Optional : Islam Content Flashcards
To help learn the content from the optional Islam section of the course, Route A. (Study of a World Faith)
1
Q
What are the six articles of faith?
A
- The unity of Allah (Tawhid)
- Belief in Angels
- Books of Allah
- Faith in prophets
- Belief in the day of Judgement and life after death
- Belief in Allah’s decree and predestination
2
Q
What is Tawhid?
A
There is only one God - Allah
3
Q
What do they believe about angels? (Malaikah)
A
Only angels can bring the word of Allah to man. The Angel Jibril (Gabriel) communicated the Qur’an to Muhammad.
4
Q
What do they believe about the books of Allah?
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.
5
Q
What do they believe about the prophets?
A
- Muhammad is the most important prophet. His name means Highly Praised.
- Muslims believe that Muhammad received God’s final revelation to mankind.
6
Q
What do they believe about the Day of Judgement?
A
The good will be sent to paradise and the wicked to hell.
7
Q
What do they believe about Allah?
A
Every event is controlled by God.
8
Q
What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Tawhid?
A
God is not made up of parts. He is one.
9
Q
What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Nubuwwah (Prophethood)?
A
They accept the truth of Muhammad’s prophecies.
10
Q
What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about ‘Adl (Divine Justice)?
A
Allah is just and can do no wrong. Humans are accountable to God.
11
Q
What similarities are there between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs?
A
- Both believe in the absolute unity of Allah.
- Both believe that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet.
- Both believe that a day will come where all are judged and the righteous go to heaven and the bad to hell.
12
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 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.
13
Q
What are Sunni Muslims?
A
- Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam.
- 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 elected.
- Abu Bakr (a friend of Muhammad) was the first caliph (Khalifah).
14
Q
Who are Shi’ah Muslims?
A
- Shi’a’s are a smaller group than Sunnis.
- Shi’a Muslims believe that the leader should be from Muhammad’s family.
- Ali, the fourth Sunni Caliph, is seen as the first Shi’i Imam and the only legitimate leader, appointed by Muhammad.
- When Ali died in 661CE the imamate was passed down through succession.
15
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 “Allah Akbar”, which means “God is the greatest”.
16
Q
How many names do Muslims have for God?
A
There are 99 names for God.
17
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.
18
Q
Name three qualities of Allah
A
- omnipotent (all-powerful)
- omniscient (all-knowing)
- omnipresent (everywhere at the same time)
19
Q
What do Muslims believe about Allah and justice?
A
- Allah is 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.
20
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.
21
Q
What does the word Islam mean?
A
- The word Islam means obedience.
- 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.
22
Q
What does the word Allah mean?
A
- God is One and only.
- There is nothing else like God.
- No one can picture God and there is nothing to compare Him to.
23
Q
How do Muslims express their belief that there is only one God?
A
- The Shahadah.
- They say “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.”
24
Q
Why are there no images of Allah?
A
- In a Mosque, there are no images of Allah.
- Believing in more than one God is a big sin.
- This is the only sin that Allah will not forgive.
- It is disrespectful
25
What do Muslims say before doing something and why?
* Muslims will say ‘Inshallah’, which means God 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.
26
What do Muslims say about Muhammad in the Shahadah?
* 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.
27
Why are Angels important?
* 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.
28
How do angels interract with humans?
* 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)
29
Who is the angel Jibril?
* Jibril, who is known to Christians and Jews as Gabriel or Gavriel.
* 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.
30
Who is the angel Mik'ail?
* Mik'ail, known to Christians and Jews as Michael.
* Angel of mercy who rewards good people for their behaviour on earth.
* He's also tasked with sending blessings in the form of rain, lightning and thunder.
31
Who is the angel Izra'il?
* Izra'il is the angel who will announce the Day of Judgment by blowing his trumpet.
* Izra'il has helpers who take people's souls to Allah.
32
Can you name any prophets which are shared across religions?
Many of the prophets in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles are shared by Islam too.
* Abraham (Ibrahim)
* Moses (Musa)
* Jesus (Isa)
* Adam
33
Why are prophets important?
Because Allah is so beyond human understanding, the prophets play an important role in helping mankind to understand God.
34
What do Muslims believe about prophets?
* 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.
