CSS EXAMINATION-ISLAMIC STUDIES; 2019

FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION – 2019

  ISLAMIC STUDIES

PART-II 

Q No. 2. Define Tauheed. What is its impact on individual life and the society? Elaborate.

A . Tauheed is the belief in the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It is the foundation of the Islamic faith and worldview, and it implies the submission and obedience to Allah’s will and commands¹.

Tauheed has a profound impact on individual life and society, as it shapes the values, ethics, and culture of Muslims. Some of the impacts of Tauheed are:

• It purifies the soul and the wealth of the Muslims, as they worship Allah alone and pay zakat, the obligatory charity, to the poor and needy².
• It fosters a sense of gratitude and contentment with what Allah has given, and reduces the attachment and greed for worldly possessions³.
• It enhances the compassion and generosity of the Muslims towards others, as they see them as their brothers and sisters in humanity³.
• It promotes the dignity and honor of every human being, regardless of their race, gender, or status, as they are all created by Allah and endowed with reason, free will, and moral responsibility¹².
• It ensures the justice and fairness of the society, as it teaches that the only criterion of superiority among humans is piety and righteousness, and that all humans are equal before Allah and the law¹².
• It contributes to the social welfare and harmony of the community, as it helps to alleviate poverty and inequality and provides basic needs and services to the people. It also creates a bond of brotherhood and solidarity among the Muslims, and inspires them to cooperate and support each other¹².
• It fosters the respect and tolerance of the diversity and plurality of the human family, and the recognition of the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions. It also advocates the peaceful coexistence and dialogue among people of different faiths and cultures¹².
• It establishes the rule of law and the accountability of the government, as it ensures that the authority and power of the state are derived from and regulated by the law and that the law is based on divine guidance and the public interest. It also upholds the rights and responsibilities of the rulers and the ruled, and the transparency and integrity of the administration¹².

In summary, Tauheed is the belief in the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, which is the essence of the Islamic faith and worldview. Tauheed has various impacts on individual life and society, as it purifies the soul and the wealth, fosters gratitude and contentment, enhances compassion and generosity, promotes dignity and honor, ensures justice and fairness, contributes to social welfare and harmony, fosters respect and tolerance, and establishes the rule of law and the accountability of the government.

3. No. 3. Give a general estimate of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH)character on the battlefields as commander.
4. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was an exceptional leader and commander on the battlefields. He displayed bravery, strategic thinking, and compassion for his soldiers and enemies. He always prioritized the welfare of his troops and sought to minimize casualties. He also followed the principles of justice, mercy, and tolerance in his dealings with the prisoners of war and the conquered people. He was a role model for military strategists and peace makers of all times¹²³.

An example of a battle where the Prophet displayed his leadership skills

One example of a battle where the Prophet displayed his leadership skills was the Battle of Badr, which took place in the second year of the Hijrah. The Prophet and his companions faced a much larger and better-equipped army of the Quraysh of Mecca, who wanted to crush the Muslims and end their mission. The Prophet showed his courage, wisdom, and trust in Allah in this battle. He consulted his companions before deciding to fight and motivated them with his inspiring words. He also devised a strategic plan to position his army near a water source and use a hill as a shield. He prayed fervently to Allah for victory and assured his companions that Allah’s help was with them. He fought bravely on the front lines and encouraged his companions to do the same. He also treated the prisoners of war with kindness and mercy, and offered them ransom or freedom in exchange for teaching the Muslims¹²³.

The Prophet motivated his companions in battles by using various methods, such as:

• He consulted them before making any decision and respected their opinions and suggestions. He also delegated some tasks and responsibilities to them, and trusted their abilities and skills¹.
• He inspired them with his words and actions, and reminded them of the rewards and blessings of Allah for those who strive in His cause. He also recited verses from the Quran and made supplications to Allah for victory and protection¹².
• He encouraged them to be brave, patient, and steadfast, and to face the enemy with confidence and courage. He also praised their achievements and efforts, and comforted them in times of hardship and loss¹².
• He treated them with kindness and compassion and cared for their needs and welfare. He also shared with them the hardships and risks of the battle, and did not expose them to unnecessary danger or harm¹².

In summary, the Prophet motivated his companions in battles by consulting them, inspiring them, encouraging them, and treating them with kindness and compassion. He was their role model and leader, and they loved and respected him dearly.

In summary, the Battle of Badr was a remarkable example of the Prophet’s leadership skills, as he displayed bravery, strategic thinking, and compassion for his soldiers and enemies. He also followed the principles of justice, mercy, and tolerance in his dealings with the prisoners of war and the conquered people. He was a role model for military strategists and peacemakers of all times.

