Islamic practices Flashcards
Name the principles of practice belonging Sunni and Shi’a Muslims
Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam
What is Shahadah
Declaration of faith and its place in Muslim practive
What is Salah
Muslim prayer
What is Sawm?
Fasting during the month of Ramadan
What is Zakah
compulsory donation of 2.5% of a Muslim’s spare income to charity
What is haji
Pilgrimage to Mecca
What is Great Jihad
Struggle to uphold faith in times of crisis
What is lesser jihad?
the outward struggle to defend Islam from threat
What is the difference between Zakah and Khums
Zakah is the overarching belief held by both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims of charitable giving in which 2.5% of income must always be spent on charitable causes each year. Khums refers to the additional 20% donation of wealth to charity that is carried out by Shi’a Muslims only
Which festivals are the most important in Islam
Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Ul-Adha, Ashura
State an Islamic quote which emphasises the overarching importance of the 5 pillars and the 10 obligatory acts
“The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the scripture and the prophets… those who keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms”
What are the 5 pillars of Islam
Shahadah (Declaration of faith), Salah (obligatory prayer), Zakat (compulsory giving ), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
How does belief in the 5 pillars influence a Sunni Muslim’s daily life
Give structure to Sunni Muslims’ lives, helps them get closer to Allah by building a spiritual connection, helps them achieve the reward of paradise, instils a sense of community amongst Muslims, fulfilling each pillars acts as a building block to paradise
What is the extra phrase in the Shadadah that is spoken by Shi’a Muslims which relates to the Imamate
“Ali is the friend of God”
Explain the two types of Jihad
Greater Jihad refers to the inner struggle to discipline yourself and submit to Allah by fully embracing his teachings, even in times of crisis.
Lesser Jihad refers to the outer struggle to defend the Islamic faith from external threat (Persecution and Holy War)
What do tawalla and tabarra refer to in Shi’a Islam
Association with good people and disassociation from bad people
State the Islamic quote which pertains to the Shahadah in Sunni Islam
“There is only one God and Muhammed is his messenger”
What is the significance of the Shahadah to Muslims
Reminds Muslims of the oneness of God - Tawhid - Viewed as a fundamentally important belief. The words of the Shahadah are the first words heard by Muslim babies. The Shahadah is included in daily prayer. Said before death to demonstrate a commitment to the religion of Islam.
Identify an Islamic quote which illustrates the divine origins of the Shahadah
“God sent messages to every community.” The Angel Jibril passed down the Shahadah to the illiterate Muhammad, as well as other prophets.
What are the arguments for the Shahadah being the most important pillar
It is the infallible word of God. The other pillars stem from the Shahadah such as Salah, in which the Shahadah is recited during prayer. The words of the Shahadah are the words recited in Muslims’ first and last moments.
What are the arguments for the Shahadah not being the most important pillar
All the pillars are equally important. They are all duties that should be performed, one cannot be singled out from others. Salah is more important as it happens five times a day and is about making regular communication with God. Zakah is more important as it involves helping others in a practical way; doing things to help others may be seen as particularly important.
State key quotes which underpin the importance of Salah in Islam
“Keep up regular prayer”
“He is closer to you than your jugular vein”
“Call on me and I will answer you”
“Remember God often so that you may prosper”
“I have created mankind to worship me”
How many times a day do Sunni and Shi’a Muslims pray
Shi’a pray 3 times a day. Sunni prat 5 times a day.
Which 5 times do Sunni Muslims pray
Sunrise, noon, afternoon, sunset, night
Explain why Shi’a Muslims only play 3 times a day.
They combine the noon and afternoon prayer to mirror how Muhammad would sometimes pray and to make prayer more practical
What does wudu refer to
Ritual washing that cleanses Muslims of sin prior to prayer
What does the Qibla refer to
The Qibla refers to the direction of Mecca, which Muslims face when they pray to show submission to God
What are the rules of Salah
The Salah must begin with the Takbir: “Allah is the greatest”. The Salah must be offered in Arabic and from memory, using set prayers from the Qu’ran, the Sunnah and the Hadith.
What does the Sujud show?
