Muslim Beliefs Flashcards
How did the Sunni and Shi’a split occur?
After death of Prophet Muhammad, there was disagreement over who should have led Ummah. Some Muslims accepted authority of Abu Bakr, who they thought was the first rightly guided Khalifah. These people are now known as Sunnis. Other Muslims believe Ali should have been leader because all leaders should be from the Ahl al-Bayt. These people are now known as Shi’as.
Ummah
The Muslim community
Khalifah
A religious leader representing Allah or a Prophet
Hadith
Collection of sayings of the prophet Muhammad
Name the 6 Beliefs of Islam
- Tawhid 2. Belief in Angels 3. Belief in Books 4. Risalah- prophethood 5. Akhirah- belief in afterlife 6. Al-Qadr- predestination
Tawhid
Oneness of Allah, Islamic expression of monotheism. -“He is God the One, God the eternal. No one is comparable to Him”
How does Tawhid influence Muslims?
Recognizing Allah as the sole creator encourages Muslims to express gratitude to him through prayer. It reminds them of the omnipotence and transcendence of Allah(SWT), helping them to commit everything to him and thank him for his blessings in their lives
Malaikah
Belief in Angels of Allah(SWT). It is essential for Muslims to believe in all the angels and to have respect for them. To oppose them is to oppose Allah. Out of respect for the Malaikah, Muslims look left and right after prayer to the angels and everyone else they’re praying next to.
Outline 3 Muslim beliefs about angels
Angels are immortal. They are made of light and have wings. They are pure and cannot sin. They obey and serve Allah at all times. They have no free will. Angels have no fixed material/physical form.
What is the significance of angels for Muslims?
They help believers in their time of need. They play a crucial role in operating and maintaining the whole universe. Angels are an extension of God’s love and power. To reject his angels is to reject Him.
Quotes about angles
“We only descend at your Lord’s command” - Jibril
Jibril
“The trustworthy spirit” with which Allah communicates with his prophets.
Izra’il
The angel of death who is responsible for parting the soul at the moment of death “The Angel of Death put in charge of you will reclaim you, then you will be brought back to your Lord”
Israfil
Blows trumpet to mark end of life and beginning of Judgement Day
Mika’il
Angel of Mercy. Brings rain and thunder. Rewards those who lived good lives.
Archangels
Chief angels including Jibril, Mika’il and Izra’il
Jinns
Non-physical beings who can be good or evil by choice. They have free will and are made from fire.
Most Famous Jinn
Iblis/Shaytan / Satan = a spiritual being, created from fire, who was thrown out of paradise for refusing to bow to Adam.
Risalah
Belief in the nature and importance of prophethood. Belief that Prophethood is an important channel of communication between Allah and Humans. Many Muslims name their children after prophets and strive to raise and imitate them.
Qur’an
Recitation - Muhammad was illiterate, thence it was spoken to him.
How is Qur’an dissimilar to other Holy Books?
It’s free from distortions and changes. Final Book, revealed to final prophet. Qur’an was revealed through speech.