Islamic Practices Flashcards
Lesser Jihad Conditions
- Fought in self-defence
- Approved by a religious leader
- Not used to convert people
- Not used to gain land
Lesser jihad meaning
Struggle against the outside world
Greater jihad meaning
Struggle within oneself
Examples of greater jihad
- Following the five pillars
- Forgive others
- Study the Qur’an
- Help those in need
- Avoid negative qualities (e.g. greed)
- Resist temptations (e.g. alcohol)
Quote about greater jihad
“The greatest jihad is to battle your own soul, to fight the evil within yourself.” - Muhammad
Quote about lesser jihad
“Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought” - Qur’an
What is (always) said in the Shahadah?
“I declare there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.”
What do Shia Muslims add to the Shahadah? (shortened)
“And Ali is the friend of God.”
Name 2 reasons why the Shahadah is important
- Part of the daily prayer
- Summarises the key ideas of the religion
Converting to Islam
Should be the last thing a Muslim hears
Recited into a newborn’s ear
Part of the Adhan (call to prayer)
What are two activities Muslims do during Hajj
Tawaf - Circling the Kaaba 7 times anti-clockwise, as this was where Muhammad smashed the idols to return the Kaaba to a place of worship to the one God, Allah
Meditating at Mount Arafat - they pray and meditate, as this is where Muhammad delivered his final sermon
Quote about Hajj (clearing of sins)
“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure […] he will return as if he were born anew.”
Night of power quote (importance)
“The night of power is greater than a thousand months”
(Meaning: observing the night of power gives them the benefit of worshipping for a thousand months.)
Sawm quote
“You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you […] that you may be mindful of God.”
What is sawm?
Fasting between sunrise and sunset
What does the Night of Power mark the beginning of?
God’s revelation
What angel revealed the Qur’an to Muhammad?
Angle Jibril
What do Muslims do to celebrate the Night of Power?
Muslims will try to keep awake throughout the night on each of the possible dates (of the night of power) to read and pray
Muslims come together to celebrate in the mosque, and it is believed that it is a time when Allah will forgive their sins
Why do Muslim’s fast?
Ramadan falls on the same month Muhammed (pbuh) is believed to have received the first revelation of the Qur’an, and so Muslims use this time to focus upon the word of God rather than bodily desires
Sawm quote (self-discipline)
“Oh believers! Fasting is prescribed for you […] that you may learn self-restraint.” - Qur’an
Apart from fasting, what must Muslims do during Ramadan?
Refrain from smoking, listening to music and having sex. Avoid evil thoughts and hate speech. Read the Qur’an from beginning to end throughout the month.
Example question: Explain two contrasting Muslim views about the importance of Sawm
(4 marks)
Some Muslims believe that sawm is important because it gives Muslims the opportunity to show empathy with those in the world who live in poverty (2 marks)
Some Muslims believe that by fasting it helps them to generate discipline and self-control that will help them in life (2 marks)
What is Id ul-Adha (Greater Eid)?
A four-day festival that remembers Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son for God.
When does Id ul-Adha happen?
At the end of Hajj.
It is a chance for all Muslims across the world to worship and celebrate together especially as in many countries it is a public holiday.
How does Id ul-Adha begin?
The festival begins with prayers in a mosque where there is a communal service and a sermon is given about sacrifice and obedience to Allah.
