Islamic Quiz::Whoever seeks knowledge and help other people to learn / Allah (SWT) will grant him high ranks in this world and the Hereafter.

Islamic Quiz:     
Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah makes his way easy to paradise.(Bukhari)

Islam has given great importance to the process of seeking knowledge. If we look at the first five verses revealed from the Holy Qur’an, we can see that the word “اقـــــرأ” (read) is repeated two times, the word "قـــــلــــم" (pen) is mentioned once and the word "عــــلَّـم" (teach) is repeated twice.  

Below are 10 quizzes dedicated to Islam.  Want to challenge yourself on your faith, or perhaps you simply want to find out more about the religion. Either way, we think you’ll find these quizzes interesting and enjoyable. 

We have focussed mainly on the Qur’an, but have also added more generalised information in order to get an all-round understanding of Islam and of Muslim beliefs and practices.

Whoever seeks knowledge and help other people to learn will get unaccountable rewards from Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will grant him high ranks in this world and the Hereafter.  "Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks." (Qur’an 58:11)

Knowledge is more important than wealth and property. No wonder, knowledge is among the important things which Allah (SWT) directed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to pray that he will be granted more of it. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an: "And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge."   (Qur’an 20:114)

Having knowledge should not be a reason for being arrogant. In fact, having more knowledge about ourselves and the world make us feel more humble before the greatness of the creation of Allah (SWT). “It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah." (Qur’an 35:28)

We ask Allah (SWT) all the time for Paradise. Seeking knowledge is one of the things that will surely lead us to Paradise. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah makes his way easy to paradise.” (Bukhari)

Teaching others is one of the good deeds that will get us great rewards even after death. Whoever leaves behind beneficial knowledge will get rewards as long as people are still getting benefits from his knowledge. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a man dies all his deeds comes to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Bukhari)

However, this was not the case during the long history of the Muslim world. Muslim countries were once the most advanced countries on earth. The Islamic civilization was the greatest civilization in the whole world in the Middle Ages and is considered one of the main bases of the modern civilization.

Islam is an Arabic word, which comes from the word ‘Salm’ which means peace and from 'Silm', which means submitting your will to Allah - the Almighty God. In short Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to Allah, the Exalted. A Muslim is a person who submits his will to Allah - the Almighty God.

Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new religion that was formulated 1400 years ago, and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the founder of Islam. However, let me clarify that Islam is not the name of some unique religion presented for the first time by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

1.

When did Islam come into existence?

Islam came into existence after the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Islam came into existence only a few centuries ago

Islam has been the religion of all the Prophets, from Prophet Adam (PBUH) till Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Islam does not exist at all

2.

What is the calendar which Muslims use?

Gregorian Calendar

Roman Calendar

Hijrah

Persian Calendar

3.

According to Islam, which scripture was revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH)?

Zabur (Psalms) was revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH)

Torah (Old Testament) was revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH)

Ingeel (Gospel) was revealed en to Prophet Moses (PBUH)

No scripture was revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH)

4.

Who is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the founder of a new religion

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a commander of the army

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the King of Arabia

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last Messenger of Allah

5.

What does the religion of Islam preach?

Islam does not preach anything

Islam preaches the oneness of God, and that there is no God except Allah

Islam preaches that there are many Gods

Islam preaches Idolatry

6.

What is the meaning of Islam?

Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to Allah, the Exalted

Islam means a new religion

Islam means a religion only for Arabs

There is no meaning of Islam

7.

Which verse best describes the religious harmony, religious freedom and religious tolerance of Islam in the Holy Quran?

There is no religious harmony in Islam

Drive away non-Muslims

“..To you be your religion, to me be mine.” (Quran 109:6)

None of the above

8.

What was the first article of the constitution laid down by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for the inhabitants of Madinah?

All were considered members and citizens of Medina society regardless of religion, race, or ancestry

Muslims were given shelter in Madinah

Other societies were asked to leave Madinah

There was no constitution laid

9.

Who was the first Caliph after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

Ali Bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)

Uthman Bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him)

Umar Bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him)

Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)

10.

What does the Quran mention about the use of force to spread the religion?

Quran says “..Let there be no compulsion in religion..” (Quran 2:256)

Quran authorizes use of force for spreading the religion

There is no mention in the Quran about the spreading the religion

None of the above.

Answers:

Q1)Ans:3.Correct!