 Q No 4. Describe the rights of women in Islam in the context of the current wave of the feminist movement

A . The rights of women in Islam are derived from the Quran and the Sunnah, the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam grants women various rights and responsibilities in different aspects of life, such as education, work, marriage, inheritance, testimony, and political participation¹. These rights are based on the principles of justice, equality, dignity, and compassion that Islam upholds for all human beings.

The current wave of the feminist movement, also known as the fourth wave, is characterized by its use of social media, its focus on intersectionality and inclusivity, and its activism against sexual harassment, rape culture, and body shaming, among other issues²³. The fourth wave of feminism also challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that women face in different cultures and contexts, and advocates for the empowerment and liberation of women from all forms of oppression and discrimination⁴⁵.

The rights of women in Islam and the goals of the fourth wave of feminism are not necessarily incompatible or contradictory. In fact, there are many Muslim women who identify as feminists and who use their Islamic faith and values as a source of inspiration and motivation for their activism and advocacy. These Muslim feminists seek to reform and reinterpret the Islamic sources and traditions in light of the contemporary challenges and realities that women face, and to challenge the patriarchal and misogynistic interpretations and practices that have distorted the original message of Islam⁶⁷. They also seek to collaborate and dialogue with other feminists from different backgrounds and perspectives, and to contribute to the global movement for women’s rights and justice⁸.

In summary, the rights of women in Islam are based on the Quran and the Sunnah, which grant women various rights and responsibilities in different aspects of life. The current wave of the feminist movement is characterized by its use of social media, its focus on intersectionality and inclusivity, and its activism against various forms of violence and discrimination against women. The rights of women in Islam and the goals of the fourth wave of feminism are not necessarily incompatible or contradictory, and there are many Muslim women who identify as feminists and who use their Islamic faith and values as a source of inspiration and motivation for their activism and advocacy.

 Q No 5. Through light in detail on the moral value system of Islam as a significant feature of Islamic civilization.

A . The moral value system of Islam is a significant feature of Islamic civilization, as it shapes the worldview, values, and culture of the Muslims. Here is a brief overview of this topic:

Introduction

• The moral value system of Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, the central religious texts of Islam, which provide a comprehensive and universal moral code that covers all aspects of life¹.
• The moral value system of Islam is also derived from the innate sense of morality that Allah has endowed to every human being, which enables them to distinguish between right and wrong and good and evil².

Characteristics of the moral value system of Islam

• The moral value system of Islam makes morality reign supreme and ensures that the affairs of life are regulated by norms of morality, not by selfish desires or petty interests³.
• The moral value system of Islam relies upon the inherent urge for good that resides in everyone’s heart, which is based on the love and fear of Allah, the awareness of accountability on the Day of Judgment, and the promise of eternal bliss⁴.
• The moral value system of Islam fosters a sense of moral responsibility and accountability among Muslims, as they are required to fulfill their duty towards Allah, themselves, and others, and to avoid any harm or injustice to anyone.
• The moral value system of Islam promotes the dignity and honor of every human being, regardless of their race, gender, or status, as they are all created by Allah and endowed with reason, free will, and moral responsibility¹².
• The moral value system of Islam ensures the justice and fairness of the society, as it teaches that the only criterion of superiority among humans is piety and righteousness, and that all humans are equal before Allah and the law¹².
• The moral value system of Islam contributes to the social welfare and harmony of the community, as it helps to alleviate poverty and inequality and provide basic needs and services to the people. It also creates a bond of brotherhood and solidarity among the Muslims, and inspires them to cooperate and support each other¹².
• The moral value system of Islam fosters the respect and tolerance of the diversity and plurality of the human family, and the recognition of the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions. It also advocates the peaceful coexistence and dialogue among the people of different faiths and cultures¹².
• The moral value system of Islam establishes the rule of law and the accountability of the government, as it ensures that the authority and power of the state are derived from and regulated by the law and that the law is based on divine guidance and the public interest. It also upholds the rights and responsibilities of the rulers and the ruled, and the transparency and integrity of the administration¹².

Summary

• The moral value system of Islam is a significant feature of Islamic civilization, as it reflects the Islamic vision of a just, peaceful, and prosperous society.
• The moral value system of Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, which provide a comprehensive and universal moral code, and the innate sense of morality that Allah has endowed to every human being.
• The moral value system of Islam is characterized by its features of morality, responsibility, dignity, justice, welfare, harmony, respect, and law.

Q No. 6. Write a comprehensive note on the Hajj (the pilgrimage) system of Islam and its spiritual, moral and social impacts.

A . Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every eligible Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul. Hajj has many spiritual, moral and social impacts on the individual and the society¹².

