Islam Practices Flashcards
Why are the five pillars important?
they are fundamental practices of Islam on which everything else is built on and are seen as the key to living a perfect Muslim life
What is the ten obligatory acts?
the five pillars combined with some additional duties and is followed by twelver shia muslims
What is Shahadah?
the muslim declaration of faith and expresses the basic beliefs of Islam
What are the five pillars?
-Shahadah (the declaration of faith)
-Salah (prayer)
-Zakah (charitable giving)
-Sawm (fasting)
-Hajj (pilgrimage)
What are the ten obligatory acts?
-Salah
-Sawm
-Zakah
-Khums (20% tax where half of it goes to charity and the other half to religious leaders)
-Hajj
-Jihad (the struggle to maintain the faith and defend Islam)
-Amr-bil-Maruf (encouraging people to do what is good)
-Nahi Anil Munkar (discouraging people from doing what is wrong)
-Tawallah (showing love for God and people who follow him)
-Tabarr (not associating with enemies of God)
What is the phrase that is Shahadah?
‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah’
What are the extra words that shia muslims add to the phrase of Shahadah?
‘and Ali is the friend of God’
What is Shahadah considered?
the foundations for the other four pillars
What does someone have to do to become a muslim?
sincerely recite the Shahadah in front of muslim witnesses
When a baby is born into a muslim family what is the first thing they hear?
the Shahadah is whispered into their ear
How many times a day do sunni muslims pray?
5 times a day (just before sunrise, just after midday, afternoon, just after sunset and night)
How many times a day do shia muslims pray?
3 times a day (just before sunrise, combined just after midday and afternoon, and combined just after sunset and night)
What is wudu?
ritual washing before they pray to make themselves spiritually clean
What way do muslims face when they pray?
the city of Makkah
In a mosque what indicated the direction of the city of Makkah?
the mihrab (a small niche in the qiblah wall)
If water is not available, how can wudu be performed?
they can ‘wash’ themselves with sand or dust instead because it represents being spiritually clean and not physically clean
Why is wudu important?
the purification of wudu helps muslims to fully focus on God in their prayers
Why is facing Makkah when praying important?
praying in the same direction means that all muslims are focusing on one place associated with God
What is rak’ah?
a set sequences of actions and recitations
What is the Jummah prayer?
a special prayer that is held at midday on Friday, which men are expected to attend at the mosque
What does prayer do?
unite muslims and brings them closer to God
How is rak’ah included in prayer?
each prayer consists of a certain number of rak’ah
At the end of the Jummah prayer what happens?
the imam will give a sermon that reminds Muslims about their duties to God
What is the significance of prayer?
-the action of bowing and prostrating remind muslims that God is greater than them
-muslims have been commanded by God to pray
-it helps muslims to become closer to God
-it motivates muslims to do God’s will
-it unites muslims around the world as they all pray in the same way
Why is Ramadan the most important month in the Islamic calendar?
it is the month where angel Jibril (Gabriel) started to reveal the Quran to Muhammad
What do muslims do during Ramadan?
-fast
-study the Quran
-give to charity
-try to please God
What is the Night of Power?
the night when angel Jibril (Gabriel) first started to recite the Quran to Muhammad
Since when has it been obligatory for muslims to fast during Ramadan?
the seventh century
How does fasting work?
muslims get up everyday before sunrise to eat and drink enough to keep them going until sunset and fast is broken at sunset
What is forbidden during fasting?
food, drink, smoking and sex during daylight hours
What are exceptions for people that cannot fast?
-children
-people that are ill
-pregnant or breastfeeding women
What is expected of people who cannot fast?
they are expected to make up for it later if they can
What is the importance of fasting and what does it teach?
the self-discipline that is required to fast shows obedience and dedication to God.
it also inspires muslims to helps those in poverty who can’t afford enough to eat or drink
What is a belief about the Night of Power?
observing the Night of Power is thought to give muslims the benefits of worshipping for a thousand months
When is the Night of Power believed to be?
during the second half of Ramadan on one of the odd-numbered dates
What is Zakah?
it requires muslims to give 2.5% of their savings to charity every year
What is believed about Zakah?
it helps them purify their souls by removing selfishness and greed
In addition to Zakah, what do shia muslims also give?
Khums (20% of their savings of which half goes to charity and the other half to shia religious leaders)
What is nisab?
the certain amount of money which muslims have to be at or above to give Zakah
What are some examples of Islamic charities?
Islamic relief and Muslim aid
What is the importance of Zakah?
it strengthens the muslims community by supporting the poorest and weakest and encourages muslims to have a good attitude towards money and to use their money in a way that would please God.
it is a type of purification that helps muslims to become closer to God.
What is Hajj?
an annual pilgrimage that starts and ends in the city of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia
What does Hajj rememeber?
the actions of prophet Ibrahim and his family, who rebuilt the Ka’aba (the cube-shaped building in the centre of the Grand Mosque, and the holiest place in Islam)
What effects does Hajj have on a muslim?
it strengthens a muslim’s faith and shows their commitment to God
What is the significance of Hajj?
