Yr 11 Pillars and Beliefs

Question 1

Outline of Tawhid (x4)

Answer 1

• Tawhid is the oneness of Allah (monotheism)
• Muslims believe Allah is absolute unity, all seeing, all hearing and all knowing and consider Allah as the eternal and all powerful creator
• Allah has no son or daughters with whom he shares his power and that there is no other being of the same nature
• There are 99 titles of praise traditionally awarded to Allah

Question 2

Implications of Tawhid (x7)

Answer 2

• Muslims are called to submit to the will of Allah. The word Islam means peace and submission to Allah.
• Muslims are forbidden to become materialistic because this would take the place of Allah.
• If Muslims pursue money they are not devoted entirely to Allah. As a result of Tawhid, Muslims are not allowed to earn interest from a loan they gave to someone as it is seen as materialistic.
• Tawhid reminds them to remain focused on Allah and that only Allah has power.
• It is believed that all resources belong to Allah because they were created by Allah, and cannot be selfishly used.
• Tawhid raises the importance of the 5 Pillars (requirements) - Salat (prayer), Hajj (pilgrimage), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting), and Shahada (declaration of faith).
• It raises their importance because if a Muslim is devoting their time, effort and money to the 5 Pillars, they are submitting to the will of Allah and acknowledging his supreme greatness (meaning of Tawhid)

Question 3

Demonstration/Application of Tawhid (shahada) (x3)

Answer 3

• The oneness of Allah is expressed in the ‘shahada’
• The intent of the shahada is to dismiss all other deities in the face of the one true God - Allah
• This witness is uttered daily by every Muslim to highlight their belief The Shahada = ‘there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad his prophet’

Question 4

Outline of Kutubullah (x6)

Answer 4

• The belief in the revelation of God
• God revealed his truths to his prophets. These were often recorded in writings and books.
• The four most important books are the Torah of Moses, the Psalms of David, the Gospels of Jesus and finally the Qur’an
• Muslims believe that the books prior to the Qur’an have much in common with the teachings of Islam, but over time the original teachings were distorted and lost
• The essential core message of these revelations were the same: “We assuredly sent among every people a messenger with (the command): ‘Serve God and avoid evil’” Surah, 16:36
• Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the most complete and most true of the books of Allah

Question 5

Implications of Kutubullah (x3)

Answer 5

• Calls for dedication to the Qur’an and to follow the commands of Allah.
• Kutubu’llah also affects Muslims by detailing the rituals to be obeyed to show Tawhid in their lives.
• The Quran is reflected upon during Sawm, is recited during Salat, and contains instructions for Hajj.

Question 6

Outline of Rusul (x2)

Answer 6

• Rusul are the messengers or prophets of God. To each Rusul, Allah revealed a scripture that contained the same essential message as the Qur’an itself, however, these sources are not as reliable (Torah, Gospels etc.).
• Muhammad received Allah’s revelation fully, purely and correctly and is therefore the final Prophet.

Question 7

Implications of Rusul (x3)

Answer 7

• Rusul acts as a guide behaviour and to curve bad deeds.
• The belief in Rusul drives Muslims to follow the example of Muhammad in their daily lives
• Through Muhammad’s life example, Muslims are called to repeat his rituals and habits to support/express tawhid in their life, expressing Rusul in their daily life.

Question 8

Demonstration/Application of Rusul (x3)

Answer 8

• Many of the traditions practised by Muslims were first practised by prophets, namely Muhammad
• Muhammad performed Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj
• Other prophets are also re-enacted, particularly during Hajj (such as Abraham)

Question 9

Outline of Malaika (x6)

Answer 9

• Angels are conscious beings who are created from noor (light)
• Islam confirms the existence of spiritual beings, intermediate between humanity and Allah
• Their role is to worship, exalt and praise Allah and to carry out Allah’s will
• They follow all commands of Allah and do not have the capacity to sin
• Muslims are constantly aware of the un-named angels recording their good and bad deeds to give to Allah for Judgement Day
• There are also specific angels, such as Gabriel- the Qur’an was given to Muhammad by the Gabriel speaking on behalf of Allah.

Question 10

Implications of Malaika (x2)

Answer 10

• Muslims are aware of the presence of their two angels recording every deed, action and word of the individual Muslim, good or bad.
• This awareness of Mala’ika acts as a set of guidelines to curve any actions that would hurt/harm another person or move them away from submitting to Allah.

