High School / College Sample Questions The Truth About Islam Anees Zaka and Diane Coleman *Last Updated: 7/30/2013 *Exam clarification #1: Are the tables from The Truth About Islam going to be covered in the competition? The material in the tables helps to explain and support the concepts explained in the book. As can be seen by some of the sample questions, you will be asked to give an answer that requires some information given in a table. You don t need to list out all elements of tables on their own, but they are necessary as supporting elements for full answers of the sample questions. *Exam clarification #2: Will the competitors be required to memorize and recite verses from the Quran or the other references for the book The Truth About Islam? You don t need to memorize all verses or Surah s generally, but again as needed to support full answers to the questions. For example, for question #51, support with a reference would require a direct memorization of a verse from Quran. In another example, question #52 tracing the events of crucifixion according to Quran will necessitate mentioning the verse that indicates Christ wasn't crucified but it was a big hallucination. *Book correction #1: It should also be noted that in The Truth About Islam, on page 110 It says that the "Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the father and the son". The orthodox belief is that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the father alone. This is stated in our creed "We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Life Giver, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets..." As this is not the main subject material in the book we will avoid any questions on regarding that point, but please note it and clarify it to your students who are studying it. 1. According to the introduction, explain what happens when people try to combine Islam, Christianity and Judaism as three faiths with one goal. 2. According to the introduction, explain what should be understood when the Bible and Noble Quran show similarities. 3. Why are the parameters truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth clearly defined in judicial promissory statements? Describe Divine Truth according to theologian Francis Schaeffer. 4. Define the premise of relativism. Explain how relativism is internally inconsistent and becomes dogmatic. 5. Explain why Science cannot be used to arrive at complete Divine Truth giving at least three reasons. 6. All people are religious, we all believe in something. Explain and Define explain moral law, support with example(s). 7. Describe C.S. Lewis definition of Moral Law in Mere Christianity. 8. Explain why Moral Law is called a law and human interaction with this law.
9. Summarize the focus of truth in Islamic thinking, 10. List and explain the sources of truths available to Muslims and explain the responses of believers. 11. "Truth Personified", Explain this statement in light of Christian thinking about Truth. 12. Describe the ancient twin ideas of 'Redemption' and 'Salvation'. Updated 7/19/13 13. Explain the relationship between God's justice, Christian repentance and Redemption. Updated 7/19/13 14. Explain the central concept of christian understanding of 'Salvation. Updated 7/19/13 15. According to Islam, explain 'Redemption' and 'Cause of sin'. 16. Describe the replacement of moral law in Islam. 17. Contrast the Christian and Islamic views on 'public devotion' origin, method, purpose and value. 18. Explain the impact of the Holy Spirit on how christian believers live their lives. 19. According to St. Paul, describe the results of knowing the Truth in Christ and being guided by the active grace of the Holy Spirit.. 20. According to Farid Esack, describe Islamic faith, virtue and relationship with Allah. 21. 'Faith is a journey' Explain the great deceit of false religion in light of this statement. 22. 'Faith is a journey' Describe the author's conclusions regarding Noble Qur'anic teachings about Islam, support with at least five (5) reference(s). 23. Describe Martin Luther s view of Islam. 24. Describe John Calvin s view of Islam. 25. List the view of the prophet on several virtues and religion itself from the Hadiths according to Thomas Cleary's book. 26. Describe conclusions regarding Biblical teachings about Christianity. 27. Summarize the Christian understanding of the route to 'true paradise'. 28. List at least four (4) points of comparison between the characteristics of Qur'anic Islam and biblical Christianity. 29. "The Arabian peninsula was a religious potpourri" in the 7th century AD. Discuss. 30. Before Islam, define what Arab could have and have not meant. 31. Describe the two Christian heresies that flowed through the Arabian peninsula in the 7th century. 32. Discuss the messianic expectations of the religious environment in Arabia in the 7th century. 33. Describe what would happen when Muhammad experienced a revelation. 34. According to Dr. Dede Korkut, what was most likely the condition that flicted Muhammad and how did it combine with his memory to create and deliver Islam? 35. List at least three crucial characteristics of true prophets according to the Holy Bible. 36. Provide the example from the Bible of someone with a similar condition to Muhammad. 37. Describe how Arabs initially viewed Muhammad, explain why they had this view. 38. Describe the change in Islamic message during and ter Muhammad fled to Medina. 39. Explain the comparison between Muhammad and Moses according to Ibn Warraq. 40. Discuss the fallacy of 'predictive prophecy' as proof of Muhammad's prophethood. 41. Explain how Muhammad tried to prove his veracity as Prophet, List at least four (4) points. 42. Describe at least two (2) of the miracles attributed to Muhammad, how does the author comment on them? 43. Connect the concepts of 'conducts and morals' to Muhammad's comparison with Christ. How was Muhammad described bys some islamic sects? 44. According to Islam, Discuss how someone can gain more favor with Allah regarding
