Sources of authority Flashcards
Who are the Al-bayt?
The people of the Cloak - designated by Prophet Muhammad. They include Ali and Fatima and their 2 sons, Hussan and Husayn, as well as Prophet Muhammad’s wives.
Why are the al-bayt important
They are all close companions or family of the Prophet and so are important
What is significant about the al-bayt?
They are regarded as sinless and pure
How do Shi’a and Sunni Muslims view the al-Bayt differently?
Shi’a Muslims believe that the verse was written in masculine and therefore, Muhammad’s wives aren’t included, whereas, Sunni Muslims do include them. Furthermore, Shi’a Muslims include the divine imams as well.
How do Shi’a Muslims show the importance of the Al-bayt in their everyday lives?
In their daily prayers, they ask for blessings for Muhammad and his family. They believe that God would not have created all that there is if not for Muhammad and his family.
What do Shi’a Muslims believe about loving the al-Bayt?
Loving them will bring them removal of sin and a pure heart. They will be committed to Islam, eager to worship, sorry for their sin, not being jealous of what others have and following what Allah has commanded. They will go to heaven. This is written in the Qur’an and the Hadiths.
Why is Fatima important to Shi’a Muslims?
They hold her in high esteem. They make pilgrimage to her grave. She is the Eternal Weeper and Judge in the hereafter. Weeps for the death of her sons. Shi’as believe that they share in her sorrows and weep with her. She has a saving role as mistress in the hereafter.
Why are the Ijma, as legal scholars, a reliable source of authority?
Use past scholarly consensus to consider the Shari’a law. Use taqlid - means to immitate or copy - the earlier mujtahids and companions. Decided when an how to apply modern issues to Shari’a law.
What are the weaknesses of the ijma (legal scholars) as a reliable source of authority?
For Shi’a Muslims, the interpretation of the Qur’an can only come from Ali and the divine Imams.
Strengths of the Salaaf as a source of authority
Muhammad siad - “The people of my own generation are the best, then those who come after them, and those of the next generation”. They were also close to the Prophet and knew his ways and customs.
Strengths of abu Bakr as a source of authority and leader
Father in Law of Muhammad, experienced as leader, tribal reasons, Lammens - Arabs didn’t like hereditary leadership, Ali was too young to be a leader, Ali said he didn’t want to be leader.
Weakness of the Imamate as a source of authority
Sunni Muslims don’t see them as semi-divine, and also see muhammad as the seal of the Prophets, therefore, only his sayings and Sunnah should be trusted.
Weakness of the Salaaf as a source of authority.
Shi’as Muslims see them as less importat because they do not accept the 3 Caliphs.
Strengths of Ali as a leader and source of authority.
First convert to Islam, Loyal to Muhammad, Muhammad designated him as the next leader, belonged to the same tribe as Muhammad, Mandelung - Arabs liked hereditary succession, Ali was washing Muhammad’s body after death when Abu Bakr was voted the next leader.
Strenths of the Imams as a source of authority
Shi’a Muslims believe that the divine light is passed on through the Imams who are semi divine and have supernatural knowledge.
