CSS 2025 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Meaning of Farz Kifaiyah
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2025 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 to describe the meaning of Farz Kifaiyah. This question is divided into three sub-parts after highlighting its religious and social significance. First, you have to convey the sense of Farz Kifaiyah. Second, describe Its Religious and Social Significance. Third, the Scope of Farz Kifayah. Finally, end your answer with a critical analysis and a conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- Meaning and Importance of Farz kifaiyah
3- Religious Significance of Farz Kifayah
- ✓ Considering shared obligations to ensure the well-being of the community
- ✓ Respect for the laws of God
- ✓Rewards and Accountability
4-Social Significance of Farz Kifayah
- ✓Strengthening communal cooperation and unity
- ✓Reducing the burden on individuals by distributing responsibilities
- ✓Promoting selflessness and collective well-being
5-Affairs Considered Under Farz Kifayah in the Present Era
- ✓Religious Responsibilities
- ✓Social Responsibilities
- ✓Political and Governance Responsibilities
- ✓Economic and Technological Contributions
- ✓Environmental and Global Responsibilities
6-Critical Analysis
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Farz Kifayah is a vital Islamic concept that refers to communal obligations—duties that, if fulfilled by some individuals, absolve the rest. Still, if neglected, the entire society is held accountable. It balances personal and collective responsibilities, ensuring that essential services and societal needs are met. Religiously, it includes obligations like funeral prayers and Islamic scholarship, while socially, it extends to education, healthcare, and justice. In today’s world, Farz Kifayah also encompasses scientific research, environmental protection, and social welfare, emphasizing the collective role of Muslims in addressing global challenges. Its fulfilment fosters a just, progressive, and morally responsible society.
Meaning and Importance of Farz kifaiyah
Farz Kifayah refers to a collective duty in Islam, meaning that if a sufficient number of people in a community fulfil it, the responsibility is lifted from others. However, if no one carries it out, the entire society is considered sinful. This principle ensures that essential societal, religious, and worldly functions are maintained. Its importance lies in fostering a balanced, responsible, and service-oriented community. From leading funeral prayers and seeking religious knowledge to providing education, healthcare, and justice, Farz Kifayah ensures that no critical duty is neglected. In today’s world, it reminds us that progress and welfare depend on shared responsibility and ethical commitment.
Religious Significance of Farz Kifayah
- ✓ Considering shared obligations to ensure the well-being of the community
First, Farz Kifayah holds great religious significance as it ensures that essential duties benefiting the entire community are carried out collectively. Islam emphasizes the concept of social responsibility, where individuals contribute to the well-being of society. The Quran highlights this in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:2): “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” This verse underscores the need for collective efforts in fulfilling obligations that sustain society, such as education, justice, and healthcare. When individuals actively participate in these responsibilities, the entire community prospers, reflecting the Islamic ideal of mutual care and support.
- ✓ Respect for the laws of God
Second, Farz Kifayah in Islam emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community to fulfil specific duties, making it an act of obedience to divine commandments. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When a group of people perform an obligation, the rest are relieved of the burden” (Sunan Abu Dawood). Duties like education, healthcare, or funeral rites, required by the community, are divine commands that uphold societal welfare. Neglecting them can impact the whole Muslim community. Thus, Farz Kifayah highlights both individual piety and collective responsibility, ensuring the fulfilment of essential services for the benefit of all.
- ✓Rewards and Accountability
Third, the religious significance of Farz Kifayah in Islam lies in fulfilling communal duties and the rewards and accountability associated with it. Allah, in His infinite mercy, promises great rewards for those who actively contribute to fulfilling the collective responsibilities, as they are acts of obedience to Him. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever participates in fulfilling a communal obligation, it will be as if he has performed it all by himself” (Sahih Muslim). This highlights the immense spiritual reward for those who help meet the community’s needs. On the flip side, neglecting Farz Kifayah can lead to accountability. The Prophet (PBUH) also warned, “Whoever does not fulfil the communal duties is liable for its consequences” (Sunan Abu Dawood). This shows that failing to act when the community’s needs are unmet can have consequences, both in this life and the Hereafter. Therefore, Farz Kifayah is a reminder of our collective duty, where both rewards and accountability are tied to our commitment to divine commandments and the welfare of society.
Social Significance of Farz Kifayah
- ✓Strengthening communal cooperation and unity
The social significance of Farz Kifayah in Islam lies in its ability to strengthen communal cooperation and unity. Islam encourages the community to work together for the common good by making specific duties collective responsibilities. The Qur’an says, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety but do not cooperate in sin and aggression” (Qur’an 5:2). This verse emphasizes the importance of working together in fulfilling communal obligations, such as healthcare, education, and public welfare, which are essential for a well-functioning society. Nonetheless, when individuals step forward to fulfil these duties, it strengthens the bonds between them, creating a more cohesive and compassionate society. Farz Kifayah fulfils social needs and reinforces the Islamic principles of cooperation, mutual care, and unity within the community.
