Islam Flashcards
What are the 2 main traditions is Islam divided into?
Sunni and Shi’a
About what percent Muslim are Sunni Muslims?
85-90%
Who was the founder of Islam?
Muhammad - Allah revealed the qur’an to him
Who were the next 4 caliphs after Muhammad died?
Abu Bakr / Umar / Uthman / Ali
What were the 2 opposing opinions about Ali being a caliph?
Some thought he should have been the 1st Caliph / some thought he shouldn’t be a caliph
After Ali’s death what did Sunni Muslims decide to follow?
A different line of caliphs
After Ali’s death what did Shi’a muslims start to follow?
Ali’s descendants
What are Muslims basic beliefs called?
Articles of faith
What beliefs do Sunni and Shi’a Muslims share?
Beliefs in Allah / holy books / prophets / day of judgement / angels
Do Sunni or Shi’a Muslims have the 6 articles of faith?
Sunni Muslims
Do Sunni or Shi’a Muslims have the 5 articles of faith?
Shi’a Muslims
What are the 6 articles of faith?
Tawhid / belief in angels / belief in holy books / belief in Allah’s prophets / belief in day of judgement / belief that Allah knows everything and decides what’s going to happen
Define Malaikah
Belief in angels
Define Nubuwwah
Belief in Allah’s prophets
Define predestination
Belief that Allah knows and decides everything that’s going to happen
What are the 5 articles of faith in Shi’a Islam?
Tawhid / belief in divine justice / belief in prophethood / belief in authority of Imams / belief in day of resurrection
Define Adalat
Belief in divine justice
What is divine justice?
Belief that god is Just and has no cause of injustice to his creatures
What is a prophet?
A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of god
Define Imamah
Belief in the authority of imams
Define Ma’ad
Belief in the day or resurrection
What is Sunni Muslims opinion about Muhammad and Ali
Nobody received knowledge after Muhammad from Allah so Muslims should focus on Muhammad’s way of life rather than Ali and his sons
What do Sunni Muslims believe they should be guided by?
Consensus (majority view) of the community
What is Shi’a muslims beliefs about Ali being the true caliph
Allah gave Ali knowledge to ensure his teachings and actions were right
Define Imams in Shi’a islam
Leaders and figureheads of the religion
Define Imams in Sunni Islam
Prayer leader
Why is there different branches of Shi’a Islam?
After disagreements about line of Imams
What is the largest branch of Shi’a Muslims called
Twelvers
What do twelvers believe in?
12 Imams, last of whom is hiding and will eventually return. (They’re lead by religious scholars whilst waiting for Imams return)
What are Isma’ili Shi’as offer called?
Seveners
What do severers believe in?
That the seventh Imam should be Isma’il, the elder brother of the one chosen by the twelvers
What is the biggest group of Isma’ilis today called?
Nizaris
What do Nizaris think about Imams?
The Imam can select the next
What is the first part of the shahadah, Muslim declaration of faith?
Saying that Allah is the only god
What is Shirk?
Believing in other gods as well as Allah of seeing that anyone else could share Allah’s oneness - seen as worst sin
What do Muslims think about the holy trinity
Don’t believe in it because they only believe in Allah and nobody sharing his oneness
According to the Hadith what is the first thing Muslims should say when telling others about Islam
Mention tawhid
List 6 of Allah’s characteristics
Merciful / omnipotent / benevolent / just / immanent / transcendent
Define merciful
Muslims believe Allah shows mercy and compassion. Believe allah is kind and forgives people’s sins
Define immanent
Allah is present and involved in the world
Define transcendent
Allah is above everything - he can’t be thought of in human terms
How many names are listed for Allah in the qur’an?
99 (they refer to his characteristics)
Hi are Adam and Ibrahim?
They’re prophets
Because of Allah’s compassion he can’t leave people to sin without helping them, so what does he do to help?
Sends messages about how to live a good life, done via angels who pass words into human prophets
What is Risalah
Concept of messengership - way Allah communicates w humans
How many prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an?
25 (although some believe there have been 124000)
What were some prophets given?
Holy books to pass onto human kind
What do Muslims believe that prophets taught them?
The same basic ideas, most importantly belief in one god.
