Islam: Practises Flashcards
What is Zakah?
Third pillar of Islam - giving alms in order to help those in need and purify the giver and the rest of their money
What percent is this (minimum)?
2.5% of income
What if someone can’t afford to do Zakah?
They don’t have to give money but can perform Zakah in other ways e.g. show kindness to other people
Why is Zakah important?
It was practised by Muhammad and continued by his successors especially during times of early war in defence of Islam
Why is Zakah given?
Obeying Allah
Reminds them that living by the will of Allah is also about other people
Duty to help others
Reminds not to focus on themselves
Encourages them to not be greedy
Ensures they’re not too absorbed in own lives
Teaches self discipline and encourages honesty
Reminds them everything (inc Money) comes from Alllah
What are the benefits of Zakah in society?
Keeps financial differences small
Allows poor people to feed and home their families
Stop money being stored up by the wealthy
Promotes social harmony as it makes society and people within it more equal
Makes sure people do not envy other’s wealth or possessions
How does Zakah benefit/demonstrate to the rich?
Shows that those who are wealthy can use what they have to assist others
By giving Zakah, what does it ensure for Muslims?
They will have far greater rewards both in this life and the afterlife
What is the value of money to Muslims?
Money is simply something to be exchanged for what is needed in order to live - it itself has no value
What does it say about Zakah in the qur’an?
“And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity”
What is Khums?
A religious tax that some Shi’a Muslims pay in addition to Zakah
What % is it and who does it go to?
20% tax and is given to orphans, the poor and travellers.
What is Hajj?
An annual pilgrimage to Makkah that a Muslim must take at least once in their lifetime (unless restrained by financial or health problems)
What is the origin of Hajj (Story of Hagar and Ismail)
Hagar and Ismail (ibrahim’s wife and son) has fled to the desert to escape the jealousy of Ibrahim’s other wife Sarah.
Ibrahim left his wife and child after being instructed by god and gave them some food and water, but it quickly ran out.
Hagar ran between two hills to find help but failed
However, when Ismail struck the foot in the ground, water flowed and they were saved.
God then instructed ibrahim to build a shrine which became the Ka’aba and the two hills - Safa and Marwa
Why is Hajj important?
Makkah was Muhammad’s birthplace and he was living here when Qur’an was revealed to him.
It’s one of the holiest places for Islam
It is one of the five pillars
When is it excusable to not go on Hajj?
If they are ill, can’t go due to a disability, or don’t have enough money
What are some rules of Hajj?
They can’t have sex They can’t fight or argue with each other Can not kill anything Men cannot shave Cannot cut your nails Women cannot cover their faces
What do Muslims do at the Ka’aba?
They circle it 7 times anti-clockwise.
Believe it was placed/built by Ibrahim and Ismail as a symbol of Allah’s covenant
Muslims are expressing their unity and oneness of Allah and every Muslims prays towards the Ka’aba.
What do Muslims then do at Zam Zam?
They believe Ibrahim brought his wife and son here to escape his ex-wife Sarah.
Ibrahim left them on Gods command and left them supplies of food and water but they ran out.
The well at Zam Zam sprang to life/was made when Ismail struck his foot to the ground and water was provided
What happens at Safa and Marwa?
Muslims walk/run between these two mountains symbolising when Hagar ran between these two mountains trying to find help
What happens at Arafat?
Continue to Mina where they sleep in large tents then travel to the Valley of Arafat to pray and praise Allah.
This place is really, really hot so Muslims stay in the heat for many hours praying, contemplating and considering the meaning of their lives.
These actions are a reminder of the day of judgement (when all mankind will stand in scorching heat, waiting to be judged)
What happens at Muzdalifah and Mina?
They travel to a place called Muzdalifah and collect stones which they throw at pillars which represent the devil and temptation.
The next day they return to Mina and men will shave their heads, women will cut a lock of their hair and they will all return to the Ka’aba and circle it 7 more times
Why do Muslims go on Hajj?
