CSS Islamic Studies Complete Syllabus - Topics, Recommended Books & Preparation Strategy

Islamic Studies is one of the 6 compulsory subjects in CSS examination carrying 100 marks. This comprehensive guide covers the complete official FPSC syllabus with recommended books and preparation strategies.

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Paper Overview

Aspect	Details
Marks	100
Duration	3 hours
MCQs	20 (carrying approximately 20 marks)
Subjective	80 marks
Language	English or Urdu only
Alternative	Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims)

Note for Non-Muslims: You may choose either Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions as per your preference.

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Complete Syllabus Breakdown

Section I: Introduction to Islam

A. Concept of Islam

• Literal and technical meaning of Islam
• Islam as complete code of life
• Universal nature of Islam
• Islam vs. other religions

B. Importance of Din in Human Life

• Role of religion in human society
• Spiritual, moral, and social aspects
• Islam's guidance for all life spheres

C. Difference Between Din and Religion

• Din as comprehensive way of life
• Religion as limited concept
• Islamic perspective on Din

D. Distinctive Aspects of Islam

• Tawheed (Oneness of God)
• Finality of Prophethood
• Universality and practicality
• Balance between material and spiritual life
• Social justice and equality

E. Islamic Beliefs and Impact on Individual & Society

Six Articles of Faith (Iman):

1. Belief in Allah
2. Belief in Angels
3. Belief in Holy Books
4. Belief in Prophets
5. Belief in Day of Judgment
6. Belief in Predestination (Qadr)

Fundamentals of Islam:

• Impact on individual character
• Impact on society and governance

F. Islamic Worships: Spiritual, Moral and Social Impact

Five Pillars of Islam:

Pillar	Arabic	Spiritual Impact	Social Impact
Shahadah	شهادة	Foundation of faith	Unity of believers
Salat	صلاة	Direct connection with Allah	Community bonding
Zakat	زكاة	Purification of wealth	Economic justice
Sawm	صوم	Self-discipline	Empathy for poor
Hajj	حج	Ultimate submission	Universal brotherhood

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Section II: Study of Sirah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The Sirah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is studied as a Role Model for different aspects of life:

A. Prophet (PBUH) as Individual

• Personal character and ethics
• Honesty (Al-Sadiq Al-Ameen)
• Kindness and mercy
• Patience and perseverance
• Humility despite leadership

B. Prophet (PBUH) as Diplomat

• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
• Letters to kings and rulers
• Relations with non-Muslim communities
• Diplomatic strategies
• Peace-making efforts

C. Prophet (PBUH) as Educator

• Methods of teaching
• Training of companions
• Emphasis on knowledge
• Gradual implementation of laws
• Use of examples and parables

D. Prophet (PBUH) as Military Strategist

• Battles: Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar
• Military planning and tactics
• Treatment of prisoners of war
• Rules of engagement
• Victory of Makkah (bloodless conquest)

E. Prophet (PBUH) as Peace Maker

• Hilf-ul-Fudul (Alliance of Virtue)
• Medina Charter (first written constitution)
• Reconciliation between tribes
• Protection of minorities
• Promotion of peaceful coexistence

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Section III: Human Rights & Status of Woman in Islam

A. Human Rights in Islam

Fundamental Rights:

• Right to life
• Right to property
• Right to honor and dignity
• Right to freedom of religion
• Right to equality and justice
• Right to education
• Right to privacy
• Right to fair trial

Last Sermon (Khutba Hajjatul Wida) Principles:

• Sanctity of life, property, and honor
• Equality of all humans
• Rights of women
• Abolition of usury and blood feuds

B. Status of Woman in Islam

Rights Granted to Women:

• Right to education
• Right to own property
• Right to inheritance
• Right to choose husband
• Right to divorce (Khula)
• Right to work
• Right to political participation

C. Dignity of Men and Women

• Equal spiritual status
• Complementary roles
• Mutual rights and responsibilities
• Protection of women's honor
• Economic independence

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Section IV: Islamic Civilization and Culture

A. Meanings and Vital Elements

• Definition of civilization (Tahzeeb)
• Difference between civilization and culture
• Material and spiritual aspects
• Role of values in civilization

B. Role of Civilization in Development

Impact on:

• Human personality development
• Community building
• Knowledge advancement
• Economic prosperity
• Social harmony

C. Characteristics of Islamic Civilization

Characteristic	Description
Tawheed	Unity of God as foundation
Self-purification	Tazkiya-e-Nafs, spiritual growth
Dignity of Man	Respect for human beings
Equality	No discrimination based on race, color
Social Justice	Fair distribution of resources
Moral Values	Ethics in all dealings
Tolerance	Respect for other faiths
Rule of Law	Justice for all

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Section V: Islam and the World

A. Impact of Islamic Civilization on the West

Scientific Contributions:

• Mathematics (Algebra, Algorithm)
• Astronomy
• Medicine
• Chemistry
• Geography
• Philosophy

Cultural Influence:

