Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) MCQs With Answers

The Prophet (PBUH) was born in Makkah in the "Year of the Elephant," around 570 CE, into the tribe of Quraysh.

His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, passed away before the Prophet (PBUH) was born.

His mother, Amina bint Wahb, passed away when he was around six years old, after which he was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle.

The Hijra in 622 CE marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and was a turning point that allowed the early Muslim community to establish itself in Madinah.

The city was called Yathrib before it was renamed "Madinat an-Nabi" (City of the Prophet), later shortened to Madinah.

The Isra (night journey) took the Prophet (PBUH) from the Kaaba in Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in a single night.

During the Miraj, the Prophet (PBUH) ascended through the heavens, and it was on this night that the five daily prayers were made obligatory.

The Battle of Badr took place in 624 CE (2 AH) and ended in a decisive victory for the significantly outnumbered Muslim army.

At the Battle of Uhud, a group of archers left their post against the Prophet's (PBUH) instructions, allowing the enemy cavalry to counterattack.

On the advice of Salman al-Farsi (RA), a trench was dug around Madinah to block the advancing confederate armies, a tactic previously unknown in Arabia.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah established a ten-year truce and, despite seeming unfavorable at first, allowed Islam to spread rapidly in the years that followed.

The Conquest of Makkah occurred in 630 CE (8 AH), after which the Prophet (PBUH) granted a general amnesty to the Makkans and the Kaaba was cleared of idols.

Drafted shortly after the Hijra, the Charter of Madinah organized relations between Muslims, Jews, and other tribes in the city under a shared framework.

Abu Talib cared for and protected his nephew for many years, even though he did not himself accept Islam.

The "Year of the Elephant" refers to the year an Abyssinian army with war elephants attempted to attack the Kaaba and was repelled, as described in Surah Al-Fil.

Delivered during his final Hajj, the Farewell Sermon outlined key principles of equality, human rights, and the completion of the faith.

The Prophet (PBUH) passed away in 632 CE (11 AH) in Madinah, after completing his mission of conveying Islam.

Following Arab custom, the infant Prophet (PBUH) was sent to be nursed and raised for several years by Halima Sa'diyah among the Banu Sa'd tribe.

He was known as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) among the people of Makkah for his honesty long before he received revelation.

The Prophet (PBUH) belonged to the Banu Hashim clan, part of the larger Quraysh tribe that held significant influence in Makkah.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) on the perilous journey to Madinah, including hiding together in the Cave of Thawr.

Hazrat Ali (RA) courageously took the Prophet's (PBUH) place in bed that night, allowing the Prophet and Abu Bakr (RA) to leave Makkah safely.

The Quraysh drafted a document (Sahifa) imposing a social and economic boycott on Banu Hashim for about three years, hoping to pressure them into abandoning the Prophet (PBUH).

"Aam-ul-Huzn" (the Year of Sorrow) refers to the year the Prophet (PBUH) lost both his wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle and protector Abu Talib, shortly before the Hijra.

The Prophet (PBUH) traveled to Taif seeking protection and support for his message but was rejected and mistreated by its people.

On the Prophet's (PBUH) advice, a group of early Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, where the Christian ruler, the Negus, gave them protection.

The Pledges of Aqaba (in two stages) were agreements made by the people of Yathrib (Madinah) to support and protect the Prophet (PBUH), paving the way for the Hijra.

The Pledge of Ridwan was a vow of loyalty given by the companions to the Prophet (PBUH), ready to fight if needed, after a rumor spread that Hazrat Usman (RA) had been killed in Makkah.

The Expedition to Tabuk in 630 CE was a large-scale mobilization toward the Byzantine frontier, though it ended without direct combat.

The Battle of Mu'tah, fought against Byzantine and allied forces, saw three successive Muslim commanders martyred before Khalid ibn al-Walid (RA) took command and led a strategic withdrawal.

The Battle of Khaybar resulted in the Muslims taking control of this fortified oasis settlement north of Madinah.

