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Religious Studies > RS Islam final Exam > Flashcards

RS Islam final Exam Flashcards

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1
Q

What is adalat?

A

Adalat – justice in Shia Islam

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2
Q

What is Al-Qadr?

A

Al-Qadr- the belief that Allah has predestined

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3
Q

“The truly good are those who believe in God and on the last day, in the angels, the scripture, and the prophets… those who keep up the prayer and pray prescribed alms”

A

Surah Baqarah:177

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4
Q

What is a Caliph?

A

Caliph – a successor of Muhammad as the spiritual leader of Islam

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5
Q

What is Akhirah?

A

Akhirah - belief in life after death

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6
Q

What is Hajj?

A

Hajj – pilgrimage to Makkah. The 5th pillar.

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7
Q

What is Haram?

A

Haram – forbidden for Muslims (food, actions etc.)

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8
Q

What is Hijrah?

A

Hijrah – Muhammad’s escape journey from Makkah to Medinah.

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9
Q

What is Ihram?

A

Ihram - white clothing worn by pilgrims on hajj in Makkah

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10
Q

What is Imamate?

A

Imamate – leadership

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11
Q

What is Immanence?

A

Immanence – the belief that Allah is closer to us than our own Jugular vein and involved in the world.

  • This Inspires Muslims, gives their life purpose.
  • Helps and guides Muslims
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12
Q

What is Jihad?

A

Jihad – the greater or lesser striving for the way of Allah

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13
Q

What is Khums?

A

Khums - tax in Islam

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14
Q

What is Khatib?

A

Khatib – the person who delivers the sermon on Fridays – usually the Imam

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15
Q

What is a Minaret?

A

Minaret – tower on the outside of the mosque used for the call to prayer (adhan)

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16
Q

What is Mubah?

A

Mubah – an action which is neither forbidden nor recommended

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17
Q

What is the Night of Power?

A

Night of Power – the night Muhammad received the first revelations of the Qur’an

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18
Q

What is Qiblah?

A

Qiblah – the direction of Makkah

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19
Q

What is Salah?

A

Salah – compulsory prayer , 5 times a day 2nd pillar of Islam

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20
Q

What is Sawm?

A

Sawm – fasting during Ramadan, 4th pillar of Islam

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21
Q

What is the Seal of the Prophets?

A

Seal of the Prophets – Muhammad the last prophet chosen by Allah and given the Qur’an

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22
Q

What is Shahadah

A

Shahadah – Declaration of Faith 1st pillar of Islam

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23
Q

What is Tawhid?

A

Tawhid – belief in Oneness of Allah

Most fundamental belief of ISlam. It is part of both the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam and five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam.

It is declared in Shahadah.

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24
Q

Key quotes about the quality of God in Islam

A

In Surah 2 it states:

“He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to him”

“God rewards Good deeds, and knows everything”

“The lord of Mercy and giver of Mercy”

“All power belongs to God

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25
Q

What is Transcendence?

A

Allah is outside the world, beyond everything and outside time.

It can be difficult to understand him.
He is greater than the world itself

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26
Q

What is Torah?

A

Torah – the revelations given to Musa (Tawrat)

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27
Q

What is Twelver Shi’a?

A

Twelver Shi’a – part of the Shi’a sect of Islam who believe in the twelve imams as leaders

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28
Q

What is Usul ad-din?

A

Usul ad-Din – foundations of faith in Shi’a Islam

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29
Q

What is Wajib?

A

Wajib – something that is an obligatory duty for a Muslim

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30
Q

What is Wudu?

A

Wudu/wuzu – symbolic washing and purification of the mind and body before prayer.

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31
Q

Nature of God in Islam

A
  • Tawhid (Oneness of God)
  • Omnipotent (Creative & Controller)
  • Adalat ( God is just & the judge)
  • Merciful (forgiving)
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32
Q

Five pillars of ISlam

A
  • Shahadah
  • Salah
  • Zakat
  • Sawm
  • Hajj
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33
Q

What is Zakah?

A

Zakah – almsgiving to the poor, the 3rd pillar of Islam

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34
Q

What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?

