Topic 4: Islam Flashcards
Pillar 1
Shahada - I bear witness that “there is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his prophet”
Why is the first pillar important?
The belief that “there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of god”
Individuals become muslims by reciting this phrase (3 Times)
The central pillar in which all else revolves around
Muslims are constantly reminded of this belief through the recital
Pillar 2
Salat - Fundamental act of worship
Why is the Second Pillar important?
- Muslims pray facing Mecca, Islam’s holiest city
- They perform ablutions, including washing their hands, face, and feet
- They recite verses from the Quran, either loudly or silently
- They perform prostrations
- Fajr: Before sunrise
- Dhuhr: At noon, after the sun has passed its highest point
- ʿAṣr: In the afternoon, before sunset
- Maghrib: In the evening, after sunset
ʿIshāʾ: At night
Pillar 3
Zakat (Almsgiving) - obligation of charity
Why is the Third pillar important?
Social responsibility is considered part of one’s service to God
Zakat is an obligatory act of charity, requiring Muslims to donate a fixed proportion (usually 2.5%) of their net worth to those in need
Pillar 4
Sawn - RAMADAN
Why is the Fourth Pillar important?
The act of fasting during the hold month of RAMADAN
It is an act of worship that involves abstaining rom food, drink and other activities during daylight hours.
Why is the fifth pillar important?
The fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.
On the twelfth month of the Lunar cycle
Pillar 5
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca
Factions
Sunni Islam
- The belief that there is nothing special about there leader and that anyone can become, the only requirement would be that of the ability to lead and are educated in religious law so that they can competently lead a muslim community
Shi’a Islam
- Shi’a, which means ‘the party of Ali’, are those who ascribe a central place to their caliph Ali, and the descendants of the Prophet through Ali’s sons from Fatima, in the transmission of authority over the Islamic community.
Halal vs Haram
Halal
- Permissible foods and activities
Haram
- Banned / forbidden / prohibited
- E.G. pork, blood, Alcohol
Sacred Texts
Quran + Hadith
Qur’an 3:31: “If you do love God, follow me; God will love you and forgive you your sins; For God is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful”