The Quran states that Islam – the complete submission of man before his one and only Unique Creator – is the one and only faith and way of life consistently revealed by God to humankind from the very beginning. Noah, Solomon, David, Abraham, Moses, Isaac and Jesus (peace be upon them all) – prophets who appeared at different times and places – all propagated the same faith and conveyed the same message of Tawheed (Oneness of God), Risaalat (Prophethood) and Aakhirah (the Hereafter). These prophets of God were not founders of different religions to be named after them. They were each reiterating the message and faith of their predecessors.

However, Muhammad (PBUH) was the last Prophet of Allah and Allah revived through him the same genuine faith which had been conveyed by all His Prophets. This original message was earlier corrupted and split into various religions by people of different ages, who indulged in interpolations and admixture. These alien elements were eliminated by God, and Islam – in its pure and original form – was transmitted to humankind through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Q2)Ans:3Correct!

Muslims measure the passage of time using the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar. This calendar has twelve lunar months, the beginnings and endings of which are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, each month comprises of either 29 days or 30 days. Years are counted since the Hijrah, which is when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Makkah to Madinah

Q3)Ans:2Correct!

Allah, the Exalted mentions in the Quran that Torah (Old Testament) was revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH).

Q4)Ans:4Correct!

Muhammad (PBUH) was the last Prophet of Allah and Allah revived through him the same genuine faith which had been conveyed by all His Prophets. This original message was earlier corrupted and split into various religions by people of different ages, who indulged in interpolations and admixture. These alien elements were eliminated by God, and Islam – in its pure and original form – was transmitted to humankind through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Since there was to be no messenger after Muhammad (PBUH), the Book revealed to him (i.e. the Glorious Qur’an) was preserved word for word so that it should be a source of guidance for all times

.

Q5)Ans:2Correct!

Islam preaches monotheism. Islam upholds strict monotheism, and belief in Allah forms the heart of the faith. Islam teaches belief in one God (Allah) who neither gives birth nor was born Himself. He alone gives life, causes death, brings good, causes affliction, and provides sustenance for His creation. God in Islam is the sole Creator, Lord, Sustainer, Ruler, Judge, and Saviour of the universe. He has no equal in His qualities and abilities, such as knowledge and power. All worship, veneration and homage is to be directed to God and none else.

Islam has a very well-defined conception of what God is and what God is not. Islam categorically forbids making any representations of God, God is not personified into forms or shapes created by the imagination of men and women. (How can anyone paint or carve something which one has never seen?)

Islam does not teach that humans are inherently sinful. In Islam, sin is not a consequence of birth but rather the result of a choice that the individual has made to commit a bad deed. Allah can forgive any person who asks for forgiveness and is sincere. Muslims believe people will be held accountable on a Day of Judgment and will be rewarded by God with eternity in Heaven or punishment in Hell.

Q6)Ans:1Correct!

“Islam is an Arabic word, which comes from the word ‘Salm’ which means peace and from 'Silm', which means submitting your will to Allah – the Almighty God. In short Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to Allah, the Exalted. The word Islam is mentioned in several places in the Quran and the Hadith”.

Q7)Ans:3Correct!

The religious harmony, freedom and religious tolerance which Islam lays down could be best understood from the verses which I have quoted above. It is mentioned in the Quran “..To you be your religion, to me be mine.” (Quran 109:6) Allah, the Exalted mentions in the Quran, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error” (Quran 2:256).

Q8)Ans:1Correct!

The first article of the constitution laid down by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for the inhabitants of Madinah, the Muslims as well as those who had entered the pact from the Jews, Christian, and idolaters, were “one nation to the exclusion of all others.” All were considered members and citizens of Medina society regardless of religion, race, or ancestry.

The lives of the practitioners of other religions in the Muslim society were also given protective status. The Prophet said: “Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Saheeh Muslim) Since the upper hand was with the Muslims, the Prophet strictly warned against any maltreatment of people of other faiths. He said: “Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud)

Islam is the religion of unity and peace. Repeatedly throughout the Quran Allah reminds the believers that they must remain united and seek strength through unity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in his last sermon on his Hajj, “There is truly no excellence for an Arab over a non-Arab; or for a non-Arab over an Arab; or for a white man over a black man; or for a black man over a white man; except through piety.” Islam preaches equality and brotherhood.