-produces inner peace
-brings a person closer to God
-leads to a person’s sins being forgiven
-fulfils a religious obligation
-emphasises equality and unity
-shows self-discipline and dedication to God
-reminds muslims of the good examples set by the prophets
What do the actions of Hajj remember?
it remembers events in the lives of the prophet Ibrahim and his family, such as Hajira’s search for water and Ibrahim’s willingness to kill his own son
What is the Ka’aba known as?
‘The House of God’
How many days does Hajj take place over?
5 days (during which time pilgrims travel from Makkah to Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and back to Makkah)
What is ihram?
a state of purity which must be entered before Hajj begins
What is involved in ihram?
-performing ritual washing
-praying
-putting on ihram clothing (white clothing)
What does the ihram clothing signify?
-colour white symbolises purity
-everyone is dressed the same which emphasises unity and equality
-shows everyone is equal before God
Why do muslims pray under the sun for a whole afternoon at Arafat during Hajj?
it is physically draining but it shows their devotion to God and it is believed God forgives their sins if they sincerely apologise.
it is also where Muhammad preached his last sermon.
What do some muslims believe about the Ka’aba?
the stone in the corner of the building is an ancient Islamic relic that is from the original Ka’aba and comes from paradise, and was given by God to Adam
Why do muslims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah and collect water from the well of Zamzam during Hajj?
to remember Hajira’s search for water and the miraculous appearance of the well of Zamzam
At Mina, why do muslims throw pebbles at three stone walls called the Jamarat?
the walls represent the devil and temptation so pilgrims throw pebbles at the walls to show they reject evil and the temptation of sin
What does the sacrificing of an animal during the celebration of Id-ul-Adha represent?
Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son out of obedience to God
What is jihad?
it refers to the struggle against evil and requires muslims to strive to improve themselves and the societies they live in, in a way that would please God
What is the order that Hajj takes place?
-entering a state of ihram
-circling the Ka’aba seven times
-walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah and collecting the water from the Zamzam well
-standing/praying in Arafat
-throwing pebbles in Mina
-sacrificing an animal as part of Id-ul-Adha
What is Greater jihad?
the inwards, personal struggle to live according to the teachings of Islam
What is Lesser jihad?
the outward, collective struggle to defend Islam from threat
What does Greater jihad involve?
-observing the five pillars
-studying the Quran
-putting God above everything else
-avoiding temptations such as drugs and alcohol
-avoiding negative traits such as greed and jealousy
-helping and caring for those in need
What does a war have to be to be a holy war?
-approved by a fair religious leader
-fought in self-defence in response to a threat
-not used to gain territory and wealth
-not used to convert people to Islam
-fought only after all peaceful methods to resolve the situations have been tried first
What does Id-ul-Fitr celebrate?
the end of Ramadan
What does Islam teach about Lesser jihad or holy war?
it is used as a last resort to defend the faith when it is under severe attack, it is also never used to justify terrorist attacks
How is Id-ul-Fitr celebrated?
-muslims gather together in mosques or large outdoor areas to say special prayers (the imam’s sermon reminds muslims to forget any disputes that have happened during the year and focus instead on helping the poor)
-muslims decorate their homes, wear new clothes, eat special foods and exchange cards and presents
-many visit their local cemetery to remember family and pray for them
What is the importance and origins of Id-ul-Fitr?
it was started by Muhammad as he told the people of Madinah, it also helps muslims give thanks to God for giving them strength to complete the fast and thank him for giving his wisdom and guidance in the Quran because it was revealed to Muhammad during Ramadan
How is Id-ul-Adha celebrated?
-special prayers are held in the mosque and usually on the theme of sacrifice
-muslims visit family and friends to enjoy meals together
-those on Hajj will sacrifice an animal
-some muslims buy an animal from their local slaughterhouse and share the meat with family and friends (traditionally some meat is given to the poor but these days muslims donate money instead)
What does Id-ul-Adha celebrate?
it celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God and marks the end of Hajj
What is the Day of Ashura?
a day of remembrance which is an important Shia festival that remembers the death of Husayn at the battle of Karbala
What is the importance and origins of Id-ul-Adha?
it was started by Muhammad as he told the people of Madinah, it also remember and celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son to God as well as the completion of Hajj which strengthens a Muslim’s faith.
the festival allows all muslims to connect with one another although they all cannot be on Hajj.
What is the Ashura observed as to sunni muslims?
the Day of Atonement, however it is not as important or solemn an occasion as for shia muslims
How do many shia muslims observe Ashura?
by taking part in mourning rituals or processions
What is Husayn’s death seen as to shia muslims?
a symbol of the struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression
Who is Husayn?
the son of Imam Ali and grandson of Muhammad
What 2 things does the Day of Atonement mean for some sunni muslims?
-some sunni muslims celebrate the day the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt
-some sunni muslims celebrate the day Noah left the ark after the flood
In what ways do shia muslims commemorate Ashura?
-perform plays and re-enactments to tell the story of Husayn’s death (remembers the events at Karbala)
-take part in public expressions of grief and mourning (some believe they should cut themselves and shed blood to connect with Husayn’s suffering and death, but some shia religious leader condemn this and encourage blood transfusions or donations)
-many in Iraq visit Husayn’s tomb (many shia muslims go on a pilgrimage here each year for Ashura)
What is a way sunni muslims observe Ashura?
by fasting for the day and may also give to charity, show extra kindness to their family and the poor, recite prayers and learn from Islamic scholars
