Ch. 8

Question 1

Qur’an

Answer 1

the holy book of the religion of Islam

Question 2

Sunnah

Answer 2

the example that Muhammad set for Muslims about how to live

Question 3

Five Pillars of Islam

Answer 3

the most basic acts of worship for Muslims:

1. (Shahdah)declaration of faith,
2. (Salat) prayer,
3. (Zakat)charity,
4. (Siyam) fasting and
5. (Hajj) making a pilgrimage to Makkah.

Question 4

mosque

Answer 4

a Muslim house of worship

Question 5

Ramadan

Answer 5

the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims have to fast.

Question 6

jihad

Answer 6

Muslims’ struggle with challenges within themselves and the world as they strive to please God.

Question 7

shari’ah

Answer 7

the body of Islamic law based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Question 8

Where are Muslims found in the world today?

Answer 8

One out of five people in the world is Muslim. They live all over the world but you will find most living in Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia, Africa.

Question 9

Two ways that Islam is similar to Christianity and Judaism?

Answer 9

1. They are monotheists (they believe in one God)

2. All three religions trace back to Abraham.

Question 10

List at least one difference between Islam and Christianity and Judaism.

Answer 10

The Muslims believe that the Qur’an contains God’s final revelations to the world. That the messages show how God wants his followers to act and worship.

Question 11

What is the difference between the Qur’an and the Sunnah?

Answer 11

The Qur’an contains the words that Muhammed received from angel Gabriel and it is where God describes his laws and teachings. The Sunnah is the practice, like being kind to people and making sure your guests eat well.

Question 12

How are hadith related to the Sunnah?

Answer 12

The hadith are written reports that are proof of Muhammad’s Sunnah through his own words.

Question 13

How are the Qur’an and the Sunnah related to the Five PIllars of Islam?

Answer 13

The Qur’an gives commands to perform these duties and the Sunnah explains how to perform them.

Question 14

Explain the meaning of two parts of the Muslim shahadah (1st pillar-faith). “There is no god but God….” “…and Muhammad is the messenger of God”

Answer 14

The first part says that there is only one God.

The second part identifies Muhammad as God’s messenger.

Question 15

According to Muslims, who is Allah?

Answer 15

Allah is God in Arabic.

Question 16

What do Muslims believe about angels and about judgment?

Answer 16

They believe that God created angels to do his work in the universe. They believe that all souls will face judgement day where God will see their actions and if they were good they go to paradise.

Question 17

What is salat and what purpose does it serve?

Answer 17

Salat is the second pillar of Islam and it is prayer to be close to God.

Question 18

Where and how often do Muslims pray?

Answer 18

The Muslims are called to prayer five times a day. A crier chants the prayers through loudspeakers from the mosque. They pray at the mosque but they can pray anywhere, at home, work.

Question 19

Describe at least 3 of the rituals Muslims practice in their daily prayers.

Answer 19

Before the prayer they have to wash their hands, face, arms and feet. They face to the direction of Mecca and they start to pray and kneel to God.

Question 20

What is zakat and why do Muslims practice it?

Answer 20

Zakat is the second Pillar of Islam and it is charity. They practice it because they believe if they share their wealth it becomes pure and it also controls greed. It also reminds them of God’s great gifts to them.

Question 21

How much of their surplus wealth are Muslims expected to give to charity?

Answer 21

2.5 %

Question 22

What kinds of things does zakat pay for?

Answer 22

soup kitchens, clothing and shelter for the poor, helps orphanages and hospitals.

Question 23

What is siyam and when is it performed?

Answer 23

Siyam is the fourth Pillar of Islam and it is fasting (not eating). It is performed for a month during Ramadan on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

Question 24

What rule about food do Muslims observe during Ramadan?

Answer 24

They fast from morning until sunset. They do not drink or eat. At sunset they take a break from fasting and perform an evening prayer.

Question 25

What does Ramadan encourage and teach?

Answer 25

It encourages generosity, equality and charity and fasting teaches Muslims self control, and how it is to be poor and hungry.

Question 26

What is the hajj and what values does it promote?

Answer 26

The hajj is the fifth Pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca. At least once in their life they must visit Mecca. Muslims from many places come together so this promotes fellowship and equality.

Question 27

What important sites do Muslims visit during the hajj?

Answer 27

They go to the great Mosque. They drink water from the Zamzam springs, and Mount Arafat where Muhammad had his last sermon.

Question 28

In your own words, explain the meaning of jihad.

Answer 28

Jihad means to strive. It represents the persons struggles and to do good things that makes God happy.

Question 29

What does the Qur’an tell Muslims to do regarding jihad, and how was this form of jihad interpreted by early Muslims?

Answer 29

In the past it meant the actual fighting between enemies. The Qur’an tells Muslims that war is allowed but do not harm women, children, elderly, property and crops.

Question 30

How does jihad relate to Muslims and their personal struggles?

Answer 30

They strive to become better people, to help with world problems and to correct injustice.

Question 31

What is shari’ah and how did it develop?

Answer 31

it is the body or collection of Islamic law. It explains the duties of Muslims to God, respect to others and of the Qur’an. When Muhammad died the caliphs used the Qur’an and the Sunnah to solve problems but when the empire started growing they made the Islamic laws.

Question 32

How does shari’ah guide Muslim life?

Answer 32

It guides the Muslims by putting actions into one of the 5 categories: forbidden, discouraged, allowed, recommended, and required. For example, it is forbidden to eat pork, drink alcohol. It also guides them with their duties towards other people.

Question 33

How was shari’ah changed over time?

Answer 33

In the 19th century the Muslim religion came under the European rule but Most Muslim countries still apply some parts of the Islamic law.