Total submission to Allah whilst praying
What is the significance of the belief that “Prayer is better than sleep” stated in the Hadith
Prayer is the best way of enforcing faith with action for Muslims rather than being idle
What the arguments of praying in a Mosque
Instils a sense of community amongst Muslims
Muslims are reminded that they are all equal and loved by God as they are praying together
The Mosque is considered the spiritual center of communication with God
In some congregations Muslims wear the same attire to show solidarity and equality amongst themselves and God
State quotes which highlights the importance of mosque worship
“Prayer with the congregation is better than prayer performed by oneself.- Hadith
“A believer in a mosque is like a fish in water” - Malik ibn Dinar, Islamic scholar
State a quote which advocates for universal prayer
“The whole Earth has been made a place of worship”
What is Du’a
Personal prayer, prayer of invocation
What is Jummah prayer
Congregational prayers at the mosque at noon on Friday. They are the best attended of the week for Sunni Muslims, it is seen as compulsory for men and believed great rewards come from this.
Why is Jumah prayer not necessary for Shi’a Muslims
For Shi’a Muslims, it is not necessary in the absence of the twelfth imam
Explain the process of Jummah prayer
The adhan is called and the wudu is performed. The Imam will deliver a sermon on an issue relevant to the community.
State an Islamic quote that advocates for prayer in the home
“Pray in your houses - do not make them like graveyards”
State a quote which describes Salah as a communal act
“When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hurry towards the reminder of God”
What does Du’a refer to
Personal prayer for Muslims
Can prayer be performed at home for Muslims
Both Salah and Du’a can be performed at home
Why is prayer important for Muslims?
A way of establishing a direct and lasting relationship with God
Prayer helps Muslims to obtain God-consciousness and is a reminder of the importance of God as the focus of their lives
Helps to Muslims to avoid sin (shirk)
The first question a Muslim will be asked on the Day of Judgement is about Salah - prayer is important in order to achieve paradise.
4 potential questions regarding Salah?
Are prayers for men and women equally important?
Are prayers at the mosque or home more important?
How often should you pray?
Is Salah (prayer) the most important pillar of Islam?
What does sawn refer to in Islam
Fasting during the month of Ramadan
State 3 quotes that justify fasting during the month of Ramadan
“Fasting is prescribed for you”
“It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qu’ran was revealed”
“Fast until nightfall”
Why does fasting take place during Ramadan
Ramadan is the month during which the Qu’ran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad via the angel Jibril
Who is exempt from fasting
Young children, the elderly, those who are sick, women who are pregnant, travellers
State a quote which justifies certain people being exempt from fasting
“Fast for a specific number of days, if but one of you is ill, or on a journey then on other days”
Which activities should Muslims abstain from during Ramadan, in addition to fasting
No food or drink, no smoking, no sexual activities, no bad thoughts, no bad deeds
How long does Ramadan last during the day
Ramadan lasts during daylight hours
What does Sawm remember
The night of power. When the Qu’ran is revealed to Muhammad by the Angel of Jibril. The Qu’ran would not exist without the Night of Power.
What are the benefits of sawm?
Develops devotion to God - brings you closer to him
Develops concern/sympathy for those in need
Develops self-discipline and self control
Brings the Islamic community together
What does fasting remind Muslims of
Muslims are reminded to showing goodwill to those in need by emulating the hunger that is experienced by those in poverty by fasting during Ramadan.
What is also significant about fasting during Ramadan
Muslims develop appreciation and gratitudes for their wealth and possessions that Allah has given them
Why is Sawm important for Muslims?
It is one of the Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts. It is a foundational practice for Muslims
Develops God-consciousness amongst Muslims.
Develops devotion to God and brings Muslims closer to him
Helps develop concern and sympathy towards the welfare of the poor (link to Zakat)
Brings the Islamic community together
Which festival do Muslims celebrate on the final day of Ramadan
Eid-Ul-Fitr
What does Zakat refer to
Charity
What is the purpose of Zakat
Purifying wealth
What are requirements for Zakat
2.5% donation to help those in needs
State a quote relating to Zakat
“Alms are only meant for the poor”
State how the belief in Zakat relates to God’s omniscience
Helping others is seen as helping God and giving should be done willingly as God knows all intentions (omniscience)
How do Muslims view their wealth in relation to Zakat
Muslims believe their wealth is on loan from God and by giving to charity, they believe they will receive a greater reward from Allah in paradise.
Do children have to participate in Zakat
No. Some guardians may pay zakat on their children’s behalf
State a quote which shows that Allah is aware of good deeds
“Whatever good you do Allah is aware of it”
What does the Nisab threshold refer to
The minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay Zakat.
“Know that whatever of a thing of you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah”. What does this quote refer to?
