Islam Flashcards

Question

What is 1 of the 3 Nafs?

Answer 1

2. Nafs al-Lawwamah (The Self-Reproaching Soul) • Meaning: “The reproaching soul.” • Characteristics: • Conscious of right and wrong. • Feels guilt and self-reproach when committing sins. • Struggles between desires and conscience, striving to improve. • Example: A person who regrets their mistakes, seeks forgiveness, and tries to do better. • Qur’anic reference: “And I swear by the self-reproaching soul” (Qur’an 75:2).

Answer 2

3. Nafs al-Mutma’innah (The Tranquil Soul) • Meaning: “The soul at peace.” • Characteristics: • Achieves inner peace through submission to Allah. • Free from excessive desires, guilt, and moral conflict. • Content and satisfied with God’s decree. • Example: A person who trusts in Allah, consistently does good, and maintains spiritual balance. • Qur’anic reference: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]” (Qur’an 89:27-28).

Answer 3

In Christianity, Jesus’ death is central to the faith and is understood quite differently from the Quranic account: 1. Crucifixion and Death: Christians believe that Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He physically died on the cross, which is considered a real and historical event. 2. Purpose of His Death: • It is seen as a sacrificial act for the forgiveness of humanity’s sins. • His death fulfills prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and demonstrates God’s love and justice. 3. Resurrection: • Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. • The resurrection confirms his divinity and the promise of eternal life for believers. 4. Ascension: • After appearing to his disciples for 40 days following the resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. • This is different from the Quranic account, as it follows the crucifixion and resurrection rather than replacing the crucifixion with a divine rescue. Crucified” means being put to death by being nailed or tied to a cross. In ancient Rome, this was a method of execution where the person was left hanging on a large wooden cross until they died, usually from exhaustion, suffocation, or shock. 1. Qur’anic Statement The Qur’an says in Surah An-Nisa 4:157–158 (paraphrased for clarity): “They did not kill him, nor crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them. God raised him up to Himself.” Muslims interpret this to mean: • Jesus (Isa in Islam) was not actually executed. • Someone else may have been made to appear like him on the cross, or God miraculously saved him. • God elevated Jesus to heaven, alive, and he will return before the Day of Judgment.

Answer 4

In the Quran, Jesus (ʿĪsā in Arabic) is not described as being crucified or dying in the way Christian tradition describes. Instead, the Quran states that it only appeared to people that he was killed, but in reality, God raised him up to Himself. The relevant verse is in Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158): • It says that the Jews said they had killed Jesus, but Allah says, “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them. And indeed, Allah raised him up to Himself.” This is interpreted by Muslim scholars to mean that Jesus was not physically executed or died on the cross; God protected him, and he was taken up to heaven. Some interpretations suggest that someone else was made to resemble Jesus and was crucified in his place. So, according to the Quran, Jesus does not die on earth but is instead raised alive by God, and he will return before the Day of Judgment.

Answer 5

Although I’ve struggled with it since I didn’t wear the hijab until I was 27 for me, wearing it now is a choice that gives me confidence, freedom, and a sense of empowerment

Answer 6

Yes, breastfeeding women can fast in Islam, but there are important allowances and conditions to consider: 1. Exemption if harmful: If fasting would endanger your health or the baby’s health for example, affecting milk supply or causing dehydration—the woman is permitted not to fast. This is based on the principle of protecting life and health. 2. Making up later (Qada): Women who miss fasts due to breastfeeding are expected to make up the missed days later, once they are able to. 3. Fidya (feeding the poor): If a woman cannot make up the fasts due to ongoing health reasons or difficulty, she may offer fidya, which is feeding a needy person for each missed day. 4. Individual variation: Each woman’s situation is different some can fast while breastfeeding without problems, while others may find it affects their energy, hydration, or milk supply.

Answer 7

Allah is the most merciful

Answer 8

Judging others puts us at danger of the same trial The meaning conveyed is that when someone openly criticizes or mocks another for a particular sin, they might be tested in that same weakness. This can happen spiritually or through being caught up in arrogance. Humility and mercy are priorities Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught Muslims to advise with kindness and conceal faults whenever possible. The Qur’an even warns against suspicion, backbiting, and spying on others: “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are sins. And do not spy or backbite one another.” (Qur’an 49:12) This captures the idea you mentioned — that judging others easily is dangerous and often unfair. 3. Avoiding mockery and humiliation Even if someone has sinned, humiliating or taunting them does not help them to reform — and it harms the one who belittles others by increasing arrogance or pride.

