CSS Paper Islamic Studies 2017 MCQs

The Conquest of Makkah occurred in Ramadan of the 8th year after Hijrah (630 CE). It marked the peaceful entry of Muslims into their homeland after years of persecution. The Prophet ﷺ led the army himself, demonstrating both strength and mercy in the process.

What was the strength of the Muslim army during the Conquest of Makkah?
A. 3,000
B. 7,000
C. 10,000
D. 14,000
Correct Answer: C. 10,000
Explanation: The Prophet ﷺ marched into Makkah with an army of 10,000 Muslims. This overwhelming force ensured that the Quraysh could not resist. Yet, despite his power, the Prophet ﷺ entered with humility and forgave his enemies, setting an example of justice and mercy in victory.

On which date of Ramadan did the Conquest of Makkah take place?
A. 10th Ramadan
B. 17th Ramadan
C. 20th Ramadan
D. 27th Ramadan
Correct Answer: C. 20th Ramadan
Explanation: The Conquest of Makkah occurred on the 20th of Ramadan. The timing was significant, as Ramadan is the month of spiritual strength, fasting, and Qur’anic revelation. It symbolized both physical and spiritual triumph for Islam.

What title is given to the year of the Conquest of Makkah?
A. ʿĀm al-Fatḥ (Year of Victory)
B. Yawm al-Furqān (Day of Criterion)
C. Fatḥ Mubīn (Clear Victory)
D. ʿĀm al-Salām (Year of Peace)
Correct Answer: A. ʿĀm al-Fatḥ (Year of Victory)
Explanation: The year of the Conquest of Makkah is called ʿĀm al-Fatḥ (Year of Victory). This title reflects the importance of the event, where Islam’s central enemy base surrendered without major bloodshed. It consolidated Islam’s position as the leading power in Arabia.

How did the Prophet ﷺ treat the people of Makkah after the conquest?
A. They were executed for their past hostility
B. They were enslaved as captives
C. They were all forgiven except for a few war criminals
D. They were forced to leave Arabia
Correct Answer: C. They were all forgiven except for a few war criminals
Explanation: The Prophet ﷺ declared a general amnesty for the people of Makkah, saying, “Go, for you are free.” Only a few who had committed severe crimes against Islam were excluded. This act of mercy transformed many former enemies into Muslims, including notable Quraysh leaders.

Which idol inside the Kaʿbah was destroyed first by the Prophet ﷺ?
A. Lāt
B. ʿUzzā
C. Hubal
D. Manāt
Correct Answer: C. Hubal
Explanation: The Kaʿbah had been filled with idols, the largest of which was Hubal. The Prophet ﷺ personally entered the Kaʿbah, removed its idols, and purified it for the worship of Allah alone. This act symbolized the restoration of the Kaʿbah to its Abrahamic purpose.

Which tribe joined the Muslims after the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah, leading to Quraysh’s violation and ultimately the Conquest of Makkah?
A. Banū Naḍīr
B. Banū Qurayẓah
C. Banū Khuzaʿah
D. Banū Ghatafān
Correct Answer: C. Banū Khuzaʿah
Explanation: The Banū Khuzaʿah tribe had allied with the Muslims under the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah. When Quraysh-supported Banū Bakr attacked Khuzaʿah, it broke the terms of the treaty. This violation provided the reason for the Prophet ﷺ to march on Makkah, leading to the conquest.

During the campaigns against Banū al-Naḍīr, who later regrouped in Khaybar, the final prohibition of alcohol was revealed. This was a decisive moral turning point for the Muslim community. It emphasized that spiritual strength, not intoxication, would be the foundation of Muslim society.

When several companions struggled to break the defenses of Qamūs fortress, the Prophet ﷺ gave the banner to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib. Despite suffering from eye pain, ʿAlī fought bravely and conquered the fortress. His valor at Khaybar became one of the most celebrated moments of his life.

The Conquest of Khaybar in 7 A.H. took 20 days. Khaybar was the stronghold of Jewish tribes who had plotted with Quraysh during Khandaq. The Muslims, numbering around 1600, overcame the fortified castles of Khaybar. This victory secured the northern borders of Madinah and marked a turning point in Muslim political dominance.

Khālid ibn Walīd, one of Quraysh’s greatest military commanders, accepted Islam shortly after the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah. He later earned the title Saifullāh (the Sword of Allah) for his unmatched service in Islam’s battles. His conversion was a major strategic gain for the Muslims.

