Beliefs and Teachings

Question 1

1.2

The Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam

Answer 1

1.Tawhid (oneness of Allah)
2. ‘Adl (Divine Justice)
3. Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
4. Imamah (Successors to Muhammad)
5. Mi’ad (The Day of Judgment and the Resurrection)

Question 2

State the importance of ‘Usul ad-Din

Answer 2

• reflects the unity of all Muslims as one Ummah
• shows Allah’s loving guidance
• Shias must obey the teachings of their Twelve Imams

Question 3

1.3

Describe the nature of Allah

Answer 3

• immanent - we are nearer to him than his vein
• transcendent - nothing there is like him
• omnipotent - he who is the all-powerful
• tawhid - surah ikhlaas

Question 4

1.4

Explain the importance of Risalah

Answer 4

• Prophets brought the guidance of Allah
• All prophets brought the same message, showing Allah is unchanging
• Muhammad received the revelation of the Qur’an which was the final message from Allah

Question 5

1.5

Explain the importance of Holy Books

Answer 5

• contains beliefs about Allah which helps to live in submission to him
• encourages to continue on the straight path by reading and following the examples of the prophets
• helps to understand his commands in order to live good lives

Question 6

Importance of the Quran SoWA

Answer 6

• “Verily, We have sent down to you the Book for mankind in truth.”
• “This is the book, in it is guidance for sure without doubt, to those who fear Allah”
• Falsehood shall never come to it

Question 7

1.6

Explain the importance of angels

Answer 7

• they record everything a person does
• Izrail - takes people’s souls to God when they die
• Jibril - sent down revelations to the prophets
• “They exalt him night and day and do not slacken”
• “Your soul will be taken by the Angel of Death, who is in charge of you.”

Question 8

1.7

Explain the importance of Qadr

Answer 8

• sense of well-being as Allah is in control of everything that happens
• helps keep belief when things go wrong as everything is the will of Allah and so must be for the best
• encourages faith and obedience as it reminds Muslims that Allah is all powerful

Question 9

Explain how al-Qadr relates to the Day of Judgement

Answer 9

• A Muslim’s final judgement is part of
  Allah’s great plan.
• Ultimate destination depends on the choices they make in their life. Those who make good choices will be rewarded.
  *‘Whoever follows my guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve’ *

Question 10

Importance of Qadr SoWA

Answer 10

• “God does not change the conditions of a people for the worse unless they change what is in themselves”
• only what god has decreed will happen to us
• nor can a soul die except by allahs leave

Question 11

1.8

Explain the teachings about
life after death

Answer 11

• On the Day of Judgement everyone will be
  judged according to their deeds which are
  their responsibility alone. ‘We will call forth every people with their record of deeds’
• ‘did you think we created you uselessly and that to us you would not be returned?’ - everyone will face Allah after death when they will be either rewarded or punished
• reward of Akhirah is described as a garden under which rivers flow which shows that Allah has prepared
  an amazing place for believers who have passed the test of life

Question 12

1.8

Muslims should live life free from the worry of life after death

Answer 12

Agree
* Focus on loving Allah and not on worldly matters
* do good actions as its the right thing to do
* heaven and hell are obstacles to loving God
​
Disagree
* important teaching from earliest times
* hope of reward or fear of punishment influences actions
* life is a test so goodness should be rewarded