Comparative Study of Major Religions
100 marks · 1 paper · 180 minutes per paper
Stage 1Orientation0%
Understand the official syllabus, paper structure, marks and preparation resources.
Stage 2Foundation0%
Build the concepts, terminology and prerequisite knowledge needed for the subject.
Stage 3Official Syllabus Coverage0%
Cover every official FPSC topic in a practical sequence.
Stage 4Consolidation0%
Prepare short notes, comparisons, evidence, diagrams, facts, formulas or timelines.
Stage 5Exam Application0%
Apply knowledge through the paper-specific practice format.
Stage 6Past Papers0%
Attempt topic-wise and full-length past-paper practice.
Stage 7Revision and Mock Examination0%
Complete layered revision, weak-area review and a timed mock paper.
Paper 1 · 100 marks
Subject overview
PAPER: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAJOR RELIGIONS (100 MARKS) (Alternative Paper in Lieu of the Compulsory Islamic Studies)
Definition(s) of religion
Definition(s) of religion
Historical Background Indus valley civilization, Aryan invasion theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism
Historical Background Indus valley civilization, Aryan invasion theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism
Historical Background Life of Gautama Buddha, Formation and spread of Buddhism, Rivalry between Brahmanism and &Buddhism
Historical Background Life of Gautama Buddha, Formation and spread of Buddhism, Rivalry between Brahmanism and &Buddhism
A brief history of Jews and Judaism: From Abraham to Moses, peace be upon them all, From Moses to establishment of Jewish rule, Destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Jews in the world,
A brief history of Jews and Judaism: From Abraham to Moses, peace be upon them all, From Moses to establishment of Jewish rule, Destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Jews in the world,
Historical background: Jewish background of Christianity, Life and of Jesus Christ (Through the Four Gospels), Life and the role of Paul (Through the Letters of Paul), Formation and spread of the Christian Church, Christianization of the Roman Empire
Historical background: Jewish background of Christianity, Life and of Jesus Christ (Through the Four Gospels), Life and the role of Paul (Through the Letters of Paul), Formation and spread of the Christian Church, Christianization of the Roman Empire, Reform movement
Introduction and Historical Background Islamic concept of religion, universality of religion and diversity of shari‘ahs, Sirah (Life) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, The era of rightly guided caliphs of Islam
Introduction and Historical Background Islamic concept of religion, universality of religion and diversity of shari‘ahs, Sirah (Life) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, The era of rightly guided caliphs of Islam
Introduction
Emergence of the study of religion as a discipline
Emergence of the study of religion as a discipline
Scriptures: Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads, Smirti: Manu Smirti, Sutras, Puranas, Great epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
Scriptures: Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads, Smirti: Manu Smirti, Sutras, Puranas, Great epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
Scriptures: Tripitaka: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka
Scriptures: Tripitaka: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka
Jewish Scriptures: Tanakh (The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), Mishnah and Talmud
Jewish Scriptures: Tanakh (The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), Mishnah and Talmud
Scriptures: The Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
Scriptures: The Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
Sacred Scriptures: The Holy Quran, Hadith
Sacred Scriptures: The Holy Quran, Hadith
Theological and academic study of religion
Theological and academic study of religion
Hinduism
Hindu Doctrines: Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation)
Hindu Doctrines: Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation)
Teachings and Doctrines Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, The four noble truths, Eight fold Path
Teachings and Doctrines Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, The four noble truths, Eight fold Path
Articles of faith and basic teachings: Ten Commandments, The thirteen principles of faith propounded by Moses Maimonides (1138-1204)
Articles of faith and basic teachings: Ten Commandments, The thirteen principles of faith propounded by Moses Maimonides (1138-1204)
Basic Doctrines: Original Sin, Incarnation of God, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Atonement, Trinity
Basic Doctrines: Original Sin, Incarnation of God, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Atonement, Trinity
Basic Doctrines and Creed: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Risalah (Belief in Prophets and finality of the prophet-hood with the Prophet Muhammad), Akhirah (Belief in Hereafter and the final reckoning by Allah the Almighty), Belief in angels, previous scrip
Basic Doctrines and Creed: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Risalah (Belief in Prophets and finality of the prophet-hood with the Prophet Muhammad), Akhirah (Belief in Hereafter and the final reckoning by Allah the Almighty), Belief in angels, previous scriptures, predestination and human responsibility before God, infallibility of the Quran
An overview of religious landscape of the World