Khums
What is a historical example of khums
Khums have gone to the education of prophets.
What does Khums refer to
The sixth of the Ten Obligatory of Shi’a Islam
What is the difference between khums and Zakat
Zakat refers to the overarching belief in charity and almsgiving held by all Muslims in which 2.5% of a Muslim’s income is given to charity. Khums applies exclusively to Shi’a Muslims who donate an additional 20% of their wealth to charity.
How does belief in Zakat relate to the inner struggle of Greater Jihad
Sharing the blessing of others prevents greed. Zakat reinforces self-discipline as a part of Jihad; overcoming greed and selfishness. This facilitates moral development
How does Zakat benefit both the giver and the receiver.
The giver will receive 100 X back in the afterlife and they will be satisfied. Giving now will result in Muslims receiving greater rewards and blessings in the afterlife.
What does Sadaquah refer to
In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to voluntarily give their money, time and material possessions to charity at any point in time.
What do some Muslims believe would happen to the world if everyone gave Zakat
Zakat would lead to significant social change and may eliminate poverty, if it was performed by every person in the world. Zakat on a global scale would be a form of universal stewardship.
What is the Hajj?
Pilgrimage to Mecca
State a quote relating to pilgrimage
“Pilgrimage to the house is a duty owed to God by people who are able to undertake it”
Why is pilgrimage to Mecca important
It is the birthplace of Muhammad - the birthplace of Islam
How does Hajj relate to the practice of Salah (prayer)
Muslims must always pray facing towards the Qa’ba
How long does the Haj pilgrimage last and in which country does it occur
The Haj pilgrimage occurs over 5 days in Mecca in Saudi Arabia
How many Muslims attend Haj every year
3 million
List the short-term impacts of Hajj
While there:
- Feel part of the untied Ummah
- Feel a sense of equality (everyone wears white robes)
- Feel closer to God
- Feel strengthened in their faith (praying/circling the Qa’ba)
- Reminds them what is important
- Feel forgiveness of sins by visiting Arafat (Mount of Mercy)
- Haj can give Muslims a fresh start from sin
- Rejection of evil and sin (by throwing stones at the pillars of Mina)
List the long-term impacts of Hajj
- Reminds Muslims of when the prophet Muhammad received the Qu’ran from the Angel Jibril on the Night of Power in Mecca.
- More respected in community
- Source of spiritual advice - It is the fifth and final pillar. Often once in a lifetime
- More focused on being a good Muslim/following the faith
- Feel more purpose/peace in life
- Strengthened as a Muslim - Teaches them patience, provides time to reflect
- Dependance on God for spiritual life - Zamzam well - a miraculously generated source of water, located in Mecca, that provides a sense of appreciation for the natural resources that God has provided Muslims.
- Committed to helping the poor (Mina) Eid up Adha - Feast of Sacrifice which honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s dedication to God, when he was willing to sacrifice his son when God had commanded him to. Muslims should be willing to sacrifice a portion of their wealth and material possessions for charitable causes.
What is recited when Muslims circle the Qa’aba
The pilgrim’s prayer: “Here I am. Oh Lord, at your service. Praise and Blessings to you”
What are the rituals are performed when Muslims arrive at Haj and what is their significance
Ritual(s) performed:
Muslims put on Ihram (white seamless robes)
Have entered into the “state of ihram”
Importance:
Shows unity and equality - all dressed identically
Strengthens feeling of commitment and community within ummah
What are the rituals performed at the Great Mosque and what is their significance
Tawaf - circle the Ka’aba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction
Importance:
Demonstrates unity for all Muslims together in submission to Allah
Shows love for Allah
What are the rituals performed at the Al-Safa and Al-Marwa Hills, and what is their significance
Sa’y - Running between the hills of Sara and Maria
Drink/take water from the Zam Zam well
Significance:
Remembers Hajar, Ibrahim’s wife, searching for water for Ismail. The well spring was seen as a miracle from God.
Shows dependance on God
What are the rituals performed at Mt Arafat (Mount of Mercy) and what is their significance
The “Stand” where Muslims praise Allah, read from the Qu’ran and ask for forgiveness
Significance:
This is where Adam and Hawa were reunited and Muhammad gave his final sermon.
Muslims hope to be forgiven
What are the rituals performed at Mina and what is their significance
Collect and throw stones at three pillars (jamarat)
An animal is sacrificed, men’s heads are shaved and women cut off a lock of hair.