• Architecture
• Art and calligraphy
• Literature
• Music and poetry

B. Impact of Western Civilization on Islam

• Colonialism effects
• Modernization challenges
• Secularization trends
• Cultural imperialism

C. Role of Islam in the Modern World

• Relevance of Islamic principles today
• Solutions to modern problems
• Economic system (Islamic banking)
• Political system (Shura)
• Social welfare

D. Muslim World and Contemporary Challenges

• Political fragmentation
• Economic dependence
• Educational backwardness
• Internal conflicts
• External pressures

E. Rise of Extremism

• Causes of extremism
• Islamic perspective on moderation
• Counter-narratives
• Role of education

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Section VI: Public Administration and Governance in Islam

A. Concept of Public Administration in Islam

• Purpose of Islamic state
• Welfare orientation
• Accountability to Allah and people
• Service to humanity

B. Quranic Guidance on Good Governance

Key Quranic Principles:

• Justice (Adl)
• Consultation (Shura)
• Trust (Amanah)
• Accountability
• Welfare of citizens

C. Governance Structure in Islam

Shura (Consultation):

• Importance in decision-making
• Quranic injunctions
• Historical examples
• Modern application

Legislation:

• Sources of Islamic Law (Quran, Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas)
• Ijtihad and its conditions
• Role of scholars

D. Governance Under Pious Caliphate

Caliph	Major Contributions
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)	Wars against apostasy, Compilation of Quran
Hazrat Umar (RA)	Administrative reforms, Expansion, Treasury system
Hazrat Uthman (RA)	Standard Quran compilation, Naval force
Hazrat Ali (RA)	Judicial reforms, Letters on governance

E. Letters of Hazrat Umar (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA)

Important Historical Documents:

• Letter of Hazrat Umar to Abu Musa Ashari (on justice)
• Letter of Hazrat Ali to Malik Ashtar (on governance)
• Administrative instructions
• Principles of public service

F. Responsibilities of Civil Servants

• Honesty and integrity
• Service to people
• Accountability
• Avoiding corruption
• Justice in dealings

G. System of Accountability (Hisbah) in Islam

• Institution of Hisbah
• Role of Muhtasib
• Market regulation
• Public morality
• Consumer protection

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Section VII: Islamic Code of Life

A. Salient Features of Islamic Systems

1. Social System:

• Family as fundamental unit
• Marriage and family laws
• Rights of parents and children
• Neighborhood rights
• Social welfare

2. Political System:

• Sovereignty of Allah
• Vicegerency of humans
• Shura (consultation)
• Justice and equality
• Accountability of rulers

3. Economic System:

• Prohibition of Riba (interest)
• Zakat and Sadaqat
• Fair trade practices
• Prohibition of hoarding
• Economic justice

4. Judicial System:

• Independence of judiciary
• Equality before law
• Evidence-based decisions
• Rights of accused
• Quick justice

5. Administrative System:

• Merit-based appointments
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Service orientation
• Efficient governance

B. Procedure of Ijma and Ijtihad

Ijma (Consensus):

• Definition and importance
• Conditions for valid Ijma
• Types of Ijma
• Historical examples

Ijtihad (Independent Reasoning):

• Definition and necessity
• Qualifications for Mujtahid
• Scope and limitations
• Contemporary relevance

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Comparative Study of Major Religions (Alternative Paper)

For non-Muslim candidates, this 100-mark paper covers:

I. Introduction

• Definition(s) of religion
• Study of religion as discipline
• Theological vs. academic study
• Overview of world religious landscape

II. Hinduism

• Historical background (Indus Valley, Aryan invasion)
• Scriptures: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics
• Doctrines: Dharma, Karma, Moksha
• Ways to Liberation: Karma marga, Jnana marga, Bhakti marga
• Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti
• Caste System and Ashramas

III. Buddhism

• Life of Gautama Buddha
• Scriptures: Tripitaka
• Four Noble Truths
• Eight Fold Path
• Sects: Theravada, Mahayana

IV. Judaism

• History from Abraham to Moses
• Scriptures: Torah, Talmud
• Ten Commandments
• Thirteen principles of faith
• Jewish holidays and worship
• Sects: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Zionism

V. Christianity

• Life of Jesus Christ
• Scriptures: Holy Bible
• Doctrines: Original Sin, Trinity, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Atonement
• Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism
• Festivals: Christmas, Easter
• Modern Christianity

VI. Islam

• Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• Scriptures: Quran, Hadith
• Basic Doctrines: Tawhid, Risalah, Akhirah
• Five Pillars of Islam
• Teachings: Equality, Justice, Tolerance
• Sects and Contemporary movements

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Recommended Books for Islamic Studies