An overview of religious landscape of the World
Ways to Liberation: Karma marga (Works/Rituals), Jnana marga (Wisdom), Bhakti marga (Devotion)
Ways to Liberation: Karma marga (Works/Rituals), Jnana marga (Wisdom), Bhakti marga (Devotion)
Buddhism
Buddhist Sects: Theravadas (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools and sects
Buddhist Sects: Theravadas (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools and sects
Jewish holidays and festivals: Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Purim
Jewish holidays and festivals: Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Purim
Christian Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism Sub-denominations: Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians
Christian Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism Sub-denominations: Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians
Five Pillars of Islam: Utterance of Shahadatayn (To proclaim the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his messenger, salah (five daily prayers), zakah (compulsory charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makka
Five Pillars of Islam: Utterance of Shahadatayn (To proclaim the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his messenger, salah (five daily prayers), zakah (compulsory charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah who can afford travelling to it)
Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, other gods and divinities
Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, other gods and divinities
Buddhism in the Modern world
Buddhism in the Modern world
Judaism
Jewish Worship: Daily prayer, fasting, Sabbath
Jewish Worship: Daily prayer, fasting, Sabbath
Christian Festivals and Holidays: Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost
Christian Festivals and Holidays: Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost
Other Teachings of Islam Equality of mankind, simplicity, spiritual purity and bodily hygiene, patience, contentment, moderation, social justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other religions,
Other Teachings of Islam Equality of mankind, simplicity, spiritual purity and bodily hygiene, patience, contentment, moderation, social justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other religions,
Major Hindu Sects: Vaishavism (Manifestation avatars), Saivism (Supreme God & Phallic worship), Saktism (Goddess worship)
Major Hindu Sects: Vaishavism (Manifestation avatars), Saivism (Supreme God & Phallic worship), Saktism (Goddess worship)
Jewish sects and movements Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
Jewish sects and movements Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
Christianity
Christian worship and Sacraments Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper, prayer, fasting, psalms, music,
Christian worship and Sacraments Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper, prayer, fasting, psalms, music,
Sects and Schools Sunnis (mainstream Muslims), Shi‘ahs (Special devotion for Hazrat Ali and Family of the Prophet), Khawarij (literalists), Mu‘tazilah (rationalists)
Sects and Schools Sunnis (mainstream Muslims), Shi‘ahs (Special devotion for Hazrat Ali and Family of the Prophet), Khawarij (literalists), Mu‘tazilah (rationalists)
Hindu society: Caste System, Ashramas (Stages of life)
Hindu society: Caste System, Ashramas (Stages of life)
Christianity in the Modern Times Encounter with modernity, modern theological trends, Missionary movement, Dialogue and relationship with other religions
Christianity in the Modern Times Encounter with modernity, modern theological trends, Missionary movement, Dialogue and relationship with other religions
Islam
Contemporary Islamic movements and tendencies: Ikwan al Muslimun (Muslim Brotherhood), Jama‘at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama‘at, Salafi movement, Fethullah Gulen movement in Turkey, Iranian revolution, extremist groups.
Contemporary Islamic movements and tendencies: Ikwan al Muslimun (Muslim Brotherhood), Jama‘at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama‘at, Salafi movement, Fethullah Gulen movement in Turkey, Iranian revolution, extremist groups.
Hinduism in the Modern World 19th century reform and revival movements, Contemporary Hindu Tendencies and movements
Hinduism in the Modern World 19th century reform and revival movements, Contemporary Hindu Tendencies and movements
- Suggested ReadingsApproaches to the Study of Religion, Peter Connolly (ed.)
- Suggested ReadingsThe Penguin Hand Book of World’s Living Religions, 2010. John R. Hinnells (ed.)
- Suggested ReadingsDunya Kay Baray Mazahib (Major Religions of the World) Imadul Hasan Azad Faruqi
- Suggested ReadingsHinduism: A Short Introduction, 2006. Klaus K. Klostermaier
- Suggested ReadingsExploring Buddhism, , 2012. Christmas Humphreys
- Suggested ReadingsJudaism: A Short Introduction, 1999. Lavinia and Dan Cohn- Sherbok
- Suggested ReadingsChristianity: An Introduction, 2006. Alister E. McGrath
- Suggested ReadingsThe Messenge r: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad, 2008 Tariq Ramadan
- Suggested ReadingsIdeals and Realities of Islam, 1993. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Suggested ReadingsTowards Understanding Islam, 1992. Syed Abul ‘Ala Maududi
My Subjects
Comparative Study of Major Religions
100 marks · 1 paper · 180 minutes per paper
Stage 1Orientation0%
Understand the official syllabus, paper structure, marks and preparation resources.