A

There are Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam

  1. Tawhid – Allah is the one and only God
  2. Angels - Angels are messengers sent to the prophets by Allah
  3. Holy Books - The holy books are the word of Allah and are the highest authority in Islam. The Qur’an is the main book of Islam
  4. Prophets – The prophets are the proclaimers of Allah’s will
  5. Day of Judgement – All humanity will be judged by Allah after death.
  6. Al Qadr – Allah knows about and controls everything that happens
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35
Q

What are the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam?

A

TANIA
1. Tawhid - Allah is the one and only God

  1. Adalat - Allah is just and wise and is air in His treatment
  2. Nubuwwah – the prophets are the proclaimers of Allah’s will
  3. Imamate – Imams are the leaders in Islam and protect the truth of the religion, They are the successors to Muhammad (pbuh)
  4. Al-Maad – after death humans will be resurrected and judged by God.
36
Q

What are Muslims beliefs about Tawhid?

Which surah declares tawhid?

A
  • Muslims believe that Allah is One God, indivisible and absolute; nothing comes close to Him as the ultimate source of power and creation. He is beyond human understanding.
  • Everything belongs to Allah; everything humans have is on loan from Allah.
  • Muslims believe any talents come from Allah, so it is wrong to be arrogant. Nothing happens without Allah allowing it. Allah has absolute compassion, so even suffering is Allah’s will and exists for a reason.

Surah 112 and Shahadah declares tawhid.
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Say, “He is God, the One.. God, the Absolute. And there is none comparable to Him.

37
Q

What are muslim beliefs about the nature of God?

A

In the Qur’an a number of different names are used for Allah. These names, or adjectives, give Muslims an insight into the nature of what Allah is like.

Many Muslims commit these names to memory and are able to pray and meditate using these names.

Muslims believe that Allah has many qualities. Some qualities are beyond human understanding, but all of them help Muslims understand what Allah is like.

38
Q

Properties of Angels

A

They are created from light.

They praise God but have no free will.

Watch over humanity

39
Q

Why are angels important in Islam?

A

They act as messengers between God and humans.
They complete God’s tasks
They record all thoughts and actions for judgement day.
An angel(Israfil) will blow the horn to signify the End

They help Muslims understand how to live their lives and good moral conduct.
“Each person has angels before him and behind, watching over him by God’s command” Quran

40
Q

Give Muslim Beliefs about Angels?

Give a reference to a quote?

A

Believing in angels is one of the six articles of faith. Most Muslims believe that angels were created before humans with the purpose of following the orders of Allah and communicating with humans.

The Qur’an tells us that humans are made from clay; jinn are made from smokeless fire and angels are made of light and have wings. They are immortal. They are pure and cannot sin. They obey and serve Allah at all times.

Angels can appear in human form and there are some who have specific roles, including guardian angels. They watch over humans bringing peace to believers and instilling fear in unbelievers. They record each thought and action to report on Judgement Day. One angel delivers all Allah’s messages

41
Q

What is the role of Angels in Islam?

A
  • They act as messengers to the prophets.
  • They take care of people.
  • They record everything a person does, and this information is used on the Day of Judgement.
  • They welcome Muslims into Paradise and also supervise the pits of Hell.
  • They maintain order
42
Q

Who is Angel Jibril?
What are Muslim beliefs about Angel Jibril?

A

Angel Jibril – the ‘Angel/Spirit of Holiness’
Angel Jibril always brings good news. He is mentioned in both the Qur’an and the Hadith and is deemed to be the most important angel in Islam. Without him there is no Quran.

Jibril was the first thing to be given life by Allah. Jibril knows the beauty of Paradise but also how hard it is to get there. He has seen Hell and knows that no one would want to be sent there.

In the Hadith, Muhammad was said to have described Jibril as having 600 wings. Each wing filled the horizon as far as the eye could see in all directions.

43
Q

Who is Angel Mika’il?
What are Muslim beliefs about Angel Mika’il?

A

Most of what is known about Mika’il is from Islamic tradition rather than the Qur’an. He was one of the first to bow to Adam and as such is a friend to humanity and known as the giver of rain and food. He is believed to reward people who do good deeds. So he rewards people who live good lives.

