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) 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.

3) With the exception of the month of Ramadan for which the Prophet would fast the entire month, which other month did the Prophet fast the majority of its days?

1. Muharram.
2. Sha'ban.
3. Safr.
4. Rajab.

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 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.

6) 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.

7) What is true of fasting the six days in the month of Shawwal?

1. Whoever fasts during Ramadan and then fasts the six days of Shawwal will be absolved from the fasts of Ramadan in the following year.
2. A person may observe one of the six fasts of Shawwal on the day of Eid.
3. Fasting the six days of Shawwal must be done consecutively.
4. None of the above.