Required Readings

Book	Author
Introduction to Islam	Dr. Hamidullah
Islam: Its Meaning and Message	Khurshid Ahmad
Islam: The Misunderstood Religion	Muhammad Qutub
Islam at the Crossroads	Muhammad Asad
Islam and the Economic Challenge	Umer Chapra
A Brief Survey of Muslim Science and Culture	M. Abdur Rahman
Administrative Development: An Islamic Perspective	Muhammad Al-Buraey
Quranic Sciences	Afzalur Rahman
Islamization of Pakistan	Zafar Iqbal
Islamic Law and Constitution	Abul A'la Mawdudi
Insan-e-Kamil	Dr. Khalid Alvi
Seerat-un-Nabi Vol. I	Shibli Numani
Islam and Secular Mind	Edited by Tariq Jan
Khilafat-o-Malookiat	Abul A'la Mawdudi

Additional Recommended Readings

Book	Author
Towards Understanding Islam	Abul A'la Mawdudi
Ideals and Realities in Islam	Hussain Nasr
Arab Administration	Hussain Shah
Reconstruction of Religious Thoughts in Islam	Allama Iqbal
Islamic Political System in the Modern Age	Manzooruddin Ahmad
Women and Social Justice: An Islamic Paradigm	Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad
Let us be Muslims	Khurram Murad
First Principles of Islamic Economics	Abul A'la Mawdudi
Islamic Civilization: Foundations, Beliefs & Principles	Abul A'la Mawdudi

Urdu Books

Book (Urdu)	Author
Islami Tehzeeb Kay Chund Darakhshan Pehloo	Mustafa Sabali
Islam Aur Tahzeeb-e-Maghrib Ki Kash Makash	Dr. Muhammad Ameen
Aurat Maghrib aur Islam	Serwat Jamal Asmai
Islam Aik Nazar Main	Sadrudin Islahi
Islami Nazria-e-Hayat	Khurshid Ahmad
Islami Nizam-e-Zindagi aur us kay Bunyadi Tasawurat	Abul Aala Maudoodi

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Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Foundation Building (2-3 months)

Week 1-4: Basics

• Read "Introduction to Islam" by Dr. Hamidullah
• Study Sirah from authentic sources
• Make notes on Five Pillars and Six Articles of Faith

Week 5-8: Core Concepts

• Study Islamic civilization and contributions
• Read about governance in Islam
• Cover human rights and women's status

Week 9-12: Advanced Topics

• Study Islamic political and economic systems
• Read about contemporary challenges
• Cover Ijma and Ijtihad

Phase 2: Depth & Practice (2 months)

Activities:

• Read additional recommended books
• Practice past papers
• Write essay-type answers
• MCQ practice

Phase 3: Revision (1 month)

Focus Areas:

• Quick revision of notes
• Mock tests
• Weak area strengthening
• Current Islamic affairs

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Important Topics (Frequently Asked)

Based on past paper analysis, these topics are frequently examined:

High-Priority Topics

1. Sirah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - as role model
2. Human rights in Islam
3. Status of women in Islam
4. Islamic economic system
5. Governance under Pious Caliphate
6. Characteristics of Islamic civilization
7. System of Shura
8. Ijma and Ijtihad
9. Contemporary challenges to Muslim world
10. Impact of Islamic civilization on West

MCQ Focus Areas

• Quranic verses (translations)
• Hadith references
• Islamic history dates and events
• Names of companions
• Islamic terminology
• Famous battles
• Important treaties

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Sample Questions from Past Papers

Essay-Type Questions

1. Sirah: "Discuss the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a role model for a diplomat in the light of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah."

2. Human Rights: "Explain the concept of human rights in Islam with reference to the Last Sermon."

3. Governance: "Analyze the system of accountability (Hisbah) in Islam and its relevance today."

4. Economic System: "Discuss the Islamic economic system and its solutions for modern economic problems."

5. Civilization: "What are the distinctive characteristics of Islamic civilization? How did it influence Western civilization?"

Short-Answer Questions

1. What is the difference between Din and Religion?
2. Explain the concept of Tawheed and its implications.
3. What are the conditions for valid Ijtihad?
4. Describe the administrative reforms of Hazrat Umar (RA).
5. What is the Islamic perspective on women's education?

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Relying only on general knowledge - Islamic Studies requires proper study
2. Ignoring Fiqh and jurisprudence topics - These are frequently asked
3. Not reading recommended books - Examiners reference these texts
4. Weak on Islamic history periods - Know major events and dates
5. Not practicing answer writing - Practice articulating Islamic concepts
6. Ignoring contemporary issues - Study current Muslim world challenges

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Scoring Tips

1. Quote Quranic verses and Hadith - Shows depth of knowledge
2. Reference historical examples - Life of Prophet and companions
3. Balance theoretical and practical - Show applicability of Islamic principles
4. Write in organized manner - Use headings, sub-points
5. Cover all parts of question - Don't miss any sub-question
6. Respect for Islamic terminology - Use proper Arabic terms with translations

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Conclusion

Islamic Studies in CSS is not just about religious knowledge - it tests your understanding of Islam as a complete system for individual and collective life. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning, and connect Islamic teachings to contemporary issues.

Minimum Target: 60/100 (but aim for 70+ for competitive advantage)

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Based on official FPSC CSS Syllabus for CE-2016 onwards. Always refer to FPSC website for any updates.