Muslim Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
1
Q
Define the term ‘Muslim’.
A
One who has submitted to the will of God and accepted Islam.
2
Q
Define the term ‘Islam’.
A
The name of the religion followed by Muslims; translation to ‘submission’ - to God.
3
Q
Define the term ‘Allah’.
A
The Arabic name for God.
4
Q
Define the term ‘Tawhid’.
A
The oneness and unity of God.
5
Q
Define the term ‘supremacy’.
A
Supreme power or authority; a quality of God.
6
Q
How do Muslims believe Islam was revealed to humanity?
A
Gradually, through various prophets.
7
Q
What type of religion is Islam?
A
Monotheistic.
8
Q
Give a quote referring to the oneness of God.
A
“Say, ‘He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.”
9
Q
What do Muslims believe is the only sin that God will not forgive?
A
Attributing God-like qualities to any other being or thing.
10
Q
What is God for Muslims?
A
The one and only creator and controller of everything.
11
Q
What must Muslims never do?
A
Make anything more important than God, including family, money and jobs.
12
Q
Give a quote that shows God is powerful.
A
“Misfortunes can only happen with God’s permission.”
13
Q
Define the term ‘Sunnah’.
A
The teaching and deeds of Muhammad.
14
Q
Define the term ‘Sunni’.
A
Muslims who believe in the successorship to Muhammad of Abu Bakr, Ummar, Uthman and Ali.
15
Q
Define the term ‘Shi’a’.
A
Muslims who believe in the imamate and the successorship of Ali.
16
Q
What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?
A
Who should lead the faith after the passing of the holy prophet.
17
Q
What are the six articles in Sunni Islam?
A
> Angels > Tawhid > Authority of holy books > Prophets > Day of Judgement > Supremacy of God's will
18
Q
What are the five roots in Shi’a Islam?
A
> Tawhid > Prophethood > The justice of God > Resurrection > The Imamate
19
Q
Define the term ‘immanent’.
A
The idea that God is present in and involved with life on Earth and the Universe.
20
Q
Define the term ‘transcendent’.
A
The idea that God is beyond and outside life on Earth and the Universe.
21
Q
Define the term ‘merciful’.
A
A quality of God that shows compassion or forgiveness.
22
Q
How many names are there of God?
A
99.
23
Q
Why do some Muslims memorise all 99 names of God?
A
When reciting them, each name helps them to feel God’s presence.
24
Q
Each of the 99 names show a characteristic of God, give three examples.
A
Love, power and authority.
25
Give a quote that refers to the names of God.
"The Most Excellent Names belong to God: use them to call Him."
26
Give a quote that infers God is immanent.
"He is with you wherever you are."
27
How is God both immanent and transcendent?
God is the creator of the universe and therefore outside of it and cannot be limited by the physical world. Yet He is also within all things.
28
Define the term 'angels'.
Spiritual beings believed to act as messengers of God.
29
Define the term 'Jibril'.
The Arabic name for Gabriel.
30
Define the term 'Mika'il'.
The Arabic name for Micheal, the archangel of mercy.
31
Give a quote that is about angels.
"Each person has angels before him and behind, watching over him by God's command."
32
How is Mika'il believed to have brought life to Earth?
Through rain.
33
Give three characteristics of angels.
> Given power to take on human form when delivering messages to humans
> One on each shoulder to record 'deeds'
> Supernatural being created from light
34
Give five characteristics of Jibril.
> Trusted messenger of God
> Relayed the Qur'an to Muhammad from God
> Appeared to the prophet when he was a child
> Used by God to continue to guiding Muhammad
> Brought nourishment to humans spiritually, though the words of God
35
Give five characteristics of Mika'il.
> High-ranking archangel
> Angel of mercy
> God assigned him to reward righteous people for the good they do on Earth
> Responsible for sending rain, thunder and lightning to Earth
> Brought nourishment to humans through rain
36
Who does the Qur'an state you are an enemy of if you are of God's angels?
God himself.
37
Define the term 'predestination'.
The idea that God knows or determines everything that will happen in the universe.
38
Give a quote that shows Sunni Muslims believe God has predetermined everything.
"Only what God has decreed will happen to us."
39
Give a quote that shows Shi'a Muslims believe God knows what will happen but does not decide it.
"God does not change the condition of people unless they change what is in themselves."
40
What do Muslims believe about the Day of Judgement?
God will judge humans according to everything they've done in the life of Earth.
41
Define the term 'akhirah'.
Everlasting life after death.
42
What do Muslims believe happens after death?