He asks Allah to forgive people’s sins as he is the Angel of Mercy.

On judgement day both Jibril and Mika’il will help with the weighing of a person’s actions. Mika’il has seen hell and how easy it is to get there, as opposed to how hard it is to get to paradise. Both the Angel Jibril and the Angel Mika’il will be present on the Day of Judgement.

44
Q

Muslim Beliefs about Predestination

A

Al-Qadr is the belief in predestination. This means that Allah already knows everything that will happen, and nothing happens unless it is according to Allah’s will. However, this does not mean that the choices people make are not free choices. Instead, it means that Allah knows what people will choose to do.

Some Muslims like the idea of Al-Qadr because they find it reassuring that if bad things happen, Allah must have planned them.

“The Lord has created and balanced all things and has fixed their destinies and guided them.” Surah 87:2-3

45
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Prophets?

What quote supports this?

A

Prophets are messengers of God. Risalah means prophethood and represents the various ways Allah communicates with humanity.

All of the prophets received the same message about the one God, which shows that Allah is unchanging and that Islam is the true religion. Muhammad was the final prophet.

The prophets are not worshipped, because Allah is the one true God. Instead they are respected.

“We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to Allah.”
Qur’an 2:136

46
Q

What is the role of the prophets?

A

The prophets are the connection between Allah and humanity.

 There are 25 named prophets in the Qur’an, although many believe there may have been as many as 124,000.

Allah chose the prophets to reveal his truth. They are responsible for the revelation of God’s word.

Messages from Allah were sent to the prophets using angels (Malaikah).

These messages are recorded in the holy books.

47
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Adam

A

Exemplar of Forgiveness

Adam was created as the first human and therefore the father of all humankind. Muslims learn about their role on Earth from the example of Adam. Adam disobeyed Allah but repented his sins immediately and regretted his actions.

Adam was forgiven for his sin and some believe he built the first Ka’aba. He was given knowledge to pass on to the rest of the human race.

48
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Ibrahim?

A

Exemplar of Faith and Pioneer of Monotheiesm

Ibrahim is seen as the father of the Arab people. He refused to worship idols and was ridiculed for this and thrown into fire but was saved by Allah causing some to start following him.

Ibrahim rebuilt the Ka’aba following the great flood with the help of his son Ismail. Ibrahim had his faith tested, which teaches Muslims that they must be prepared to submit to Allah in the same way. Id ul Adha remmbers this event.

49
Q

Importance of Mohammed(PBUH)

A
  • God chose to revel the Qu’ran to him
  • He is role model.
  • Rejected immorality.
50
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the Prophet Mohammed(PBUH)

A

Muhammad is the final prophet in Islam, known as the ‘Seal of the Prophets’. This means that Muslims regard Muhammad as Allah’s final messenger.

The Qur’an is formed from the revelations Muhammad received from God through the Angel Jibril when he was illiterate(Miracle).

Muslims do not believe that Muhammad was in any way divine, and this is confirmed in the Qur’an, which states:

“Muhammad is no more than a messenger (Surah 3:144).”

“There is no god but God and Muhammed his messenger(Shahadah)”

51
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the revelation?
What quote supports this?

A

Muhammad was a pious man and he often spent his time in prayer or fasting. He would take journeys of devotion to sacred sites near Makkah. He was illiterate making this a miracle.

On one of his journeys in 610, he was meditating in a cave. The Angel Jibril appeared and instructed Muhammad to read. This was the first of many revelations that took place over a period of 23 years.

“Recite in the name of your Lord who creates, creates man from a clot! Recite for your lord is most generous….” (Surah 96)

52
Q

What are Sunni Muslim beliefs about the Imamate?

A

One of the five roots of Usul ad-Din

Imamate means leadership. After Prophet Muhammad died, the Muslim community had to choose a successor.

Sunni Muslims, who make up around 90 per cent of the global Muslim population, agree that the rightful successor to Muhammad was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law. They recognise two further leaders (Umar and Uthman) who came after Abu Bakr. They then recognise a fourth leader, Ali (Muhammad’s cousin). Sunni Muslims accept all four leaders, including Abu Bakr and Ali, as the rightful successors of Muhammad.

