Islam

Question 1

Pre-Islamic Arabia as the cultural and historical context for the development of Islam

Answer 1

Religious Practices

• Religion was polytheistic (worship of many gods), animalistic (worship of animals).
• Lots of different things were worshipped, such as sacred stones, trees, even celestial bodies. Demon spirits were also believed in by Arabs.
• Some religious practices of this time continued into Islamic practices. These include pilgrimage and walking around megaliths.
• Arabs are said to be descendants of Ishmael, one of Abraham’s sons.
• Christian/Jewish groups were around during this time but had no political sway.
• There was an exception to the nomadic life and this occurred in Mecca. Mecca was a crossroads to pilgrimage and caravan routes. Medina was also important for the same reason.

Social Conditions

• Arabic Peninsula is the largest in the world and is largely desert, there are pockets of fertile areas (oasis’).
• Arab = nomad.
• Arabia was largely inhabited by the Bedouins (nomadic tribal people of Arabian desert).
• No unified govt., indeed this was a region of tribes that often fought over what little water there was.
• Warfare was a traditional way of life for the Arabic people during this time.
• Conflicts between tribes for resources and honour
• Each tribe had its own rules

Question 2

Prophet Muhammad

Answer 2

Muhammad reflects the understanding in Islam that he stands in a long tradition of the prophets proclaiming the one true God. Muslims believe the process of revelation has culminated and according he is regarded as the last of the prophets/final messengers.

Check notes to see timeline of principal events

Question 3

The development of Islam under the leadership of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs

Answer 3

Abu B
Earliest follower and close adviser, he was an indication that the Muslim community would be run by the best fit for the community, not family.

Uma
Oversaw the expulsion of Christians and Jews from Arabia, sent several expeditions to expand the borders of the Muslim State.

Uthman
Many grievances arose in the community, due to pressure or rapidly increase in the community. Upset many senior members including previous Caliphs.

Ali
An Imam by Shia Muslims, regarded as a rightful immediate successor to Muhammad.

Question 4

Principal Beliefs of Islam

Answer 4

1. Tawhid
2. Belief in Angels
3. Books of Allah
4. Rusul(prophets)
5. Akhira = resurrection/afterlife
6. Qadar = Fate/predestination

Question 5

Sacred texts and writings of Islam

Answer 5

Qur’an
The central sacred reality of Islam, a sacred book, believed to be the word of God dictated by Muhammad.

Hadith
Means a ‘spoken word’ it refers to the recorded sayings and actions and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad.

Question 6

Core Ethical Teachings of Islam

Answer 6

• The purpose of law and ethics is to ensure the well being of the individual and the community at the same time in a balanced way.
• Shariah encompasses ethics and law from a worldly and otherworldly perspective
• Ethics and law continue to develop with new situations that society faces. E.g. new bioethics issues
• Teachings - based upon how individuals actions can change their destiny of how they will enter heaven or hell
• Human Nature, good and evil
• Shariah law(comparison to commandments)

Question 7

The Five Pillars of Faith in Islam

Answer 7

Shahada
The declaration of faith towards Allah. This leads to the principal belief of Tawhid, which refers to the belief in one God and almighty Allah

Salat
The obligatory prayer that takes part 5 times a day between sunrise and sunset each day, towards the direction of the holy city of Mecca.

Zakat
Almsgiving which raises the concept of compulsory giving. A minimum of 2.5% of one’s annual salary must be given willingly to charity.

Sawm
Fasting throughout the month of Ramadan which occurs every 9th month of the Islamic year. All healthy adult Muslims must take part in the fasting between sunrise and sunset. Commencing in fasting during Ramadan, each Muslim will attempt to cleanse themself from sin, this is recognised in the belief of Akhira which refers to God either rewarding or punishing believers according to their actions on earth before reaching the afterlife.

Hajj
The reference ‘to set out for a place’ through a pilgrimage to Mecca taken by Muslims at least once in their lifetime. This obligatory journey to Mecca retraces the steps of both Muhammad and Abraham( Rusul/otherwise knowns as the prophets).