State a quote showing how all prophets are seen as equal to each other
“We make no distinction between any of them”
What do Muslims believe the prophets do?
Perform miracles - do to prove they’re really prophets
Who was the first prophet?
Adam, also first man created by Allah in his image
Name 6 other prophets
Ibrahim (Abraham) Isma’il (Ishmael) Musa (Moses) Dawud (David) Isa (jesus) muhammad
Why was Adam sent to earth?
After eating fruit forbidden by Allah, but Allah forgave his sin
What do some Muslims believe Adam built?
The Ka’aba
What idea did Ibrahim reject?
Idea of many gods (and he was a holy man)
How did Ibrahim prove his faith?
By being willing to sacrifice his own son isma’il.
What was Ibrahim thought to have rebuilt?
The ka’aba
What rituals does the story of Ibrahim and his family play an important role in?
The hajj rituals
Who is also known as ‘the father of Arabs’?
Isma’il
Why is Musa different from the other prophets.
He is the only one to directly speak to Allah, rather than through angel Jibril
Why is Musa important?
He kept trying to guide people to believing in one god even when they worshipped others
What is Dawud known for?
Killing Jalut (Goliath) during battle between Jaluts large army and Taluts (sauls) smaller one. Dawud later succeeded Talut as king. He known for his bravery, wisdom and loyalty to Allah
Why did Allah send Isa?
Because Allah thought that people had strayed from Musa‘ teachings
What happened to Isa?
He wasn’t crucified but he was taken up to heaven after 3 years of teaching
State the key points about the story of Muhammad
-He was meditating when Allah sent him an angel -he was first scared but Jibril gradually revealed more from Allah and M. Started preaching this message to others
What was Muhammad’s message that he preached?
People should worship one god and they’d be judged on their behaviour / revelations then grew more detail on how Muslims should live their lives
What is the Qur’an
Muhammads teachings from Allah - seen as a miracle, the final revelation of Allah
What is Muhammad also known as?
The seal of the prophets (bc most Muslims believed that he was the last prophet there will be)
Why do Muslims pay particular attention to Muhammad’s words and actions?
Because he was the last prophet
Why do Muslims think the qur’an is the most important holy book?
It’s a complete, accurate record of Allah’s exact words to Muhammad
State a quote from the Qur’an proving the Qur’an is Allahs words from Muhammad
“He revealed to his servant what he revealed. The heart did not lie about what it saw”
Why do Muslims learn Arabic?
Because the Quran is in Arabic and if they translate it then the meaning might change
What does the Qur’an tell muslims?
What they need to know about how to live their lives to please him (helps them get to paradise)
Why is there often dispute over how to interpret the Qur’an?m
It can be difficult to apply the teachings to modern life as it’s changed so much
How many Surah’s (chapters) is the Qur’an divided into?
114 (each made up of ayahs (verses) they’re in order of length (longest to shortest)
How do many Muslims keep their Qur’ans?
Wrapped up (to keep clean) / washed hands before touching / kept on higher shelf than other books / places on a special stand when they read it
List 4 other holy books
Suhuf Ibrahim / Tawrat / Zabur / Injil
Why are the other holy books different from the Qur’an?
They e all been edited and the Qur’an hasn’t
What is the first holy book?
Suhuf Ibrahim, given to Ibrahim (now lost) -Qur’an mentions it several times (eg. 87:18-19)
Who was the Tawrat (Torah) given to?
Musa (main Jewish holy book)
What does the Tawrat (Torah) contain?
Judgement of Allah (so its valued by muslims) and 10 commandments
Who was the Zabur (psalms) given to?
Dawud, linked to psalms of David in Christian bible, many believe original version has been corrupted
State a quote that makes Muslims believe that Allah gave the Injil to Isa
“We sent our messengers and followed them with Jesus and gave his the gospel”
What do list of Muslims think about the New Testament?
Contains the same ideas as those given to Isa
What do Muslims think Injil prophesies
The coming of Muhammad
What’s in the Hadith?
Reports of Muhammad’s words and actions recorded by his followers (not in Qur’an, not revealed by Allah) assessed to test authenticity
What’s in the Sunnah?
Muhammad’s way of life as recorded in the Hadith
What do the Hadith and Sunnah give?