53
Q

What are Shi’a Muslim beliefs about the Imamate?

A

Shi’a Muslims, who make up around 10% of the global Muslims population, believe that Muhammad chose Ali as his successor rather than having a bloodline successor. After Ali’s death, Shi’a Muslims were led by twelve imams, whom they believe were spiritual successors to the Prophet Muhammad rather than having any family connection to him. This was the beginning of the Imamate.

Shi’a Muslims believe that all imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that imams are leaders appointed by God to be Muhammad’s successors. Imams are inspired by God, are without sin and are infallible, which means that they can interpret the teachings of the Qur’an without making any errors.

54
Q

What are Shi’a Muslim beliefs about the Twelvers?

A

The Twelvers is a branch of Shi’a Islam whose followers believe that there were twelve imams after the death of Muhammad. The twelfth imam, however, has been kept alive by God and is hidden somewhere on Earth. Shi’a Muslims believe the twelfth imam will one day make himself known and bring equality to all.

Shi’a Muslims believe that the imams are necessary because people need guidance on how to live correctly. Due to their close relationship with God, the twelve imams are highly respected.

55
Q

What are Shi’a Muslim beliefs about the Seveners?

A

Ismai’ili Shi’a Muslims, sometimes known as the Seveners, believe that the seventh imam was Isma’il. Isma’il was the son of one of the Twelve Imams. Seveners believe that each imam can choose his successor, as they believe the last hereditary imam was Isma’il.

56
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Holy books?

A

There are five key books of revelation in Islam. Each of them was given to a different prophet by Allah. Muslims believe that these holy books all conveyed the same message from Allah to humanity, giving guidance to Muslims on how to live their daily life

The holy books include:

  • The Suhuf Ibrahim (Scrolls of Abraham) was an early scripture, now lost. It taught Muslims what Allah revealed to the Prophet Ibrahim.
  • The Tawrat (Torah) is the Jewish holy book, which was revealed to Moses (known as Musa in Islam). The Tawrat teaches that Allah had messengers before Muhammad. It contains the Ten Commandments, and according to the Qur’an it contains the judgement of Allah.
  • The Zabur are psalms given to Dawud (King David). They are mentioned in the Qur’an as having being revealed to Dawud and are similar to the psalms found in the Bible.
  • The Injil is a book believed to have been given to Isa (Jesus). The meaning of this book has been changed over time. It teaches the revelations that Muslims believe were revealed by Allah to Isa. Muslims think that the Injil reveals the coming of Muhammad.

> We sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms**.Qur’an 4:163**

57
Q

How do Muslims use the Qu’ran

A
  • Daily worship
  • In the Jummah service on Friday
  • As a source of Shariah Law
  • Source of Wisdom
58
Q

What is the importance of the Qur’an

A
  • Contains the true words of God and is direct revelation of God
  • It has God’s authority and is without error,
  • It is a Miracle

“Nor could this Qur’an be devised from anyone other than God”

59
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the Qur’an?

A

The Qur’an is the holy book that contains the teachings of Allah given to the Prophet Muhammad, the final messenger. It is believed to be the direct word of God and has authority because it covers every aspect of life; past, present and future. It contains the legal and social systems (Shariah Law). It influences a person throughout their lives and helps explain life’s mysteries such as creation and the meaning and purpose of life.

The Qur’an also mentions 4 other holy books and they are seen as important because Muhammad learned from them and referred to them and they are associated with key prophets so each has authority. However, some are lost and no one knows what they said, some have been changed and as a result for Muslima they do not hold as much authority as the Qur’an which is believed to be the direct word of God and remains unchanged.

60
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the Tawrat?

A

The Tawrat (also known as the Torah in Judaism) was given to the prophet Musa. It is seen as the main Jewish holy book. It contains the Ten Commandments which are key rules on how to live life. The Tawrat also contains other good teachings and laws. This book is important to Muslims because the Qur’an says it contains the “judgement of Allah”. Muslims believe the original torah has beem lost.

61
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the Zabur?