Q9)Ans:Correct!

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the successors to the Caliphate were the able administrators, this also demonstrates that Islam does not preach hierarchy in terms of successors to the throne as is the common practice. The first Caliph after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him), the second Caliph was Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him), the third Caliph was Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him), the fourth Caliph was Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him).

Q10)Ans:Correct!

There is a very common misconception among non-Muslims that Islam was spread by sword, however it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam. Allah, the Exalted mentions in the Quran, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error” (Quran 2:256)

It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people, it is mentioned in the Quran, “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (Quran 16:125)

The religious harmony, freedom and religious tolerance which Islam lays down could be best understood from the verses which I have quoted above. It is mentioned in the Quran “..To you be your religion, to me be mine.” (Quran 109:6).

Boosting your Immune system to fight the Coronavirus : Aware, But Don’t Panic/ Calm your mind/Know the facts

Can you boost your immune system to fight Coronavirus?

This is the question on everyone’s mind as we face a worldwide crisis. We don’t yet know how to fully prevent or manage the damage caused by COVID-19, the disease caused by a coronavirus that is new to us all.


The basics

These are things that you can do today that don’t cost anything. We recommend you prioritize these basic steps for protecting and improving your health — and potentially your immune system.

While these actions are always important aspects of maintaining good health, they may be crucial during times of increased risk, like now.

Experts consistently agree that the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to wash your hands, with soap and warm water, consistently and thoroughly.

Best practices include washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, and drying them thoroughly.



Black Seed - A Natural Immune System Booster



Black Seed, what is it?

Nigella sativa or Black Seed herb is a flowering herb native to the Middle East and southwest Asia. The seeds of the fruit are used as a spice, in confectionery, in food, and in liquors. Also known as Black Cumin, Kalonji, Habbat Al-Barakah or Seed of Blessing, in the traditional healing systems of the region, Black Seed is used as a natural digestive aid.

Why does it help boost your immune system?

The immune system boosting properties of Black Seed was noted in (Ibn Sina) Avicenna’s 1025 A.D. Canon of Medicine, who used the seed for stimulating the body's energy and speed recovery from fatigue.

Black Seed contains over 100 valuable components and is a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals. Today it is used as a good source of energy, to detoxify and rejuvenate the body, aid in digestion, boost the body’s natural immune system and ease cough and colds, to name just a few.

Black Seeds anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as rheumatism and inflammatory disease were studied in 1960 by a group of scientists from the Department of Pharmacy at Kings College in London. They tested black seed oil and its derivative thyomoquinone as an anti-inflammatory agent. What they discovered was that the Black Seed oil possessed antioxidant activity and it inhibited certain types of short lived local tissue hormone responsible for inflammation.
With all the benefits of Black Seed, incorporating it into your daily routine is easy. To make a warm healthy tea mix black seed (crushed) and pure honey with warm water. This tea can also help when you have a cough and cold and to help ease intestinal gas.

While there is still more to be studied on the benefits of black seed, it seems as though it can be helpful for a wide variety of ailments. More importantly though, as with most nutritional and healthy substances it should be incorporated into an overall holistic approach to one’s everyday health so that its healing properties can help build the body's immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness.


Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine, including curries. It contains a bright-yellow compound known as curcumin, which emerging research suggests might enhance immune function.





Garlic, a popular and pungent herb with a characteristic aroma, is widely believed to have antibacterial and antiviral effects, including helping to fight the common cold.

A 2014 randomized controlled trial did find that people who took a garlic supplement had fewer colds and recovered more quickly from colds than people who didn’t take garlic.


 Although this is encouraging, this is just one study. Other high-quality trials are needed to confirm whether garlic is truly beneficial for the common cold or other upper-respiratory infections. For now, enjoy garlic for its zesty flavor and unmistakable aroma rather than counting on it to boost your immunity during the coronavirus pandemic.



Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that can reportedly help prevent the common cold. But is this reputation well-deserved? A recent systematic review of randomized trials found that echinacea may possibly have a mild protective effect against upper-respiratory infections but doesn’t appear to reduce the length or severity of illness.


Echinacea is a very popular herb, and people commonly take it to help combat flu and colds. It is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family – Asteraceae. It is also known as the American coneflower.

Echinacea is available over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies, health shops, and online as teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or pills.

