rih

Question 1

What does haram mean? (1)

Answer 1

Means things forbidden within Islam, e.g. cursing and eating pork

Question 2

How do Shi’as celebrate ashura? (3)

Answer 2

1. Remember it as the day of Husayn’s martyrdom and remember his death with a deep sense of injustice.
2. This is a day of mourning and sometimes self-mutilation - public displays of grief in the streets e.g. flagellation to signify Husayn’s pain.
3. “May God Bless Hussein” - Shi’a greeting

Question 3

Why do Muslims circle the Ka’ba? (3)

Answer 3

1. “Purify My House [the Ka’ba] for those who perform tawaf”
2. circling the Ka’bah 7 times is tawaf
3. Ibrahim built the Ka’ba as a place of worship, so it is seen as the house of God and circling it is seen as purifying

Question 4

Why do Muslims throw rocks at the Pillars of Mina? (3)

Answer 4

1. “Jibril said to him: “Pelt him!” so Ibrahim threw seven stones…the Devil withdrew”
2. throwing the pebbles at the Pillars of Mina is a symbolic reenactment of Ibrahim’s rejection of the devil
3. exercise of faith that Muslims do to show their resistance towards temptation

Question 5

What does Muhammad say about fasting? (3)

Answer 5

1. “Whoever fasts during Ramadan…all his sins will be forgiven” - Hadith
2. One of the 5 Pillars
3. Fasting follows the example of Muhammad, who is a role model for Muslims b/c of his moral and righteous way of life that was a perfect example of how a Muslim should live.

Question 6

What is the spiritual importance of fasting? (2)

Answer 6

1. “Fasting is prescribed for you…that you may become pious”
2. Religious duty that brings you closer to God and teaches you self-displine/control

Question 7

Why might fasting during Ramadan be difficult? (2)

Answer 7

1. Month of Ramadan changes each year b/c it’s set according to the Islamic calendar - more difficult in summer months
2. Not a national holiday like in predominantly Muslim countries - not guaranteed time off