A

Pslams - This book was given to the Prophet Dawud. It is also known as the Psalms of David. It is important within the Christian Bible and the Jewish Tanakh, as it contains prayers, poems and songs intended to inspire people.

62
Q

What are Injil(Gospels)?

A

This book was given to the Prophet Isa, who is believed to have predicted the coming of Muhammad.
Muslims believe it is not the direct word of God.

63
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about the Sahifah?

A

Sahifah/Sufuh (Scrolls)

This book is believed to be the first holy book within Islam. It was given to Ibrahim and Musa. Some parts of the Sahifah are believed to be lost. However, some sections have been preserved and are mentioned in the Qur’an.

64
Q

Contrasting views about The authority and importance of all the other Holy books

A

We sent Jesus Son of Mary, in their footsteps, to confirm the Torah that had been sent before him: We gave him the Gospel with guidance, light and confirmation of the Torah already revealed” Quran

  • The Qu’ran refers to these books so they must be important
  • Muhammed Learned and taught from these books
  • They are connected to well respected prophets
  • Some are lost now
  • Some have been changed
  • If important, as they were given by God, why were they not preserved.
65
Q

What are the five Pillars in Islam

A

 Shahadah – is a the declaration of faith. It is a statement that summarises Muslim belief in one sentence.

 Salat – refers to the set prayers five times a day at specific times. This is a constant reminder of the importance of Allah in the life of a Muslim.

 Zakat – is giving a portion of one’s income to help the poor. This creates a bond between rich and
poor and helps Muslims to purify their wealth and keep away from greed. It is usually paid once a year.

 Sawm - is fasting during the month of Ramadan, for Muslims who have reached maturity and are in good health. This helps Muslims connect with Allah, and also with those less fortunate than themselves who live with hunger daily.

 Hajj – is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah made during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims are expected to undertake this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, if they are physically able and can afford it.

66
Q

What are Muslim Beliefs about Salah?
What quote supports this?

A

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and is a very important part of the faith. Praying at intervals throughout the day reminds Muslims of God’s presence. All Muslims must pray five times a day.

Sunni Muslims pray five prayers a day, each at different times. Between dawn and sunrise (Fajr), noon (zuhr), late afternoon (Asr), after sunset (Maghrib) and nightfall (Isha).

Shi’a Muslims pray five prayers a day, but at three different times (Fajr, Zuhr and Asr together, Maghrib and Isha together).

“Remember God often so that you may prosper”
Qur’an 15:98-99

67
Q

Importance of Salah

A
  • Leads to paradise
  • Ensures God is not forgotten
  • Reminder of the greatness of God
  • Prevents Sin
68
Q

Prayer differences

A
69
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Wudu, niyyah and rakahs?

A

Ritual washing or wudu is performed before salah to purify the body and mind. During wudu, Muslims state their intentions (niyyah) to pray and will focus solely on Allah.
All Muslims face the holy city of Makkah during prayer. Men and women pray separately to avoid distractions. Men are required to go to Friday prayers (Jummah) at the mosque, this helps to strengthen the ummah (community).
Rakahs are the set pattern of movement s followed during prayer.

“Wash your faces and your hand up to the elbows, wipe your heads, wash your feet up to the ankle”

70
Q

What are muslim beliefs about Zakah?
What quotes supports this?

A

Zakah is a contribution of 2.5% of their wealth by Muslims to help the Muslim community.

Zakah teaches Muslims to share and be less materialistic. The act of giving zakah means purifying one’s wealth to gain Allah’s blessing to make it grow in goodness. Wealth is given by Allah, so it should be used to serve Allah.

Zakah is given anonymously so that the money remains pure. There should be no pride, arrogance or smugness involved in giving zakah. Muslims in receipt of zakah should not be embarrassed because the money belongs to Allah. The rich are blessed with wealth and it is their duty to help the poor. By accepting zakah those in need are helping those with wealth to fulfil their duty of giving.

Some Shi’a Muslims also pay khums (20% of surpolus income) in addition to zakah.

