1) Identify the difference between a voluntary and an obligatory fast.

1. Unlike the voluntary fast, it is permissible to break an obligatory fast.
2. Voluntary fast is known as fard, whereas obligatory fast is known as nafl.
3. Unlike the voluntary fast the intention for an obligatory fast cannot be made during the day.
4. There is no difference between the two.

2) Identify the correct name given to the 10th day in the Islamic month of Muharram.

1. Ramadan.
2. Shawwal.
3. Arafah.
4. Ashura.

3) Select a true statement.

1. Fasting Ashura is expiation for the past year whereas fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for the year preceding it and the year following it.
2. Fasting Ashura is expiation for the past two years whereas fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for the following one year.
3. Fasting Ashura is expiation for the following year whereas fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for the past year.
4. Fasting Ashura is expiation for the past two years whereas fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for the present year respectively.

4) A person wakes up and prays the Fajr prayer. After having a hearty breakfast he makes a decision to keep a voluntary fast. Would this voluntary fast be valid?

1. Yes, because the intention to fast a voluntary fast can be made during any part of the day.
2. No, because not eating and drinking from the onset of Fajr is a condition for the voluntary fast to be valid.
3. No, because the intention to fast a voluntary fast must be made before the Fajr prayer.
4. Yes, because a voluntary fast is unconditional and is valid no matter what one chooses to do during or after keeping the fast.
5. None of the above.

5) Identify the difference between the fasts of Ramadan and voluntary fasts.

1. The intention for voluntary fasts can be made at any time in the day as opposed to the Ramadan fasts which require the intention to be made the night before.
2. Breaking voluntary fasts without a legitimate reason is a serious sin as opposed to the Ramadan fasts.
3. Voluntary fasts may be kept despite having performed actions that nullify the fast such as eating as opposed to the Ramadan fasts.
4. None of the above.

6) Identify the names of some of the important Islamic months in terms of fasting from the following:

1. Muharram and Ashura.
2. Muharram and Ramadan.
3. Sha'ban and Arafah.
4. Rajab and Ashura.

7) Voluntary fasts are optional:

1. hence one has the option to keep them or not.
2. hence one can gain extra reward by keeping them.
3. hence one won't incur any sin for not keeping them.
4. All of the above.