35
Who is Adam the prophet?
* 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).
36
Who is Abraham the prophet?
* 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.
37
Why is Muhammad significant as a prophet?
* 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.
38
What do Sunni Muslims believe about free will?
* Some Sunni Muslims believe that as God’s will is supreme, He controls everything - including what everyone does.
* 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.
39
What do Shi'a Muslims believe about Free will?
* 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.
40
What is the name for life after death?
Akhirah
41
What do Muslims believe about life after death?
* Death is not the end of existence but the start of a new one.
* After the body dies, Muslims believe that there is some form of consciousness even in the grave.
42
What do Muslims believe happens once you die 'the barrier'?
While a Muslim is in the grave, Allah sends two angels to question them about their beliefs. If they answer correctly they will be shown the rewards that are to come. If they deny the articles of faith, they will be shown the punishments that will come to them.
43
What do Muslims believe about the Day of Judgement?
* Only Allah knows when the Day of Judgment will be.
* The angel Israfil will blow the trumpet.
* The world as we know it will be destroyed.
* Everyone who has ever lived will be brought back to life and judged by God.
* People will be given new physical bodies and everyone will receive a record of their life story (written by the angels).
44
What do they believe about suffering?
* Suffering as temporary.
* This is because a reward of eternity in paradise will make things right for them.
45
What are the 5 pillars of Sunni Islam?
1. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
2. Salah (Prayer)
3. Sawm (Fasting)
4. Zakah (Charity)
5. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
46
What are the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'i Islam?
1. Salah (Prayer)
2. Zakah (Charity)
3. Sawm (Fasting)
4. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
5. Tawallah (To be loving towards the friends of God)
6. Nahi Anil Munkar (Discouraging people from doing what is wrong)
7. Amr-bil-maruf (Encouraging others to be good)
8. Jihad (Struggle to keep the faith and to defend Islam)
9. Tabarra (Avoid the enemies of God)
10. Khums (20% tax on income after all personal expenses)
47
What is the shahadah?
The most basic belief for Muslims is about the oneness of God and that Muhammad is His prophet.
48
Why might people say the shahadah?
* If a person wishes to become a Muslim they must recite this phrase three times in front of witnesses.
* Daily prayers.
* Before a person dies they will try and say the Shahadah one final time.
49
Is Islam monotheistic?
Yes
## Footnote
There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise'
50
What is Salah?
* Salah means daily prayers.
* Prayer is important for Muslims as it strengthens their relationship with Allah.
51
Why is prayer important for community?
* Prayer brings the Muslim community together in unified worship.
* Wherever a Muslim goes he/she will recognise the prayers and will feel part of the community.
52
When do Muslims pray?
* Sunni Muslims pray 5 times a day
* Shia Muslims pray three times a day.
* The times for prayer are based on the hours of sunrise and sunset.
53
How do Muslims pray?
* Muslims always wash themselves before they pray
* They pray in the direction of Mecca.
* In Mosques, men and women pray separately
* This prayer is led by the Imam.
54
What are are the 5 Daily Prayers?
1. Fajr - just before sunrise
2. Zuhr - just after midday
3. Asr - afternoon
4. Maghrib - just after sunset
5. Isha - night
55
Muslims are careful to prepare themselves before praying by washing. What is this washing called?
Wudu
56
What is Rak'ah?
* The daily prayers are composed of set recitations and action sequences.
* The first chapter of the Qur'an is recited standing tall.
* Three times “glory be to me Lord who is the greatest” is said in a bowing position.
* Bowing shows humility and respect to God’s greatness.
* Standing tall once again, a praise for God is said.
57
What do Muslims do once they have said Rak'ah?
* Whilst kneeling, Muslims turn their faces so they are kneeling on the ground with face, hands and toes touching the floor.
* This shows that a person has complete obedience to God.
* In a sitting position, all say “God is the greatest”.
* Muslims then turn their faces right and left saying “peace be upon you” as well as the mercy and blessings of God.
58
What is the Jummah prayer?
* Friday midday is a special time for Jummah prayer.
* All male Muslims are expected to attend the Mosque.
* The Imam will give a sermon.
* This will include quotes from the Qur'an reminding Muslims of their duties to Allah and the community.