The System of Hajj

• Hajj is performed during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It consists of several rites and rituals that symbolize the faith and obedience of the pilgrims to Allah and the example of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his family¹².
• The main rites of Hajj are:
  • Ihram: The state of consecration and purity that the pilgrims enter before starting the Hajj. They wear simple white garments, abstain from certain actions, and recite the Talbiyah, the declaration of intention and devotion to Allah¹².
  • Tawaf: The circumambulation of the Ka’ba, the sacred House of Allah, seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. The pilgrims also kiss or touch the Black Stone, a sacred relic, and pray at the Maqam Ibrahim, the station of Ibrahim (as)¹².
  • Sa’i: The walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, seven times, following the footsteps of Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim (as), who searched for water for her son Ismail (as). The pilgrims also drink from the Zamzam well, the miraculous spring that Allah provided for Hajar and Ismail (as)¹².
  • Arafat: The standing on the plain of Arafat, the site of the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad (saw), from noon to sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. The pilgrims supplicate, repent, and seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy¹².
  • Muzdalifah: The spending of the night at Muzdalifah, a place between Arafat and Mina, where the pilgrims collect pebbles for the next rite and offer prayers¹².
  • Rami al-Jamarat: The stoning of the three pillars that represent the devil at Mina, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each pillar, symbolizing their rejection of the temptations and whispers of the devil¹².
  • Nahr: The sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, following the example of Ibrahim (as), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (as) for Allah’s sake. The pilgrims distribute the meat to the poor and needy¹².
  • Halq or Taqsir: The shaving or trimming of the hair, as a sign of completing the Hajj and leaving the state of Ihram. The pilgrims also perform another Tawaf and Sa’i, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i al-Hajj¹².
  • Tawaf al-Wida’: The farewell circumambulation of the Ka’ba, before leaving Mecca. The pilgrims bid farewell to the sacred House of Allah and pray for His acceptance and blessings¹².

The Impacts of Hajj

• Hajj has various impacts on the individual and the society, such as:
  • Spiritual impacts: Hajj strengthens one’s faith and obedience to Allah, as it is a form of worship and submission to His commands. Hajj also increases one’s gratitude and contentment with what Allah has given and reduces one’s attachment and greed for worldly possessions. Hajj also enhances one’s compassion and generosity towards others, and brings one closer to Allah and His mercy¹².
  • Moral impacts: Hajj fosters a sense of moral responsibility and accountability among Muslims, as they are required to fulfill their duty towards the less fortunate and share their blessings with them. Hajj also promotes honesty and integrity, as Muslims must calculate and pay their zakat accurately and sincerely. Hajj also encourages good manners and ethics, as Muslims must pay their zakat with kindness and respect, and avoid hurting or humiliating the recipients¹².
  • Social impacts: Hajj contributes to the social welfare and justice of the Muslim community, as it helps to alleviate poverty and inequality, and provide basic needs and services to the poor and needy. Hajj also creates a bond of brotherhood and solidarity among Muslims, as it fosters a spirit of mutual care and support, and reduces the feelings of envy and resentment. Hajj also enhances the social stability and security of the society, as it prevents the emergence of social conflicts and violence, and promotes peace and harmony¹².

Summary

• Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every eligible Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul.
• Hajj consists of several rites and rituals that symbolize the faith and obedience of the pilgrims to Allah and the example of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his family. The main rites of Hajj are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Rami al-Jamarat, Nahr, Halq or Taqsir, and Tawaf al-Wida’.
• Hajj has various impacts on the individual and the society, such as spiritual, moral, and social impacts. Hajj strengthens one’s faith and obedience to Allah, fosters a sense of moral responsibility and accountability among Muslims, and contributes to the social welfare and justice of the Muslim community.

 Q No. 7. Is extremism a challenge to Islam? Discuss in the context of contemporary challenges faced by Muslim Ummah.

A . Extremism is a challenge to Islam, as it contradicts the teachings and values of the religion, and harms the unity and welfare of the Muslim Ummah. Extremism refers to the adoption of radical and violent ideologies and actions that go beyond the limits of moderation and balance that Islam prescribes. Extremism can take various forms, such as political, ideological, sectarian, or militant extremism¹.

Some of the contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah in relation to extremism are:

• Extremism undermines the image and reputation of Islam and Muslims in the world, as it portrays them as intolerant, violent, and backward. Extremism also fuels Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims in non-Muslim countries, and creates mistrust and hostility between Muslims and other faiths and cultures²³.
• Extremism threatens the peace and security of the Muslim Ummah, as it leads to violence, terrorism, and civil wars. Extremism also destabilizes the political and social order of Muslim countries, and weakens their sovereignty and independence. Extremism also causes human and material losses, and hampers the development and progress of the Muslim Ummah²⁴.
• Extremism divides the Muslim Ummah, as it creates sectarian and ideological conflicts and schisms among Muslims. Extremism also erodes the bond of brotherhood and solidarity among Muslims, and fosters hatred and enmity among them. Extremism also prevents the cooperation and coordination among Muslim countries and organizations, and hinders the realization of their common interests and goals²⁵.