Valuable advice in addition to the Quran, especially on issues concerning daily life (some believe it’s best to use the Qur’an as Hadith May be unreliable)
What is the purpose of angels?
To follow Allahs orders and communicate with humans, often via prophets / in heaven they praise Allah and guard his throne / welcome humans to paradise
What do angels supposedly look like?
Genderless, made of light, have wings
What characteristics to Angels have?
They’re immortal / have free will / they incapable of sin (as their role is to obey Allah) / created before humans
What do angels do in the world?
Record peoples food and bad deeds for the day of judgement / protect people from danger and evil
State a quote that proves angels record our good and bad deeds
“Our messengers are with the, recording” (Qur’an 43:80)
Why is belief in angels Important to Sunni Muslims?
It’s an article of faith
How do angels affect Muslims?
Can feel comforting / influence them to do good deeds
Why is Jibril (Gabriel) an important angel?
He revealed Allah’s words to Muhammad & revealed messages to other prophets & told Mary she was pregnant with Jesus
What other name does Angel Jibril have?
Angel of revelation
State 2 other important angels and their roles
Mika’il (Micheal) asks Allah to forgive sins / Izrail (Azrael) angel of death, takes souls from peoples bodies when they die
What with Israfil (Raphael) do on the Day of judgement?
Blow the trumpet
What is Wudu and why is it important?
Washing before prayer / muslims must be pure and clean when approaching Allah. Both physically and spiritually
What parts of their bodies do Muslims wash before prayer?
Face / arms / feet and part of their hair
What else do Muslims use to ensure cleanliness when praying?
A prayer mat (when not praying in a mosque)
What do Muslims face when praying?
Makkah (Qiblah) (in Saudi Arabia)
What is the rak’ah?
A set ritual prayer
How do you perform Rak’ah?
Stand hen kneel then put your forehead to the ground (as a sign of submission to Allah) this is repeated several times in a prayer session
How are Shi’a prayers different?
They touch their foreheads to a clay or wooden tablet during rak’ah (believe putting forehead on something natural is what Muhammad advised)
Why tablet Shi’a muslims use often made from clay from Karbala?
It’s where Husain was killed, it reminds shi’as of his sacrifice
Why do men and women pray separately?
So people concentrate on Allah instead of the opposite sex (has changed in some places where mixed prayer is allowed)
Where do many Muslims prefer to perform Salah?
At home > mosque. It’s seen as an important way to reach children about Islam
What is Zakah?
Charitable giving
Why do Muslims partake in Zakah
Because they think wealth was given by Allah so should be used to serve him
How much do you usually give to Zakah?
2.5% of your yearly income (but can dec8de how much to give and who to donate it to)
Where does Zakah money usually go?
To Muslims who are less well off, or charities or mosques
What does Zakah encourage and what’s it a sign of?
It encourages generosity and is a sign of concern for others
What do some Shi’a muslims pay as well as Zakah?
Khums
What is Sawm?
Fasting during Ramadan
When do Muslims fast?
From sunrise to sunset during Ramadan (time of year determined by the moon
What are the 3 obligations to fasting?
Children don’t have to until they’re 12 years also old people / medical reasons (pregnancy, breastfeeding and menstruation) (fine to take regular medicine) / if you’re on journey
What happens if you’ve missed a few days of the fast according to Qur’an 2:184?
You should make up for it by fasting for the same number of days later on / or by giving food to someone who may need it
What else (so not eating and drinking) does sawm say you should abstain from?
Listening to music, sex and smoking, bad thoughts or actions
What is Ramadan supposed to help muslims with?
Help their physical and moral discipline and obedience to Allah. Help understand hunger and make them more willing to help others
What is Hajj?
The pilgrimage to Makkah
How many times must a Muslim make the pilgrimage in their lifetime?
At least once (as long as they can afford it and are healthy enough to cope)
Which three people are associated with Makkah?
Adam, Ibrahim and Isma’il
What do Muslims wear during pilgrimage?
White clothing so they’re equal before Allah
What is the Ka’aba?
A giant stone cube covered with black cloth
What part of the bible suggests Ibrahim and Isma’il built the Ka’aba?
Qur’an 2:127
What do Muslims do when they get to the Ka’aba?