Ibrahim, born to Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA), was the Prophet's (PBUH) youngest son and died as an infant.

A well-known hadith describes Mount Uhud as loving the believers and being loved by them, referring to its association with the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud.

They hid in Cave Thawr, south of Makkah, for three days before continuing their journey to Madinah, famously protected by a spider's web and a bird's nest at the entrance according to tradition.

His prophethood lasted approximately 23 years — about 13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madinah — from age 40 until his death at 63.

The Prophet (PBUH) passed away at approximately 63 years of age, according to the most widely accepted accounts.

According to tradition, the Prophet (PBUH) let his camel Qaswa choose where to stop in Madinah, and that spot became the site of Masjid an-Nabawi.

The Farewell Sermon was delivered during the Prophet's (PBUH) only and final Hajj, shortly before his death, at the plain of Arafat.

The Farewell Sermon explicitly declared that superiority is based solely on righteousness (Taqwa), not race, ethnicity, or lineage — a foundational statement on human equality in Islam.

The Prophet (PBUH) declared the blood, property, and honor of every Muslim to be as sacred as the sacred day and month in which the sermon was delivered.

The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly declared all pre-Islamic blood feuds and interest-based transactions (Riba) null and void, starting with his own family's claims as an example.

The Farewell Sermon reminded the community that the relationship between spouses is mutual, urging men to treat women kindly and honor their rights.

He instructed those present to convey what they had heard to others, since later generations might understand and preserve the message even better than those hearing it directly.

Scholars and commentators frequently cite the Farewell Sermon as one of history's earliest and clearest declarations addressing equality, human dignity, and basic rights.

"Aam-ul-Wufood" (9 AH) refers to the year many tribal delegations from across Arabia came to Madinah to pledge allegiance following the Conquest of Makkah.

"Aam-ul-Fath" (Year of Victory/Conquest) refers to 8 AH, when the Prophet (PBUH) peacefully entered and took control of Makkah.

After the peaceful conquest, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered the removal and destruction of the idols that had filled the Kaaba, restoring it as a place of pure monotheistic worship.

Echoing the words of Prophet Yusuf (AS) to his brothers, the Prophet (PBUH) declared a general pardon for the Makkans who had persecuted the early Muslims for years.

Bilal (RA) gave the Adhan from the roof of the Kaaba, a deeply symbolic moment marking the restoration of Islamic worship in Makkah.

Traditional accounts describe the Prophet (PBUH) advancing on Makkah with roughly 10,000 companions, a dramatic increase from the small band of early Muslims.

Despite an initial ambush that caused confusion among the Muslim ranks, the battle ended in a decisive Muslim victory shortly after the Conquest of Makkah.

"Ghazawat" refers to military expeditions in which the Prophet (PBUH) personally participated, as distinct from "Saraya," expeditions he dispatched without personally leading.

Islamic tradition records approximately 313 Muslims at Badr, facing a Makkan force of roughly 1,000.

• The Quraysh army at the Battle of Badr is traditionally put at about 1,000 men.
• The Muslim force numbered only 313, so the Makkans outnumbered them by roughly three to one.
• Option A 313 is offered as a trap, because it is the size of the Muslim side rather than the Makkan side.
• The battle was fought in 2 AH, which corresponds to 624 CE.
• Badr is remembered as the first major battle of Islam, and the victory despite far smaller numbers is its best-known feature.
• Battle of Badr MCQs in FPSC and PPSC papers usually test these two troop figures, 313 against about 1,000.

Historians commonly cite around 27 Ghazawat in which the Prophet (PBUH) personally participated, though actual fighting occurred in only a smaller number of them.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) established a 10-year truce between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Makkah, though it did not last its full term.

The Conquest of Makkah occurred in 8 AH (630 CE), and the Prophet (PBUH) passed away in 11 AH (632 CE) — roughly two years later.

Of his approximately 23-year prophethood, the Prophet (PBUH) spent about 13 years in Makkah before migrating to Madinah.

The Prophet (PBUH) spent approximately 10 years in Madinah, from the Hijra in 622 CE until his death in 632 CE.