Significance:
Part of Eid-Ul-Adha
Symbolises rejection of the devil/evil
Celebrate Eid ul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son for God. Reminder of faith, submission to God.
Hair is cut as a symbol of purity.
What are ritual is performed at Madina and what is its significance
Praying at the Prophet’s mosque
Significance:
Praying at the Prophets mosque and Muslim community set up by Muhammad.
All prayers here will be heard and accepted by God
Why is Haj pilgrimage important for Muslims?
Qu’ran says it obligatory for all Muslims who are physically able and can afford it
Hajj is seen as a powerful demonstration of the unity of the ummah.
It means Muslims can see the Kaaba - the house of God- for themselves, strengthening their faith and relationship with God. This has long-lasting effects.
It is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven.
What does Jihad mean?
The personal struggle of Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam and obey God
Define Greater Jihad and identify the ways in which Muslims must abide by it in their daily lives
Greater Jihad - INNER struggle
The duty of every Muslims to live a good life, be faithful to God and obey the commands of Islam. This is done by:
- Following the Five Pillars
- Working for social justice
- Studying the Qu’ran
- Doing good deeds
- Attending mosque regularly
- Resisting temptation, greed, envy
Define Lesser Jihad and identity the ways in which it can be justified
Lesser Jihad - OUTER/MILITARY
The belief that all Muslims have an obligation to defend their faith from persecution. This may be attributed to Holy War
- Fought for a just cause
- Fought as a last resort
- Authorised by accepted Muslim authority
- Minimum amount of suffering should be caused
- Ends when enemy surrenders
- Innocent civilians not attacked
- Aims to restore peace and freedom
How does the quote “God hates arrogant, boastful people” link to Greater Jihad
The quote “God hates arrogant, boastful people” reminds Muslims of God’s negative view towards those who preach his teachings, but do not uphold them in their daily lives
State 2 quotes which refer to Lesser Jihad
“Fight them until there is no persecution”
“Fight those who fight against us”
State 2 historical examples of Lesser Jihad in action
The battle of Badr which the proper Muhammad had fought in. The Battle of Kabala which inspired the martyrdom of Hussein.
How does the martyrdom of Hussein relate to Lesser JIhad
Hussein sacrificed himself in the battle of Karbala to defend his people from persecution, many of whom are believed to be the ancestors of Shi’a Muslims.
Why may Holy Wars be acceptable for Muslims
A holy war in the name of Lesser Jihad will be acceptable if Muslims believe they have received God’s approval to do so in order to restore peace and freedom.
Why may Greater Jihad be viewed as the most important form of Jihad amongst Muslims?
Greater Jihad is a personal struggle that does not require Muslims to inflict violence towards others
Lesser Jihad may not apply to Muslims living in Western Society where there is religious equality and a lack of direct war.
Greater Jihad is stressed as “greater”, suggesting it is a superior command from God than Lesser Jihad
State examples of Muslim festivals
Eid Ul Adha (End of Hajj, festival of sacrifice), Eid-Ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Ashura (celebration of the month of Ramadan)
How is Eid Ul Adha celebrated
Many Muslims wear new/best clothes, attend prayer service at mosque and listen to sermon, donate money towards Muslim communities to improve the quality of life, some Muslims arrange to sacrifice a cow, goat or a sheep- meat divided by 3: family, friends and poor. OR Muslims give money to charity to help.
What is the significance of The Night of Power occurring within Ramadan
The Qu’ran was passed down to Muhammad by the angel Jibril on the Night of Power. It could be argued that Muslims may be fasting in order to honour God’s willingness to pass down such a prestigious source of knowledge and inspiration during this month. Without this night occurring, some Muslims may argue that their faith may not exist today.
How is Ashura important for Sunni Muslims
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a period of celebration where they commemorate the liberation of the Israelites, the ancestors of modern day Muslims.
How do Muslims show solidarity with Hussein
Wear black to show how Shi’a Muslims show equal admiration for Hussein’s sacrifice regardless of other differences between them in their lives.
List 3 ways in Festivals are important
Give a sense of identity and belonging to the religion
Provides opportunities for reflection, education and inspiration
Connect the worldwide Islamic community
Upholds traditions passed down by Muslims
Reminds Muslims of important causes and key historic events
Generate tradition by marking key points of the Islamic calendar
State a quote emphasising the martyrdom of Hussain
“One tear shed for Hussain will wash away 100 sins”
What does Inshallah mean?
God willing
