Religion Exam Flashcards
what are the 3 main branches of Islam? Explain them.
Shi’ite: Muslims who believe leaders should be descended from the prophet
Sunni: Muslims who believe that community leaders do not have to be descended
from the prophet
Sufi: monastic branch. Members that live a life detached from the world in prayer and meditation
What is the main purpose and event of Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims as a period of heightened spiritual devotion and self-discipline. The central event of Ramadan is fasting (Sawm), during which observant Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. This fasting serves as a means of purifying the soul, fostering empathy for those in need, and cultivating a closer connection with Allah. The month also emphasizes increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), occurring in the last ten nights is particularly revered for its association with the revelation of the Quran. Ramadan concludes with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marked by communal prayers, festive gatherings, and expressions of gratitude, charity, and goodwill.
Describe Mecca
Mecca became one of the desert settlements because it had a spring. At the time of Muhammad’s birth, Mecca was the site of an annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba
Describe Hadith
Hadith are the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad himself and form part of the record of the Prophet’s Sunnah (way of life and example). The Hadith records the words and deeds, explanations, and interpretations of the Prophet concerning all aspects of life. Hadith are found in various collections compiled by Muslim scholars in the early centuries of the Muslim civilization. Six such collections are considered the most authentic.
Describe Salat
The second pillar of Islam is salat, the ritual prayer of praise and adoration of God that Muslims are required to say five times a day.
Describe Eid
The fast of Ramadan is held in the lunar month named after the fast. Because Ramadan is measured in lunar time, each year it is celebrated 10 days earlier than the previous year. The completion of the fast is marked with a major festival, called the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast
Describe Umma
The Muslim community
Describe Jihad
Jihad is an Arabic word that derives from the three-letter root j-h-d, and means “to exert oneself” or “to strive.” Other meanings include endeavor, strain, effort, diligence, and struggle. Usually understood in terms of personal betterment, jihad may also mean fighting to defend one’s (or another’s) life, property, and faith. Because jihad is a highly nuanced concept, it should not be understood to mean “holy war,” a common misrepresentation.
What are some rules and regulations that forbid Muslims from eating or partaking in what kind of acts?
Certain foods are allowed (halal) and others, such as alcohol, are forbidden (haram).
Meat has to be slaughtered ritually, while the name of Allah is said.
Muslims may eat kosher food when halal foods are not available.
Explain and discuss the 5 main pillars of Islam
The First Pillar: Creed (Shahadah)
The Shahadah is the Muslim profession of faith: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This is the underlying belief of Islam.
The Shahadah is the sign of belonging to the Muslim community.
A person only has to say it aloud in front of two witnesses to be legally considered a Muslim.
The Second Pillar: Prayer (Salat)
Salat is the ritual prayer of praise to God that Muslims say five times a day.
It involves quiet verbal prayer and gestures.
Prayer can take place anywhere, as long as the place is clean.
On Fridays, Muslims attend the mosque for prayer.
Muslims can also pray privately throughout the day; these prayers are called du’a.
The Third Pillar: Almsgiving (Zakat)
Muslims who have more than a certain amount of money or goods must donate a portion to the needy, to help build mosques, or to similar causes.
It helps to share wealth in a Muslim society more fairly.
The Fourth Pillar: Fasting (Sawm)
Fasting takes place during the month of Ramadan, the month in which Muhammad first received the message of Allah.
During the daylight hours of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, evil thoughts, drinking, smoking, and sex.
In the evenings, families and friends gather to break the day’s fast with a light meal.
Ramadan ends with the 3-day feast of Eid al-Fitr.
The Fifth Pillar: Pilgrimage (Hajj)
A pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca is required only once in a lifetime.
Only Muslims who can afford it or whose health allows are expected to go.
It is the supreme experience for Muslims.
Explain the scripture of Islam (Qur’an)
It consists of 114 surahs (chapters) revealed by God to Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years. The Qur’an continues to be recited by Muslims throughout the world in the language of its revelation, Arabic, exactly as it was recited by Prophet Muhammad nearly fourteen hundred years ago. The Qur’an is viewed as the authoritative guide for human beings, along with the Sunnah of Muhammad.
Describe the life of St paul
St. Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul or Paul the Apostle, played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity. Born as Saul in Tarsus, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), around 5-10 CE, he initially persecuted Christians but underwent a transformative experience on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion to Christianity.
What are the accomplishments of St. Paul?
Describe and explain ecumenism.
- Ecumenism is the movement toward unity among churches
- 20th century: churches of the Protestant Reformation realized that divisions within Christianity were hurting the mission of the church.
- 1910: the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, started the modern ecumenical movement.
- 1948: the World Council of Churches was formed.
What are the 4 ways Christians contribute to ecumenism?
- Study the scriptures, which are the foundation of Christian life and the Christian churches.
- Pray always, especially the Lord’s Prayer; take part in the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
- Bring people together. Always be hospitable, never exclude anyone, always be in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed, and be a friend to all.
- Take part in local ecumenical activities involving Catholics and other Christian groups, such as meetings, retreats, or volunteering.