Answer 9

⸻ The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs (632–661 CE) ⸻ 1. Abu Bakr Full name: Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa Caliphate: 632–634 CE Relationship to Muhammad • One of the closest companions of the Prophet. • Father of Aisha bint Abi Bakr, who married the Prophet. • Because of this, Abu Bakr became Muhammad’s father-in-law. Early Life • Born around 573 CE in Mecca. • Member of the Quraysh tribe (the same tribe as Muhammad). • Known for honesty and kindness even before Islam. Role in Early Islam • One of the first adult men to accept Islam. • Used his wealth to free enslaved Muslims, including Bilal ibn Rabah. • Accompanied Muhammad during the Hijra, when Muslims fled persecution in Mecca. As Caliph • Became the first leader of the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death in 632. • Fought the Ridda Wars to reunify tribes that had left Islam. • Ordered the first collection of the Qur’an into a written manuscript. Legacy • Known for humility and loyalty. • Helped stabilize Islam immediately after Muhammad’s death.

Answer 10

2. Umar ibn al-Khattab Full name: Umar ibn al-Khattab Caliphate: 634–644 CE Relationship to Muhammad • A powerful companion of the Prophet. • His daughter Hafsa bint Umar married Muhammad, making Umar another father-in-law of the Prophet. Early Life • Born around 584 CE in Mecca. • Originally opposed Islam and even persecuted Muslims. • Later converted and became one of Islam’s strongest supporters. Role in Early Islam • Known for courage and strong leadership. • Played a major role in defending and organizing the early Muslim community in Medina. As Caliph Under Umar, the Islamic state expanded dramatically: Major regions conquered: • Syria • Egypt • Persia • Iraq Key achievements: • Created an administrative government system. • Established courts and salaries for soldiers. • Introduced the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar). Legacy • Known for justice and fairness. • Assassinated in 644 CE while praying.

Answer 11

3. Uthman ibn Affan Full name: Uthman ibn Affan Caliphate: 644–656 CE Relationship to Muhammad • Married two daughters of Muhammad: • Ruqayyah bint Muhammad • Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad Because he married two daughters of the Prophet, he was called “Dhun-Nurayn” (The Possessor of Two Lights). Early Life • Born around 576 CE in Mecca. • A wealthy merchant from the Umayyad clan of the Quraysh tribe. • Among the earliest converts to Islam. Role in Early Islam • Supported Muslims financially during difficult times. • Funded armies and community projects. As Caliph One of his most important actions was: Standardizing the Qur’an • Ordered the creation of a single official written version of the Qur’an. • Sent copies to major cities across the Muslim world. The empire continued expanding into: • North Africa • Central Asia Conflict • Later in his rule, accusations of nepotism (favoring family members) caused unrest. • Rebels from several regions surrounded his house in Medina. Death • Assassinated in 656 CE while reading the Qur’an.

Answer 12

4. Ali ibn Abi Talib Full name: Ali ibn Abi Talib Caliphate: 656–661 CE Relationship to Muhammad Ali had the closest family connection to the Prophet: • Cousin of Muhammad (their fathers were brothers). • Married Fatimah bint Muhammad. • Therefore he was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. Children Ali and Fatimah had two very famous sons: • Hasan ibn Ali • Husayn ibn Ali These grandchildren are deeply respected in Islam. Early Life • Born around 600 CE in Mecca. • One of the first people to accept Islam, while still a child. • Raised in Muhammad’s household. Role in Early Islam • Known for bravery in battles. • Famous for wisdom, knowledge, and justice. As Caliph Ali’s rule was marked by civil conflict known as the First Fitna. Major events: • Battle of the Camel • Battle of Siffin These conflicts divided the Muslim community. Death • Assassinated in 661 CE in Kufa. Legacy • Revered in Sunni Islam as the fourth caliph. • Revered in Shia Islam as the first rightful Imam.

Answer 13

• Abu Bakr → father of Muhammad’s wife Aisha • Umar → father of Muhammad’s wife Hafsa • Uthman → husband of two daughters of Muhammad • Ali → cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad So all four were closely connected to the Prophet through family, friendship, and leadership.

Answer 14

Two of the most important women in early Islamic history are Khadija bint Khuwaylid and Aisha bint Abi Bakr. Both were wives of Muhammad, but they are known for different roles and contributions. ⸻ Khadija bint Khuwaylid Basic Information • Full name: Khadija bint Khuwaylid • Born: around 555 CE in Mecca • Died: around 619 CE • Title often used: Umm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) Relationship to the Prophet • She was the first wife of Muhammad. • Muhammad was 25 years old, and Khadija was about 40 when they married. • Their marriage lasted about 25 years, and he did not marry anyone else during her lifetime. Her Role in Islam Khadija has several unique distinctions: • First person to accept Islam. • Supported the Prophet when he received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira. • Used her wealth to support the early Muslim community when they were being persecuted. When Muhammad was frightened after the first revelation, Khadija comforted him and believed him immediately. Family Children of Muhammad and Khadija include: • Fatimah bint Muhammad • Zaynab bint Muhammad • Ruqayyah bint Muhammad • Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad Fatimah later married Ali ibn Abi Talib. Legacy Khadija is remembered as: • The first Muslim • The Prophet’s most supportive partner during the early years of Islam • One of the four greatest women in Islamic tradition