* Schools and places of work will shut for the time of prayer and will reopen after prayers have concluded.
59
What is Sawm?
* Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan.
* The focus in Ramadan is on fasting, charity and being subservient to the will of Allah.
60
What is Ramadan?
* Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar.
* Tradition teaches that it was during this month that the angel Jibril began to reveal the Qur'an to Muhammad.
* This is a very important month for spiritual growth.
* The Koran will often be divided into daily readings and completed during the 30 days.
61
When do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
* Fasting takes place during daylight hours.
* Muslims will get up very early to eat before sunrise.
* In the UK this can be before 4 am in the summer. They will eat and drink enough to keep them going till sunset.
* In the UK this can be around 9:30 pm in the summer.
* The fast is broken often with a glass of water and a date.
* After that, a meal is eaten with family and friends.
62
Who does not need to fast?
* Children will practice fasting but are not obligated until they have reached
* Muslims who are not physically able to fast are not required to do so.
* If they can make up the fasting at a later time they should.
* Old people
* Pregnant ladies
63
What is the Night of Power?
* The Night of Power is a festival with no fixed date during the month of Ramadan.
* Tradition says it’s the night when Muhammad received his revelation.
* Muslims will try to spend the entire night praying and studying the Qur'an.
64
What is Zakah?
* The Arabic word Zakah means to purify or cleanse.
* The Qur'an is clear about who should receive Zakah: the poor and needy, and those in debt.
* Charity
65
Why do Muslims do Zakah?
* If a Muslim can afford to, he/she must give 2.5% of their income to charity.
* This amount is not written in the Qur'an, but Muslim scholars have taught that 2.5% is the right amount to give.
* Because Ramadan is an important month for spiritual growth, many Muslims will save their money and give it during this month.
66
Why do Muslims give to Charity?
* Some of our possessions must be given to those who don’t have anything.
* It teaches a person not to be selfish.
* Using wealth in the way the Allah wants fulfils a religious duty and helps a Muslim remember Allah throughout the day.
67
When does Hajj happen?
* Hajj should be made at least once in life.
* Some wealthy members in a community might sponsor the less wealthy members.
* It occurs during the final month of the Islamic calendar Dhul-Hijjah.
* Between the 8th-12th, around 3 million people take this journey.
68
What is the history of Hajj?
* Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to take his son Ishmael and his wife Hajira to Arabia, and leave them there with bread and water.
* Hajira prayed to Allah for help.
* Ishmael kicked the ground and water spurted out of the ground - Mecca developed around this water source.
69
What happened at the first Hajj?
* Allah commanded him to build a monument to him.
* Ibrahim built the Ka’aba which became a place of worship and the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
* When Muhammad came back from Medina to Mecca he destroyed the idols that he been placed at the Kaba.
* That journey back to Mecca is viewed as the first Hajj.
70
How do men prepare for Hajj?
* Muslims must purify themselves through ritual washing, prayer, and wearing special Ihram clothing.
* Men wear two sheets of white clothing (as a sign of purity).
* Women have strict modesty laws, so they wear clothes that cover their bodies.
71
What is the purpose of Hajj?
* It is transformative.
* Time to build a stronger relationship with Allah.
* They become more humble and less obsessed with material comforts.
* They develop self-discipline
72
How is the Ka'aba used during Hajj?
* The Ka’aba is circled anti-clockwise seven times.
* Muslims try and touch the black stone as they walk around.
* As they go around they say a short prayer: “here I am, oh lord, at your service. Praise and blessings to you”.
73
What is the final part of Hajj?
* Pilgrims return to Mecca and walk around the Ka-aba seven more times.
* They return to Mina for two nights reflecting on the experience and thinking about Allah.
74
What is Eid-al-Ghadir?
Shi'as believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib was appointed by Allah to be the religious authority after the Prophet
75
What is greater jihad ?
* The struggle of every Muslim to obey Allah.
* Individual, inner struggle.
76
What is the lesser jihad?
* Concerned with fighting injustices (e.g poverty and illness)
* The struggle to defend Islam against outside threats.
* This may be peaceful, e.g. evangelising
* Non-peaceful jihad warfare can only be used as self-defence.
* Jihad against civilians (non-soldiers; i.e. children, the sick or the elderly) is unlawful.
