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Muslim Beliefs Flashcards

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1
Q

What do they believe about Kutub?

A
  • The Qur’an is the most important book in Islam
  • Qur’an as a word means recitation.
  • This is because originally it was spoken and shared orally.
  • Only later was it written down.
  • They also recognise other religious text: Sahifah (the scrolls of Abraham and Moses), Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms) and Injil (the gospel).
  • However, the Qur’an was the only holy book free from distortion and accepted by all followers of Islam.
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2
Q

What do they believe about the prophets (Nubuwwah)?

A
  • Muhammad is the most important prophet. His name means ‘Highly Praised’.
  • Muslims believe that Muhammad received God’s final revelation to mankind.
  • The most prominent prophets included: Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il, Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad. The nature and importance of prophethood for Muslims are called Risalah.
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3
Q

What do they believe about the Day of Judgement (Al-Qadr)?

A
  • The good will be sent to paradise and the wicked to hell

- Every action a person does good and bad are judged by angels, Kiraman Katibin (two noble scribes) on their shoulders

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4
Q

What do they believe about Allah?

A

Every event is controlled by God. Allah is the most powerful, omni-present and all-knowing.

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5
Q

What were the purpose and importance of the Six Beliefs of Islam?

A
  • Unite all Sunni Muslims
  • Allows Sunni Muslims to better understand their religion and develop a better relationship with God
  • Demonstrates how Sunni muslims should live their lives
  • Fundamental beliefs of Sunni Islam
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6
Q

How are the 6 beliefs demonstrated by Muslims today?

A
  • Muslims will express their belief of Tawhid in their prayers each day
  • They would look to holy books such as the Qur’an for advice to better help understand their faith and better establish their relationship with God.
  • They also live their lives aware that Allah is judging their every action after death, this will make them more aware of their behaviour and influence their decisions to be more good.
  • After they have finished their daily prayers, they would turn their head from their right shoulder to their left shoulder whilst saying peace be upon you, acknowledging the angels on their shoulder.
  • Muslims are taught from a young age the stories of the prophet and are expected to follow their exemplar and demeanour, for example the braveness portrayed by Dawud when he was fighting the Goliath or the submission to God portrayed by Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his own beloved son to God.
  • Muslims are reminded to seek God blessing and pray that he wills and predestines them to have a sinless and good life on a special night called Laylat al-Qadr.
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7
Q

What are the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din of Shi’a Islam?

A
  • Tawhid
  • Adl
  • Nubuwwah
  • Imamah
  • Mi’ad
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8
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Tawhid?

A

God is one

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9
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Nubuwwah (Prophethood)?

A
  • Muhammad is the most important prophet. His name means ‘Highly Praised’.
  • Muslims believe that Muhammad received God’s final revelation to mankind.
  • The most prominent prophets included: Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il, Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad. The nature and importance of prophethood for Muslims are called Risalah.
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10
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about ‘Adl (Divine Justice)?

A

Allah is just and fair and can do no wrong. Humans are accountable to God.

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11
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Imamah?

A
  • Successors to Muhammad
  • The belief that Allah appointed Imams or leaders to guide humanity and be a source of Authority.
  • Most Shi’a believed that there were 12 imams after the death of Muhammad, known as Twelvers. Some believe there were seven, known as Seveners
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12
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Mi’ad?

A
  • The good will be sent to paradise and the wicked to hell
  • Every action a person does good and bad are judged by angle, Kiraman Katibin (two noble scribes) on their shoulders
  • Day of Judgement
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13
Q

What were the purpose and importance of the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din of Shi’a Islam?

A
  • Unites all Shi’a Muslims

- They are the fundaments of Shi’a Islam

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14
Q

What similarities are there between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs?

A
  • Both believe in the oneness of Allah. (Tawhid)
  • Both believe that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet. (Nubuwwah)

-Both believe that a day will come where all are judged and the righteous go to
heaven and the bad to hell. (Akirah/Mi’ad)

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15
Q

What are the key differences between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs?

A

-Sunni Muslims believe that Muhammad alone was given knowledge from Allah, so
Muslims must emulate to the best of their extent the life of the Prophet.

-Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah gave knowledge to the first caliph,
‘Ali, and that
this knowledge has been passed down from imam to imam.

-The leadership of Islam is passed down from family generation in Shi’a Islam, whereas leadership is passed down to the best suited and most capable in Sunni Islam.

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16
Q

What are Sunni Muslims?

A

-Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam. (90%)

-In the Sunni traditions, the Imam is the prayer leader and the Khalifah is a
political head of state.

  • Sunni’s believe that the leaders following Muhammad should be the best suited and most capable in Sunni Islam
  • Abu Bakr (a friend of Muhammad) was the first caliph (Khalifah).
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17
Q

Who are Shi’ah Muslims?

A
  • Shi’a’s are a smaller group than Sunnis. (10%)
  • Shi’a Muslims believe that leadership should be inherited from Muhammad’s family.

-Ali, the fourth Sunni Caliph, is seen as the first Shi’a Imam and the only legitimate
leader, appointed by Muhammad.

-When Ali died in 661CE the imamate was passed down through succession

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18
Q

How do Muslims acknowledge that God is the greatest being?

A

Muslims acknowledge this idea in prayer and throughout the day each time they
say “Allahu Akbar”
, which means “God is the greatest”.

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19
Q

How many names do Muslims have for God?

A

There are 99 names for God.

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20
Q

Why do Muslims have more than one name for God?

A
  • Each name reveals something different about Allah.

- Muslims try and learn all these names so that they can better understand Allah.

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21
Q

Name three qualities of Allah

A
  1. omnipotent (all-powerful)
  2. omniscient (all-knowing)
  3. omnipresent (everywhere at the same time)
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22
Q

What do Muslims believe about Allah and justice?

A
  • Allah is equitable, just and beneficent (Adalat).
  • Allah judges all people.

-In daily prayers, Muslims refer to God as merciful. God understands human
suffering and knows how difficult it is to live according to God’s demands.

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23
Q

What do Muslims believe about Allah’s presence in the world?

A
  • Allah is both immanent and transcendent
  • Although Muslims believe that God is the greatest, He is also close to his people.

-The way to describe this is to say that God is immanent (near) and also
transcendent (beyond this world).

  • Only God can be both at once.
  • God is not restricted or limited by the physical world.
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24
Q

What does the word Islam mean?

A

-The word Islam means submission.

-Muslims believe that they should peacefully surrender to the will of Allah in their
lives and that following the will of Allah will bring peace

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25
Q

What does the word Allah mean?

A
  • God
  • God is One and only.
  • There is nothing else like God.
  • No one can picture God and there is nothing to compare Him to.
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26
Q

How do Muslims express their belief that there is only one God?

A
  • Shahadah.

- They say “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.”

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27
Q

Why are there no images of Allah?

A
  • In a Mosque, there are no images of Allah as Allah is perfection and is considered to be beyond human understanding and therefore cannot be portrayed in image or idol form.
  • Believing in more than one God is a big sin.
  • This is the only sin that Allah will not forgive.
  • It is disrespectful and shirk
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28
Q

What do Muslims say when they hope for something?

A

-Muslims will say ‘Inshallah’, which means if God is willing.

-They are hoping that what they want to do is also the will of God, which would
mean that it is a good thing for them to be doing.

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29
Q

What are the 8 characteristics of Allah present in the Qur’an?

A
  • Tawhid (oneness of God)
  • Immanence (idea that Allah is close and involved within the world)
  • Transcendence (idea that Allah is above and beyond human understanding)
  • Omnipotence (all-powerful)
  • Benficence (idea that Allah loves and cares about his creation)
  • Mercy (
  • Fairness and Justice
  • Adalat
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30
Q

What do Muslims say about Muhammad in the Shahadah?

A

The 2nd half of the
-Shahadah says that Muhammad is God’s prophet.

  • Muhammad should NOT be confused with Allah.
  • Muhammad is respected as a prophet but not worshipped.
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31
Q

Can you name any prophets which are shared across religions?

A

Many of the prophets in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles are shared by Islam too.

