1. Where is the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) located?
[A] Rabat, Morocco
[B] Cairo, Egypt
[C] Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
[D] Tehran, Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
In a recent statement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental group after the United Nations, with 57 member countries across four continents. It was founded on 25 September 1969 in Rabat, Morocco, following the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The OIC works to protect Islamic values and the sovereignty and independence of its member states. It also aims to promote peace, security, and cooperation in political, economic, and social matters. The OIC acts as the unified voice of the Muslim world on global issues. Its headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and its official languages are Arabic, English, and French.
2. With reference to Sufism and its cultural impact, consider the following statements:
- The term Sufism is derived from the Arabic word ‘suf’, meaning silk.
- The Qadiri order of Sufism was founded by Shaikh Abd’ul Qadir Jilani in the 12th century.
- Sufism emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic law (shari‘a) in all practices.
- The Chishti order is named after the town of Chisht in Afghanistan.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one]
Notes:- The term Sufism is derived from the Arabic word ‘suf’, meaning silk: This is incorrect. It is derived from ‘suf’, meaning wool, referring to the coarse woolen garments worn by Sufis.
- The Qadiri order of Sufism was founded by Shaikh Abd’ul Qadir Jilani in the 12th century: This is correct. Shaikh Jilani is a prominent figure in Sufism.
- Sufism emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic law (shari‘a) in all practices: This is incorrect. Many Sufis adopt a more mystical approach that can sometimes diverge from strict legalism.
- The Chishti order is named after the town of Chisht in Afghanistan: This is correct. The Chishti order is indeed named after Chisht, Afghanistan.
Thus, only one statement is correct. The correct answer is (A) Only one.
3. In the light of Sufism and its influence on the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements:
- Rumi, a prominent Sufi poet, was born in present-day Afghanistan.
- The Chishti order of Sufism emphasizes music and poetry as a means of spiritual connection.
- The Qadiriyya order, founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani, is known for its strict adherence to Islamic law.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Rumi, a prominent Sufi poet, was born in present-day Afghanistan: This is correct. Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh, which is now part of Afghanistan.
- The Chishti order of Sufism emphasizes music and poetry as a means of spiritual connection: This is correct. The Chishti order is renowned for its use of music (Qawwali) in spiritual practices.
- The Qadiriyya order, founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani, is known for its strict adherence to Islamic law: This is correct. The Qadiriyya order emphasizes both spiritual and legal dimensions of Islam.
Thus, all statements are correct. The correct answer is (C) All three.
4. In the context of cultural practices in South Asia, consider the following statements:
- The Khojahs are a sect of Sunni Islam known for their unique architectural styles.
- Matrilocal residence is a practice where women move to their husband’s home after marriage.
- The ginan is a form of poetic expression used exclusively in the Ismaili community.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None]
Notes:- The Khojahs are a sect of Sunni Islam known for their unique architectural styles: This is incorrect. The Khojahs are a branch of the Ismailis, a Shi‘a sect, not Sunni.
- Matrilocal residence is a practice where women move to their husband’s home after marriage: This is incorrect. Matrilocal residence means the husband moves to the wife’s family home after marriage.
- The ginan is a form of poetic expression used exclusively in the Ismaili community: This is incorrect. While the ginan is related to the Ismaili community, it is not exclusive to them as other forms of poetry exist in various cultures.
Thus, none of the statements are correct. The correct answer is (d) None.
5. With reference to Sufi poetry and its cultural impact, consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: Sufi poetry often incorporated local languages to connect with the common people.
- Statement-II: The use of local languages in Sufi poetry was primarily to promote Islamic teachings among rural populations.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
[C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
[D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I]
Notes:Statement-I:- This statement is correct.
- Sufi poets often used local vernaculars to make their messages accessible to a wider audience.
Statement-II:
- This statement is correct.
- Incorporating local languages helped in the dissemination of Islamic teachings, especially in rural areas.
6. Regarding the administrative framework of the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements:
- Iqta was a land revenue system where land was assigned to military officers for administration.
- Patwari is a term used for the head of a village in the context of revenue collection.
- Waqf refers to a religious endowment in Islamic law, often involving land or property.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- Iqta was a land revenue system where land was assigned to military officers for administration: Correct. It facilitated governance and military control during the Sultanate.
- Patwari is a term used for the head of a village in the context of revenue collection: Correct. The Patwari was responsible for maintaining land records and collecting taxes.
- Waqf refers to a religious endowment in Islamic law, often involving land or property: Correct. It is a charitable trust that supports religious and social causes.
Thus, all statements are correct. The correct answer is (C) All three.
7. In the light of historical administrative systems, consider the following statements:
- The diwan-i insha’ was responsible for state correspondence and was headed by the dahir-i mumalik.
- The barid-i mumalik was the chief of the state news-agency and reported on wars and rebellions.
- The sadr-us sudur was the highest religious officer and was responsible for appointing qazis.
- The muhatsibs ensured public adherence to Islamic laws and practices.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- The diwan-i insha’ was responsible for state correspondence and was headed by the dahir-i mumalik: This is correct. The diwan-i insha’ managed correspondence between the Sultan and other rulers.
- The barid-i mumalik was the chief of the state news-agency and reported on wars and rebellions: This is correct. The barid-i mumalik collected and disseminated crucial information regarding state affairs.
- The sadr-us sudur was the highest religious officer and responsible for appointing qazis: This is correct. The sadr-us sudur oversaw religious appointments and ecclesiastical matters.
- The muhatsibs ensured public adherence to Islamic laws and practices: This is correct. The muhatsibs acted as public censors to maintain Islamic principles.
Thus, all four statements are correct.
8. Consider the following:
- Khutba
- Jummah
- Salat
Which of the above is/are associated with Islamic congregational practices?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
1. Khutba is a sermon delivered during the Friday prayer, emphasizing moral and ethical guidance. 2. Jummah refers to the Friday prayer, which is a congregational prayer held in place of the regular noon prayer. 3. Salat is the Islamic ritual prayer performed five times a day, which includes the Jummah prayer as a special weekly observance. 4. All three terms are integral to Islamic worship, promoting community and spiritual reflection among Muslims.
9. Consider the following pairs:
| Caliphate | Religious and political leadership in Islam |
| Abbasid Caliphate | Known for its cultural and scientific advancements during the Islamic Golden Age |
| Umayyad Caliphate | First major Islamic caliphate established after the death of Muhammad |
| Fatimid Caliphate | Claimed descent from Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three pairs]
Notes:- Caliphate: It indeed refers to the religious and political leadership in Islam, primarily after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, making this pair correct.
- Abbasid Caliphate: Known for its cultural and scientific advancements during the Islamic Golden Age, this pair is also correct.
- Umayyad Caliphate: It was the first major Islamic caliphate established after the death of Muhammad, thus this pair is correct as well.
Thus, all three pairs are correct.
10. With reference to historical terms related to governance, consider the following statements:
- Khutba is a formal sermon delivered during the Islamic Friday prayer.
- Sikka refers to a type of ancient weapon used by rulers to enforce authority.
- Wizarat is a title for the chief military commander in an Islamic state.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one]
Notes:- Khutba is a formal sermon delivered during the Islamic Friday prayer: This is correct. It is an aspect of Islamic tradition and governance.
- Sikka refers to a type of ancient weapon used by rulers to enforce authority: This is incorrect. Sikka actually refers to coins issued by a ruler, symbolizing sovereignty.
- Wizarat is a title for the chief military commander in an Islamic state: This is incorrect. Wizarat refers to the finance ministry or the office of the vizier, not military leadership.
Thus, only one statement is correct.