They do seven circuits anti-clockwise around it / touch the stone if possible (ritual called Tawaf)
What do you do during part of the pilgrimage called Sa’y
Make seven journeys between hills of Safa and Marwa (where Hajar, Ibrahimks wife and sergeant searched for water for son Isma’il) then draw water from the Zamzam well (which Allah made for Hajar)
after sa’y where do muslims go?
To mount Arafat to stand and pray for Allah’s forgiveness (where Muslims believe Adam was forgiven after being thrown out of Eden (and where day of judgement will take place))
After going to Mount Arafat where do Pilgrims stay the night
Muzdalifa (between Arafat and Mina) where they collect pebbles
What do Pilgrims them do with the pebbles they collected at Muzdalifa?
Throw them at three pillars in Mina, to symbolise driving the devil away (Ibrahim is believed to once have thrown stones at Shaytan
How do many Muslims find Hajj helpful?
Helps their faith and increases unity between Muslims / some Hadith say it cleanses hajj of all sins
State a quote about how Hajj cleanses sin
“He will return (after hajj from all sins) as if he were born now” (Sahih-al-Bukhara 26:596)
What are the 2 kinds of Jihad?
Greater Jihad and Lesser Jihad
What does Jihad mean?
Striving or struggle / it’s one of the 10 obligatory acts for Shi’a but also part of Sunni Islam
What is greater Jihad?
Struggle to obey Allah, follow his teachings and become a better Muslim
Why is greater Jihad a greater struggle?
Because it’s individual and personal / so you and you alone will be help responsible for your behaviour
State a quote about how greater Jihad is difficult as it’s individual and personal and you’ll be held responsible
“No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another”
What is lesser jihad?
Struggle to make the world a better place
What are part of the struggles of lesser Jihad?
Struggle against poverty and injustice / to defend Islam against threats
What do the Qur’an and Islamic law say about fighting
Should only be done in self defence and not against people
State a quote about how fighting if only for self defence
“Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought” (Qur’an 22:39)
State a quote for what Islamic terrorists claim the Qur’an supports violence and to defend Islam against oppression
“If they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors”
What do the vast majority of Muslims think about Islamic terrorists
That they aren’t real Muslims
What are the 3 festivals we’re studying?
Id ul-Adha / Id up-Fitr / Ashura
What is Id ul-Adha about?
The festival celebrating complete obedience to Allah, commemorates the time Ibrahim nearly sacrificed his own son (apart of the Hajj)
What is the story of Ibrahim?
He dreamt Allah told him to sacrifice Isma’il (his son) he decided to obey Allah, but at last minute Allah told Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram instead - test of Ibrahim’s loyalty
Muslims should attend mosque on Id Ul-Adha, what do they do there?
Communal prayers, sermon focused on the importance of obedience to Allah and the lessons to be learnt from Ibrahim and Isma’il
An animal is often sacrificed and divided up into 3 for Id ul-adha, where to the divisions go?
Family / neighbours or relatives / the poor
What does id ul-fitr represent
The end of Ramadan - day of thanksgiving to Allah for giving Muslims strength to fast for a month
What do Muslims do for Id ul-fitr?
Pay a special Zakah of £5 to help muslims who are less well off to celebrate as well (it’s given out in forms of food by charities and mosques)
What does the Id ul-fitr festival include?
Service with prayers and a sermon / meal to break the fast / meet ups with friends and family / exchanging of gifts
What does Ashura commemorate?
The death of Husayn
Is Ashura mainly a Sunni or Shi’a festival?
Shi’a
How do Sunni Muslims view Ashura?
A day of atonement (many sunni’s fast but it’s not compulsory)
Why is Ashura important for Shi’a muslims?
It’s the day Ali’s son and Muhammad’s Grandson were killed in battle
What happens in the 10 days up to Ashura?
Mourning(mosques provide free meals for people during the period)
What do Shi’as do on Ashura?
Wear black / attend public processions and ‘passion plays’ / listen to stories about Husayn / some hurt themselves to commemorate Husayn’s suffering (banned in some countries)
For Shi’as what is Ashura a reminder of?
The suffering the Shi’a community has experienced - as they’ve been persecuted as a minority (processions can be protests against injustice)
