General Knowledge MCQs for PPSC, FPSC & Competitive Exams (Free PDF)

The correct answer is Surah Ikhlas. This Surah is highly revered in Islam and is considered equivalent to one-third of the Holy Quran. This profound virtue is attributed to its concise yet comprehensive declaration of Tawhid (the absolute Oneness of Allah), which is the fundamental principle of Islam. Reciting it three times is akin to reciting the entire Quran in terms of reward.

• Surah Fatiha is the opening chapter and known as 'The Mother of the Book'.

• Surah Naas is one of the last Surahs, seeking refuge from evil.

• Surah Baqarah is the longest Surah, containing many laws and stories.

While all Surahs are significant, Surah Ikhlas holds this unique distinction due to its core theological message.

The Basmala (Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim) is a fundamental phrase in Islam, signifying the start of most Surahs in the Quran. However, Surah Tauba (also known as Bara'ah) is unique as it does not begin with the Basmala. This is traditionally understood because it contains a declaration of disavowal against polytheists, which is not compatible with the mercy and blessings implied by the Basmala. Some scholars also suggest it's a continuation of Surah Anfal. Distractors like Surah Anfal, Surah Baqarah, and Surah Nisa all commence with the Basmala, following the standard Quranic structure.

The question refers to the first migration of Muslims to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) to escape persecution in Mecca. Hazrat Jafar ibn Abi Talib (RA), a cousin of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and a prominent companion, led this group. When the Quraish pursued them, Jafar (RA) eloquently presented the tenets of Islam and recited verses from the Quran before King Najashi, successfully defending the Muslim community. Hazrat Ali (RA) remained in Mecca. While Hazrat Usman (RA) was among the emigrants, Jafar (RA) was the primary spokesperson. Hazrat Bilal (RA) was also a companion but not the one who addressed Najashi in this pivotal event.

The Mathnawi Hadiqat-ul-Haqiqat, meaning 'The Garden of Truth', is a foundational work in Persian Sufi literature. It was composed by Sanai Ghaznavi (Abu'l-Majd Majdud ibn Adam Sanai), an influential 12th-century Persian poet. This epic poem is considered one of the earliest and most significant mystical mathnawis, deeply impacting subsequent Sufi poets like Rumi. Farrukhi Sistani and Amir Moazzi were renowned panegyric poets, while Abu Shakoor Balkhi is known for his 'Afrin-nama', none of whom authored this specific mystical work.

The Mathnawi-e-Ma'navi, commonly known as the Mathnawi, is the monumental masterpiece of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. This six-volume epic poem is a cornerstone of Persian literature and Sufi mysticism, renowned for its profound spiritual insights, parables, and lyrical beauty. It explores themes of divine love, separation, and union with God. Saadi is famous for his 'Gulistan' and 'Bustan'. Anwari was a celebrated panegyrist. Shams Tabrizi was Rumi's spiritual mentor, not the author of the Mathnawi, though his influence on Rumi's work was immense.

The Diwan-e-Shams, or more fully, the 'Diwan-e-Shams-e-Tabrizi', is a vast collection of lyrical poems (ghazals) composed by the illustrious Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. Rumi dedicated this entire divan to his spiritual guide and beloved companion, Shams-e Tabrizi, whose disappearance profoundly impacted Rumi's spiritual and poetic expression. Hafiz is known for his own 'Diwan-e-Hafiz'. Amir Khusrow was a prominent Indo-Persian poet, and Urfi Shirazi was a notable poet of the Safavid era, but neither authored the 'Diwan-e-Shams'.

The first widely recognized written collection of Hadith is Al-Muatta. Compiled by Imam Malik ibn Anas in the 8th century, it served as a foundational text for Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith studies, containing both Hadith and the opinions of the people of Madinah.

• Al-Muatta is historically acknowledged as the earliest comprehensive Hadith compilation.
• Al-Muslim (Sahih Muslim) and Al-Bukhari (Sahih al-Bukhari) are later, highly authoritative, and more extensive collections, but not the first.
• Al-Nawawi was a prominent scholar who compiled Hadith collections like Riyad as-Salihin, but he lived centuries after Imam Malik and did not produce the first collection.

The author of the famous commentary Fath al-Bari on Sahih Bukhari is Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani. His work is considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative explanations of Imam Bukhari's Hadith collection, revered for its depth and scholarly rigor.

• Ibn Hajar is universally recognized as the author of Fath al-Bari.
• Al-Aini authored another significant commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari called Umdat al-Qari.
• Al-Qastalani wrote Irshad al-Sari, another notable commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari.
• Al-Suyuti was a prolific scholar with numerous works, but Fath al-Bari is not attributed to him.

Tafsir Tabari, also known as Jami' al-Bayan 'an Ta'wil Ayi al-Qur'an, is widely regarded as Umm al-Tafsir (the Mother of Tafsir). Authored by Imam Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, it is celebrated for its comprehensive nature, reliance on early sources, and profound influence on subsequent Quranic exegesis.

