PMS 2020 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Finality of the Prophethood, Ijtihad
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2020 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner has asked about three different topics. First is the Finality of the Prophethood. Second is the Status of women in Islam, and the third is Ijtihad. The first part is an outline, breaking the question into different parts. Explain each part briefly, including the critical analysis and conclusion.
Outline
Finality of the Prophethood
1-Introduction
2-Purpose of Prophethood
3- The significance of Muhammad PBUH’s final prophetic Status
- ✓ Ultimate essence of Deen Islam
- ✓ Providing the Holy Quran, an infallible religious text, to the globe
- ✓ Providing worldwide human rights standards
- ✓ Building a multireligious society through fostering social values
4-Conclusion
Status of Women in Islam
1-Introduction
2- Importance of the Status of Women according to the Quran
- A-Quran glorifies women as a mother, wife, sister, and daughter
- B-Quran dignifies women in society
3- The importance of the Status of women according to Hadith
- ✓ Social rights of women
- ✓ Economic rights of women
- ✓ Political rights of women
4-Conclusion
Ijtihad
1-Introduction
2- Concept of Ijtihad in Islam
3-Importance of Ijtihad according to the Quran
4-Importance of Ijtihad according to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
A core tenet of Islam, prophethood has reinforced people’s moral character, faith in Allah, and unshakable belief that Allah is the supreme authority in the universe. In contrast to other religions, Islam has made it clear to its adherents that the Holy Prophet PBUH was not the only Prophet. Since they were all put to earth for the exact causes, a Muslim must believe in them all. Prophethood exists in the world to remind people of the truths that have been forgotten and to establish justice and religion for Allah. It also says that Muhammad is the last Prophet of the Holy Prophet PBUH and that his teachings and the book he mentioned must be adhered to due to his Miracle of Universality. The Holy Quran is still a timeless, sacred book that guides people in all facets of life.
Purpose of Prophethood
One hundred twenty-four thousand prophets were sent to the earth primarily to remind humanity of their obligations to Allah. The message of Allah has been communicated to his creation by each Prophet, including Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Yousaf, and others. According to the Quran, in Sura Al-Hijr, “Behold! It is we who have revealed this reminder. Behold! It is We who shall truly guard it. Al-Hijr. Furthermore, prophets have been sent to the globe during periods of great injustice and darkness. Allah says, “Muhammad (SallAllah-u-Alaihi-wa-Sallam) is not father amongst any of you men, though he is a messenger of Allah and Khatim ul Nabeeyen” [Surah Ahzaab (33), ayah 40]. This was the case with Hazarat Thamud, a.s., who was sent to his country when corruption and injustice were rampant.
“And we have sent you (O Muhammad!) Not but as a blessing to all the worlds (mankind, jins and all that exists)” (Qur’an 21: 107).
The significance of Muhammad PBUH’s final prophetic Status
- The ultimate essence of Deen Islam
Allah says: “Today I have completed your Deen”
[Surah Maida (5),ayah 3]
- Providing the Holy Quran, an infallible religious text, to the globe
Before Islam, upon the Prophets’ deaths, earlier religious texts such as the Bible, the Torah, and the Psalms of David were modified. As a result, the Quran was given to Prophet Muhammad PBUH in order to provide the world with a sacred text that would not change. In actuality, Allah assumed the responsibility of preventing its alteration. Additionally, Al-Hijr Ayat 9 states, “It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it.” Allah has shown that Muhammad’s teachings are applicable to everyone by providing an unaltered script that has remained constant for generations.
“I have revealed this advice, and I shall protect it “ [Al Hjir (15), ayah 9]
- Providing worldwide human rights standards
Prophet Muhammad provided universally applicable standards for every human being’s rights. In addition to teaching his followers about human rights, the PBUH has lived out these principles himself. As fundamental human rights, equality of treatment, freedom of life, employment, and opinion, and the prohibition of discrimination on whatever grounds are sparked by the rights mentioned in the Holy Prophet’s most recent speech. Furthermore, his teachings have shown the globe through instances that the guidelines are performable rather than paper-based. Moreover, the foundation has granted Black people the right to equality in all spheres of society.
- ✓ Building a multireligious society through fostering social values
Human rights were established as fundamental rights by the holy Prophet PBUH. However, the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on coexisting in a multireligious community have set the groundwork for resolving the global human issue. He created the first Madina state, where people of all religions coexisted peacefully. His administrative accomplishments, including his Madina Charter on Coexistence, are particularly applicable in the United States, a multireligious and multiethnic nation.
