Most Expected Islamiat Topics for PMS

For the PMS Islamiat paper, are you having trouble finding the most expected Islamiat themes, despite searching everywhere? Your quest ends here! Having carefully examined previous PMS exams, the following article lists the most expected topics and study techniques for candidates.

As the competitive landscape of the PMS (Provincial Management Services) exam continues to evolve, the subject of Islamiat remains a critical component in evaluating a candidate’s intellectual depth, religious insight, and understanding of Islamic values and systems. While Islamiat appears in both CSS and PMS syllabi, the question style and expectations in PMS are noticeably distinct.

Unlike CSS, which leans more towards argumentative and interdisciplinary essays, PMS Islamiat demands a verse-based, factually grounded approach. Many questions are structured around direct explanation of Qur’anic verses, with a special focus on classical Islamic systems, the role of the Prophet (PBUH), the importance of Ijtihad, and contemporary challenges facing the Ummah.

Most Expected Islamiat Topics for PMS

Based on a careful study of PMS past papers from 2015 to 2021, this article outlines the most expected topics and preparation strategy for upcoming candidates.

1- Purpose of Prophethood and Universality of Muhammad (PBUH)

This topic consistently appears in nearly every second paper, in various forms, from the finality and universality of the Prophet (PBUH) to the need for prophets in human society. The following aspects must be mastered:

• Purpose of Prophethood: Guidance, moral uplift, correction of corrupt societies, and establishing the Divine code.
  
• Importance of the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH): The final messenger, model of excellence (Surah Ahzab 33:21), and mercy for all (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107).
  
• Universality of His Message: Unlike past prophets sent to specific nations, Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to all mankind (Surah Saba 34:28).
  

Past Paper Insight: PMS 2022 Q1 and PMS 2017 repeatedly touched on the role of the Prophet (PBUH) in social reformation and the universality of his mission.

Expected Focus: The Prophet’s (PBUH) message as timeless, global, and relevant in modern multicultural societies.

2- Islamic Social System and Model from Khulafa-e-Rashideen

Islam’s social structure emphasizes justice, equality, family cohesion, and community welfare. PMS papers frequently ask candidates to compare Islamic values with modern societal breakdowns.

• Core Values: Brotherhood (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:10), family values, rights of neighbors, orphans, and the needy.
  
• Khulafa-e-Rashideen Examples:
  
  • Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA): Welfare of the weak and poor.
    
  • Hazrat Umar (RA): Institutionalised social justice, Bait-ul-Mal, pensions, rationing during famine.
    
  • Hazrat Uthman (RA): Public infrastructure and social charity.
    
  • Hazrat Ali (RA): Emphasis on fairness, transparency, and accountability.
    

Expected Question: “Discuss the social set-up of Islam and provide examples from the era of the Pious Caliphs.”

3- Ijtihad: Its Importance, Types, and Modern Relevance

The recurring presence of Ijtihad in nearly every PMS paper highlights its centrality to Islamic jurisprudence, especially in the modern era.

• Definition: Intellectual exertion in deducing rulings in matters not directly addressed in the Qur’an or Hadith.
  
• Types: Individual (by Mujtahid), Collective (Ijma), Qiyas (analogy), Istihsan (juristic preference), and Maslahah (public interest).
  
• Modern Importance:
  
  • Addressing bioethics, AI, environmental justice, and international law.
    
  • Revival of Ijtihad as a solution to intellectual stagnation in Muslim societies.
    

Past paper references: PMS 2016, 2019, and 2020 all posed direct or indirect questions about Ijtihad and its relevance today.

Expected Angle: Ijtihad as a bridge between traditional Shariah and modern issues.

4- Islamic Justice System as a Model for the World

Justice lies at the heart of Islamic civilization. Given increasing global debates about fair governance and accountability, Islamic principles of justice are not only relevant but also offer an alternative model.

• Core Principles:
  
  • Equality before law (Surah An-Nisa 4:135).
    
  • No favoritism, even against oneself or family.
    
  • Due process and transparency.
    
• Judicial Models:
  
  • Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Treating non-Muslim and Muslim litigants equally.
    
  • Hazrat Umar (RA): Removal of governors based on public complaints.
    
• Universal Appeal: Ethics-based justice, moral accountability, and an independent judiciary.
  

Expected Question: “Present the Islamic justice system as a viable global model.”

5- Islamic Foreign Policy in Light of Qur’an and Sunnah

Foreign policy in Islam is driven not by expansionism but by justice, peace, and Dawah.

• Principles:
  
  • Peace over war (Surah Al-Anfal 8:61).
    
  • Respecting treaties (Surah At-Tawbah 9:4).
    
  • Protection of minorities and diplomats.
    
  • Avoiding transgression (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190).
    
• Prophet’s (PBUH) Examples:
  
  • Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, letters to rulers, treatment of Christian delegations.
    
• Relevance Today:
  
  • Conflict resolution, multilateral diplomacy, and countering Islamophobia.
    

Expected Question: “What should be the key features of foreign policy for Islamic states based on Islamic teachings?”

6- Intellectual Decline of the Muslim Ummah and Its Causes

The question of intellectual decay is not just philosophical but practical. The Muslim world’s current struggles are rooted in lost creativity, outdated religious interpretations, and educational stagnation.

• Causes
  
  • Neglect of Ijtihad.
    
  • Rote-based religious education.
    
  • Detachment from scientific progress.
    
  • Sectarian divisions and political fragmentation.
    
• Solutions
  
  • Reopening the doors of Ijtihad.
    
  • Modernizing religious seminaries.
    
  • Reviving institutions like Bayt-ul-Hikmah.
    
  • Promoting interdisciplinary Islamic scholarship.
    

Expected Question: “What are the causes of intellectual decline in the Muslim world? Suggest Islamic solutions.”

Other Expected Areas Based on PMS Past Trends

• Rights of Non-Muslims in Islamic State

PMS has repeatedly included this question. Candidates should prepare verses such as Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8) and examples from the Seerah, especially the Constitution of Madinah and the protection of Christians in Najran.

• Status and Economic Rights of Women

Cover Qur’anic laws on inheritance (Surah An-Nisa), the Prophet’s treatment of women, and examples from Khulafa-e-Rashideen regarding education, dowry, and financial independence.

Amar Bil Ma’roof wa Nahi Anil Munkar

Frequently asked in relation to modern society. Explain its meaning, relevance to social reforms, and challenges in pluralistic, rights-sensitive modern states.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Roles

As a teacher, diplomat, military leader, and administrator, based on Seerah and supported by Ghazawat, the Madinah Charter, and judicial roles.

Prepare Conceptually, Respond Structurally

PMS Islamiat demands more than cramming; it requires a conceptual understanding rooted in Qur’anic evidence, supported by historical examples, and contextualised in the modern world. From Prophethood to justice, from ijtihad to intellectual reform, the examiner seeks depth, clarity, and relevance.

By closely studying the themes outlined above and structuring answers with ayahs, Hadiths, and real-world parallels, candidates can position themselves for success in one of the most scoring yet intellectually demanding papers of the PMS exam.

Who is Miss Ayesha Irfan?

Miss Ayesha Irfan is a senior Islamiat coach at CSSPREPFORUM, Howtests, and Howfiv. With a legacy of solving all CSS and PMS Islamiat past papers from 2010 to 2025, she is known for training students to write high-scoring analytical answers that lead to allocations.