Promoters of echinacea say that the herb encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, flu and some other illnesses, infections, and conditions.


Echinacea is an herbal supplements which can be usedas treatment for the common cold, herpes simplex infection (topical), immunostimulant, psoriasis (topical), upper respiratory tract infections (viral).


Fruits, veggies and seeds

Getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and seeds is a common recommendation seen on many sites, but the evidence is inconclusive if it truly helps. In one often-quoted study, elderly volunteers were randomized to less than two or greater than five daily servings of fruits and vegetables.


 They found the group with the higher fruit consumption had a better immune response to the pneumonia vaccine but not to the tetanus vaccine.

Another claim is that “eating the rainbow” and getting “adequate phytonutrients” improves immune function and reduces infection risk. Unfortunately, “eating the rainbow” and getting “adequate phytonutrients” are poorly defined terms, and such messages are usually compromised by being based on nutritional epidemiology studies heavily impacted by the underlying diet (i.e mostly in high-carb diets) and healthy-user bias.


It is true that malnutrition can impair your ability to fight off illness and infection,but if you eat an otherwise balanced diet, loading up on specific "super" foods like kale, berries, or anything else won't provide any additional benefits.

So, if you're not in the habit of eating a variety of fruits, veggies, and lean sources of protein, now is a good time to start. Following common-sense dietary advice is enough to keep your immune system in good shape, no superfoods required.

Vitamin-D:

It's also a common cause of nutrient deficiency. You can get vitamin D naturally through sunlight,


Yes, this means managing fears about the coronavirus itself — good strategies include taking breaks from social media and relying on trust media sources for information, both of which can help you avoid panic and misinformation.

How you choose to relax will vary from person to person, whether that's taking a walk outside, curling up with a favorite book, or taking time to meditate.

-Being Mu'min

We run out of Food

#Foodscarcity #FoodSecurity #BeingMumin

What can we do to avoid food scarcity!

Overcome Food Crisis – Prepare for rising food prices and potential shortages—starting right now.

Our well-being is dramatically affected by things we can’t control: 

More immediately, now there are worldwide concerns.

Ways to prepare for food crisis

Taking easy steps to prepare for a food shortage is in your control no matter what is going on around you.

Perhaps you’ve had a prepper mentality for awhile. If so, you may already have some non-perishables and first aid supplies.

Now may be a time to add more to your stock.

If not, it’s important to stay calm. There’s a lot you can do.

Ways to Beat Stockpiling and Panic Buying

Overcoming food crisis

We are updating this to discuss what to look for in stores now in light of the pandemic. Please see our other posts about prepping, etc. We have lots of information.

Non-perishables:

• Rice, quinoa, noodles
• Beans, lentils, etc. in bags or cans
• Canned meat such as tuna 
• Spices
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Dried fruit
• Other foods you enjoy and that you eat regularly

Buying to eat now:

In the meantime, keep buying what you usually buy.

Eat the fresh foods first.

Be sure to not waste; freeze in advance whatever you think you won’t be able to eat.

Other things to buy to be ready for a crisis

Refill your medicines.

In addition, if it makes sense for your situation, you may want to buy the following:

• Vitamins
• Toothpaste
• OTC medications
• Powered drink mixes, coffee, tea
• Cleaning supplies
• First aid supplies

Keep in mind it’s okay to buy a little extra if your budget permits.

However, you also need to think where to store it in your residence.

It helps if you purchase foods you usually buy and would have bought anyway. 

How you can overcome food crisis and minimize the affect on your own family.

Usually within weeks of events, a domino-effect has already begun.

Stores have been experiencing shortages of 

Availability and prices of many grain products, vegetables, and fruits will also be affected.

The ultimate results of the strain on supply and distribution channels remains to be seen.

If you’ve been postponing starting or stepping up your own food production or storage, now is a good time to move it to the top of your “to-do” list.

Overcome Food Crisis

It’s easy to prepare for a food shortage in calmer times because everything is available.

To become prepared for this unlikely scenario, remember, no one knows how long this will last.

There is time to start any of the following things to overcome food shortage.

Start or add to a food storage program

Even if you are planning to raise a lot of your own food, it’s wise to have a stockpile in case a drought or other situation limits your food production.

It is essential to start building a food storage program.

Also include products that you can’t grow or make at home.

Store foods you know your family will enjoy eating; remember seasonings for bland foods like rice and beans.