A person still has a conscious existence in the grave.
43
What are the two contrasting beliefs about life after death in Islam?
> A person is immediately met with two angels sent by God and questioned bout their faith
> A person awaits the Day of Judgement
44
How is heaven described in the Qur'an?
"A reward for what they used to do."
45
How does the Qur'an describe hell?
"Amid the scorching wind and scalding water in the shadow of black smoke, neither cool nor refreshing."
46
What does the belief in life after death encourage?
Responsibility and accountability. To avoid sin and satisfy deep human need for justice.
47
Give a quote from the Qur'an that encourages complete faith in God.
"Garments of fire will be tailored for those who disbelieve."
48
Define the term 'prophet'.
A person who proclaims the message of God.
49
Define the term 'Risalah'.
The belief that prophets are an important channel of communication between God and humans.
50
Define the term 'prophethood'.
When God makes someone a prophet to communicate his message to people.
51
Define the term 'Ibilis'.
A spiritual being created from fire, who was thrown out of paradise for refusing to bow to Adam.
52
Give a quote relating to prophets.
"Every community is sent a messenger."
53
Why are prophets important in Islam?
> They provide a method of communication between God and humans
> When humans forgot, misunderstood or changed God's message they are there to call people back to the right path
> Important role models - pure and lived according to God's will
54
How many prophets do Muslims believe there have been?
Around 124,000.
55
How many prophets have been named in the Qur'an?
25.
56
What are the most important prophets called?
Messengers or apostles.
57
Who was the first prophet?
Adam.
58
How is Adam regarded?
As the father of the human race and so is treated with reverence and great respect.
59
Give a quote that shows God giving Adam knowledge.
"He taught Adam all the names."
60
How did Adam pass his knowledge to the rest of the human race?
Through his descendants.
61
What did God most importantly reveal to Adam?
The food that Muslims are allowed to eat, how to repent for wrongdoings and how to bury the dead.
62
Give two of Adam and Hawwa's children.
Abel and Cain.
63
Define the term 'Ka'ba'.
The black, cube-shaped building in the centre of the grand mosque in Mecca; the holiest place in Islam.
64
Define the term 'Id-ul-Adha'.
A Muslim festival that celebrates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
65
Define the term 'Hajj'.
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim should try to make at least once in their life.
66
Give a quote about Ibrahim.
"God took Ibrahim as a friend."
67
Why is Ibrahim important in Islam?
Muslims believe that Ibrahim fulfilled all the tests and commands given to him by God.
68
How is Muhammad related to Ibrahim?
Prophet Muhammad was a descendent from Ibrahim through his first son Ishmael.
69
How does the Qur'an present Ibrahim as a good role model to other Muslims?
Ibrahim was obedient to God. He was kind, compassionate and refused to worship idols.
70
In which three religions does Ibrahim play an important role?
Islam, Christianity and Judaism. These are known as 'Abrahamic Religions'.
71
How did Ibrahim begin his belief in one God?
He wished to know who had created the universe and wanted others to know who created the stars, the sun and the moon - all which were worshiped in his time.
72
How did Ibrahim stop idol worship?
On a feast day he saw his opportunity as others left the town. Ibrahim took an axe and destroyed the idols in the temple except the largest one. When the angry people returned he stated that the largest one had destroyed the others and that they should ask it for clarification. The idol could not speak and Ibrahim asked why people would worship such objects that could not see, speak or defend themselves. He was thrown into a fire as ordered by the King but a miracle occurred and he walked away unscathed.
73
What is the Ka'ba considered to be?
The house of God and holiest place in Islam.
74
Who was the original Ka'ba built by?
Adam.
75
Who re-built the Ka'ba after it was destroyed by a flood at the time of Noah?
Ibrahim with the help of his son Ishmael.
76
What sacrifice did Ibrahim make for God?
He offered his only son to show faith and submission to God.
77
What do Muslims do during the festival of Id-ul-Adha?
Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
78
Where else is Ibrahim remembered in Islam?
On Hajj.
79
Define the term 'Caliph'.
A person considered to be a political and religious successor to the prophet Muhammad and the leader of the Sunni Muslim community.
80
Define the term 'Imam'.
> A person who leads communal prayer
| > Shi'a Islamic title given to Ali and his successors
81
Define the term 'Imamate'.
The divine appointment of the imams.
82
Who do Muslims believe received the final revelation of Islam from God?
Muhammad.
83
What is Muhammad known for?
Being the last and greatest prophet.
84
At what age did Muhammad declare prophethood?