The Qur’an describes the treaty as Fatḥ Mubīn (a Clear Victory) in Surah al-Fatḥ. Though Muslims initially felt disappointed, it opened doors for peaceful daʿwah. During this period, many influential figures accepted Islam, including Khālid ibn Walīd and ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ. This proves that diplomacy can sometimes achieve more than battle.

Suhayl ibn ʿAmr, a respected orator and elder of Quraysh, represented them in the negotiations. His presence gave legitimacy to the treaty and showed Quraysh’s recognition of Muslims as a political power. Interestingly, he later embraced Islam after the Conquest of Makkah, becoming a devout Muslim.

The Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah was signed in 6 A.H. between the Muslims and Quraysh. Though its terms seemed unfavorable to Muslims at first, it turned out to be a breakthrough for Islam. The treaty secured peace, allowing the Prophet ﷺ to send letters and invite kings and rulers to Islam. This period of calm greatly expanded the influence of Islam across Arabia.

The treaty was signed in Dhul-Qaʿdah of 6 A.H. when the Prophet ﷺ and 1400 companions set out for ʿUmrah but were stopped by Quraysh. This event laid the groundwork for future victories.

What was the purpose of the Prophet’s ﷺ journey that led to Ḥudaybiyyah?
A. A raid on Quraysh caravans
B. To perform ʿUmrah
C. To fight the Quraysh
D. To conquer Makkah
Correct Answer: B. To perform ʿUmrah
Explanation: The Prophet ﷺ set out peacefully with unarmed companions to perform pilgrimage. They carried only sacrificial animals, showing their intention was worship, not war.

How many Muslims accompanied the Prophet ﷺ to Ḥudaybiyyah?
A. 700
B. 1000
C. 1400
D. 313
Correct Answer: C. 1400
Explanation: Around 1400 companions joined, showing the Muslims’ strength and unity. Despite Quraysh hostility, the Muslims demonstrated discipline and non-violence during the journey.

Who represented Quraysh during the negotiations of the treaty?
A. Abū Sufyān ibn Ḥarb
B. Suhayl ibn ʿAmr
C. ʿIkrimah ibn Abī Jahl
D. Abū Jahl
Correct Answer: B. Suhayl ibn ʿAmr
Explanation: Suhayl ibn ʿAmr negotiated with the Prophet ﷺ. His role was crucial in setting terms that Quraysh thought were in their favor, though later events proved otherwise.

What prevented Muslims from entering Makkah that year?
A. A flood
B. Quraysh blocked them at Ḥudaybiyyah
C. Internal dispute
D. Roman attack
Correct Answer: B. Quraysh blocked them at Ḥudaybiyyah
Explanation: Quraysh feared that allowing Muslims entry would weaken their authority. Instead, they forced a treaty to delay the pilgrimage until the next year.

Who acted as the scribe of the treaty?
A. Abū Bakr
B. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb
C. ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
D. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
Correct Answer: D. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
Explanation: ʿAlī wrote the treaty under the Prophet’s ﷺ dictation. When Suhayl objected to “Messenger of Allah,” the Prophet ﷺ agreed to replace it with “Muḥammad, son of ʿAbdullāh,” teaching humility and wisdom.

Which companion was sent to negotiate with Quraysh before the treaty?
A. Abū Bakr
B. ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
C. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb
D. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
Correct Answer: B. ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
Explanation: ʿUthmān was sent to Makkah to explain the Muslims’ peaceful intentions. A rumor of his killing led to the Pledge of Riḍwān, where Muslims vowed to fight if necessary.

What is the Pledge of Riḍwān (Bayʿat al-Riḍwān)?
A. A pledge to perform ʿUmrah
B. A pledge to avenge ʿUthmān’s rumored death
C. A pledge to migrate to Madinah
D. A pledge to fight Romans
Correct Answer: B. A pledge to avenge ʿUthmān’s rumored death
Explanation: When Muslims thought ʿUthmān was killed, they pledged allegiance under a tree to fight Quraysh. Allah praised this pledge in Qur’an (48:18).

What was one major clause of the treaty regarding Muslims entering Makkah?
A. They could perform ʿUmrah immediately
B. They were forbidden to perform ʿUmrah
C. They could perform ʿUmrah next year
D. They could settle in Makkah permanently
Correct Answer: C. They could perform ʿUmrah next year
Explanation: Muslims had to return to Madinah without entering Makkah. However, Quraysh agreed they could return the following year for three days to perform ʿUmrah peacefully.

How long was the truce period agreed upon in the treaty?
A. 2 years
B. 5 years
C. 10 years
D. 20 years
Correct Answer: C. 10 years
Explanation: The truce was set for 10 years, ensuring peace between Quraysh and Muslims. This allowed Islam to spread without constant warfare.

