarily used to call the faithful to prayer and to mark the location of the mosque in the surrounding area.
Module 6
Module 6: Islamic Law and Ethics
Islamic Law and Ethics
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary source of Islamic law?
- A. Hadith
- B. The Quran ✓
- C. Ijma
- D. Qiyas
Why: The Quran is considered the primary and most authoritative source of Islamic law, followed by the Hadith, Ijma, and Qiyas.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a branch of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)?
- A. Transactions
- B. Punishment ✓
- C. Worship
- D. Family Law
Why: Punishment is not a branch of Fiqh. The main branches of Fiqh include worship, transactions, and family law.
Q3. What is the term for the consensus of Islamic scholars on a legal matter?
- A. Ijma ✓
- B. Qiyas
- C. Taqwa
- D. Sharia
Why: Ijma refers to the consensus of Islamic scholars on a legal matter, and it is one of the secondary sources of Islamic law.
Q4. Which of the following is considered a moral obligation in Islamic ethics?
- A. Prayer
- B. Charity (Zakat)
- C. Fasting
- D. All of the above ✓
Why: All of the above are considered moral obligations in Islamic ethics, as they are part of the five pillars of Islam and are central to Islamic practice.
Q5. What is the purpose of Sharia law in Islam?
- A. To govern only religious matters
- B. To provide guidance in all aspects of life ✓
- C. To replace secular laws
- D. To enforce punishment only
Why: Sharia law aims to provide comprehensive guidance in all aspects of life, including personal, social, and legal matters, based on Islamic principles.
Module 7
Module 7: Islam in the Modern World
Islam in the Modern World