Religious Tradition Depth Study 1 Flashcards
Who is A’isha Bint AbuBakar?
- Aisha bint Abu Bakr was born in Mecca in approximately the year 614.
- Her father, Abu Bakr, was one of the closest Companions to the Prophet.
- Prophet Muhammad departed from this world while resting his head on the lap of A’isha.
- Aisha never married after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
- She was exceptionally intelligent and had a nature to carry forward the Prophet’s mission.
- She became one of the greatest scholars of all time, memorising the entire Quran.
What was the contribution of A’isha on Islam?
- During Pre-Islamic times, women had no rights and certainly no say in who they could marry, however, Aisha raised this matter with the Prophet. As a result, in Book 11, Hadith 2087 it states that the Prophet said: “A virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission.”
- Aisha played an extremely prevalent role during the Sunni and Shi’a split. During the ‘Battle of the Camels’, Aisha led an army against Ali and his forces but were defeated.
- A’isha close relationship with the Prophet led to over 2000 Hadith’s, which continue to guide Muslim adherents, to live by Allah’s will.
What was the scandal of the slander?
The Scandal of the Slander: during a journey back to Medina, A’isha was unintentionally left behind, but, later rescued by one of Muhammad’s companions. This soon spread rumours that she was adulterous. The Prophet received divine revelation, that confirmed A’isha’s innocence, which determined that in order to prove adultery in Islam there needed to be four witnesses, set in Surah 24:4.
What was the impact of A’isha on the expression of Islam?
A’sha has a
- Islamic writer El Saadawi holds Aisha as a person who “preceded the women of the world in resisting a religious system based on male domination.”
- Feminist writer Fatima Menissi states that Aisha was a “dynamic and influential member of the community who was fully involved in Muslim public affairs.”
Describe ONE significant practice within Islam.
Hajj, meaning pilgrimage, is the fundamental duty that Muslims are expected to fulfil. Hajj is a visit to the Kaaba in Mecca, during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, it is seen as an act of worship to honour and satisfy Allah.
How does Hajj express the beliefs of Islam?
Hajj demonstrates the essence of Islam which is the belief in one God, Allah, alone. The rituals remind them of the history of this belief and the importance of surrender and submission to Allah.
Analyse the significance of Hajj for both the individual and the Muslim community.
For the individual - Hajj explores the concept of renewal and forgiveness, allowing individuals to renew their relationship with Allah and be forgiven for their sins in a time of deep reflection.
For the Muslim community - Hajj completes the faith, as it draws together the elements of all other pillars. Hajj allows both the faith itself and the rest of the world to see the extent of the expansion and growth of Islam as a faith, as of recent years more than 2.5 million people gathered in Mecca for Hajj.
What is bioethics?
Bioethics is defined as the critical examination of moral decision making in health-related contexts.
There are two situations in which a Muslim may be excused from going to Hajj. What are they?
- Not physically able
- Do not have the finances
