Scoring Good Marks in Islamiat Compulsory Paper

The paper of Islamiat compulsory may be termed as a mix of Islamic studies and current affairs. Therefore, the candidates are required to have good command over the topics of Islamiat prescribed in syllabus as well as current affairs. For this purpose it is imperative to remain in touch with newspapers and magazines, especially with religious issues which are in limelight.

The 100 marks paper of Islamiat compulsory is of tremendous importance in improving the aggregate of the total marks in CSS examination. A systematic study and technical approach is required for scoring good marks in this paper. During the last few years, the pattern of Islamiat paper has changed and study of contemporary religions and current affairs has assumed important role in the this paper. At present, the paper of Islamiat compulsory may be termed as a mix of Islamic studies and current affairs. Therefore, the candidates are required to have good command over the topics of Islamiat prescribed in syllabus as well as current affairs. For this purpose it is imperative to remain in touch with newspapers and magazines, especially with religious issues which are in limelight. For example, the issue of women rights in the backdrop of the bill passed recently by Parliament about punishment for offences of throwing acid on women and for depriving women from their share in inheritance or the Blasphemy Law in the context of murder of Salmaan Taseer.

For having adequate knowledge about contemporary religions it is instructive to develop understanding of their important tenets, philosphies and rituals. The candidates must be able to distinguish between tenets and philosophies of Islam and those of other religions. The lectures of eminent Muslim scholars like Dr. Zakir Naik and Dr. Israr Ahmed are very useful for study of comparative religions.

The paper of Islamiat Compulsory is the only paper of CSS where the candidates are given the option of attempting it in Urdu or English. In my opinion English is a better choice. The candidates who opt for solving it in Urdu take it for granted which results in dismal show in the paper. Reading English books on the various aspects of Islam requires more concentration and interest which in turn develops better understanding of the subject.

Reading translation and explanation of the Holy Quran is inevitable for better understanding of Islamiat. It not only helps the candidates to solve Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) but subjective questions also. Those candidates who are having reasonable knowledge of the Holy Quran can solve the Islamiat paper in a manner better than that of those candidates who are not well versed in the Holy Quran. The candidates must be highly careful while writing verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Mentioning the number of the verse and name of Surah gives a good impression about the level of preparation. The views about Islamic issues must be supported by relevant verses of the Holy Quran and authentic sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Inverted comas for verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) have to be used only when one is sure about its wording.

Time management is also necessary for all papers of CSS, especially for the paper of Islamiat as the candidates are required to give answers of five questions in addition to MCQs in this paper. Whereas in other papers the candidates are required to attempt five questions in all. Proper and reasonable time should be allocated for each question.

Indulging unnecessarily in sectarian or controversial issues and writing irrelevant and out of context material has to be avoided. The answer of each question should be precise but perfect and to the point. One should not express self-made unrealistic theories and statements. Liberal and secular approach about fundamental dogmas and rituals of Islam is highly unwarranted and Islamic laws should be expressed in clear and unequivocal terms without any compromise or consideration.

Recommended Books:-
1.    Towards understanding the Quran by Zafar Ishaq Ansari or Translation of the Holy Quran by Molana Ashraf Ali Thanvi or by Molana Muhammad Jonaghari.
2.    Introduction to Islam by Md. Hameedullah or Towards Islamiat or Islamiat for CSS/PCS by Farkhanda Noor Muhammad.
3.    Emergence of Islam by Md. Hameedullah

Expected questions of Islamiat Compulsory for CSS-2013.
1.    Differentiating between Deen and Mudhab. Elaborate the role of Islam in giving lasting solution to basic human problems.
2.    Explaining the role of the Holy Quran as the fundamental and most important source of Islam. How can we claim that it is in the same shape in which it was revealed and is free from tampering?
3.    Islam is not complete without the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Elaborate.
4.    How can we claim that the teachings of Islam are free from stagnation and are for eternity?
5.    Delineate the role of Zakat with special reference to the solution of economic problems of Pakistan.
6.    Examine the modern concept of Equal Rights in the light of the teaching of Islam.
7.    The application of Islamic Shariah is equal to men and women; however some injunctions are only related to women. Explain.
8.    Can we declare Pakistan an Islamic State in the light of essential features that are inevitable for an Islamic State?
9.   Non-adherence to the guidelines prescribed by Islam for the rulers of Islamic state has led to the present arab uprising. analyse.
10.  Differentiate between Islamic and western concepts of human Rights.
11.  Whether clash of civilisation is imminent or there is a way to avoid it according to the teachings of Islam?