77
What are the two main Festivals for Sunnis and Shi'as?
* Eid al-Adha
* Eid al-Fitr
78
What is Eid al-Adha?
* Commemorates complete obedience to Allah
* Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son to Allah when God intervened.
* It lasts 4 days
79
What happens during Eid al-adha
* People often exchange presents.
* Muslims attend a service in mosques, which focuses on the importance of obedience to Allah.
* Muslim families often sacrifice an animal and divide it into three parts: one to their family, one to their relatives, and one to the poor.
80
What is Eid al-Fitr?
* Marks the end of Ramadan.
* Celebrates the completion of the fourth pillar by fasting.
81
What happens during Eid al-Fitr?
* There are prayers and a sermon either in or outside the mosque.
* There is a meal to break the fast and family and friends exchange presents.
82
What is Ashura?
* This festival is mostly important for Shi’a Muslims
* Sunnis think of it as a day of atonement.
83
How is the Qur'an set out?
* The Qur'an is divided into surahs (chapters)
* The chapters are made up of verses known as ayat (signs).
84
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is the revealed word of God.
85
What is the Hadith?
The hadith is the record of the way that the Prophet Muhammad lived his life.
86
How do Muslims read the Qur'an?
* The Qur'an is used for public and private worship and is seen as a handbook for life.
* In Arabic it is read from right to left.
87
How must the Qur'an be treated?
* The Qur'an must be kept on the highest shelf in a house.
* The Qur'an must be wrapped in silk cloth to keep it clean
* It must never be placed on the floor.
* Muslims must not talk, eat or drink when reading the Qur'an.
88
What happened during Muhammad's call?
* During the month of Ramadan in 611CE, Muhammad was meditating in a cave.
* The angel Jibril order him to read, but Muhammad could not. He asked him three times and as Jibril continued to speak Muhammad repeated the words.
89
What is Shari'ah law?
* The religious law of Islam, derived from the religious principles of the religion.
* Based on the teaching of the Qur'an and Hadith
90
Who is the Imam?
* The imam in the Shi'a tradition is a man of God.
* Imams have been chosen because they are perfect examples and role models for humanity who are free from committing sin.
91
What is the role of the imam?
* Leads all formal prayers in a mosque
* An imam is usually attached to a mosque and they are the ones who give the sermon and lead the Friday prayers.
* The name 'imam' is also used to mean a religious scholar or authority.
92
How does a Mosque get used?
* The mosque has a function for the community
* A place of prayer.
* A school where children learn Arabic and how to recite the Qur'an is attach to the mosque.
* Prayer halls are used for also teaching and funerals but not weddings.
* The mosque may also have a mortuary for laying and preparing the dead.
* It may also have community rooms, kitchens and is sometimes used as a law court.
93
What do Muslims think about idolatry and use of images in worship?
* Islam is against idolatry.
* There are no pictures, statues or images in a mosque.
* Shirk is the terrible sin of regarding something as equal to Allah.
* To make an image of Allah would be shirk and to make an image of anything living would be an insult to Allah.
94
What does Islam teach about divorce?
* Divorce is allowed as a last resort
* A period of 3 months of trying to be reconciled must be tried first
* Remarriage is allowed
* It is not wrong to separate if both agree
95
What does Islam teach about sex and contraception?
* Sex should only take place within marriage
* Sex is an act of worship
* Using contraception is fine if both partners agree
* Contraceptives that harm the body or are more permanent are not acceptable
96
What is the Islamic attitude to same-sex relationships?
* Sex should be between a husband and a wife
* Same-sex marriages are not allowed
97
What do Muslims think about the roles of women in worship and authority?
* A true believer can be male or female
* Men should have authority over women in some situations - divorce
* Only men can be an imam and lead prayer
* Men and women sit separately for worship
* Men and women are equally important but their roles are different
98
What do Muslims believe about creation?
* Allah made the world and everything in it
* Allah created the heavens and earth over 6 long periods
* Adam was made out of clay
* Humans were given the role of *Khalifas* to be responsible for the world
99
What do Muslims believe about Stewardship?
* They should be Khalifs (Guardians) of the world
* They should preserve the balance of the world
* We should care for the world because we will all be judged on Judgement day
100
What is the Muslim view on the Sancity of life?
