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Total Categories: 7
A defining tenet of Sunni Islam is the belief that Muhammad designated his son-in-law, Ali, as his immediate successor.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The belief that Muhammad designated Ali as his immediate successor is a foundational principle of Shia Islam. Sunni Islam, conversely, holds that Muhammad did not designate a specific successor, and Abu Bakr was chosen as the first rightful caliph through consultation.
Sunni Islam posits that only Abu Bakr served as the sole "rightly-guided caliph" following the Prophet Muhammad.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni Muslims revere Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib as the four "rightly-guided caliphs" (*rashidun*), recognizing their significant roles in the early leadership of the Muslim community.
Sunni Islam is characterized by a strict, centralized hierarchy governing religious and political leadership.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Unlike some other religious traditions, Sunni Islam generally lacks a formal, centralized hierarchy. Leadership is typically derived from scholarly authority and influence in law and theology, rather than through appointed positions or hereditary succession.
What is the primary characteristic distinguishing Sunni Islam from other branches, as presented in the source material?
Answer: The belief that Muhammad did not appoint a successor and Abu Bakr was the rightful caliph.
The primary distinguishing characteristic is the Sunni adherence to the principle that Muhammad did not designate a specific successor, leading to the acceptance of Abu Bakr as the first rightful caliph. This contrasts with the Shia belief in Ali's designated succession.
Which group of figures do Sunnis recognize as the "rightly-guided caliphs" (*rashidun*)?
Answer: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.
Sunnis recognize Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib as the four "rightly-guided caliphs" (*rashidun*).
How is leadership typically structured within Sunni Islam, according to the provided text?
Answer: Through scholarly influence in law or theology, without a formal hierarchy.
Leadership in Sunni Islam is typically structured through scholarly influence in Islamic law (*sharia*) or theology (*Kalam*), rather than a formal, centralized hierarchy. Religious and political authority are theoretically open to qualified individuals.
The Quran, *hadith*, and *ijma* (scholarly consensus) constitute the principal sources for traditional jurisprudence within Sunni Islam.
Answer: True
True. These three elements—the Quran, the authenticated traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (*hadith*), and the consensus of Islamic scholars (*ijma*)—form the foundational pillars upon which Sunni legal theory and practice are built.
Sunni doctrine asserts that the companions of Muhammad (*Sahabah*) were generally unreliable transmitters of Islamic teachings.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni Muslims hold a high regard for the *Sahabah*, considering them to be exceptionally reliable transmitters of Islamic teachings. Their integrity is widely accepted, and their accounts are considered foundational for understanding the Quran and Hadith.
Sunni Muslims consider the hadith collections of Bukhari and Muslim to be the least authentic compilations available.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The hadith collections compiled by Muhammad al-Bukhari and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj are universally regarded within Sunni Islam as the two most authentic (*sahih*) and authoritative compilations of prophetic traditions, holding the highest status after the Quran.
The *Sahaba* (companions of Muhammad) are considered by Sunnis to be crucial for understanding the faith and for the compilation of the Quran.
Answer: True
True. Sunni Muslims hold the *Sahabah* in high esteem, viewing them as the most reliable witnesses and transmitters of the Prophet's teachings and the Quranic text. Their integrity and direct connection to the Prophet are considered indispensable for authentic Islamic knowledge.
Sunni jurisprudence relies exclusively on the Quran, disregarding *hadith* and scholarly consensus.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni jurisprudence is founded upon the Quran, the *hadith* (authenticated traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), and *ijma* (scholarly consensus), along with other principles like analogical reasoning (*qiyas*).
The *Kutub al-Sittah* are six minor collections of hadith considered supplementary by Sunni Muslims.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The *Kutub al-Sittah* (The Six Books) are considered the six major and most authoritative collections of hadith in Sunni Islam, forming a cornerstone of secondary religious texts after the Quran.
The *Ahl al-Ra'y* school within Sunni discourse prioritized strict adherence to the literal text of the Quran and Hadith over independent scholarly judgment.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The *Ahl al-Ra'y* (people of reason) emphasized rational interpretation and scholarly judgment in legal reasoning. This contrasted with the *Ahl al-Hadith* (people of tradition), who prioritized strict adherence to the literal text of the Quran and Hadith.
Which of the following is NOT identified as a foundational source for traditional Sunni jurisprudence?