Muhammad s lifestyle & actions. 45. List at least four (4) qualities pertaining to false prophets from the Holy Bible. 46. Explain how Islam tried to use the Bible to foretell Muhammad. 47. List at least four (4) character traits that were attributed to Arabs according to Reach Out magazine. 48. Summarize the description of Muhammad's character according to Ibn Ishaq provided by Ibn Warraq. 49. Explain the ultimate goal of Islam. What is the chief method Muslims use to spread Islam? How do they justify it? 50. Explain the incarnation of Jesus Christ and his relationship to original sin? 51. Describe the islamic belief of Jesus', Who do Muslims say he is and is not? support with a reference. 52. Trace the events of Christ s crucifixion according to Quran. 53. Summarize the explanation of crucifiction in islam according to two (2) Islamic authoritative commentators. 54. According to the authors, what was the purpose of Muhammad changing the idea of Jesus in the Noble Quran? 55. Describe the Islamic view of the birth of Jesus, List three (3) unique points in the story. 56. Summarize the biblical meaning of Messiah and explain how it connects to Jesus s mission. 57. Summarize the Qur'anic meaning of Messiah and explain how it describes Jesus. 58. Discuss the failure of earthly kingdoms and explain necessary conditions for a kingdom based on Divine Truth. 59. Provide evidence for the historical authenticity and origin of the Bible. 60. Describe the origin of Noble Noble Quran and its format. 61. Explain what Muslims think happened to the Holy Bible. 62. Explain the contradiction that exists in the teaching of Islam in regards to their belief in the inaccuracy of the Bible and the continuity of the prophetic tradition. 63. Contrast the way the Bible explains Truth with the way the Noble Quran does. 64. What is non truth in islam, provide two (2) samples of non truths according to the Noble Quran. 65. Describe the logical problem that occurs in Sura 4:142. 66. Describe and critique one contemporary way that Islam advocates to appeal to Atheists. 67. Describe how the Noble Quran was compiled, what problems regarding the accuracy of what Muhammad taught occur because of the manner of its compilation? 68. Contrast the Christian and Muslim concepts of language and translation of their respective holy books. 69. Provide at least two (2) points of summary about the purpose and content of the Noble Quran from the author s point of view. 70. Provide at least two (2) points of summary about the purpose and content of the Holy Bible from the author s point of view. 71. Today A 'god' is 'God' is a 'god'... It's all the same thing, right? Discuss this statement and its effect on a man embracing it. 72. Describe the beliefs of Christianity and Islam in regards to each religion idea of the knowledge of God and The Deity s relationship with man. 73. Contrast the description of Allah and Yahweh from Noble Quran and the Holy Bible.
74. In Islam, explain the method in which Allah is described, support with the view of a Moslem scholar. What problems exist in this method in terms of grasping The idea of God? 75. Explain the misunderstanding Muslims have regarding the Trinity from two erroneous statements. How do Christians explain the unity of God? 76. Explain how it is necessary for Christians to believe in the Holy Trinity regarding the loving nature of God and a relationship with Him. 77. Contrast the manner in which forgiveness and love are offered for believers in Islam and Christianity. 78. Explain the concept of kinsman redeemer. In what way did God assume this role in His redemption of humanity. 79. Explain the attributes of love and justice in God's redemption? How are these two attributes in harmony? 80. Provide at least three (3) descriptions of the Noble Quran'ic Allah. 81. Contrast the origins of the names of the Christian God Yahweh and the Islamic god Allah. 82. Explain Allah s purpose for man in islam, give an example from a muslim scholar commentary. 83. Explain God's purpose for man in Christianity. 84. God is Immanent and Transcendent. Describe how Muslims and Christians view God differently in these attributes? How do the respective views affect private and public behavior? 85. List two conclusions about the identities of Allah and Yahweh? Which conclusion would logically prevail? Give an example of the effect of either conclusion on public policy 86. Contrast the respective goals of the Christian gospel proclamation and Muslim cultural expansion. 87. Discuss the meaning of being a muslim in an islamic society? explain when and why Shari'a law became important in the life of Muhammad? 88. Describe at least two (2) ways Sharia law shows inequalities between Muslims and non muslims. 89. Explain why some muslims have high regard for suicide bombers? 90. What inborn trait drives human behavior negatively? According to Christianity discuss the two ways people can restrain this trait? 91. What was the goal of Mosaic law? 92. Discuss the theological term 'Antinomianism'. According to the authors, Both are necessary for a proper christian life, Explain 'Justification' and 'Sanctification' and their differences. 93. In (Matt 5:27 28) Jesus is teaching a remarkable truth, Discuss his teaching with regards to Christian understanding of grace and the law. 94. What is the theology opposite to Antinomianism? Discuss this theology and its effect in Islam and the role of Qura'an in it. 95. Describe the principal way Islam uses to enforce Sharia law in islamic societies. What is the problem with this method? 96. What is Redeeming Biblical Grace according to the authors' view? How is this concept different in islam? 97. Explain the connection between Christian Grace and Democracy. 98. Explain how the author believes international community is putting the horse before the cart in encouraging democratic systems in Islamic countries? 99. Explain how the author believes Muslims use and give freedom in western vs islamic countries? List at least three (3) goals of Islamic Da'awah. 100. According to the author, how should Christians interact with Muslims? What do
Christians need to understand about the condition of a Muslim? 101. Describe the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman and explain at least 2 points that we can learn from the John 4 model of mission. 102. Describe the interaction between Jesus and the travellers on the road of Emmaus after the Resurrection and explain at least 2 points raised from the Luke 24 model of mission. 103. Explain the pattern of how the disciples first spread the word in Acts 2 and explain at least 2 points raised from the Acts 2 model. 104. Describe the way St. Paul addressed the Areopagus at Athens and explain at least 2 points raised from the Acts 17 model. 105. In a mission environment, What's the the heart of the Christian gospel and nearest road to a Muslim heart? What sense is critical to be in the hearer's mind? how can it be awakened?