* Allah created human and animal life
* All life is special and should be protected
* Each life is unique and valuable beyond measure
* No one has the right to take their own or someone else's life - it is forbidden in the Qur'an
101
What do Muslims believe about Abortion?
* Abortion is considered *Haram (*forbidden)
* Only Allah can take away life
* Some Muslims may accept it up to 16 weeks
* They believe ensoulment happens at 120 days, until then the mother's rights are more important
* Abortion to save the mother's life could be acceptable
102
What do Muslims believe about Euthanasia?
* It is *Haram* (forbidden)
* Allah chooses how long people will live
* Only God can take life
103
What do Muslims believe about death and the afterlife?
* There is an afterlife which is determined by one's deeds on earth
* There is a soul which is released after death
* Entry to heaven is determined by people's good deeds
* Hell is where people go when their bad deeds outweigh their good
* Only Allah knows when the day of judgement is
104
What happens at a Muslim funeral?
* When close to death the shahadah is whispered in the ears just like at birth
* A simple white shroud is wrapped around the body
* The body is buried
* The grave often has no gravestone
105
How do Muslim funeral rites reflect their belief about the afterlife?
* The shahadah is said - The belief that when you die you return to your creator
* White shroud is wrapped round the body - We are all equal before God
* The body is buried - The body should remain whole for judgement day
* The grave often has no gravestone - Everyone is equal in death
106
What do Muslims believe about the aims of punishment?
* Believers should make the choice between good and evil deeds
* Punishment is an important aspect of justice but forgiveness is also important
* Allah will be the final judge on judgement day
* God sets the rules and shows the way
107
What arguments do Muslims have FOR Capital Punishment?
* Criminals should be punished on earth
* The Qur'an says 'never take a life except for a just cause' it is thought that murder is such a cause
* In some countries Shari'ah law sets out rules and punishments including execution
108
What arguments do Muslims have AGAINST Capital Punishment?
* In the Qur'an it says 'never take a life, which God has made sacred'
* Forgiveness and reconciliation are very important
* There are more beneficial ways to punish an offender and keep law and order in society
109
What do Muslims believe about forgiveness?
* There are two types of forgiveness; Human and God's
* There is no limit to God's forgiveness, especially towards those who apologise
* The Qur'an says that God is forgiving and merciful
110
Can you give an example of Muslim forgiveness in action?
* Khaled Hosseini - His family in Afghanistan went missing or were imprisoned
* He set up an organisation to provide shelter, education, healthcare and economic opportunities to refugee families in Afghanistan
111
What do Muslims believe is the origin of evil?
* All that happens is part of Gods plan
* Humans are given free will and their actions will be answered to on judgement day
* Shaytan tempts humans into evil ways - this can be resisted
112
What do Muslims believe about suffering?
* Suffering can be a test to demonstrate faith
* It is important to help others who are suffering
113
What do Muslims believe about free will?
* Many Muslims believe in predestination but they also believe they have free will
* Allah knows the final outcome
* The Qur'an and Hadith are used to make important decisions
* Every person has the ability to choose to obey Allah
* On the Day of Judgement the impact of free will is determined
114
What do Muslims believe about human dignity?
* The Qur'an refers to the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of helping even just one individual
* Allah created all life and so it should be respected
* The worldwide community of Muslims (Ummah) is important and all are equal
115
How do Muslims promote human rights?
* Ummah (worldwide community)
* Promote the welfare of the worldwide community
* Help the poor
* Volunteer for charities such as Islamic Relief
116
What do Muslims believe about prejudice and discrimination?
* All people are equal, but not the same
* All are important in their own right
* The Qur'an teaches that men and women have equal religious and ethical rights
* Women are allowed particular rights and protections
117
What do Muslims believe about racial discrimination and who helped campaign against it?
* People should not be racially discriminated against
* All are equal in the eyes of Allah
* The Christian Muslim Forum is a London group that brings together Christians and Muslims so to build good relationships
* It created safe places for discussion between the two faiths
118
What do Muslims think about the making and use of wealth?
* All wealth is a gift from Allah
* It is not wrong to be wealthy, but the wealthier you are the more generous you should be
* You should give 2.5% of your wealth every year to the poor and needy
