Community and Tradition Flashcards
Why Qur’an has authority for Muslims?
Absolute word of Allah, final revelation of Allah, corrects previous revelations.
Revealed through prophet M and recited by him word for word.
Contains everything Muslims need to know to be faithful Muslims.
Great miracle- help understand Allah’s qualities.
Earthly copy of heavenly original.
Meaning/ importance of Muhammad as Seal of Prophets?
Adam was given Allah’s message, but forgotten, same with Ibrahim, Musa, David and Jesus.
Allah gave Muhammad final word, Qur’an- never distorted- never a need for another holy book/ prophet.
Muhammad last of prophets, acting like the seal at the end of Allah’s letter to humans.
Therefore it follows M’s life as perfect example of how Allah wants Muslims live. Why follow M’s sayings (Hadith). If Qur’an doesn’t tell what to do, follow Sunnah- way of life/ example. E.g. Muhammad didn’t shave beard= neither do men.
How and why Muslims show respect for Qur’an?
Never touching it without washing it.
Placing on high shelf above other books.
Keeping clean by covering with a cloth.
Not holding it below navel.
Following guidance it gives.
Not eating, speaking, drinking whilst reading it.
Only reading it in right frame of mind (niyyah).
Nature/ importance of Shari’ah for Muslims?
Shari’ah= straight path, leads to paradise: law of Allah all Muslims must obey.
Main sources of it in Quran (word of allah) and sunnah (example of M).
Sometimes Qur’an/shari’ah don’t show what to do- schools/ judges to sort out Shariah each with own judges to administer the law.
Today group of scholars (ulama) experts in law interpret for todays society- find example in shariah to decide what rules should be.
Non muslim country- muslim leaders decide on shariah for muslims there, imams in mosque give advise on how to behave in situations.
Importance of Shari’ah?
Tells muslims all need to know to become good Khalifah and to submit to the will of Allah.
Provides guidance on how Muslims should live, what to wear etc. everything muslims should do covered by shariah.
Defines straight path paradise, what they must do (fard), permitted to do (halal) and what they’re not permitted to do (haram).
Importance and effects of Ummah?
=worldwide muslim community. Reflects the oneness of God who created everything. So there must be oneness (unity) in what God created- Ummah.
Just as universe is unity, so the religious community should be unity.
Importance of Ummah is shown?
Muslims perform salah and stand in rows shoulder to shoulder to face kabah- so equal.
All muslims read Qur’an in same language (arabic).
Zakah- rich muslims give money for poor muslim brothers.
Hajj- muslims around the world of races and colours perform same actions, same clothes, say same things.
There is one shari’ah law for all muslims wherever they live.
Main reasons for features of Mosque?
Minaret- tower where muezzin leads the call to prayer.
Minbar- small platform where leader gives talk to remind duty to Allah.
Mihrab- niche/alcove shows quiblah (direction of Makkah)- towards all muslims pray.
Dome- symbol of space- universe which Allah created as well as circulating air in hot countries.
Open clean space- muslim pray in rows to show unity.
Separate praying area for men/ women.
No pictures of humans or animals allowed- suggest worship God other than Allah.
Geometric designs and words from Qur’an decorate.
Role/ importance of Imam in mosque?
= person who leads salah prayer 5 times a day.
Chosen by congregation, great knowledge of Qur’an and able to recite.
Perform prayer movements and give sermon at the friday prayer (jummah) ensuring all Muslims faithful to original teachings- not influenced by secular culture.
Teach children to recite Quran in arabic- understand its teaching and grow up good muslims.
Give counselling and advice on issues which muslims face in daily live- help them become more faithful.
Lead prayers at weddings/funerals/ visit sick/ and prison.
Role/ importance of Mosque in local community.
Centre of community life and place to pray. Muslims can meet together socially e.g for weddings- bring unity.
Run at schools and some libraries for students to study islam. Imam available to discuss/ advise daily concerns.
Enable muslims to meet/ encourage/ support in faith of Islam and give advise on how to be a good Muslim in Britain. Encourages to resist secular values.
Reasons for differences between Sunni and Shiah muslims?
Shi’ah believed Ali should succeed M.
Sunni thought Aku bakr should.
Similarities between sunni and shiah muslims?
Believe in allah and prophets
Authority of Quran
Life after death- judgement that follows
Five pillars faith
Differences between sunni and shiah
Shi- only imam can correctly interpret the quran, Sunmi believe it speaks for itself.
Sunni- imam prayer leader, shiah see imam as divinely appointed successor of M.
Shi follow haith of Ali as well as M and add ‘i bear witness that ali was the friend of Allah’ in shahadah.
Shi also celebrate different festivals (10 muharran) and different places of pilgrimage.
Shi give 20% of savings to poor in addition to zakah.
Role and importance of groups/movements in british mosques?
Other groups within islam other than S&S, disagree on a number of issues:
Whether muslims should keep traditional dress codes.
Whether shariah needs to be revised for life in 21st century.
Whether prophet should be revered/ possible to seek intercession/ whether prophet was ordinary man whose intercessions cannot be sought.
Whether theres 12 holy imams or infallible spiritual guides after prophet or whether immas are fallible humans no different from anyone else.
Sufis differ in worship because?
Mystic who seek close personal contact with God- achieved through inner spiritual life rather than outer ritual and practises of Islam. Others see this as dangerous, Allah defined how he should be worshipped in 5 pillars, necessary to follow shariah and keep ritual in order to please Allah.
Use practises such as dancing (whirling dervishes) and music as meditation which brings closer contact with Allah.
Many muslims believe all music forbidden by Quran, or instruments forbidden but singing is allowed.