Stage 2Foundation0%
Build the concepts, terminology and prerequisite knowledge needed for the subject.
Stage 3Official Syllabus Coverage0%
Cover every official FPSC topic in a practical sequence.
Stage 4Consolidation0%
Prepare short notes, comparisons, evidence, diagrams, facts, formulas or timelines.
Stage 5Exam Application0%
Apply knowledge through the paper-specific practice format.
Stage 6Past Papers0%
Attempt topic-wise and full-length past-paper practice.
Stage 7Revision and Mock Examination0%
Complete layered revision, weak-area review and a timed mock paper.
Paper 1 · 100 marks
Subject overview
PAPER: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAJOR RELIGIONS (100 MARKS) (Alternative Paper in Lieu of the Compulsory Islamic Studies)
Definition(s) of religion
Definition(s) of religion
Historical Background Indus valley civilization, Aryan invasion theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism
Historical Background Indus valley civilization, Aryan invasion theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism
Historical Background Life of Gautama Buddha, Formation and spread of Buddhism, Rivalry between Brahmanism and &Buddhism
Historical Background Life of Gautama Buddha, Formation and spread of Buddhism, Rivalry between Brahmanism and &Buddhism
A brief history of Jews and Judaism: From Abraham to Moses, peace be upon them all, From Moses to establishment of Jewish rule, Destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Jews in the world,
A brief history of Jews and Judaism: From Abraham to Moses, peace be upon them all, From Moses to establishment of Jewish rule, Destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Jews in the world,
Historical background: Jewish background of Christianity, Life and of Jesus Christ (Through the Four Gospels), Life and the role of Paul (Through the Letters of Paul), Formation and spread of the Christian Church, Christianization of the Roman Empire
Historical background: Jewish background of Christianity, Life and of Jesus Christ (Through the Four Gospels), Life and the role of Paul (Through the Letters of Paul), Formation and spread of the Christian Church, Christianization of the Roman Empire, Reform movement
Introduction and Historical Background Islamic concept of religion, universality of religion and diversity of shari‘ahs, Sirah (Life) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, The era of rightly guided caliphs of Islam
Introduction and Historical Background Islamic concept of religion, universality of religion and diversity of shari‘ahs, Sirah (Life) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, The era of rightly guided caliphs of Islam
Introduction
Emergence of the study of religion as a discipline
Emergence of the study of religion as a discipline
Scriptures: Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads, Smirti: Manu Smirti, Sutras, Puranas, Great epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
Scriptures: Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads, Smirti: Manu Smirti, Sutras, Puranas, Great epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
Scriptures: Tripitaka: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka
Scriptures: Tripitaka: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka
Jewish Scriptures: Tanakh (The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), Mishnah and Talmud
Jewish Scriptures: Tanakh (The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), Mishnah and Talmud
Scriptures: The Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
Scriptures: The Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
Sacred Scriptures: The Holy Quran, Hadith
Sacred Scriptures: The Holy Quran, Hadith
Theological and academic study of religion
Theological and academic study of religion
Hinduism
Hindu Doctrines: Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation)
Hindu Doctrines: Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation)
Teachings and Doctrines Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, The four noble truths, Eight fold Path
Teachings and Doctrines Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, The four noble truths, Eight fold Path
Articles of faith and basic teachings: Ten Commandments, The thirteen principles of faith propounded by Moses Maimonides (1138-1204)
Articles of faith and basic teachings: Ten Commandments, The thirteen principles of faith propounded by Moses Maimonides (1138-1204)
Basic Doctrines: Original Sin, Incarnation of God, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Atonement, Trinity
Basic Doctrines: Original Sin, Incarnation of God, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Atonement, Trinity
Basic Doctrines and Creed: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Risalah (Belief in Prophets and finality of the prophet-hood with the Prophet Muhammad), Akhirah (Belief in Hereafter and the final reckoning by Allah the Almighty), Belief in angels, previous scrip
Basic Doctrines and Creed: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Risalah (Belief in Prophets and finality of the prophet-hood with the Prophet Muhammad), Akhirah (Belief in Hereafter and the final reckoning by Allah the Almighty), Belief in angels, previous scriptures, predestination and human responsibility before God, infallibility of the Quran