  • Abraham (Ibrahim)
  • Moses (Musa)
  • Jesus (Isa)
  • Adam
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32
Q

Why are prophets important?

A

Because Allah is so beyond human understanding, the prophets play an important role in helping mankind to understand God.

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33
Q

What do Muslims believe about prophets?

A
  • Muslims believe that there have been over 120,000 prophets.
  • Only 25 of these prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an.
  • These important prophets are called messengers.
34
Q

Who is Adam the prophet?

A
  • Muslims believe that Adam was the first prophet.
  • He was the first man, created by God in his own image.
  • He is believed by some to have first built the Ka’aba, (House of God). Others believe it was built by Ibrahim.
35
Q

Who is Abraham the prophet?

A
  • The ancestor of Muhammad.
  • Ibrahim was tested by God and proved his faith by being prepared to sacrifice his first son, Ishmael.
  • Ibrahim rejected worshipping more than one God.
36
Q

Why is Muhammad significant as a prophet?

A

-All previous prophets prepared the way for
Muhammad.

  • Muhammad is the greatest and final prophet
  • His teachings and practices in the Hadith are the basis of Islamic law.
  • Teachings given to Muhammad were organised and have been written to form the Qur’an.
37
Q

Define Risalah?

A

Muslim word for prophethood or messengers of Allah

38
Q

Define Rasul?

A

Prophets whose message has been written down in the Qur’an or other kutubs (holy books).

39
Q

Why is Adam significant as a prophet?

A
  • First prophet
  • His role was to look after the world
  • His actions teach Muslims, that they too should look after and care for Allah’s creation.
40
Q

Why is Ibrahim significant as a prophet?

A
  • He had come before Muhammad and is believed to be the first to encourage people to worship Allah.
  • The act of Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his very own son, who he loved so dearly and was in tears due to Allah’s instructions, teaches Muslims to submit to Allah in their lives.
  • In Ibrahim’s time, people practised idolatry. Ibrahim refused to worship idols and would only worship one God, Allah. He is known as a hanif, which is a person who lived before Muhammad and who was totally committed to worshipping only one God.
41
Q

Why is Isma’il significant as a prophet?

A
  • He was associated in creating the Ka’bah in Makkah alongside his father, who is also a prophet, Ibrahim.
  • He is well-known and praised for characteristics such as patience, kindness and his selflessness. He is significant in Islam, showing Muslims that they too should develop these characteristics.
  • It is believed that Ibrahim rebuilt the Ka’ba following the great flood.
42
Q

Why is Musa significant as a prophet?

A
  • Musa taught that there is one God at a time when Muslims were practising idolatry (which is shirk in Islam- one of the greatest sins which Allah, who is all-forgiving, cannot forgive).
  • Musa is thought to have been the only prophet that Allah spoke to directly.
  • Musa is known as Moses in Judaism and Christianity.
43
Q

Why is Dawud

significant as a prophet?

A
  • Dawud is known for his bravery and wisdom, , showing Muslims that they too should develop these characteristics.
  • The Qur’an states that Dawud killed Jahut, known in the Bible as Goliath, and that because of this, God made him a king (Surah 2:251).
  • He received the Zabur, a book of psalms, which was revealed by God.
  • He is called David in Judaism and Christianity.
44
Q

Why is Isa

significant as a prophet?

A
  • Isa is an important prophet in Islam. He was born miraculously to the most admired woman in Islam, Maryam (Mary), who was a virgin.
  • Isa is known as Jesus in Christianity. However, in contrast to Christians, Muslims do not believe that Isa was crucified and resurrected, or that he was the son of God.
  • Muslims believe that the Prophet Isa will return to Earth just before the Day of Judgement.
45
Q

What is Muhammad known as?

A

He is known as the ‘Seal of the Prophets’. This means that Muslims regard Muhammad as Allah’s final messenger and received the final message from Allah- the Qur’an

46
Q

Why is Muhammad

significant as a prophet?

A
  • He is very important as Muslims are taught from a young age that they should follow the example set by Muhammad.
  • He is very important as Muslims believe he brought the final and perfect message in the form of the Qur’an.
47
Q

What do Sunni Muslims believe about free will?