  • *‘Be steadfast in prayer and giving.’**
  • *Qur’an 2:110**
71
Q

What are the rituals performed at Hajj

A
72
Q

What is the influence and impact of Hajj

A
  • Feel united with the Ummah
  • Feel closer to God

Longer term:

  • Stronger faith and relationship
  • Feel More purpose
73
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Hajj?

A

Hajj is pilgrimage to Makkah. It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar (Dhul Hijjah) and Muslims should aim to make this trip once in their lifetime if they can afford it.

Hajj consists of various ceremonies and rituals that symbolise the main beliefs of their faith and commemorate the trails of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. It enables Muslims from all over the world and from all walks of life to come together to worship God.

74
Q

What are Khums?

A

Khums – this is a 20 per cent annual tax that is paid on any surplus income earned. Traditionally khums was split six ways; Allah, Muhammad, relatives of Muhammad, orphans, the needy, anyone who is away from home and has no money to return.

They help support Islamic Education and give recognition to Muhammed

They are one of the 10 obligatory acts in shia islam

75
Q

What is Jihad?

A

Jihad means ‘to struggle’. It has two meanings in Islam: a struggle for faith and a struggle against evil.

Greater jihad is the personal struggle to follow Allah, resist temptation and carry out the duties required to lead a good life. Greater jihad is both a duty and an act of worship.

To fulfil the greater jihad do Muslims should:
 follow the Five Pillars of Islam
 forgive others
 work for social justice
 study the Qur’an
 help those in need
 avoid negative qualities, e.g. greed
 avoid temptations, e.g. alcohol

Many Muslims believe that greater jihad is the most important of the two types of jihad because it is a struggle shared by ALL Muslims all the time.

WHEREAS:

Lesser jihad is the struggle to protect the Islamic faith and defending Islam from threat. Some people still take up arms against anybody they see as an enemy of Islam.

However, many Muslims believe that lesser jihad is of less relevance today than in the past, when Muslims were being persecuted.
Lesser jihad is sometimes called a ‘holy war’. In cases where conflict is deemed necessary, it can only be justified under certain conditions:
 it must be in defence of Allah
 no harm must be done to civilians or holy buildings
 peace must be restored
 mercy must be shown

Islam teaches that lesser jihad can never be used to justify terrorist attacks

76
Q

Greater Jihad vs Lesser Jihad

A
77
Q

What are Muslim Beliefs about Eid ul-Fitr?

A

Eid ul-Fitr is known as ‘The Feast of Breaking the Fast’. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr begins at the first sighting of the new moon in the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

Muslims give thanks to Allah for giving them the strength to fast for a month. To celebrate, they go to the mosque to pray and listen to a sermon before returning home to share their first daytime meal in a month with family and friends. Muslims also give special zakah so that those less fortunate can join in with the celebrations. After a month of fasting, Muslims feel greater empathy towards those who go hungry. Communal celebration services are held both outdoors and in mosques, there are processions through the streets and a special celebratory meal is eaten.

Eid ul-Fitr is a time for families, friends and neighbours to spend time together and share food.

78
Q

What are Muslim beliefs about Eid ul-Adha?

A

Eid ul-Adha is the festival of sacrifice and takes place at the end of Hajj. It remembers the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered to by Allah.

Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah asked him to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience. The Devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey Allah and spare his son. As Ibrahim was about to kill his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice in his place. This shows Ibrahim’s obedience to God. It is important for Muslims to remember that God does not want the animal or its meat; God wants Muslims to show that they are devoted to him.

79
Q

How is Eid Ul Adha celebrated?

A

By taking part in this festival, Muslims show that they too are prepared to sacrifice their lives for God. The festival is celebrated in the following ways:
 A sheep or goat may be sacrificed as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. In the UK, the animal must be killed at a slaughterhouse. The meat is shared out among family, friends and the poor, each getting a third share.
 Muslims go to the mosque for prayers, dressed in their best clothes and thank Allah for the blessings they have received.
 It is obligatory to give money to charity to be used to help the poor so they too can celebrate.

80
Q

What is Ashura?

A

Ashura means tenth. Both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims observe this festival on the tenth day of Muharram. However, their reason for and way of celebrating is very different.

81
Q

Compare How Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Ashura?