42.
85
What did Muhammad challenge the people of Mecca to give up?
Cheating, drinking, gambling and idol worship.
86
Define the term 'Hijrah'.
When the leaders of Mecca did not want to hear Muhammads preachings and he was forced to flee to Madinah with his followers.
87
What does the Hijrah mark?
The beginning of the Ummah (the worldwide family of Islam).
88
What is the Night Journey?
Muhammad's amazing experience with Jibril in which he was taken to Jerusalem. He ascended into heaven and spoke to prophets such as Isa. There he was told by God that people should pray five times a day.
89
Define the term 'al-Buraq'.
The horse with wings on which was Muhammad during the miraculous Night Journey.
90
Give two characteristics of Muhammad.
Honest and truthful.
91
Who are all imams ablood relative of?
Ali.
92
What do the 'Twelvers' believe?
The imams not only rule justly but are able to maintain and interpret the Qur'an and Shariah law without fault.
93
Why is the imamate important?
People need divine guidance to know how to live correctly.
94
Define the term 'Torah'.
The five books revealed by God to Moses.
95
Define the term 'Pslams'.
A holy book revealed by God to David.
96
Define the term 'Gospel'.
A holy book revealed by God to Jesus.
97
Define the term 'Scrolls of Abraham'.
A holy book revealed by God to Ibrahim.
98
What do Muslims believe about the Qur'an?
That it is the word of God - which he revealed to Muhammad over the period of 22 years via Jibril.
99
Why is the Qur'an important?
It is believed to be an infallible source of authority for all matters practices and law.
100
Give a quote explaining the Qur'an's authority.
"This is the Scripture in which there no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God."
101
Where is the original Qur'an believed to be?
In heaven.
102
How many surahs are there in the Qur'an?
144.
103
How is the Qur'an similar to the Bible?
It contains a mixture of historical accounts and advice on how to follow God.
104
How does the Qur'an open?
With a prayer to God for guidance.
105
How are the remaining surahs arranged?
In order of length, with the longer ones coming before the shorter.
106
Why are Muslim children encouraged to learn Arabic?
It is the original language of the Qur'an.
107
Define the term 'Hafiz'.
The title given to those who can recite the whole Qur'an from memory.
108
Define the term 'The Five Pillars'.
The five most important duties for all Muslims.
109
Define the term 'the Ten Obligatory Acts'.
Ten important duties for Shi'a Muslims, which include the five pillars.
110
Define the term 'Shahadah'.
The Muslim declaration of faith.
111
Why are the Five Pillars important to Muslims today?
They offer support and a sense of identity as one community.
112
State the Five Pillars.
```
> Shahadah - declaration of faith
> Salah - prayer
> Zakah - charitable giving
> Sawm - fasting
> Hajj - pilgrimage
```
113
State the Ten Obligatory Acts.
```
> Salah - prayer
> Sawm - fasting
> Zakah - charitable giving
> Khums - 20% tax
> Hajj - pilgrimage
> Jihad - struggle to maintain faith
> Amr-bil-Maruf - to do good
> Nahi Anil Munkar - to not do wrong
> Tawallah - be loving
> Tabarra - disassociation from enemies of God
```
114
What is the basic translation of the Shahadah into English?
'There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.'
115
What is the only requirement for joining the Muslim community?
Sincerely reciting the Shahadah infront of a Muslim witness.
116
What is the importance of the Shahadah?
It is the first of the Five Pillars and provides the foundation for the other four.
117
What is the extra line added to the Shahadah by Shi'a Muslims?
'And Ali is the friend of God.'
118
Define the term 'Salah'.
Prayer with and in worship of God, performed under conditions set by the prophet Muhammad.
119
Define the term 'wudu'.
Ritual washing before prayer.
120
Define the term 'mihrah'.
A niche in a wall that indicated the direction of Mecca.
121
Define the term 'giblan wall'.
The wall in which is contained in a mosque that contains the mihrab.
122
State the five types of prayer.
```
> Fajr - just before sunrise
> Zuhr - just after midday
> Asr - afternoon
> Maghrib - just after sunset
> Isha - night
```
123
How do Shi'a Muslims make it so they only pray three times a day?
By combining the midday and afternoon prayers and the sunset and night prayers.
124
Give a quote that states Muslims must be clean before praying.
"Wash your faces, and your hands up to your elbows".
125
If water is not available, what can be used instead for wudu?
A dry form of washing using dust or sand.
126
Why are both dry and wet wudu acceptable?