What clause regarding defectors was agreed upon?
A. Any Makkan Muslim fleeing to Madinah must be returned
B. Any Muslim could freely migrate
C. Any Muslim leaving Islam would be executed
D. No one could change allegiance
Correct Answer: A. Any Makkan Muslim fleeing to Madinah must be returned
Explanation: This seemed harsh against Muslims, but the Prophet ﷺ accepted it. Later, events like the case of Abū Jandal showed Allah’s plan turned it to Islam’s advantage.

Who was Abū Jandal ibn Suhayl?
A. A Quraysh negotiator
B. Son of Suhayl who fled to Muslims during the treaty
C. Companion killed at Badr
D. Leader of Khandaq
Correct Answer: B. Son of Suhayl who fled to Muslims during the treaty
Explanation: Abū Jandal, son of Suhayl, escaped Quraysh shackles and reached Muslims. However, due to the treaty, the Prophet ﷺ returned him, showing his commitment to honor agreements.

What title did the Qur’an give to the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah?
A. Yawm al-Furqān
B. Fatḥ Mubīn (Clear Victory)
C. Aam al-Fatḥ
D. Sulḥ al-Salām
Correct Answer: B. Fatḥ Mubīn (Clear Victory)
Explanation: In Surah al-Fatḥ (48:1), Allah declared the treaty a “clear victory,” though it seemed unfavorable. The truce allowed Islam to spread peacefully, leading to the conquest of Makkah.

Which tribe joined Muslims after the treaty?
A. Banū Khuzaʿah
B. Banū Qurayẓah
C. Banū Naḍīr
D. Banū Tamīm
Correct Answer: A. Banū Khuzaʿah
Explanation: Banū Khuzaʿah allied with Muslims under the treaty. Their later attack by Quraysh’s allies became the reason for the conquest of Makkah.

What was the Prophet’s ﷺ reaction when companions hesitated to sacrifice their animals after the treaty?
A. He became angry
B. He asked ʿUmar to persuade them
C. He sacrificed his animal first
D. He canceled the sacrifice
Correct Answer: C. He sacrificed his animal first
Explanation: The companions were saddened at being denied ʿUmrah. The Prophet ﷺ calmly sacrificed his camel and shaved his head, setting the example. The companions then followed immediately.

Which companion struggled emotionally with the treaty, saying, “Are we not on the truth?”
A. Abū Bakr
B. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
C. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb
D. Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqās
Correct Answer: C. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb
Explanation: ʿUmar questioned why Muslims accepted seemingly humiliating terms. Later, he regretted his doubt when he saw the treaty’s wisdom. His honesty showed human struggle with divine plans.

Which Qur’anic surah was revealed after the treaty?
A. Surah al-Tawbah
B. Surah al-Fatḥ
C. Surah al-Aḥzāb
D. Surah al-Naṣr
Correct Answer: B. Surah al-Fatḥ
Explanation: Surah al-Fatḥ confirmed the treaty as a divine victory. It reassured believers that Islam’s future expansion was secured through this peace.

What political impact did the treaty have?
A. Strengthened Quraysh’s dominance
B. Allowed Muslims to spread Islam peacefully
C. Forced Muslims into exile
D. Weakened Muslim unity
Correct Answer: B. Allowed Muslims to spread Islam peacefully
Explanation: With peace secured, Muslims spread Islam across Arabia. Many tribes embraced Islam during this period, doubling Muslim strength within two years.

How did Quraysh violate the treaty later?
A. They attacked Madinah
B. They killed Banū Khuzaʿah, allies of Muslims
C. They rejected the 10-year truce
D. They refused Muslims entry next year
Correct Answer: B. They killed Banū Khuzaʿah, allies of Muslims
Explanation: Quraysh’s allies attacked Banū Khuzaʿah, violating the treaty. This gave the Prophet ﷺ justification to march on Makkah, leading to its conquest in 8 A.H.

What is the ultimate lesson of Ḥudaybiyyah?
A. Compromise weakens religion
B. Diplomacy and patience can bring greater victory
C. Muslims should never sign treaties
D. Quraysh were undefeatable
Correct Answer: B. Diplomacy and patience can bring greater victory
Explanation: The treaty showed that what appears as loss may be divine wisdom. Patience, diplomacy, and honoring commitments led to Islam’s eventual triumph.

The Quran's description of the ultimate accountability ensures that every human being has a 'Right to Divine Justice.' This belief provides a moral anchor for human rights on earth, reminding both the oppressor and the oppressed that every violation of a right will be perfectly accounted for by the All-Just.