Conclusion
The final Messenger and Prophet of Allah Ta’ala is the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w). Declaring and believing in Allah Subhanahu wa Taala’s Oneness and Omnipotence is equally as crucial as affirming that Muhammad (s.a.w) is the final of Allah’s prophets. The objectives were to establish the Deen of Allah, remind people of Allah’s teachings, and bring justice to an unjust society. However, Muhammad’s teachings are applicable to everyone who is alive and well, while all of the teachings of earlier prophets were designed for certain nations or historical periods. The political, economic, and human rights teachings of Muhammad PBUH are still applicable today and can help everyone. Furthermore, because Muhammad PBUH’s obligation was assumed, the book that was revealed to him is unchanging, unlike the Bible or other sacred scriptures.
Status of Women in Islam
Introduction
Without a doubt, Allah (SWT) created men and women equally, without consideration for one another. For this reason, Islam has guaranteed gender equality and women’s rights in every aspect of their lives. Islam prohibits discrimination against women and ensures their equality. Muslim women now have the same rights as men because of their faith. Given that they are both given the same reward for good works and the same punishment for evil deeds, men and women in Islam are, therefore, without a doubt, equal in their relationship with Allah (SWT).
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women,” declares Allah. (2: 228)
Importance of Status of Women according to the Quran
- Quran glorifies women as a mother, wife, sister, and daughter
Undoubtedly, Islam elevates women’s Status as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters. Thus, Islam honours women’s dignity and emphasizes their position in Islamic society. The term “believing men and women” is frequently used in the holy Qur’an to underscore the equality of men and women with regard to their roles, rights, qualities, and virtues. Because there was a great deal of prejudice against women before Islam arrived, Islam is the religion that gave women a place of honour and dignity. According to the Qur’an, “We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth.” (Al-Ahqaf, 46:15). Furthermore, throughout the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) addresses women directly. “Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.” (2-223) According to Islam, all individuals—men and women alike—were formed in a state of purity, but women have a significant status in Islam.
The Quran dignifies women in society
In addition, Islam honours women’s dignity and emphasizes their position in Islamic society. Islam eradicated inhumanity, injustice, and discrimination against women. It also provided a thorough code of conduct for both men and women. Prior to Islam, pagan Arabs treated women like property or slaves with no rights, honour, dignity, or Status. They would also bury their female children alive and force them to dance in the open air near the Ka’ba during yearly fairs (Doi, 1992). Nonetheless, Islam gives women a special status and signifies their dignity. Allah says in Surah Nisa ayah-1, “O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.”
3- The importance of the Status of women according to Hadith
- Social rights of women
Islam eradicated inhumanity, injustice, and discrimination against women. It also provided a thorough code of conduct for both men and women. Muslims were instructed by the Prophet to treat women tenderly (peace be upon him). He urged everyone on his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj al-Wada) to be courteous and kind to ladies and, via them, to all upcoming Muslim pilgrims. He said, “Fear Allah (SWT) with regard to women.” You have wedded them in marriage and made their bodies lawful with the blessing and word of Allah (SWT). Depending on your financial situation, you have rights over them regarding food and clothing, and they have rights over you. Further, the Holy Prophet said, “Paradise is at the feet of mothers.” (In Al’Nisa’I, Ibn Majah, Ahmad). In fact, Islam views women as having the same social standing as males. Since they are seen as essential members of society, they enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men. Islam teaches that as men and women are equal in the sight of God, they ought to be treated with respect and decency.
- Economic rights of women
One part of Muhammad’s heritage was the eradication of infanticide and the establishment of unambiguous rights for women. An essential principle of Islam is gender equality. Inheritance, property, society, and marriage—including the ability to refuse a marriage proposal and file for divorce—are all granted to women by divine decree. Thus, the sermon is a perfect path to women’s social dignity. “You have rights over your wives, and your wives have rights over you,” he said during his last sermon. Hence, Islamic law ultimately acknowledges a woman’s right to her money, property, and other assets. Whether she is married or not has no bearing on this right.
