Optional: Islam Key Concepts

Question 1

Tawhid

Answer 1

• ‘Oneness’ in reference to God.
• The basic Muslim belief in the oneness of God.

Question 2

Prophethood or ‘risalah’

Answer 2

• The term used of the messengers of God.
• Beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad.

Question 3

Halal (Permitted)

Answer 3

Actions or things which are permitted within Islam, such as eating permitted foods.

Question 4

Haram (Forbidden)

Answer 4

Any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam, such as eating forbidden foods.

Question 5

Jihad

Answer 5

• Means ‘to strive’.
• There are two forms of Jihad.
• The greater Jihad is the daily struggle and inner spiritual striving to live as a Muslim.
• The lesser jihad is a physical struggle or ‘holy war’ in defence of Islam.

Question 6

Mosque or ‘masjid’

Answer 6

• A ‘place of prostration’ for Muslims.
• A communal place of worship for a Muslim community.

Question 7

Shari’ah (straight path)

Answer 7

• A way of life.
• Muslims believe God has set out a clear path for how Muslims should live.
• Shari’ah law is the set of moral and religious rules that put the principles set out by the Qur’an and the Hadith into practice.

Question 8

Ummah

Answer 8

• Means ‘community’.
• Refers to the worldwide community of Muslims who share a common religious identity.