Answer: Analogical reasoning (*qiyas*) based on pre-Islamic traditions
Analogical reasoning (*qiyas*) based on pre-Islamic traditions is not listed as a primary foundational source. The core sources are the Quran, *hadith*, and *ijma* (scholarly consensus).
Sunnis hold a generally positive view of Muhammad's companions (*Sahabah*), considering them:
Answer: Reliable transmitters of Islam whose integrity is accepted.
Sunnis consider the *Sahabah* to be reliable transmitters of Islam whose integrity is accepted by God and Muhammad. Their accounts are considered foundational for understanding Islamic teachings.
The *Kutub al-Sittah* are significant in Sunni Islam primarily because they are:
Answer: Six major, highly authoritative collections of hadith.
The *Kutub al-Sittah* are significant because they represent the six major, highly authoritative collections of hadith, forming a core part of Sunni secondary sources for Islamic law and theology.
The *Sahaba* are considered foundational by Sunnis primarily because they:
Answer: Are reliable transmitters of Islamic teachings and the Quran's compilation.
The *Sahaba* are considered foundational by Sunnis because they are reliable transmitters of Islamic teachings and played a crucial role in the compilation of the Quran.
Within Sunni Islam, only two principal legal schools (*madhhabs*) are formally recognized.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni Islam recognizes four main legal schools (*madhhabs*): the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools. While variations exist, these four are widely acknowledged and respected.
Ash'arism and Maturidism are identified as the primary theological schools (*kalam*) within the Sunni tradition.
Answer: True
True. Ash'arism and Maturidism represent the dominant schools of systematic theology within Sunni Islam, offering distinct yet broadly compatible frameworks for understanding divine attributes, reason, and revelation.
The Athari school of theology is characterized by its extensive application of rational discourse in interpreting religious texts.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The Athari school is known for its strict textualist approach, emphasizing literal interpretation of scripture and generally eschewing rationalist speculation or allegorical interpretation in theological matters.
The *madhhabs* within Sunni Islam represent universally accepted, singular interpretations of Islamic law.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The *madhhabs* (schools of law) represent diverse methodologies and interpretations of Islamic law (*Sharia*) developed by different scholars. While respected, they are not universally accepted as singular, definitive interpretations but rather as valid approaches within the Sunni tradition.
How many principal legal schools (*madhhabs*) are generally recognized within Sunni Islam?
Answer: Four
There are four main legal schools (*madhhabs*) generally recognized within Sunni Islam: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.
Which theological school, characterized by its textualist approach, emphasizes the literal interpretation of scripture within Sunni Islam?
Answer: Athari
The Athari school is known for its strict textualist approach, prioritizing the literal meaning of scripture and generally avoiding allegorical interpretation or extensive rational discourse in theological matters.
Sunni doctrine holds that Muhammad was the final prophet, and his divine message superseded all previous religious laws.
Answer: True
True. A core tenet of Sunni Islam is the belief in the finality of Muhammad's prophethood (*khatam al-anbiya*). His message is considered the ultimate and complete divine guidance, abrogating earlier revelations.
Sunni belief incorporates the concept of angels questioning the deceased within their graves regarding their faith.
Answer: True
True. Sunni eschatology includes the belief that upon burial, the deceased are questioned by two angels, Munkar and Nakir, about their creed and deeds. This is considered the first trial after death.
The Dajjal (Antichrist) is recognized as one of the major signs of the hour (*ashrat as-sa'ah*) that Sunnis believe will precede the Day of Resurrection.
Answer: True
True. The emergence of the Dajjal is a prominent sign of the end times in Sunni eschatology, alongside other events such as the return of Jesus, the appearance of Gog and Magog, and the sun rising from the west.
Sunni doctrine asserts that righteous believers will be unable to perceive God in the hereafter.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni theology posits that righteous believers will be granted the vision of God in Paradise (*Jannah*). This doctrine distinguishes Sunni theology from certain rationalist schools that deny the possibility of divine vision.
According to Sunni belief, monotheists who commit serious sins are irrevocably destined for eternal damnation in hell.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni theology holds that while monotheists (*muwahhidun*) who commit grave sins may be punished in hell, they are not destined for eternal residence there. Divine mercy and the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad and other righteous individuals are believed to facilitate their eventual release.
Sunni belief in predestination (*Qadar*) asserts that while God determines all events, humans possess complete free will entirely independent of God's plan.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni doctrine reconciles divine predestination (*Qadar*) with human agency by positing that God determines all events, and human choices, while real, operate within the framework of this divine decree. Free will is understood not as independent of God's plan, but as aligned with it.