- Political rights of women
In Islamic history, women have worked in administration, public affairs, education, research, and lawmaking. To continue this tradition, women are urged to actively participate in the leadership, service, and improvement of different aspects of the community while adhering to Islamic values. During Omar Ibn al-Khattab’s Caliphate, for example, a woman confronted him in the mosque, proved her argument, and forced him to declare in front of the crowd, “A woman is right, and Omar is wrong.” Furthermore, because the Qur’an honours the Queen of Sheba for her equitable governance, eminent scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam al-Tabari, and Ibn Hazm support the notion that women could hold the highest judicial post. Furthermore, Ibn Hazm asserts that women can fulfil the prophetic position without any theoretical obstacles. During Caliph Umar’s rule, women in Madina were assigned to financial roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Islam stands for the dignity and rights of women. In contrast to other religions, women enjoy a very high standing there, which is genuinely fitting given their nature. Her responsibilities and rights are comparable to those of males, but they are not necessarily the same. Even if she loses something in one area, she gets compensated more than enough in several others. Islam provides for all of her requirements. Her rights and obligations are perfectly aligned. The balance between rights and duties does not favour one party over the other.
Ijtihad
Introduction
Ijtihad is the process of arriving at a verdict in Islamic law by independently interpreting the legal sources, which are the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Traditionally, a person who used Ijtihad must be an alim or scholar of Islamic law and is known as a mujtahid. However, this word and the word jihad come from the Arabic root juhd. “Ijtihad” describes the effort or striving required for any undertaking that entails a certain amount of suffering. Juhd denotes carrying a hefty load, while Ijtihad denotes intellectual labour.
Concept of Ijtihad in Islam
Ijtihad, taken literally, is to strive, exert, self-endeavor, or to try to infer a principle and to give it one’s all. However, from a legal perspective, it describes the intense attempts made by jurists to extrapolate legal standards and principles from data found in sacred scriptures. To exercise one’s judgment or opinion in a jurisprudential sense is known as Ijtihad. This implies that in the absence of explicit or implied divine decrees, one should use a ruling that is more consistent with reason and taste, more in accordance with justice and truth, or comparable to other Islamic regulations. Moreover, Imam Ghazali brought back the understanding of Islam, condemned blind faith, resisted strict conformity, and directed people’s attention to the Book of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Sunnah as the authentic sources of guidance. He rekindled the spirit of Ijtihad, denounced all sects for their frailty and non-Islamic knowledge, and pushed them toward reform; Abul Ala voiced this opinion of Imam Ghazali.
Importance of Ijtihad according to Quran
A particular passage in Surah An-Nisa’ 83 encourages gathering information in order to make decisions:
And if any tidings, whether of safety or fear, come unto them, they noise it abroad, whereas if they had referred it to the messenger and to such of them as are in authority, those among them who are able to think out the matter would have known it. If it had not been for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, ye would have followed Satan, save a few (of you).
In Arabic, the expression “to such other persons as are in authority” (ulul amri) describes those who are in positions of power or who have the ability to gather information. Thus, the Quran encourages Ijtihad, but it also states that this role should be carried out by the Prophet and ulul amr, or persons of authority, power, wisdom, and understanding.
Importance of Ijtihad according to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The main source of Islamic law, aside from the Quran and the Sunnah, is Ijtihad. Above all, the Prophet Muhammad stressed the importance of Ijtihad. Muaz bin Jabal is mentioned as the Governor of Yemen in the famous and well-known Hadith. The Prophet questioned him, “0 Muaz, by what rule would you be guided?” “By the Law of the Quran” was his reply. The Prophet asked, “But if you find no direction therein?” Muaz answered, “Then I will act in accordance with the Prophet’s Sunnah.” He was questioned once more, “What if that doesn’t help?” His response was, “I will act based on my judgment,” The Prophet said, “Praise be to Allah, who guides the Messenger of His Apostle as He pleases,” expressing his contentment and thankfulness to God. The Prophet supported the idea of Ijtihad, as this Hadith shows. People must exercise their own judgment when the Quran or the Sunnah do not give clear directions. Furthermore, it indicates that the Prophet’s companions were aware of the idea of Ijtihad and freely used it in response to evolving situations. Later, in order to adjust to the changing social and historical contexts, companions embraced the ijtihad principle, and their efforts were successful.
Conclusion
In summary, the most important source of Islamic law after the Quran and Sunnah is Ijtihad. Islam is a comprehensive code of conduct, a dynamic Din, and prepared to address every problem that arises within the parameters of its principles. The world is changing quickly and is complicated, especially in the Muslim world, where Sharia law is not popular. As a result, there are issues with how Sharia law is implemented. As previously mentioned, Ijtihad is essential to Muslim society in order to keep up with modern times; otherwise, those who are already unwilling to accept Islamic law will have a reason to spread misconceptions about it. Therefore, Islamic jurists and governments are required to create an atmosphere conducive to Ijtihad.
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