"Jahiliyyah" (the Age of Ignorance) refers to the pre-Islamic period in Arabia, characterized by tribalism, idol worship, and various social ills that Islam later reformed.

"Siqayah" (providing water to pilgrims) was a respected hereditary responsibility held by the Prophet's (PBUH) grandfather Abdul Muttalib and family within the Quraysh.

"Rifadah" (feeding pilgrims) was another respected hereditary duty associated with the Prophet's (PBUH) family lineage within the Quraysh.

The custodianship of the Kaaba's keys (Sidanah/Hijabah) was traditionally held by the Banu Abd-ud-Dar clan of the Quraysh.

"Dar-un-Nadwah" served as the meeting hall where Quraysh leaders convened to discuss significant tribal and political matters.

"Dar-ul-Arqam," the house of the companion Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam (RA), served as a secret meeting place for early Muslims during the initial phase of Islam in Makkah.

The Prophet (PBUH) married Khadijah (RA) at around age 25, roughly 15 years before he received his first revelation at age 40.

- Abu Lahab, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was a prominent and vocal early opponent of Islam, explicitly condemned along with his wife in Surah Al-Masad, a specific chapter of the Quran.
- This condemnation is notable as one of the few instances within the Quran where a specific individual is named and explicitly denounced.
- For exams, remember that this stands in contrast to other uncles, such as Hamza (RA) and Abbas (RA), who eventually supported the Prophet's mission.

- Bay'ah al-Nisa refers to the specific pledge of allegiance given by women to the Prophet (PBUH), demonstrating early Muslim women's active participation in matters of political and religious commitment.
- This particular pledge is referenced in the Quran, Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 12, outlining the specific terms upon which women formally committed themselves to this pledge.
- For exams, note that this event reflects the broader historical reality of women's direct engagement in significant matters within the early Muslim community.

According to Sahih al-Bukhari, Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) reported that on the journey to Hudaybiyyah in 6 AH, when the 1,400 or so companions had run out of water, water flowed from between the Prophet's (PBUH) fingers until everyone had drunk and performed ablution.

Similar miracles of water are also reported on other occasions, such as the expedition to Tabuk.

- Buraq is the name of the miraculous steed upon which the Prophet (PBUH) is said to have traveled swiftly from Makkah to Jerusalem during the miraculous Night Journey (Isra).
- This creature is traditionally described as a swift, extraordinary animal, smaller than a mule but larger than a donkey, whose stride reportedly extended as far as the eye could see.
- For exams, note that this journey and mode of travel is distinct from Qaswa, which was the Prophet's regular she-camel used during his ordinary earthly travels.

- The tree trunk known as Hannana is reported in authentic Hadith to have wept audibly out of longing for the Prophet (PBUH) after a proper pulpit was constructed, ending his practice of leaning against it while delivering sermons.
- The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have gone to the trunk and comforted it directly, after which the weeping ceased.
- For exams, remember that this event is cited as a demonstration of the Prophet's profound connection extending even to inanimate objects within creation.

- During the digging of the trench before the Battle of Khandaq, a small quantity of barley bread and meat prepared by a companion's wife miraculously became sufficient to feed the entire group of hungry workers.
- This event demonstrated Allah's provision during a time of significant scarcity and hardship faced by the early Muslim community in Madinah.
- For exams, note that similar accounts of food multiplication are recorded on separate occasions throughout the Seerah, reflecting a recurring theme of divine sustenance during hardship.

- Khatam-un-Nubuwwah refers to the physical seal of prophethood, described in Hadith as a distinctive mark located between the Prophet's (PBUH) shoulders, recognized by earlier scriptures as a sign of the final Prophet.
- This mark was famously recognized by the Christian monk Bahira during the Prophet's youth, according to widely reported traditional accounts.
- For exams, remember that this physical sign is described in various Hadiths, contributing to the broader body of evidence supporting the Prophet's prophethood before his formal mission began.