Question 11

Demonstration/Application of Malaika (x2)

Answer 11

• Muslims acknowledge the angels when they pray by turning to look at their shoulders
• They remember the angels when making all decisions

Question 12

Outline of Akhira (x6)

Answer 12

• The Qur’an warns humanity that there will be life after death.
• Everyone will rise bodily from the grave and all will be gathered in a vast plain where they will be tormented by great heat and thirst.
• This day is called the day of reckoning - youm al-qiyama
• Allah will pass a judgment on each person based on their deeds and behaviour. Allah will consider faith and good deeds. Actions are judged according to intentions. Both good and bad deeds are qualitatively and quantitatively measured.
• Only those who believe in the revelation will be rewarded with heaven
• For non-believers and sinners the sweltering fires of hell await where they will be ceaselessly scourged by hot blasts, boiling liquids, foul smoke and molten metal

Question 13

Implications of Akhira (x2)

Answer 13

• Muslims are encouraged to think of death and resurrection often to inspire them to be a better person, with the hope of being rewarded in the afterlife for good deeds
• It assists in times of difficulty and gives meaning to difficulties

Question 14

Demonstration/Application of Akhira

Answer 14

• Some rituals of Hajj acknowledge what Judgement Day will look like by gathering everyone in one place, dressed/treated equally and worshipping Allah

Question 15

Outline of Al-Qadar (x5)

Answer 15

• Muslims believe that humanity has free will to choose between right or wrong.
• Good actions are more valuable because of the possibility of evil.
• Al-Qadar explains that Muslims believe that even though humans freely decide what to do in a situation, Allah has already seen what they will decide in this way. This is because God’s Knowledge is all-encompassing and he is not bound by time etc.
• Allah knows a person’s capability and capacity because he is the creator. It’s up to each person to use their freedom to fulfil that capacity, which would mean they are also submitting to Allah and fulfilling their predetermined path.
• ‘Insha’allah - god willing is used when muslims discuss their intentions - this indicates that nothing is outside Allah’s control

Question 16

Implications of Al-Qadar (x2)

Answer 16

• Muslims aim to use their freedom to make decisions that will submit and keep them on their right path
• Allah already knowing their decisions is more of a reminder that Allah is aware of everything, encouraging them to stay on their path and choose good

Question 17

Demonstration/Application of Al-Qadar (x3)

Answer 17

• This is harder to see being demonstrated
• All good deeds show a belief in al-Qadar
• Asking for forgiveness also recognises al-Qadar

Question 18

Identify the importance of the Quran and Hadith (x2)

Answer 18

• The Quran is the direct word of Allah and his revelation

- The Hadith is stories of Muhammad’s actions and how to live out the Quran

Question 19

Outline of the Quran (x9) :-)

Answer 19

• A written record of the revelation of Allah through the angel Gibryl to the Prophet Muhammad, received over 23 years, featuring 114 Suras
• Usually came either to prepare the Prophet and Muslims for an important event or in response to an incident or questions.
• It speaks in a powerful language about the attributes of Allah, God’s purpose for mankind, the afterlife and Judgement Day, responsibilities of humans and the spiritual world
• It contains rules for living, stories of earlier Prophets and their communities, insights and understandings on existence and human life
• It gives an outline of the ritualistic aspects of Islam (e.g. Hajj, fasting), moral and ethical codes, criminal laws and social, economic and state policies
• All Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the literal Word of God and that the Prophet Muhammad had no part in its authorship.
• Considered to be written without error and cannot be questioned so it has ultimate authority.
• It is revered by Muslims and gives them inspiration for their daily lives guiding them to submission and halal deeds.
• Unites the community in a common understanding and helps to maintain order and peace.

Question 20

Outline of the Hadith (x9)

Answer 20

• Second most authoritative text within Islam
• Typically begins with a listing of the chain of witnesses who transmitted the account
• Records stories and actions of Prophet Muhammad
• Since the Prophet is regarded as the perfect human and a role model, Muslims wish to know all they can about him and the details of his life so that they can best emulate him
• Muhammad’s sayings and behaviour are binding through the Sunna/Hadith
• Sunnah is actual traditions, sayings and actions of the prophet which have become models to be followed by Muslims. Hadith is narration/writings about the life of the Prophet and what he approved. Therefore, sunnah is recorded in the Hadith
• Establishes a basis for social interactions that are easily followed
• Builds a harmonious and united umma (Muslim community) Helps make more everyday actions acts of worship so they can better submit to Allah- no separation between religious life and secular life
• Provides Muslims with more applicable ways of living out their beliefs

Question 21

Shahada (x2)

Answer 21

• A statement or proclamation of faith
• Devout Muslims will recite the Shahada at least once every day. To utter the Witness with complete conviction, even if only once in a lifetime, is sufficient to make a person Muslim.

