Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Competitive Examination for Recruitment to BPS-17 Posts under the Federal Government
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
MAXIMUM MARKS: 100 Marks
Paper : Islamic History & Culture
PART-1 (Objective) 20 Marks
Before Islam, which religion was predominant in the Arabian Peninsula?
(A) Christianity
(B) Judaism
(C) Polytheism ✓
(D) Zoroastrianism
Which of the following was the main source of cultural influence in pre-Islamic Arabian society?
(A) Persian culture ✓
(B) Egyptian civilization
(C) Christian and Jewish beliefs
(D) None of these
Which is the year of the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?
(A) 570 or 571 CE ✓
(B) 575 or 576 CE
(C) 590 or 591 CE
(D) 595 or 596 CE
Under the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattāb (رضي الله عنه), the Islamic empire expanded into which region?
(B) Persia and the Byzantine Empire ✓
(A) North Africa and Spain
(C) India and Central Asia
(D) None of these
Which of the following was a key feature of the governance of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattāb (رضي الله عنه)?
(A) Centralization of power
(B) Introduction of a judicial system
(C) Creation of a standing army
(D) All of these ✓
Under the rule of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattāb (رضي الله عنه), which key financial institution was established to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth?
(A) The Bayt al-Mal (Public Treasury) ✓
(B) The Islamic Bank
(C) The Zakat Fund
(D) All of these
Which of the following is the main reason for the rise of factionalism during the Caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه)?
(A) Disputes over differences of belief
(B) The assassination of Usman bin Affan (رضي الله عنه) ✓
(C) Economic hardship
(D) None of these
Which of the following best describes the role of the Caliph in the Islamic State under the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Pious Caliphate?
(A) Political leader only
(B) Religious leader only
(C) Political and religious leader with responsibilities for both governance and spiritual guidance ✓
(D) None of these
What was the primary source of law during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?
(A) The Qur’an and Hadith ✓
(B) The Qur’an Only
(C) Consensus of the companions (Ijma)
(D) None of these
In the context of early Islamic defense, which military leader is known for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the battle of Yarmouk?
(A) Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه)
(B) Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (رضي الله عنه)
(C) Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه)
(D) Khalid ibn al-Walid (رضي الله عنه) ✓
Which companion of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is known for his role in collecting the Qur’an and transmitting knowledge to the next generation?
(A) Umar ibn al-Khattāb (رضي الله عنه)
(B) Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه) ✓
(C) Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه)
(D) Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه)
Which of the following events significantly contributed to the spread of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula?
(A) The migration to Medina
(B) The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
(C) The conquest of Makka ✓
(D) None of these
What is the main characteristic of the political system in the Islamic state established by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?
(A) Democracy
(B) Monarchy
(C) Theocracy ✓
(D) Oligarchy
During which of the following was the Dome of the Rock built?
(A) Umar ibn al-Khattāb (رضي الله عنه)
(B) Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan ✓
(C) Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan (رضي الله عنه)
(D) None of these
PART-2 (Subjective) 80 Marks
Attempt ONLY FOUR questions from PART-II by selecting TWO questions from EACH SECTION. (20×4)
PART-II
SECTION-A
Q1. Describe the Prophet’s (PBUH) methods to resolve the various (tribal, linguistic, political religious, etc.) conflicts and promote peace in the Muslim society in the context of the Madani Era.
Q2. Explain the challenges faced by Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) in consolidating Islam after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and how he overcame them.
Q3. What was the role of zakat (charity) in the financial system of early Islam? How was it managed by the Caliphs?
Q4. Examine the military organization of the Ummayyads and their strategies for expanding the Islamic empire.
SECTION-B
Q5. Discuss the factors that contributed to the political fragmentation of Muslim Spain. How did the Taifa Kingdoms emerge? What impact did they have on the unity of Muslim rule?
Q6. Discuss the origin and early development of Sufism. What were the primary factors that contributed to the emergence of Sufism in the early centuries of Islam?
Q7. Write short notes on the following:
The relationship between Islamic Modernism and Western influence
The contributions of Al-Andalus in the spread of Islamic knowledge to Europe