- A camel is reported in Hadith to have complained to the Prophet (PBUH) through mournful sounds and gestures about being overworked and underfed, after which the Prophet (PBUH) advised its owner to treat the animal better.
- This account is often cited as an example of the Prophet's ability to understand and communicate compassion even to non-human creation, and it emphasizes Islamic teachings on animal welfare.
- For exams, note that this narrative reinforces broader Islamic principles regarding kindness toward animals, a theme emphasized in multiple other Hadiths as well.

- Jerusalem is the city where the Prophet (PBUH) led the other Prophets in prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, a significant moment during the miraculous Night Journey (Isra) before his subsequent ascension (Miraj) to the heavens.
- This event symbolized the continuity of the prophetic message, with Muhammad (PBUH) leading previous Prophets in worship as the final Messenger sent to humanity.
- For exams, remember that this journey took place in a single night, an extraordinary feat that further affirmed the miraculous nature of the entire event.

- Sariyyah refers to a military expedition dispatched by the Prophet (PBUH) but led by one of his companions, without his own direct, personal involvement in the mission.
- Numerous such expeditions were sent for various purposes, including reconnaissance, addressing specific threats, or responding to particular tribal conflicts during the Madani period.
- For exams, note that the distinction between Ghazwa and Sariyyah is based specifically on the Prophet's personal presence, not on the size or significance of the expedition itself.

- Ghazwa Banu Nadir refers to the expedition in which the Muslims besieged the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadir in Madinah after they were found to have broken their treaty and plotted against the Prophet (PBUH).
- This siege resulted in the expulsion of the tribe from Madinah, with many of their properties subsequently distributed among the Muhajireen.
- For exams, remember that this event is referenced in the Quran, Surah Al-Hashr, which discusses the circumstances and outcome of this expulsion.

- The Ghazwa of Tabuk took place in 9 AH, addressing rumors of a potential Byzantine military threat approaching from the north, though no actual battle occurred upon the Muslim army's arrival.
- This expedition is particularly notable for the significant hardship faced during the difficult journey, occurring during intense heat and a period of scarce resources, testing the sincerity of the participants.
- For exams, note that Uthman (RA) demonstrated exceptional generosity in this expedition, providing substantial financial support to help equip the Muslim army for the difficult journey.

- Ghazwa Banu Qurayza refers to the expedition addressing the treachery of the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza, who had broken their treaty with the Muslims by secretly conspiring with the coalition forces during the Battle of Khandaq.
- This expedition occurred immediately following the conclusion of the Battle of Khandaq, addressing the serious security threat this betrayal posed to Madinah.
- For exams, note that the tribe's punishment was determined through arbitration by Saad ibn Muadh (RA), whom they themselves had requested to judge their case according to their own previous treaty terms.

- Ghazwa Banu Mustaliq refers to the expedition undertaken against this particular tribe, resulting in the capture of prisoners, including Juwayriyyah (RA), who subsequently became one of the wives of the Prophet (PBUH).
- This expedition is also historically significant as the occasion associated with a well-known incident involving Aisha (RA), which led to important clarifications within Islamic teachings regarding slander.
- For exams, remember that this campaign took place in either 5 AH or 6 AH according to differing scholarly accounts regarding the precise timeline.

- The primary outcome of the Ghazwa of Banu Qaynuqa was their expulsion from Madinah after they were found to have violated the terms of their treaty with the Muslim community.
- This tribe was known for its skill in craftsmanship and was the first of the three major Jewish tribes in Madinah to face such consequences during the Prophet's lifetime.
- For exams, note that this event occurred relatively early in the Madani period, following shortly after the significant victory at the Battle of Badr.

- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the year 570 CE in Makkah, a year traditionally referred to as the 'Year of the Elephant' due to the failed attempt by Abraha's army, which included war elephants, to destroy the Kaaba.
- This event is referenced in Surah Al-Fil in the Quran.
- For exams, remember that the Prophet's birth is generally accepted as occurring in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Khadijah (RA) at the age of 25, while she was a respected and wealthy businesswoman of Makkah, approximately 40 years old at the time of their marriage.
- Their union was notably harmonious, and Khadijah became the first person to accept his prophethood.
- For exams, remember that Khadijah was the Prophet's only wife until her passing, and no other marriage took place during her lifetime.