A
  • Some Sunni Muslims believe that as God’s will is supreme, He controls everything - including what everyone does. Everybody already has a destiny.
  • However, free will is still possible as humans don’t know what Allah wants from them - humans find free will in working out what Allah wants.
48
Q

What do Shi’a Muslims believe about Free will?

A
  • Allah knows everything that is going to happen
  • His knowledge does not impact human choice.
  • As a result of this belief, Allah will judge all people on the Day of Judgment for the choices they have made throughout their lives.
49
Q

What is the most important holy book (Kutub) in Islam?

A

The Qur’an- however, Muslims also accept 4 others.

50
Q

Over what period of time did Muhammad have the revelation of the Qur’an?

A

23 years

51
Q

What language is the Qur’an originally written in?

A

Originally in Arabic (however, it has been translated to over 114 languages)

52
Q

What does the Qur’an mean and what was the purpose of its name?

A

It means ‘recitation’, because when it was revealed to Muhammad it was spoken, as Muhammad was illiterate.

53
Q

How is the Qur’an divided?

A

It is divided into Surahs (Chapters) and Ayats (verses)

54
Q

Why is the Qur’an the most important holy book?

A

As it was revealed from Allah directly, and is Allah final message, free from distortion.

55
Q

What is the Sahifah?

A

The Sahifah contains the scrolls of Ibrahim (Abraham), also known as ‘Suhuf’. These are part of the early religious scriptures of Islam. It is believed that they are now lost, but contained Allah’s revelations to the Prophet Ibrahim, which were written down by him and his followers.

56
Q

What is the Injil?

A

Injil is a book believed to have been given by God to the Prophet Isa (Jesus). It is sometimes referred to as the Gospel of Jesus in Islam. Muslims believe that the meaning of this book has been altered by people over time, like all of the holy books prior to the Qur’an. Rather than teaching that Isa was the son of God, as in Christianity, Muslims believe that the Injil reveals the coming of the Prophet Muhammad.

57
Q

What is the Zabur?

A

The Zabur contains psalms, or poetic prayers of praise and worship. They are mentioned in the Qur’an as being revealed to King Dawud and are similar to those found in the Christian Bible. The Qur’an states: We sent inspiration to Ibrahim [Abraham], Isma’il, Ishaq [Isaac], Ya’qub [Jacob] and the Tribes, to Isa [Jesus], Ayyub [Job], Yunus [Jonah], Harun [Aaron], and Sulayman [Solomon], and to Dawud [David] We gave the Psalms (Surah 4:163).

58
Q

What is the Tawrat?

A

The Tawrat (meaning instructions) is known by Jews as the Torah. It is the holy book revealed directly by God to the Prophet Musa. This book contains the Ten Commandments and sets out the ‘judgement of Allah’ on non-believers. This book is still relevant for Muslims today and are recognised as important laws followed by Muslims.

59
Q

What is the Hadith?

A

Hadiths are reports about what Muhammad said and did, as remembered and recounted by those close to him. This is the second most important Holy book for Muslims, after the Qur’an. A large collection of Hadiths create the Sunnah.

60
Q

What is the Sunnah?

A

The Prophet Muhammad’s customary practice in his day-to-day living, recorded in six major collections and regarded as a model of Muslim behaviour.

61
Q

What is the Islamic/Arabic word for Angels?

A

Malaikah

62
Q

Why are Angels important?

A
  • They are the only beings who can receive the word of God directly.
  • Angels are one of the main six articles of faith for Sunni Muslims.
63
Q

How do angels interact with humans?

A
  • Angels are fully involved in the lives of humans.
  • They can communicate with humans.
  • They can appear like humans if they are being sent with a message from Allah.
  • This happened to Ibrahim (Abraham) and Maryam (Mary)
64
Q

Who is the angel Jibril?

A
  • Jibril, who is known to Christians and Jews as Gabriel.
  • He is the most trusted angel to bring God’s message to people and in particular to Muhammad.
  • Jibril communicated God’s words (the Qur’an) to Muhammad over 23 years. Because of this, he is also known as the Angel of Revelation, as he played a vital role in communicating Islam to humanity.
65
Q

Who is the angel Mik’ail?

