Paper: Islamic Studies
Marks: 100
The CSS Islamic Studies paper evaluates a candidate’s understanding of Islamic ideology, beliefs, culture, civilization, governance, and application of Islamic principles in contemporary challenges. Candidates must demonstrate both authentic religious knowledge and the ability to apply Islamic teachings to modern issues.
Syllabus Breakdown
I. Introduction to Islam
- Concept of Islam
- Importance of Din in human life
- Difference between Din and Religion
- Distinctive aspects of Islam
- Islamic beliefs and their impact on individual & society
- Fundamentals of Islam
- Islamic Worship: spiritual, moral, and social impact
II. Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Role of the Prophet (PBUH) as:
- Individual role model
- Diplomat
- Educator
- Military strategist
- Peace maker
III. Human Rights & Status of Women in Islam
- Concept of human rights in Islam
- Dignity of men and women
- Status of women in Islam compared with modern perspectives
IV. Islamic Civilization and Culture
- Meaning and vital elements of Islamic civilization
- Role of civilization in development of human personality & society
- Characteristics of Islamic civilization:
- Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
- Self-purification
- Dignity of Man
- Equality
- Social justice
- Moral values
- Tolerance
- Rule of law
V. Islam and the World
- Impact of Islamic civilization on the West and vice versa
- Role of Islam in the modern world
- Contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world
- Rise of extremism and its solutions
VI. Public Administration & Governance in Islam
- Concept of public administration in Islam
- Qur’anic guidance on good governance
- Governance structure in Islam (Shura, Legislation, Sources of Islamic Law)
- Governance under the Pious Caliphs
- Letters of Hazrat Umar (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) on governance
- Responsibilities of civil servants in Islam
- Accountability (Hisbah) system in Islam
VII. Islamic Code of Life
- Salient features of:
- Social system
- Political system
- Economic system
- Judicial system
- Administrative system
- Ijma and Ijtihad: procedure and importance
Suggested Readings (Core Books)
- 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 Maududi
- Insan-e-Kamil – Dr. Khalid Alvi
- Islami Tehzeeb kay Chand Darakhshan Pehlu – Mustafa Sabali
- Seerat-un-Nabi (Vol I) – Shibli Naumani
- Khilafat-o-Malookiat – Abul A’la Maududi
- Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam – Allama Iqbal
(More recommended readings can also be listed for depth if required.)
Preparation Strategy for CSS Islamic Studies
- Start with basics: Understand the difference between Din and Religion, and the concept of Tawhid.
- Focus on Seerah: Prepare Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Seerah with practical examples (diplomacy, education, governance).
- Human rights angle: Compare Islamic principles with UN human rights perspectives for analysis.
- Contemporary relevance: Connect Islamic teachings with modern issues like extremism, governance, women’s rights.
- Governance & accountability: Prepare Quranic verses and Hadiths related to leadership, justice, and Shura.
- Practice MCQs + analytical questions: Many questions test applied knowledge rather than rote learning.