It is not about physical cleanliness that is required but rather spiritual.
127
Why is it important for Muslims to face Mecca as they pray?
So that they are physically and mentally focusing on the one place associated with God.
128
Define the term 'rak'ah'.
A sequence of movements in ritual prayer.
129
Define the term 'recitation',
Repeating a passage of text from memory.
130
Define the term 'prostration'.
Kneeling with the forehead, nose, hands, knees and toes touching the floor - in submission to God.
131
Define the term 'Jummah Prayer'.
A weekly communal prayer performed after midday on Friday, which includes a sermon.
132
Give a quote that shows meaning must be behind prayer, not just plain words.
"So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer."
133
Define the term 'Ramadan'.
The ninth month of the Muslim calendar, during which Muslims must fast from dusk to sunset.
134
Define the term 'Night of Power'.
> The night when the first revelation was made to Muhammad
| > The festival that marks the start of God's revelations to Muhammad
135
Define the term 'fasting'.
Not eating or drinking for a certain length of time usually for a religious reason.
136
What three things to Muslims focus on during Ramadan?
Fasting, charitable giving and pleasing God.
137
Where can the command to fast be found?
In the Qur'an.
138
Why might Muslims living in non-Muslim countries find the month of Ramadan particularly difficult?
There tend to be more temptations to break the fast.
139
What does fasting require?
Considerable self-discipline and purity of thought - in order to cleanse the soul and free it from harm.
140
Who does not have to fast?
```
> Pregnant women
> Women nursing babies/ young children
> Children
> Those who are ill
> Women on their periods
```
141
What are some positive elements of fasting?
Understanding of those who are not well off/ don't eat on a regular basis, also creates a better awareness.
142
Define the term 'Zakah'.
Purification of wealth by giving 2.5% of savings each year to the poor.
143
Define the term 'Sadagah'.
Good actions or voluntary payments that are undertaken for charitable reasons.
144
Define the term 'Khums'.
A 20% tax paid by Shi'a Muslims on their excess income.
145
When do many Muslims give Khums?
At the end of Ramadan.
146
Why do Muslims give Zakah?
It allows them to acknowledge that everything they own comes from and belongs to God. It frees people from desire and teaches self=discipline and honesty.
147
What does Zakah literally mean?
To purify or cleanse.
148
What do Muslims believe is true about giving Zakah?
It helps to purify the soul, removing selfishness and greed.
149
Give a quote that shows Zakah began as a response from an instruction in the Qur'an.
"God is well aware of what good you do."
150
Who does the Qur'an make clear that Zakah should be given to?
"Alms are meant only for the needy and poor."
151
In which two ways can Zakah be donated?
> Given directly to an Islamic charity (eg Muslim Aid)
| > Put into collection at the mosque and distributed to the poor.
152
Why is Zakah significant?
> Allows the fulfilling of a duty imposed by God
> Gives Muslims a good attitude towards money
> Strengthens communities
> Links with Salah; Prayer makes concern, charitable giving puts concerns into action
153
How is the money given as Khums spent?
> 1/2 to Shi'a religious leaders (to be spent on behalf of God)
> 1/2 to charity
154
What did Khums originally refer to?
A requirement for Muslims to donate 20% of the spoils of war to he leader representing the state of Islam.
155
Define the term 'pilgrimage'.
A journey by a believer to a holy site for religious reasons; an act of worship and devotion.
156
What do some Muslim communities do in order to help the poor go on Hajj?
Provide financial support - it is an obligation not a holiday.
157
When does Hajj always take place?
From the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah - which is the last month from the Islamic calendar.
158
Roughly how many Muslims take part in Hajj every year?
3million.
159
Give a quote about Hajj.
"Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people who are able to undertake it.
160
Give a brief description of the story of Hajj.
Around 4000years ago Ibrahim was told to take his wife and son to Arabia. He left them with some supplies - which ran out. The wife ran between two hills in search of food/ water before she collapsed and prayed to God. Son struck his foot on the ground and water flowed out. Some of this water was traded for food. When Ibrahim returned he was told by God to build a shrine dedicated to him and call people to perform Hajj there ; this became the Ka'ba.
161
Define the term 'Ihram'.
The sacred state in which pilgrims must enter before Hajj.
162
Why do pilgrims wear simple white cloth on Hajj?
Symbol of purity and equality.
163
Give a brief description of Hajj.