- ✓Reducing the burden on individuals by distributing responsibilities
Moreover, the social significance of Farz Kifayah in Islam is especially evident in how it reduces the burden on individuals by distributing responsibilities, such as funeral prayers (Salat al-Janazah). When a community member passes away, it is a collective responsibility to perform the funeral prayer, ensuring that the deceased receives the proper rites. The Qur’an supports this idea of collective duty by stating, “And let there arise from you a nation inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong” (Qur’an 3:104). This highlights the importance of shared responsibilities within the community. Farz Kifayah, such as providing education or fulfilling public needs, means that when a few people perform these obligations, the rest are relieved of the burden. This principle ensures that everyone has a part to play, easing the pressure on individuals while still ensuring that essential services are provided. In this way, Islam promotes a cooperative society where everyone contributes, reducing the individual burden and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
- ✓Promoting selflessness and collective well-being
Furthermore, the social significance of Farz Kifayah in Islam is seen in its ability to promote selflessness and collective well-being. Making specific duties collective encourages individuals to prioritize the community’s needs over personal interests. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever relieves a Muslim from a hardship of this world, Allah will relieve him from a hardship on the Day of Judgment” (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith reflects the profound reward of selflessly serving the community and fulfilling shared responsibilities. Farz Kifayah’s duties, like helping the needy, teaching, or performing funeral rites, require individuals to set aside personal concerns for the greater good. When people take on these responsibilities, it fosters a sense of unity, as everyone works together for the collective well-being of society. In turn, it strengthens the community, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of need. Farz Kifayah, therefore, promotes cooperation and cultivates a spirit of selflessness, reminding us that our actions impact the greater good and, ultimately, our standing in the Hereafter.
Affairs That Considered Under Farz Kifayah in the Present Era
- ✓Religious Responsibilities
In the present era, many religious responsibilities fall under the Farz Kifayah category, emphasizing the Muslim community’s collective duty. These responsibilities include the care of the sick, ensuring education, and performing the funeral prayer, among others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the importance of such communal duties, saying, “The Muslims are like one body; when one part of the body feels pain, the whole body feels the pain” (Sahih Muslim). Nonetheless, Farz Kifayah calls on each community member to contribute where they can, ensuring that essential religious services are met for the well-being of all. By fulfilling these obligations, the Muslim community upholds its faith and strengthens its bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
- ✓Social Responsibilities
Moving down the ladder, in the present era, many social responsibilities fall under the concept of Farz Kifayah, emphasizing the collective duty of the Muslim community. These responsibilities include providing healthcare, education, and performing funeral prayers. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the importance of such communal duties, saying, “The Muslims are like one body; when one part of the body feels pain, the whole body feels the pain” (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith reflects how communal responsibilities, especially in areas like healthcare, education, and funeral rites, are not just individual obligations but collective ones. For example, recent statistics show that globally, over 785 million people still lack access to clean water. In this area, collective social responsibility is crucial in fulfilling the community’s needs. Farz Kifayah calls on each community member to contribute where they can, ensuring that essential social services like healthcare and sanitation are met for the well-being of all. By fulfilling these obligations, the Muslim community upholds its faith and strengthens its bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, working together for the greater good.
- ✓Political and Governance Responsibilities
Furthermore, in the present era, political and governance responsibilities are considered under Farz Kifayah, emphasizing the collective duty of the Muslim community to ensure just and effective leadership. In modern times, this translates to the collective responsibility of establishing and maintaining just political systems that serve the common good. For example, according to the World Bank’s Governance Indicators, countries with strong governance, such as Norway and Finland, have higher levels of political stability, better healthcare outcomes, and greater economic prosperity. In contrast, countries with weaker governance, like Somalia and Syria, struggle with instability, poor health outcomes, and economic challenges. This stark contrast demonstrates effective governance’s impact on society’s well-being. Therefore, fulfilling the communal obligation of ensuring just governance systems is a religious duty and essential for societal progress and well-being.
- ✓Economic and Technological Contributions
Moreover, in the present era, economic and technological contributions are considered vital under Farz Kifayah, as they are key to the collective advancement of society. These responsibilities are not just about individual success but also about the well-being of the entire community. For example, the global technology industry has significantly impacted economic growth, with the value of the global tech market reaching over $5 trillion in 2023, according to Statista. This shows how collective efforts in fields like innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology have spurred progress. The Qur’an also encourages such communal efforts, saying, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression” (Qur’an 5:2), emphasizing the collective responsibility of society to contribute to the welfare and advancement of the community through these means.
- ✓Environmental and Global Responsibilities
Last but not least, in the present era, environmental and global responsibilities fall under Farz Kifayah, urging the collective action of society to address pressing global challenges. Climate change and environmental degradation are among the most significant concerns; collective efforts are necessary to mitigate these issues. For example, according to the United Nations, global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels reached 36.8 billion metric tons in 2021, underscoring the urgent need for widespread action to reduce emissions. In response, over 190 countries have committed to the Paris Agreement to limit global warming, demonstrating a collective responsibility for the planet’s future. These actions align with the Islamic principle of collective responsibility, as the Qur’an urges believers to care for the Earth, saying, “It is He who has made for you from the green trees fire, and then you ignite it” (Qur’an 36:80), reminding people the duty to preserve and protect the environment. These statistics show that fulfilling our environmental and global responsibilities is not just a duty but a crucial step in ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Critical Analysis
In today’s world, the religious and social significance of Farz Kifayah is increasingly overlooked, particularly in societies where individualism dominates. While Farz Kifayah covers vital areas like religious duties (e.g., funeral prayers), healthcare, education, and even governance, the growing ignorance surrounding these communal obligations is evident. For instance, the World Bank reports that over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, highlighting how collective social responsibilities are crucial but often ignored. The lack of action reflects a broader ignorance in fulfilling the communal aspects of Farz Kifayah, which Islam considers vital not only for the welfare of society but also for spiritual fulfilment. With increasing focus on individual success over communal responsibility, modern society risks losing sight of its duty to collectively serve the common good, thus failing to uphold the essence of Farz Kifayah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Farz Kifayah remains a vital concept in Islam that serves religious and social purposes. Its significance in the present era is undeniable, particularly in addressing the collective challenges faced by societies globally. However, the ignorance and apathy prevalent in today’s society regarding these communal responsibilities undermine the potential of Farz Kifayah to effect positive change. To restore its relevance, the Muslim community must reawaken their collective sense of responsibility, realizing that the fulfilment of Farz Kifayah is essential for spiritual fulfilment, societal advancement, and the common good.
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