Question 22

Implications of Shahada (x2)

Answer 22

• It aligns all actions and thoughts on Allah and submission

- Emphasises the importance of Muhammad as a role model

Question 23

Salat (x6)

Answer 23

• Muslims perform Salat 5 times each day to express their gratitude and love to Allah
• Shi’i Muslims can adjust this to 3 times a day by combining morning and evening prayers
• The Sunni and Shi’I variants can differ in their actions during prayer
• Devotees both men and women, pray at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset and before going to bed.
• Salat must be done facing towards Mecca
• Formal prayer involves various physical postures, such as standing, bowing, kneeling in an act of submission to Allah

Question 24

Implications of Salat (x3)

Answer 24

• It reminds them of the greatness of Allah and the inferiority of man
• It provides guidance and peace of mind
• It forces them to stop their day and re-align/prioritise Allah above anything else (e.g. work)

Question 25

Zakat (x6)

Answer 25

• This is 2.5% of a person’s excess wealth from those who are earning an appropriate amount that they can afford to give to those in need.
• In modern times, although Zakat is difficult to impose on Muslims, the principle is still strongly upheld and there are organisations that help distribute Zakat to those in need, such as Muslim Aid Australia.
• It is believed that a certain amount of money has been made with Qadar. This means that it is - predestined to be given to those in need and help society. Keeping that money would have a negative impact on the individual.
• Alms are given to meet the needs of the faithful, such as supporting widows, orphans and the poor
• Priority is to help the Muslim community, first locally then overseas and after this charity is given to anyone in need.

Question 26

Implications of Zakat (x2)

Answer 26

• It reminds Muslims of those most in need

- Encourages charity

Question 27

Sawm (x6)

Answer 27

• For the month of Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic Calendar) Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse
• This sacrifice occurs from before sunrise until after sunset. These sacrifices: test the spirit, discipline the will, serve as a reminder of the hunger of the poor, foster unity within the Umma (community)
• They also remember various historic events which occurred in the 9th month, which recognises the importance of the Quran (Kutubullah)
• Muslims are encouraged to reflect on stories from the Quran that discuss devotion, loyalty and testing of the will. For example, The first revelation in 610. It develops a stronger bond towards Allah and gets them to realise their dependence on Allah.
• There are exemptions from fasting; pre-adolescent children, the elderly or chronically ill and pregnant women. They also believe that the gates of hell are shut during this month to make temptation less present as a reward for their sacrifice.

Question 28

Implications of Sawm (x4)

Answer 28

• It reminds Muslims of those who suffer in poverty
• Reminds Muslims that all they need is Allah
• The gates of Hell are locked during this time to help lessen temptations
• Recalling stories of the Quran reminds them of Muhammad’s struggles and the example he has put forth

Question 29

Hajj (x6)

Answer 29

• All Muslims who are physically and financially able must make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime
• Those who have completed the Hajj will be given special consideration on the day of judgement
• If a Muslim is financially incapable of making the Hajj, then money will be pooled and a single family member will be sent to complete it on behalf of those who cannot go
• The Hajj is a unifying force in Islam and fosters a unique sense of brotherhood among Muslims of all classes, races and countries. All are dressed in a state of Ihram to demonstrate this equality, which also reflects Judgement Day.
• TAWAF- Muslims circumambulate the Ka’ba at Mecca 7 times, placing
• WUQUF- The whole process, especially forgiveness during Wuquf, mirrors Judgement Day, where trumpets will play and all will be gathered. Beliefs- Akhira

Question 30

Implications of Hajj (x3)

Answer 30

• It reminds Muslims of the unity of Islam and the umma
• Brings people together
• Ultimate form of submission

Question 31

Wuquf

Answer 31

Muslims spend the day in prayer asking for forgiveness on Mount Arafat. This ritual mirrors Judgement Day, where trumpets will play and all will be gathered which reflects Ahkira. Muhammad informed the very importance of this ritual by stating: “Mt Arafat is Hajj.” (Hadith)