Sunnis believe God's speech, as manifested in the Quran, is a created phenomenon, distinct from God's eternal nature.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni theology firmly asserts that God's speech (*kalam*), as revealed in the Quran, is eternal and uncreated, an attribute inherent to God's divine essence. The doctrine of the createdness of the Quran is considered heretical by mainstream Sunnism.
The principle of *tafwid* within Athari theology involves interpreting God's attributes metaphorically.
Answer: False
This statement is False. *Tafwid* is a principle in Athari theology that emphasizes accepting the literal meaning of scriptural descriptions of God's attributes without defining their exact nature or modality ('how'). It involves consigning the precise understanding of these attributes to God alone, rather than metaphorical interpretation.
Mainstream Sunni scholars generally maintain that human reason, unaided by divine revelation, is sufficient for deriving fundamental creedal truths.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Major Sunni theological schools emphasize that divine revelation, as found in the Quran and Sunna, is the primary and indispensable source for understanding creedal matters. Human reason is considered a tool for understanding revelation, not a substitute for it.
Sunnis believe the Quran is the literal, uncreated speech of God revealed to Muhammad.
Answer: True
True. This is a foundational tenet of Sunni Islam, affirming the Quran's divine origin and status as the verbatim word of God, transmitted through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad.
Sunni belief holds that God has predestined individuals for Paradise or Hell, and this determination is fixed.
Answer: True
True. Sunni theology affirms divine predestination (*Qadar*), asserting that God's knowledge encompasses all events, and He has decreed the ultimate fate of individuals for Paradise or Hell. This determination is considered immutable and based on divine wisdom and justice.
Sunnis reject the doctrine that the Quran was created, viewing it as the eternal speech of God.
Answer: True
True. This rejection of the Quran's createdness is a core Sunni theological position, affirming its status as the uncreated, eternal word of God. Holding the opposite view is considered a deviation from orthodox Sunni belief.
Sunni belief posits that the Prophet Muhammad's Ascension (*mi'raj*) was exclusively a spiritual journey, devoid of any physical component.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Sunni accounts of the *mi'raj* typically describe it as a miraculous event involving both spiritual and physical elements, during which the Prophet ascended through the heavens, received divine revelations, and experienced profound spiritual encounters. It is not considered purely spiritual in the sense of lacking physical manifestation.
Sunnis believe in the intercession (*shafa'a*) of the Prophet Muhammad for his community, particularly for individuals who committed serious sins.
Answer: True
True. The concept of intercession (*shafa'a*) is an accepted tenet in Sunni Islam, with the Prophet Muhammad believed to intercede for his followers, especially those who have sinned but maintained their faith.
Which of the following is considered a key sign preceding the Day of Resurrection in Sunni belief?
Answer: The emergence of the Dajjal (Antichrist).
The emergence of the Dajjal is a prominent sign of the end times in Sunni eschatology, alongside other eschatological markers.
What is the Sunni belief regarding the ultimate fate of monotheists who commit serious sins?
Answer: They may be punished in hell but will eventually be released.
Sunni belief holds that monotheists who commit serious sins may be punished in hell but will eventually be released through God's mercy and intercession, meaning they are not destined for eternal damnation.
According to Sunni belief, the Quran is:
Answer: The literal, uncreated speech of God.
Sunnis believe the Quran is the literal, uncreated speech of God, revealed to Muhammad. It is considered the ultimate source of divine guidance.
Which of the following best describes the Sunni view on predestination (*Qadar*)?
Answer: God predestines all events, and human choices align with this divine plan.
The Sunni view on predestination (*Qadar*) posits that God determines all events, and human actions align with this divine plan, integrating human agency within God's decree.
What is the Sunni belief regarding the vision of God in the hereafter?
Answer: Righteous believers will see God.
Sunni belief holds that righteous believers will be granted the vision of God in the hereafter. This is a key aspect of their eschatological understanding.
In Sunni theology, the principle of *tafwid* relates to the understanding of:
Answer: The exact nature and meaning of God's attributes.
The principle of *tafwid* relates to the understanding of God's attributes, specifically the practice of accepting their literal meaning without defining their modality or 'how'.
Sunnis believe Muhammad's prophethood is final, meaning he is considered the:
Answer: Seal of the prophets (*khatam al-anbiya*).
Sunnis believe Muhammad is the "seal of the prophets" (*khatam al-anbiya*), signifying he is the last prophet sent by God.