A
  • Sunnis remember Ashura as a Day of Atonement, a day to ask for forgiveness and a day sins are forgiven if the person repents (says sorry).
  • It is suggested that prophet Musa fasted on this day and prophet Muhammad followed this example and told the people to do the same.
  • Many Muslims fast on the eighth, ninth and tenth day of Muharram but it is not compulsory for Sunni Muslims to do this.

and

For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura is very important festival based in sorrow. It remembers the martyrdom of Hussein, Ali’s son and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was killed in the battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram, 680CE along with 72 members of his family. Hussein was beheaded, the camp he was staying at was set on fire and everyone staying there was murdered.

How Shi’a Muslims observe Ashura
 Many wear black as a sign of grief
 Mosques are covered in black cloths
 After the afternoon prayer, poems about the tragedy are read and people will cry
 Some gather to beat themselves with whips and chains in sorrow, especially in Karbala.

82
Q

Which is the most important Festival in Islam?

A
83
Q

Explain two ways in which the Qur’an influences Muslims.

A

Explain two contrasting ways in which Muslims commemorate the festival of Ashura.

Some Sunni Muslims commemorate Ashura by fasting. They view it as a day of atonement and ask for forgiveness. Just as tradition suggests prophet Musa had fasted on this day as did Prophet Muhammad and some Muslims follow this example at Ashura although it is not compulsory.

Some Shi’a Muslims commemorate Ashura by wearing black, mosques will be covered in black cloths and they will spend the day in mourning, remembering the death of Hussein who was martyred in Karbala. Some Shi’a will beat themselves with whips and chains to demonstrate their sorrow.

84
Q

Explain two ways in which Muslims think zakat is important. Refer to Muslim teachings in your answer.

A

The five mark questions ask you to ‘explain Muslim teachings/beliefs about’, ‘explain two ways in which Muslims put their beliefs into practice’ or ‘explain two ways in which Muslims believe practices to be important’.

You MUST include a relevant religious teaching in these responses.

Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is one of the five key practices a Muslim must observe in their day to day life. In the Qur’an it says ‘Be steadfast in prayer and giving’ (Surah 2:110). Muslims believe wealth is a blessing from Allah and they must share their wealth by giving zakah. This helps those less fortunate within the Ummah and helps to bring the community together
.
Zakah was an instruction from Allah and instructed by Prophet Muhammad as something all Muslims must do. This means it is very important to give zakah because it is following Allah’s instruction and the Prophet’s example. If Muslims do this they believe they will be rewarded in the afterlife.

85
Q

How do you answer 12 Markers?
The Qur’an is the only authority a Muslim needs.’?

A

On the one hand some would disagree with the statement ‘the Qur’an is the only authority a Muslim needs’ because there are other important sources of authority that can help to guide Muslims. There are several holy books that have authority in Islam, the Tawrat given to prophet Musa that contains “guidance and light”, the Zabur given to Dawud and the Injil that contains guidance about prophet Issa. If Allah gave these to mankind then they must have needed them as well as needing the Qur’an.

Prophet Muhammad also has authority for Muslims. Muslims follow the Hadith (sayings) and Sunnah (practices, customs and traditions) of Prophet Muhammad because he sets the perfect example. In Shi’a Islam there is a belief in the ‘imamate’ that the imams that followed Muhamamd also have authority within the religion. This suggests that Muslims need other authority, aside from the Qur’an.

On the other hand, some Muslims might agree with this statement because they believe that the Qur’an contains a complete and accurate record of Allah’s message to mankind. The Qur’an was revealed directly to Muhammad through Angel Jibril. It has not been changed. It is seen as the word of God, the totality of Allah’s message. As a result there is no reason for them to need any other authority, because Allah is the ultimate authority in Islam.

In conclusion, I believe that Muslims need multiple sources of authority, otherwise why would Allah have provided them? Together the teachings of all the holy books and the Imams or Caliphs provides suitable authority for Muslims.

86
Q

What is the influence and impact of Hajj

A
  • Feel united with the Ummah
  • Feel closer to God

Longer term:

  • Stronger faith and relationship
  • Feel More purpose

Religious Studies (10 decks)

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