It is an important experience/journey of their life
They spend time in prayer and read the Qur’an
Connect with God
They remember Ibrahim
It is a hard and tough journey which reminds them that life isn’t easy
What is greater and lesser Jihad?
Greater Jihad- The struggle that Muslims face to live a good life (internal jihad)
Lesser jihad- A war in Defense of Islam, sometimes called a holy war
In jihad, what is the three main struggles?
- A person’s internal struggle to please Allah and to be a good Muslim
- The struggle to build a good Islamic society
- The struggle to defend Islam- force can be used if necessary
What is Great Jihad all about?
Humans can be selfish and not think about other people.
Islam stresses the importance of action in an individuals life, which Muslims believe helps them to practise their religion.
Also be thought of social jihad - Muslims strive to build a fairer and better society
What is lesser jihad all about?
Islam is not pacifist - don’t always say war and violence is wrong.
There are rules when it is acceptable in the Qur’an.
There are reasons why lesser jihad can take place and reasons why it can’t.
Name scenarios when lesser jihad can take place.
To protect Muslims. To protect Islam. Self-defence
To free Muslims from oppression. As a last resort
If it’s declared by a religious leader
Help Muslims who are not being allowed to practise their religion
Name scenarios when Lesser Jihad cannot take place.
If the aim is to force people to be Muslims.
If the aim is to take land or money.
If the aim is to colonise(take control) of people/land
To demonstrate power
To settle an argument
How is Jihad used as an excuse for terrorism?
Group of people who carry out a terrorist attacked to hurt innocent people and defend their actions using Islam/Qur’an.
Call themselves Jihadists.
Believe the only way to establish a worldwide ummah, and restore Islam like in Muhammad’s time is through extreme violence.
Normally Sunni Muslims
What is a qur’an quote for jihad?
“Those against whom war is made, permission is given(to fight), because they are wronged.” - Qur’an (22:39-40)
What is Id-ul-fitr?
A celebration at the end of Ramadan that marks the end of fasting. The name means “festival of the breaking of fast.”
What happens at Id-Ul-Fitr?
Brings families and friends together to party and eat.
Wear their best clothes and decorate homes.
Also a festival to thank Allah for the ability to fast.
Also time to ask for forgiveness.
Many will pay Zakah around this time of year.
What is Id-Ul-Adha?
Festival at the end of the period of hajj, celebrating the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for allah. The name means ‘festival of sacrifice’.
What do Muslims do on this day?
End of hajj and they remember Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.
This encourages Muslims to make their own sacrifices and remembers Allah’s importance and centrality in their faith.
Apart from UK, you can practise a sacrifice on sheep e.t.c and give meat to poor.
Families will spend time together and eat food
Many consider those who are less fortunate and will donate or hold charity events or communal meals
What is Ashura?
A very important festival in Shi’a Islam on the tenth day of the Islamic month Muharram.
What does it commemorate?
Commemorates Husayn (an imam) at the Battle of Karbala.
Day of mourning for Shi’a.
For Sunni, it is a day to repent sins and how Muhammad fasted on this day in honour of the prophet Musa (moses)
What is Lailat al qadr?
Remembers ( is) the night that the qur’an was revealed to Muhammad
Some Muslims will pray all night/read the Quran
Others will ask for forgiveness
What is milad al nabi?
Celebrates Muhammad’s birthday
Not all Muslims celebrate but if do they will learn more about Muhammad’s life
Parents may choose to tell their kids stories about the prophets
What is Lailat al miraj?
They remember Muhammad’s Night Journey and the time he spent in heaven
What is Al Hijra?
Remembers the event -Hijra where Muhammad and his followers went to Madinah as Makkah was becoming dangerous for early Muslims
What is Lailat al bara’h?
It’s the “Night of Forgiveness” and takes place two weeks before Ramadan
Muslims will ask for forgiveness of their sins