> Begins at the Ka'ba where it is circled 7times anticlockwise - if possible touching the building or raising their hand to acknowledge it and recite pilgrims prayer
> Walk 2hills
> Return to Ka'ba to collect bottles of water from the well of ZamZam
> Walk 13miles to Arafat
> Halfway there they stop at Mina for the night where they pray and read the Qur'an
> Walk from Mina and Arafat
> Walk to Muzdalifah and collect 49stones
> Next day they throw pebbles at three stone columns
> Sacrifice an animal - leftovers frozen or given to poor
> Cut hair
> Return to Mecca to circle Ka'ba 7times
> Return to Mina to spend two more nights
164
What do many Muslims do after the completion of Hajj?
Travel to Madinah to visit the prophet's mosque.
165
What is the significance of Hajj?
```
> Can bring about deep spiritual transformation
> Consciousness of God grows
> Produces inner peace
> Forgiveness of sins
> Teaches sincerity and humility
```
166
Define the term 'jihad'.
A struggle against evil; this may be an inward, personal struggle or an outward, collective struggle.
167
Define the term 'greater jihad'.
Personal, inward struggle of all Muslims to live in line with the teachings of their faith.
168
Define the term 'lesser jihad'.
Outward struggle to defend one's faith, family and country from threat.
169
Define the term 'holy war'.
Fighting for a religious cause or God, probably controlled by a religious leader.
170
What is Jihad for Muslims?
An important concept.
171
What does Jihad require?
Muslims to strive to improve themselves and their societies in which they live in a way that God would approve.
172
Give a quote about Jihad.
"This is my path, leading straight, so follow it."
173
How can Muslims devote their lives to God?
By avoiding temptations and distractions.
174
Name four things required as a part of greater Jihad.
> Shahadah
> Salah
> Sawm
> Hajj
175
What does the term 'lesser Jihad' suggest?
That it is less important than greater Jihad.
176
When was lesser Jihad most important?
In the early days of Islam when Muslims were being persecuted and they needed to protect their freedom to practice their faith.
177
Why are there some allowances of extreme violence in the name of lesser Jihad in the Qur'an?
It was written in the 7th Century when Islam was a new faith and under severe threat.
178
What is sometimes misinterpreted as lesser Jihad in modern day?
Terrorism.
179
Define the term 'Id-ul-Fitr'.
A Muslim festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan.
180
Why do Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Fitr?
To thank God for the strength He has given them to fast for a month.
181
Give three factors of Id-ul-Fitr.
> Homes are decorated
> Special foods are eaten
> Best and newest garments are worn
182
What do Muslims in Britain do during the festival of Id-ul-Adha?
Visit family and enjoy meals.
183
How does the festival of Id-ul-Adha begin?
A prayer in the mosque and an animal is slaughtered.
184
What happens to the meat of the animal?
> 1/3 is kept
> 1/3 is given to family or friends
> 1/3 is given to the poor.
185
Define the term 'Day of Ashura'.
A festival that is important for Shi'a Muslims in particular, who remembered the battle of Karbala and death of Husayn on this day.
186
When does the Day of Ashura take place?
On the 10th day of the month of Muharram.
187
How do Sunni Muslims refer to the Day of Ashura?
As the Day of Atonement - when the Israelites were freed from Egyptian slavery.
188
What is another traditional tale of the Day of Ashura?
It was the day that Noah left the ark after the flood.
189
What is the Day of Ashura to Shi'a Muslims?
A day of mourning sorrow due to the tragic events.
190
What was Husayn's relation to Ali and Muhammad?
He was the son of Imam Ali and grandson of Muhammad.
191
Who was the battle of Ashura fought against?
Husayn and his supporters against the army of Caliph.
192
What is Husayn's matyrdom seen as in Shi'a Islam?
A symbol against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
193
What do many Muslims do on this day of mourning?
Beat themselves in attempt to connect with Husayn's sufferings.
194
What do Muslims in London do on the Day of Ashura?
They go to the Marble Arch and listen to speeches.
195
What do some UK leaders advise Muslims do on this day?
Donate blood to fulfil their need to shed blood to connect with Husayn.
196
What has the Day of Ashura become between some Sunni and Shi'a Muslims?
A point of difference.
197
What do many Sunni Muslims do voluntary on the Day of Ashura?
Fast.
198
What are the conditions needed for a Muslim to pray at home?
The room must be clean and suitable.
199
What is the significance of prayer?
> Strengthens relationship between God and humans
> Unites Muslims worldwide
> Allows time for self-reflection
200
What is the one condition for almsgiving?
Muslims must have savings over a certain figure.
201
What are the two types of nisab?
Silver and gold.
