The 15 quiz questions
Question 1 : How many fundamental pillars does Islam have?
Possible answers:
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 10
Explanation: Islam is based on five pillars: the profession of faith (shahada), prayer (salat), almsgiving (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm) and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
Question 2 : In which country is Mecca, Islam's holiest city, located?
Possible answers:
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Iran
- Egypt
Explanation: Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia, in the Hejaz region. It houses the Kaaba, Islam's most sacred site, toward which Muslims turn to pray.
Question 3 : How many surahs (chapters) does the Quran contain?
Possible answers:
- 66
- 73
- 114
- 150
Explanation: The Quran contains 114 surahs of varying lengths. The longest is Al-Baqara (286 verses) and the shortest Al-Kawthar (3 verses). The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years.
Question 4 : What do Muslims do during the month of Ramadan?
Possible answers:
- They fast from sunrise to sunset
- They only wear white
- They pray 10 times a day
- They make a pilgrimage to Mecca
Explanation: During Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This fast is one of the five pillars of Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran.
Question 5 : What is the name of the Islamic profession of faith, the first pillar of Islam?
Possible answers:
- Hajj
- Salat
- Zakat
- Shahada
Explanation: The shahada (شهادة) is the profession of faith: "There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet." Sincerely pronouncing it is sufficient to become Muslim.
Question 6 : Toward which city do Muslims turn to pray?
Possible answers:
- Mecca
- Damascus
- Jerusalem
- Medina
Explanation: Muslims turn toward Mecca (specifically toward the Kaaba) to pray. This direction is called the qibla. In early Islam, the qibla was oriented toward Jerusalem, before being changed in 624.
Question 7 : What event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (year 1 of the Hijra)?
Possible answers:
- Muhammad's emigration to Medina
- The birth of Muhammad
- The revelation of the Quran
- The conquest of Mecca
Explanation: The Hijra (622 CE) is the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. This founding event marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar, which is a lunar calendar.
Question 8 : What shape is the Kaaba, the sacred building at the center of the Great Mosque of Mecca?
Possible answers:
- A pyramid
- A crescent
- A cube
- A dome
Explanation: The Kaaba is a cubic building ("kaaba" means "cube" in Arabic) covered with a gold-embroidered black cloth (the kiswa). According to tradition, it was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael.
Question 9 : Which branch of Islam comprises about 85-90% of Muslims worldwide?
Possible answers:
- Shia Islam
- Ibadism
- Sufism
- Sunni Islam
Explanation: Sunni Islam comprises 85-90% of Muslims. Shia Islam represents 10-15%, mainly in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon. The schism dates back to the question of Prophet Muhammad's succession.
Question 10 : What is the name of the mosque tower from which the muezzin calls to prayer?
Possible answers:
- Minbar
- Mihrab
- Mausoleum
- Minaret
Explanation: The minaret (from the Arabic "manara", lighthouse) is the tower of a mosque. The muezzin climbs it to make the call to prayer (adhan). Mosques have between one and six.
Question 11 : Which angel transmitted the Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic tradition?
Possible answers:
- Raphael (Israfil)
- Gabriel (Jibril)
- Azrael (Azrail)
- Michael (Mikail)
Explanation: The angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) transmitted the divine revelations to Muhammad over a period of 23 years, from 610 to 632 CE. Gabriel is also the angel of the Annunciation in Christianity.
Question 12 : Which celebration marks the end of the month of Ramadan?
Possible answers:
- Eid al-Adha
- Eid al-Fitr
- Ashura
- Mawlid
Explanation: Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) marks the end of Ramadan. It is a joyous celebration with prayers, festive meals and gifts. The other major celebration is Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).
Question 13 : What does the term "halal" mean in Arabic?
Possible answers:
- Forbidden
- Sacred
- Permitted
- Pure
Explanation: Halal (حلال) means "lawful" or "permitted" in Arabic. It refers to everything allowed by Islamic law (Sharia), particularly regarding food. Its opposite is "haram" (forbidden).
Question 14 : According to Islam, Muhammad is considered the last prophet. What is his title?
Possible answers:
- The Guardian of faith
- The Son of God
- The Seal of the Prophets
- The Messiah
Explanation: Muhammad is called the "Seal of the Prophets" (Khatam an-Nabiyyin). Islam recognizes previous prophets (Abraham, Moses, Jesus) but considers Muhammad as God's last messenger.
Question 15 : Which country has the most Muslims in the world?
Possible answers:
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan
Explanation: Indonesia has the most Muslims with about 230 million followers, or 87% of its population. Contrary to popular belief, it is a Southeast Asian country, not a Middle Eastern one.