A
  • Mik’ail, known to Christians and Jews as Michael.
  • Angel of mercy who rewards good people for their behaviour on earth- a friend to humanity
  • He’s also tasked with sending blessings in the form of rain, lightning and thunder.
  • As the Angel of Mercy, he asks Allah to forgive people’s sins. It is believed that both the Angel Jibril and the Angel Mika’il will be present on the Day of Judgement.
66
Q

Who is the angel Izra’il?

A
  • Izra’il is the angel who will announce the Day of Judgment by blowing his trumpet.
  • Izra’il is also the Angel of Death who takes people’s souls to Allah.
67
Q

Why is Jibril significant?

A

Without Jibril the message of the Qur’an would not have been received.

68
Q

Why is Mik’ail significant?

A

Muslims wish to be rewarded in the afterlife and not punished, so the teachings of Mik’ail reassures them that it is possible.

69
Q

Why is Izra’il significant?

A

Izra’il is important in helping Muslims understand that they need to live their lives how Allah wants them to, following his rules, so that may be rewarded and not punished in the afterlife.

70
Q

Who is Israfil?

A

The angel who will be present on the day of resurrection. It is believed that the Angel Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement.

71
Q

Who is Munkar and Nakir?

A

The angels responsible for questioning the soul of a person who has died.

72
Q

Who are the Kiraman Katibin (Noble Scribes)?

A

Muslims also believe that angels are with them at all times. They have two angels, which sit on either shoulder and are known as the Kiraman Katibin or Noble scribes. One of the angels records the good things the person has done and the other records the bad things the person has done. Allah will judge each person based on these deeds, deciding whether they are worthy of Heaven or Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam). This encourages Muslims to be good so they can go to heaven, as they know their actions are continuously being judged.

73
Q

Define Al-Qadr?

A

Al-Qadr is the concept that Allah knows everything and has already decided everything that will happen. This is called predestination.

74
Q

Is Al-Qadr accepted by Sunni or Shia muslims?

A

Sunni

75
Q

Why is Al-Qadr important?

A

As it cause Muslims to constantly be aware of their thoughts, beliefs and actions in order to ensure they behave how Allah wants them to- they will try to follow the duties given to them by Allah (e.g. the 5 pillars).

76
Q

Define Akhirah

A

The Islamic belief of life after death- this is accepted by both Sunni and Shi’a muslims.

77
Q

What is the Muslim belief of life after death?

A
  1. After death, Izra’il, angel of death, will take a persons soul to Barzakh (the stage when a person dies and when they face judgement)
  2. Allah will judge each individual on the way they lived their life.
  3. On the day of judgement the body will be resurrected.
  4. The Kiraman Katibin will open the book that contains the record of what a person has done in their lifetimes
  5. If their name is recorded on the right -hand side of the book, they will be sent to Jannah (paradise or heaven) if their name is recorded on the left-hand side of the book, they will be sent to Jahannam (hell).
78
Q

How is Heaven described in the Qur’an?

A

Paradise

79
Q

How is Hell described in the Qur’an?

A

A place of fire and torment

80
Q

How does the knowledge of life after death affect muslims?

A
  • Makes them more aware that Allah is always watching
  • Makes them realise the importance of asking for forgiveness
  • They view every action they perform as a way of worshipping Allah.
  • They try to live their life as good Muslims, through: reading the Qur’an, performing the Five Pillars, travelling to Mosque, helping others and more…
81
Q

Similarities between Christianity and Islam about Life After Death?

A
  • Life is a test
  • Place of Eternal Reward and Eternal Punishment
  • Ressurection
82
Q

Differences between Christianity and Islam about Life After Death?

A
  • Christians accept sacrifice of Jesus to atone for Sins of the world- Muslims believe that only sinners can ask for forgiveness.
  • Purgatory is not the same as Barzakh in Islam
  • Christians do not have have angels recording deeds of a person like muslims do

Religious Studies (20 decks)

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