PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

This question assesses knowledge of Persian poets and their historical context in the Indian Subcontinent.

• Correct Option B: Mughals. Urfi Shirazi (1555–1591) was a celebrated Persian poet who migrated to India. He found significant patronage and became a prominent figure in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar (reigned 1556–1605). The Mughal era was a golden age for Persian literature in India.
• Distractor A: Ghaznavids. The Ghaznavid dynasty ruled parts of the Subcontinent much earlier, primarily in the 11th and 12th centuries, long before Urfi Shirazi's time.
• Distractor C: Khiljis. The Khilji dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, centuries before Urfi Shirazi.
• Distractor D: Lodhis. The Lodi dynasty was the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, ruling in the 15th and early 16th centuries, just before the establishment of the Mughal Empire. Urfi arrived during the established Mughal era.

This question, similar to the previous one, tests knowledge of Persian poets and their historical presence in the Indian Subcontinent.

• Correct Option B: Mughals. Naziri Nishapuri (died 1612) was another eminent Persian poet who, like Urfi Shirazi, migrated to India. He flourished under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and Jahangir. The Mughal court actively encouraged and supported Persian literary figures during this period.
• Distractor A: Ghaznavids. The Ghaznavid period predates Naziri by several centuries, making it an incorrect choice.
• Distractor C: Khiljis. The Khilji dynasty ruled much earlier than Naziri's lifetime, making this option historically inaccurate.
• Distractor D: Lodhis. The Lodi dynasty also ruled before the peak of Mughal patronage for Persian poets like Naziri, thus it is incorrect.

The correct answer is Hazrat Ali (RA). Abu Turab, meaning 'Father of Dust', was a title affectionately given to Hazrat Ali (RA) by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself. This occurred when the Prophet found Ali (RA) sleeping in the mosque, covered in dust. It is a title of great honor and endearment, signifying his humility and closeness to the Prophet.

• Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was known as As-Siddiq (The Truthful).

• Hazrat Umar (RA) was known as Al-Farooq (The Discerner).

• Hazrat Usman (RA) was known as Dhun-Nurayn (Possessor of Two Lights).

These titles distinguish them from Hazrat Ali (RA).

The correct answer is Hazrat Zaid bin Haris (RA). He is the only companion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whose name is explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Ahzab (Chapter 33), verse 37. This verse discusses his divorce from Zainab bint Jahsh and her subsequent marriage to the Prophet (SAW), addressing a societal custom of the time.

• Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit (RA) was a prominent scribe of the Quran but his name is not mentioned.

• Hazrat Usman bin Affan (RA) and Hazrat Hassan bin Ali (RA) are revered companions, but their names are not directly stated in the Quran, though many companions are referred to indirectly.

This unique mention highlights Zaid bin Haris's special status.

The correct answer is Hazrat Yaqoob (AS). 'Israel' is the revered title of Prophet Yaqoob (AS), meaning 'servant of God' or 'one who strives with God'. The descendants of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) are known as the Children of Israel (Bani Israel), a term frequently used in the Quran to refer to the Jewish people.

• Hazrat Younus (AS) is known for his story with the whale.

• Hazrat Ishaq (AS) was the son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and father of Prophet Yaqoob (AS).

• Hazrat Yousaf (AS) was the son of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and known for his beautiful story in the Quran.

Each prophet has distinct identities and titles, making Yaqoob (AS) the sole bearer of the title Israel.

The correct answer is Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). The first Hajj in Islam, after the conquest of Makkah, was performed in 9 AH (631 CE) under the leadership of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not lead this Hajj himself but appointed Abu Bakr (RA) to establish the rituals and declare the new Islamic regulations, including the prohibition of polytheists from performing Hajj.

• Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) led the Farewell Hajj in 10 AH.

• Hazrat Usman (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA) were prominent companions but did not lead this specific Hajj.

Abu Bakr's leadership in this pivotal event solidified the Islamic practices of Hajj.

The correct answer is 9 Zil-Hajj. The gathering at Arafat, known as 'Wuquf al-Arafat', is the most crucial and indispensable pillar of Hajj. Pilgrims spend the entire day of the 9th of Zil-Hajj from noon until sunset in prayer and supplication on the plains of Arafat, seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

• 8 Zil-Hajj is the day pilgrims move from Makkah to Mina.

• 10 Zil-Hajj is Eid al-Adha, when pilgrims perform the ritual of sacrifice and circumambulate the Kaaba.

• 11 Zil-Hajj is one of the days of Tashreeq, involving the ritual of stoning the pillars in Mina.

The day of Arafat is central to the Hajj pilgrimage's validity.

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 Shahnameh, or 'Book of Kings', is the national epic of Iran, primarily authored by Ferdowsi Tusi. However, the monumental task of compiling Iran's mythical and historical past began before him. Daqiqi Tusi was an earlier Persian poet who undertook this project, composing approximately 1,000 verses, mainly focusing on the Zoroastrian period, before his untimely death. Ferdowsi later incorporated Daqiqi's work into his own comprehensive Shahnameh. Masud Saad Salman, Farrukhi Sistani, and Rudaki Samarqandi were significant Persian poets, but they were not involved in the early narration or compilation of the Shahnameh in the same capacity as Daqiqi.

This question tests knowledge of historical periods and prominent figures. Umar Khayyam was a renowned Persian polymath, mathematician, astronomer, and poet.

• Correct Option C: Saljuq Period. Umar Khayyam lived from 1048 to 1131 CE. This era corresponds precisely with the height of the Seljuk (Saljuq) Empire, which dominated Persia and much of the Middle East. He received patronage from Seljuk rulers and their viziers.
• Distractor A: Samanids Period. The Samanid Empire ended in the late 10th century, before Khayyam's birth.
• Distractor B: Ghaznavids Period. While the Ghaznavids were powerful in the 11th century, their influence in Persia waned significantly with the rise of the Seljuks, who became the dominant power during Khayyam's active years.
• Distractor D: Safavids Period. The Safavid Empire emerged much later, in the early 16th century, centuries after Khayyam's death.

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.