What is the Sunni belief regarding the questioning of the deceased in the grave?
Answer: It occurs, involving angels Munkar and Nakir questioning the deceased.
Sunni belief holds that angels Munkar and Nakir question the deceased in their graves about their faith and deeds, serving as a preliminary trial.
According to the scholar Muhammad Ibn Siri, the distinction between "Sunnah people" and "Innovators" (*Bid'ah*) predated the period of major civil strife (*fitna*).
Answer: False
This statement is False. Muhammad Ibn Siri indicated that the critical scrutiny of hadith narrators and the distinction between "Sunnah people" and "Innovators" (*Bid'ah*) emerged *after* the onset of the first major civil strife (*fitna*), as a means to authenticate traditions.
A prevalent misconception posits that Sunni Islam emerged as the sole, monolithic form of Islam immediately following the Prophet Muhammad's demise.
Answer: True
True. The historical development of Islam involved diverse interpretations and political movements from its inception. Both Sunni and Shia Islam evolved over centuries, defining themselves in relation to each other and other emerging groups.
The Banu Umayya transitioned the caliphate into a dynastic monarchy following the martyrdom of Ali's son, Husain, at the Battle of Karbala.
Answer: True
True. The events surrounding the Battle of Karbala and the subsequent death of Husain marked a critical turning point, paving the way for the Umayyad dynasty to consolidate power and establish hereditary rule.
The formative period for Sunni Islam, characterized by the emergence of its key legal scholars and the codification of its jurisprudence, primarily occurred during the Umayyad Caliphate.
Answer: False
This statement is False. While the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) was significant, the period most widely considered formative for Sunni Islam, marked by the flourishing of its major legal schools and theological discourse, is the subsequent Abbasid Caliphate (from the 8th century onwards).
The abolition of the Ottoman Empire's caliphate subsequent to World War I was met with widespread acceptance and celebration among Sunni Muslims.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The abolition of the Ottoman caliphate in 1924 by the Turkish Republic generated significant controversy and led to protests in various Muslim regions, such as the Khilafat Movement in British India, reflecting a desire to preserve the institution.
The theological doctrines of Ibn Taymiyyah have experienced a resurgence, being revived by contemporary movements such as Wahhabi, Salafiyya, Islamist, and Jihadist movements.
Answer: True
True. The Hanbali scholar Taqi Al-Din Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE), known for his rigorous textualism and reformist ideas, has profoundly influenced various modern Islamic movements seeking to return to what they perceive as pristine Islamic principles.
The scholar Muhammad Ibn Siri suggested that the scrutiny of hadith narrators commenced after which major historical event?
Answer: The first *fitna* (civil strife)
Muhammad Ibn Siri suggested that the critical examination of hadith narrators began after the onset of the first major civil strife (*fitna*) in early Islamic history.
Which historical period is considered formative for Sunni Islam, particularly concerning the development of its major legal schools?
Answer: The Abbasid Caliphate (from 8th century onwards)
The Abbasid Caliphate, particularly from the 8th century onwards, is considered the formative period for Sunni Islam, during which the founders of the four major legal schools practiced and their methodologies were consolidated.
The establishment of dynastic rule by the Banu Umayya is linked in the source material to which significant event?
Answer: The death of Husain at the Battle of Karbala
The establishment of dynastic rule by the Banu Umayya is linked to the death of Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala, which marked a shift from the earlier caliphal model.
Which influential theologian's doctrines, revived by contemporary movements such as Salafism and Jihadism, are mentioned in the source?
Answer: Ibn Taymiyyah
The doctrines of the theologian Ibn Taymiyyah have been revived by contemporary movements like Wahhabism, Salafism, and various Islamist and Jihadist groups.
Which event is cited as marking the transition of the caliphate into dynastic monarchy for the Banu Umayya?
Answer: The Battle of Karbala
The transition to dynastic monarchy for the Banu Umayya is cited as occurring after the death of Husain, son of Ali, at the Battle of Karbala.
The appellation "Sunni" is primarily derived from adherence to the *sunna*, which denotes the traditions, practices, and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad.
Answer: True
True. The term "Sunni" signifies adherence to the *sunna*, which serves as a primary source of guidance for Muslims, encompassing the Prophet Muhammad's teachings, actions, and tacit approvals.
The term "sunna" acquired significant political relevance during the early Islamic period, specifically following the death of Ali.
