Definitions: Islam

Question 1

Tawhid

Answer 1

This Islamic doctrine that God is absolutely and only one; that He is unique and that no other thing can be worshipped over God

Question 2

Prophethood

Answer 2

God communicates through messengers or prophets, who convey messages or communicate God’s direct revelations to humanity

Question 3

Halal and Haram

Answer 3

Islam - as a reified religion - prescribes to the Muslim what one can and can’t do. Things that a Muslim can do are known as being halal, whilst things that are forbidden are known as haram. Depending on understanding and interpretation of Islam, what is halal and haram can be difficult to define

Question 4

Jihad

Answer 4

Jihad refers to the Islamic idea that one must struggle to return to God and fully practice Islam. There are two types of jihad: the greater, which refers to the individual’s struggle to practice one’s faith, and the lesser which refers to military action, particularly in defence of the Muslim community.

Question 5

Mosque

Answer 5

The Muslim place of worship. It serves also as a centre for the community and a school, just like a church

Question 6

Shari’ah

Answer 6

This refers to God’s ‘path ordained to humanity’, by which one can worship, engage with , and return to God.

Question 7

Ummah

Answer 7

Ummah refers to the whole Islamic community in its broadest, regardless of gender, race, language, culture and so on. It is the one socially unifying element in Islam that brings Muslims together.