Answer 15

Aisha bint Abi Bakr Basic Information • Full name: Aisha bint Abi Bakr • Father: Abu Bakr • Born: around 613–614 CE in Mecca • Died: 678 CE in Medina She is also called “Umm al-Mu’minin” (Mother of the Believers), a title given to all wives of the Prophet. Relationship to the Prophet • Daughter of Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s closest companion. • Married the Prophet in Medina after the Hijra. Her Role in Islamic Knowledge Aisha became one of the most important scholars of early Islam. She: • Narrated over 2,000 hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet). • Taught many companions and later scholars. • Was known for intelligence, memory, and knowledge of Islamic law. Historical Events Aisha also played a role in the early political conflicts of the Muslim community. She was involved in the Battle of the Camel, which happened during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Afterward, she returned to Medina and focused on teaching and scholarship. Legacy Aisha is remembered as: • One of the greatest narrators of hadith • A major teacher of Islamic law and history • One of the most influential women in Islam. ⸻ 💡 Interesting connection: Both women were connected to the early leadership of Islam: • Khadija → mother of the Prophet’s children. • Aisha → daughter of Abu Bakr, the first caliph. ⸻ If you want, I can also show you something fascinating: the 11 wives of the Prophet and what each of them was known for — some of them have really interesting stories.

Answer 16

Yes — in most cases your fast is still valid if you brush your teeth with toothpaste during Ramadan, as long as you do not intentionally swallow anything. What Islamic scholars generally say In Islam during Ramadan: • Brushing your teeth does not break the fast by itself. • What breaks the fast is deliberately swallowing something that reaches the throat or stomach. Because toothpaste has a taste and foam, many scholars say: • It is permissible but disliked (makruh) to brush with toothpaste while fasting because there’s a higher chance something might be swallowed. • If a tiny amount accidentally goes down without intention, the fast remains valid. Regarding the residue you mentioned What you described is very common. If: • You try your best to rinse it out, and • Anything that goes down is accidental, then your fast is not broken according to the majority of scholars. Islamic rulings usually consider intention and reasonable effort. You’re not required to achieve absolute perfection if you’re genuinely trying to avoid swallowing it. If you brush your teeth and do not intentionally swallow toothpaste, your fast is still valid, even if a tiny residue accidentally goes down despite rinsing.

Answer 17

You are not just a Mum the angels write down every nappy change Every tear wiped every dua whispered You are not just a Mum you are engaged in ibadah every single day even when it doesn’t feel holy You wake up before your alarm because your child needs you You sooth them through exhaustion When you choose patience over frustration Allah swt sees it all The Prophet Muhammed SAW to us that actions are judged based on their intentions so when your intention is to raise your children with imaan every mundane moment becomes worship Changing nappies preparing meals teaching them how to say bismillah you’re not losing yourself you’re building an ummah one soul at a time And on those days that it feels unseen, remember this the angels are recording what the world overlooks Allah swt never let a Mothers efforts go unrewarded Motherhood in the eyes of Allah swt is sacred

Answer 18

“If something reaches you about your brother that you dislike, then seek an excuse for him — one up to seventy excuses. If you find one, well and good; otherwise say: ‘Perhaps he has an excuse which I do not know.’” Not hadith but from a classical book

Answer 19

In Islamic teachings, the issue of plucking or reshaping eyebrows is mainly discussed under the concept of “nams” (removing eyebrow hair for beautification). Why it is discouraged/prohibited (in many interpretations) The primary basis comes from narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, where he is reported to have: • Cursed women who remove eyebrow hair for the purpose of altering appearance (often translated as “plucking” or “thinning” the eyebrows). Because of these narrations, many scholars conclude that: • Deliberately reshaping or thinning eyebrows for beauty purposes is not allowed in mainstream Islamic rulings. The reasoning scholars give They usually explain it as: • Altering Allah’s creation without necessity • Changing appearance purely for beautification, which is seen as going beyond natural grooming limits in this specific case Important nuance (this is often misunderstood) Not all hair removal is treated the same: • Allowed (according to many scholars): • Removing hair between the eyebrows (unibrow area) • Trimming stray or excessive hair that is not part of the natural eyebrow shape • Grooming for cleanliness • Disputed or restricted: • Shaping, thinning, or fully redesigning eyebrow shape • Exceptions some scholars mention: • If there is a medical issue, deformity, or harm • If a husband strongly prefers it in some juristic opinions (though still debated and not universally accepted)

Islam Flashcards

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