Answer: False
This statement is False. While the *sunna* gained political significance during the period of early Islamic strife (*fitna*), its political importance became particularly pronounced after the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, and during the subsequent caliphate of Ali and the conflicts that ensued, such as the Battle of Siffin, rather than solely after Ali's death.
Historically, the term *ahl as-sunna* denoted believers who deviated from the Prophet's traditions and actively embraced political factions.
Answer: False
This statement is False. Historically, *ahl as-sunna* referred to adherents who rigorously adhered to the Prophet's traditions (*sunna*) and consciously abstained from heterodox beliefs and divisive political affiliations.
Academic scholarship frequently translates *Ahl as-Sunna wa l-Jama'ah* as "heterodox," reflecting its emphasis on established traditions.
Answer: False
This statement is False. In academic discourse, *Ahl as-Sunna wa l-Jama'ah* (meaning "people of the Sunnah and the community") is commonly translated as "orthodox," signifying adherence to established religious norms and traditions.
In Sunni self-perception, the term *firqa najiya* refers to the "lost sect".
Answer: False
This statement is False. *Firqa najiya* translates to "the saved sect." Sunnis often identify with this term, drawing from prophetic traditions that foretold divisions within the Muslim community and posited a group that would remain on the true path.
The term "Sunni" is derived from which concept central to Islamic practice?
Answer: The *sunna*, meaning the traditions and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad.
The term "Sunni" is derived from *sunna*, which refers to the traditions, practices, and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad. Adherence to the *sunna* is a defining characteristic of Sunni Islam.
According to the source material, when did the term "sunna" gain significant political importance?
Answer: After the murder of the third caliph, Uthman.
The term "sunna" acquired significant political importance following the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, and during the subsequent period of civil strife (*fitna*), particularly during the caliphate of Ali and conflicts like the Battle of Siffin.
Historically, the term *ahl as-sunna* referred to believers who:
Answer: Adhered strictly to the Prophet's traditions and avoided heretical teachings.
Historically, *ahl as-sunna* referred to believers who adhered strictly to the Prophet's traditions and avoided heretical teachings and political factions.
Academics often employ which term to translate *Ahl as-Sunna wa l-Jama'ah*, reflecting its emphasis on established beliefs?
Answer: Orthodox
Academics often translate *Ahl as-Sunna wa l-Jama'ah* as "orthodox," signifying adherence to established religious traditions and community norms.
What is the meaning of *firqa najiya*, a term Sunnis often associate with themselves?
Answer: The Saved Sect
*Firqa najiya* translates to "the saved sect." Sunnis often identify with this term, believing they represent the authentic path of Islam preserved from the time of the Prophet and his companions.
Saudi Arabia emerged as a significant political entity in the post-Ottoman caliphate era, notably championing the doctrines of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Answer: True
True. The modern state of Saudi Arabia, established in the early 20th century, became closely associated with the reformist and puritanical doctrines of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, influencing its religious and political identity.
A 2010 study by the Pew Research Center estimated that approximately 70% of the world's Muslims identify as Sunni.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The 2010 Pew Research Center study estimated that over 85% to 90% of the global Muslim population adheres to Sunni Islam, making it the predominant branch.
Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, is recognized as a preeminent teaching institution within the Sunni Islamic tradition.
Answer: True
True. Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world and a leading center for Islamic learning, particularly for Sunni jurisprudence and theology.
The Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (*Diyanet*) provides interpretations of Islam based on the Shia branch.
Answer: False
This statement is False. The *Diyanet* is the official state institution responsible for religious affairs in Turkey, and its interpretations and administration of religious matters are firmly rooted in the Sunni tradition.
What major political entity emerged in the era following the abolition of the Ottoman caliphate, notably championing the doctrines of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab?
Answer: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia emerged as a significant political entity in the post-Ottoman caliphate era, notably championing the reformist and puritanical doctrines of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
What approximate percentage of the world's Muslims were estimated to be Sunni in a 2010 Pew Research Center study?
Answer: Over 85-90%
The 2010 Pew Research Center study estimated that over 85% to 90% of the global Muslim population adheres to Sunni Islam.
Al-Azhar University, identified as a key institution, is located in which country?
Answer: Egypt
Al-Azhar University is located in Cairo, Egypt.
The Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (*Diyanet*) provides interpretations based on which branch of Islam?
Answer: Sunni Islam
The *Diyanet* provides interpretations based on Sunni Islam, managing religious affairs and education within that framework in Turkey.