In summary, extremism is a challenge to Islam, as it deviates from the true teachings and values of the religion, and harms the unity and welfare of the Muslim Ummah. Extremism also poses various contemporary challenges to the Muslim Ummah, such as undermining their image and reputation, threatening their peace and security, and dividing their ranks. Therefore, the Muslim Ummah should strive to combat extremism and promote moderation, tolerance, and dialogue among themselves and with others.

 Q No. 8. Give suggestions to reform Pakistani Politics keeping in view the different aspects of political system of Islam.

A . Pakistani politics have been facing various challenges and crises in recent years, such as corruption, instability, polarization, violence, and external interference. These challenges have hampered the development and progress of the country and undermined the welfare and security of the people. Therefore, there is a need for reforming Pakistani politics in light of the principles and values of the political system of Islam, which aims to establish a just, peaceful, and prosperous society.

The Political System of Islam

The political system of Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, the central religious texts of Islam, which provide a comprehensive and universal moral code that covers all aspects of life. The political system of Islam is also derived from the innate sense of morality that Allah has endowed to every human being, which enables them to distinguish between right and wrong and good and evil¹.

Some of the main characteristics of the political system of Islam are:

• It makes morality reign supreme and ensures that the affairs of life are regulated by norms of morality, not by selfish desires or petty interests².
• It relies upon the inherent urge for good that resides in everyone’s heart, which is based on the love and fear of Allah, the awareness of accountability on the Day of Judgment, and the promise of eternal bliss³.
• It fosters a sense of moral responsibility and accountability among Muslims, as they are required to fulfill their duty towards Allah, themselves, and others, and to avoid any harm or injustice to anyone⁴.
• It promotes the dignity and honor of every human being, regardless of their race, gender, or status, as they are all created by Allah and endowed with reason, free will, and moral responsibility¹⁵.
• It ensures the justice and fairness of the society, as it teaches that the only criterion of superiority among humans is piety and righteousness, and that all humans are equal before Allah and the law¹⁵.
• It contributes to the social welfare and harmony of the community, as it helps to alleviate poverty and inequality and provides basic needs and services to the people. It also creates a bond of brotherhood and solidarity among the Muslims, and inspires them to cooperate and support each other¹⁵.
• It fosters the respect and tolerance of the diversity and plurality of the human family, and the recognition of the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions. It also advocates the peaceful coexistence and dialogue among the people of different faiths and cultures¹⁵.
• It establishes the rule of law and the accountability of the government, as it ensures that the authority and power of the state are derived from and regulated by the law and that the law is based on divine guidance and the public interest. It also upholds the rights and responsibilities of the rulers and the ruled, and the transparency and integrity of the administration¹⁵.

Suggestions for Reforming Pakistani Politics

In order to reform Pakistani politics in accordance with the political system of Islam, the following suggestions can be made:

• Strengthening the democratic institutions and processes, and ensuring free and fair elections, representation, and participation of the people in the political affairs⁶.
• Combating corruption and nepotism, and holding the public officials accountable for their actions and performance, and enforcing the rule of law and justice for all⁶⁷.
• Promoting national unity and cohesion, and resolving the regional and ethnic conflicts and grievances through dialogue and negotiation, and respecting the diversity and rights of the people⁶ .
• Enhancing the social and economic development and welfare of the people, and providing them with education, health, employment, and other opportunities and services⁶ .
• Defending the sovereignty and security of the country, and maintaining good relations with the neighboring and other countries, and cooperating with them on the basis of mutual respect and interest⁶ .
• Upholding the Islamic values and principles, and educating the people about their religion and culture, and spreading the message of Islam to the world⁶ .

Summary

• Pakistani politics have been facing various challenges and crises that need to be reformed in light of the principles and values of the political system of Islam.
• The political system of Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, which provide a comprehensive and universal moral code, and the innate sense of morality that Allah has endowed to every human being.
• The political system of Islam is characterized by its features of morality, responsibility, dignity, justice, welfare, harmony, respect, and law.
• Some suggestions for reforming Pakistani politics are: strengthening the democratic institutions and processes, combating corruption and nepotism, promoting national unity and cohesion, enhancing the social and economic development and welfare of the people, defending the sovereignty and security of the country, and upholding the Islamic values and principles.