- Bay'ah al-Aqabah refers to the pledges of allegiance given by representatives of Madinah at Aqabah, near Makkah, committing to support and protect the Prophet (PBUH), which paved the way for his eventual migration to the city.
- There were two such pledges, occurring in consecutive years prior to the Hijra.
- For exams, note that the second pledge involved a larger delegation and included a formal commitment to defend the Prophet as they would defend their own families.

- The Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, took place in 622 CE and marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, with that year designated as 1 AH.
- This migration was a pivotal turning point, establishing the first organized Muslim community.
- For exams, note that the Islamic calendar was formally adopted during the caliphate of Umar (RA), who established the Hijra as its starting reference point.

- The Battle of Badr took place in 2 AH and is regarded as the first major military confrontation between the early Muslim community and the Quraysh of Makkah, resulting in a decisive Muslim victory despite being significantly outnumbered.
- This battle held immense religious and strategic significance for the fledgling Muslim state.
- For exams, remember that this same year, 2 AH, also saw fasting in Ramadan and Zakat made obligatory.

- The Battle of Uhud took place in 3 AH, following the Muslim defeat at Badr for the Quraysh, resulting in significant losses for the Muslim community, including the martyrdom of Hamza (RA), the Prophet's uncle.
- This battle offered important lessons regarding discipline and obedience to command, particularly relating to the archers who left their position.
- For exams, note that the outcome of Uhud is often contrasted with the decisive victory at Badr the previous year.

- The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was signed in 6 AH between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah, establishing a ten-year truce despite initial terms appearing unfavorable to the Muslims.
- This treaty ultimately proved highly beneficial, allowing peaceful conditions during which Islam spread significantly.
- For exams, note that the treaty is referenced in the Quran as a clear victory, in Surah Al-Fath, despite its seemingly modest surface terms.

- The Battle of Hunayn took place shortly after the Conquest of Makkah in 8 AH, fought against the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif, who had gathered a significant force to confront the growing strength of the Muslim community.
- Despite an initial setback due to overconfidence from their large numbers, the Muslims ultimately achieved victory.
- For exams, note that this battle is referenced in the Quran, Surah At-Tawbah, verse 25, regarding the initial difficulty faced despite superior numbers.

In Islamic historical terminology, a 'Ghazwa' refers to any military expedition in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personally participated and led. A 'Sariyyah' (or Sariya) refers to an expedition dispatched by the Prophet (PBUH) under the leadership of an appointed companion without his personal presence. Historical records state there were 27 Ghazwat and over 50 Sariyyahs.

The Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Suhayl ibn Amr representing the Quraish in 6 AH. Although some terms initially appeared unfavorable to the companions, Allah affirmed its strategic greatness by revealing Surah Al-Fath: 'Indeed, We have given you a clear victory.' It established a 10-year truce, enabling Islam to spread rapidly across the Arabian peninsula.

The Battle of Badr took place on 17 Ramadan 2 AH (624 CE). An army of 313 Muslims defeated about 1,000 Quraysh, and Surah Al-Anfal (8:9) states that Allah reinforced them with a thousand angels. The Quran calls Badr Yawm al-Furqan, the Day of Criterion.

The Quran also mentions unseen help at Hunayn (9:26) and at the Battle of the Trench (33:9).

For the Battle of Mu'tah (8 AH), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) designated a chain of command: Hazrat Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) was appointed first commander. If martyred, Hazrat Ja'far ibn Abi Talib (RA) was to take command, followed by Hazrat Abdullah ibn Rawahah (RA). After all three achieved martyrdom, Hazrat Khalid ibn al-Walid (RA) took command and executed a tactical retreat. Zayd (RA) is also the only Sahabi mentioned by name in the Quran (Surah Al-Ahzab).