An overview of religious landscape of the World
An overview of religious landscape of the World
Ways to Liberation: Karma marga (Works/Rituals), Jnana marga (Wisdom), Bhakti marga (Devotion)
Ways to Liberation: Karma marga (Works/Rituals), Jnana marga (Wisdom), Bhakti marga (Devotion)
Buddhism
Buddhist Sects: Theravadas (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools and sects
Buddhist Sects: Theravadas (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools and sects
Jewish holidays and festivals: Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Purim
Jewish holidays and festivals: Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Purim
Christian Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism Sub-denominations: Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians
Christian Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism Sub-denominations: Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians
Five Pillars of Islam: Utterance of Shahadatayn (To proclaim the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his messenger, salah (five daily prayers), zakah (compulsory charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makka
Five Pillars of Islam: Utterance of Shahadatayn (To proclaim the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his messenger, salah (five daily prayers), zakah (compulsory charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah who can afford travelling to it)
Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, other gods and divinities
Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, other gods and divinities
Buddhism in the Modern world
Buddhism in the Modern world
Judaism
Jewish Worship: Daily prayer, fasting, Sabbath
Jewish Worship: Daily prayer, fasting, Sabbath
Christian Festivals and Holidays: Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost
Christian Festivals and Holidays: Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost
Other Teachings of Islam Equality of mankind, simplicity, spiritual purity and bodily hygiene, patience, contentment, moderation, social justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other religions,
Other Teachings of Islam Equality of mankind, simplicity, spiritual purity and bodily hygiene, patience, contentment, moderation, social justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other religions,
Major Hindu Sects: Vaishavism (Manifestation avatars), Saivism (Supreme God & Phallic worship), Saktism (Goddess worship)
Major Hindu Sects: Vaishavism (Manifestation avatars), Saivism (Supreme God & Phallic worship), Saktism (Goddess worship)
Jewish sects and movements Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
Jewish sects and movements Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
Christianity
Christian worship and Sacraments Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper, prayer, fasting, psalms, music,
Christian worship and Sacraments Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper, prayer, fasting, psalms, music,
Sects and Schools Sunnis (mainstream Muslims), Shi‘ahs (Special devotion for Hazrat Ali and Family of the Prophet), Khawarij (literalists), Mu‘tazilah (rationalists)
Sects and Schools Sunnis (mainstream Muslims), Shi‘ahs (Special devotion for Hazrat Ali and Family of the Prophet), Khawarij (literalists), Mu‘tazilah (rationalists)
Hindu society: Caste System, Ashramas (Stages of life)
Hindu society: Caste System, Ashramas (Stages of life)
Christianity in the Modern Times Encounter with modernity, modern theological trends, Missionary movement, Dialogue and relationship with other religions
Christianity in the Modern Times Encounter with modernity, modern theological trends, Missionary movement, Dialogue and relationship with other religions
Islam
Contemporary Islamic movements and tendencies: Ikwan al Muslimun (Muslim Brotherhood), Jama‘at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama‘at, Salafi movement, Fethullah Gulen movement in Turkey, Iranian revolution, extremist groups.
Contemporary Islamic movements and tendencies: Ikwan al Muslimun (Muslim Brotherhood), Jama‘at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama‘at, Salafi movement, Fethullah Gulen movement in Turkey, Iranian revolution, extremist groups.
Hinduism in the Modern World 19th century reform and revival movements, Contemporary Hindu Tendencies and movements
Hinduism in the Modern World 19th century reform and revival movements, Contemporary Hindu Tendencies and movements
- Suggested ReadingsApproaches to the Study of Religion, Peter Connolly (ed.)
- Suggested ReadingsThe Penguin Hand Book of World’s Living Religions, 2010. John R. Hinnells (ed.)
- Suggested ReadingsDunya Kay Baray Mazahib (Major Religions of the World) Imadul Hasan Azad Faruqi
- Suggested ReadingsHinduism: A Short Introduction, 2006. Klaus K. Klostermaier
- Suggested ReadingsExploring Buddhism, , 2012. Christmas Humphreys
- Suggested ReadingsJudaism: A Short Introduction, 1999. Lavinia and Dan Cohn- Sherbok
- Suggested ReadingsChristianity: An Introduction, 2006. Alister E. McGrath
- Suggested ReadingsThe Messenge r: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad, 2008 Tariq Ramadan
- Suggested ReadingsIdeals and Realities of Islam, 1993. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Suggested ReadingsTowards Understanding Islam, 1992. Syed Abul ‘Ala Maududi