• Tafsir Tabari is the correct answer due to its foundational status and comprehensive methodology.
• Tafsir Qurtubi, Tafsir Baidawi, and Tafsir Jalalain are all important and widely studied works of tafsir, but they were composed later and often built upon the groundwork laid by Tafsir al-Tabari.

The work Al-Jawahir fi Tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim, often referred to simply as Al-Jawahir & Tafsir al-Quran, is attributed to Sheikh Tantawi Jawhari. This tafsir is notable for its scientific approach, attempting to interpret Quranic verses in light of modern scientific discoveries and natural phenomena.

• Sheikh Tantawi (Jawhari) is the author of this distinctive scientific tafsir.
• Mullah Jwan is a scholar, but not associated with this specific tafsir.
• Al-Suyuti was a classical scholar known for many works, but not Al-Jawahir.
• Al-Qurtabi (Imam al-Qurtubi) authored the classical Tafsir al-Qurtubi, which is a different work focusing on legal rulings.

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (RA) is widely known as the fifth pious Caliph of Islam. Despite being an Umayyad ruler, his reign was characterized by justice, piety, and reforms that closely emulated the principles of the first four Rightly Guided Caliphs, earning him this esteemed title.

• Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (RA) is the correct answer, recognized for his exemplary leadership and adherence to Islamic values.
• Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) was a revered companion and son of the second Caliph, but not a Caliph himself.
• Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (RA) was the second Rightly Guided Caliph, not the fifth.
• Hazrat Hussain bin Ali (RA) was the grandson of the Prophet, a revered figure, but not referred to as the fifth pious Caliph.

The incident referred to as Fateh Mubeen (Clear Victory) in the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Fath, 48:1) is the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Although it initially appeared to be a disadvantageous agreement for the Muslims, it proved to be a pivotal moment that led to peace, increased conversions to Islam, and ultimately paved the way for the peaceful conquest of Makkah. The Quran highlights its strategic importance as a clear triumph.

• Battle of Hirah is not mentioned as Fateh Mubeen.
• Battle of Miraj is incorrect; Miraj refers to the Prophet's ascension, not a battle.
• While the Conquest of Makkah was a significant victory, the Quran specifically designates the Treaty of Hudaibiyah as the 'clear victory' that facilitated it.

The present order of the Surahs (chapters) and Ayats (verses) in the Holy Quran is known as Toufiqui (or Tawqifi). This means that the arrangement is divinely ordained and was established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) under the direct instruction of Allah, not based on human discretion or chronological revelation.

• Tanzil refers to the revelation of the Quran itself, not its arrangement.
• Tartil refers to the proper and melodious recitation of the Quran.
• Nuzuli refers to the chronological order in which the verses and chapters were revealed, which differs from the current arrangement in the Mushaf.

The most primary source of Seerah (the biography of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) is the work of Ibn Ishaq. His comprehensive work, 'Sirat Rasul Allah' (The Life of the Messenger of God), is the earliest and most detailed account available. Although the original manuscript is lost, it was preserved and transmitted by later scholars, most notably Ibn Hisham, who edited and abridged it.

• Zad al-Maad is a later work by Ibn al-Qayyim, not a primary source.
• Ibn Hisham is crucial for preserving and transmitting Ibn Ishaq's work, but Ibn Ishaq is the original primary author.
• Insan al-Uyun is also a later biographical work by Ali ibn Burhanuddin al-Halabi.

The divorce in which the husband loses the right to Ruju (reconciliation or revocation of divorce) is called Talaq Bain (irrevocable divorce). In this type of divorce, the marriage is completely dissolved, and if the couple wishes to remarry, a new marriage contract (Nikah) is required. The husband cannot unilaterally take his wife back during the waiting period (iddah).

• Raji (revocable divorce) allows the husband to revoke the divorce during the iddah without a new marriage contract.
• Ahsan refers to a recommended method of giving a revocable divorce, involving a single pronouncement during a period of purity.
• Bidat refers to an innovated or irregular form of divorce, often involving three pronouncements at once, which is generally considered sinful but effective.

In Islamic business, when one person invests capital and another offers their services and expertise, this partnership is known as Mudarabah. The capital provider (Rabb-ul-Maal) bears the financial risk, while the working partner (Mudarib) contributes labor and management. Profits are shared according to a pre-agreed ratio, and any losses are typically borne by the capital provider, unless caused by the Mudarib's negligence or misconduct.

• Musharakah is a partnership where all partners contribute both capital and labor, sharing profits and losses.
• Riba refers to interest or usury, which is prohibited in Islamic finance.
• Salam is a contract where payment is made in advance for goods to be delivered at a future date.

The subject dealing with inheritance in Islam is known as Al-Mirath. This term specifically refers to the Islamic law of inheritance, which outlines the distribution of a deceased person's estate among their heirs according to Quranic injunctions and Sunnah.

• Al-Mirath is the correct term for the entire subject of inheritance law.
• Al-Turath is a general term for heritage or legacy, not the specific legal discipline.
• Al-Wajibat refers to duties or obligations, which is unrelated to inheritance as a subject.
• Al-Faraid refers to the fixed shares of inheritance, which is a component of Al-Mirath, but not the overarching subject itself.