Islamic Beliefs

Question 1

Name three differences between Sunnis and Shias.

Answer 1

• Sunnis pray 5x a day, Shias pray 3x a day
• Sunnis believe Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s successor, Shias think Ali was
• Shias believe in the Imamate as part of their key beliefs (that 12 people were chosen by God to interpret the Qur’an)

Question 2

Explain two beliefs about predestination (with a quote to back it up)

Answer 2

• Sunnis believe that Allah controls everything that happens.
• “Only what God has decreed will happen”
• Shias believe that Allah is transcendent and omniscient but doesn’t control things.
• “God won’t change people unless they change”

Question 3

What is the state of waiting until Judgement Day called?

Answer 3

Barzakh

Question 4

What happens on Judgement Day?

Answer 4

The world will be destroyed and everyone will be raised from the dead, and their actions judged

Question 5

Explain 2 roles of angels in Islam

Answer 5

Following Allah’s orders - “They do not disobey Allah’s commands”

Messengers of God - Angel Jibril revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad

Question 6

What is the afterlife called?

Answer 6

Akhirah

Question 7

Explain 3 qualities of God

Answer 7

• Just - judges people on Judgement Day, rewarding good and punishing bad
• Omnipotent - has the power to create the universe and everything in it
• Merciful - forgives people who are truly sorry for the things they have done wrong (“all-forgiving”)

Question 8

What do Muslims believe about the Torah?

Answer 8

That it was revealed to Musa, but became corrupted over time

Question 9

What do Muslims believe about the Psalms?

Answer 9

They were revealed to David but became corrupted over time

Question 10

What is the Hadith?

Answer 10

The sayings and teachings of the prophet Muhammad

Question 11

What do Muslims believe about the Qur’an?

Answer 11

• That it’s the highest authority in Islam, (one of the key beliefs of Sunni Islam) and its the most important text.
• Has to be kept in a special stand + not allowed to touch the floor

Question 12

What do Muslims believe about the Gospel?

Answer 12

It was revealed to the prophet Isa (Jesus) and it was lost, but that some of its message remains in the Bible

Question 13

Name three of the six articles of Sunni Islam

Answer 13

• Tawhid
• Angels
• Holy books
• The prophets
• Judgement Day
• God’s will (nothing will happen unless God decides it)

Question 14

Name three of the five roots of Shia Islam

Answer 14

• Tawhid
• The prophets
• The justice of God
• The imamate
• Resurrection

Question 15

What was the role of Prophet Adam?

Answer 15

Given knowledge of planting crops, burying the dead, and naming things

Question 16

What was the role of Prophet Ibrahim?

Answer 16

• Destroyed polytheistic statues, was burned alive but he miraculously survived
• Rebuilt the Kaaba after the flood
• First pilgrimage to Hajj (a pillar of Islam)
• Was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael to show his obedience to God

Question 17

What was the role of Prophet Muhammad?

Answer 17

• Angel Jibril revealed the Qur’an to him over 23 years (shahada)