Foods for food storage

A storage program can include home canned and dehydrated foods as well as purchased groceries, including nut butters and other high protein foods like canned meats.

Warehouse and restaurant supply stores often have great deals on large bags of grains, dry beans, sugar, salt, and other basics.

You can buy multiple small packages and flats of canned goods when you find good deals at the local grocery store.

Eat them, the oldest first, and continue to replenish your supply.

Store your foods at cool temps, but above freezing.

Liquids can freeze during winter, causing cans and jars to explode.

While a garage may be fine for storage in a mild climate, an indoor closet or storage room may be necessary for winter storage.

Learn about storing fresh food.

While you’re at it, remember to store water.

For drinking and cooking, treatment with water purification tablets or bleach is recommended.

Water for household use like flushing toilets and washing dishes need not be treated.

Store your food in a few different places, if you are able.

You may want to have some in the garage, some in your pantry or in a cabinet, and more food stores in a small off-site storage unit.

In the event of a food crisis or catastrophe, you will be better prepared.

Preserve some fresh food to enjoy later

You can stretch out your enjoyment of homegrown or locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meats throughout the year.

Make the most of your own garden harvest, but look into other sources of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to preserve.

Visit your grocery store, farmers’ markets, local orchards, and farm stands to buy produce by the bag or box.

Wash and dry the produce and chop it up.

Put it in freezer bags or plastic containers.

Remember to label them.

Buy a supply of freezer meat to overcome food crisis

Depending on your geographic area, you may find beef, lamb, and goat meat available.

Grow some vegetables, herbs, and fruit

Anyone can grow something to eat.

Depending on where you live, you may start to see tomato plants and other plants and starts in stores. 

Even if your garden soil is poor, you can grow some food.

And if you don’t know how, you can learn!

You don’t even have to wait till next spring to plant a garden or planter.

No matter where you live—cold or warm climate, urban or rural setting, huge farm or small apartment—you can probably grow something green during the fall

If you’re new to gardening, ask a neighbor or your local extension office what can be grown in your area.

Libraries are another great resource. Many participate in a seed program where you can check out seed packets. (You use what’s in the pack and don’t have to return them.)

What to plant to plan for a food shortage

Here in our four-season climate, we have been planting salad greens, root crops, and herbs for harvest throughout the fall and winter.

You can mulch root crops in place in the garden; other crops should be grown in hoop houses or cold frames for frost protection.

You may consider looking into getting a small greenhouse.

As much as we enjoy herbs, we focus on food in times of a food shortage.

In the spring and summer in most climates, these are fairly easy to grow:

• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Peppers 

Also, if you have containers, you can plant potatoes and sweet potatoes. Look online for ways to do this not using the dirt and not having to be reliant on the weather.

In a warm-winter area, you can grow many different veggies.

Where winters are cold, you can probably at least still plant mâche/corn salad and claytonia/miners’ lettuce.

In most climates, garlic is best planted in the fall to get established over the winter.

Choose a garlic bulb and plant the biggest garlic cloves, not the small ones. 

Save seeds from what you are eating

While we should do this even in good times, it’s imperative in times of a food shortage to use everything you have.

What fresh produce are you eating now? Perhaps you can plant a potato, start slips on a sweet potato, and dry out seeds from tomatoes, peppers, and peas.

Research online how to dry out and plant seeds from fruits and vegetables you are currently eating.

These are things to consider when things get back to normal, you may consider learning how to beingmumin

Growing vegetables

Discover local sources of food products

There are many reasons to buy local foods.

Just-harvested locally grown foods are fresher than anything shipped in from elsewhere.

When we shop locally our food will stay in the local economy.

And some products even have effective health benefits.

Eating honey from bees that gather local pollens can help eradicate people’s allergies to the plants themselves.

A fairly simple way to grow nutritious greens is to sprout legumes, grains, and vegetable seeds right in your kitchen.

They don’t require a lot of equipment, space, or time.

You can purchase sprouters or make them from canning jars or strainers.

You can purchase sprouting seeds online or at local health food stores.

Unless they’ve been treated, food-grade legumes and grains from any source can usually be sprouted.

Add sprouts to salads, sandwiches, omelets, breads, and many other dishes and recipes.

While sprouts are a delicious addition to human diets, they’re also wonderful for livestock.

-#BeingMumin