Yr 11 Sacred Texts

Question 1

What is the Quran and the Hadith? (x2)

Answer 1

• 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 2

Outline of the Quran (x5)

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Outline of the Hadith (x6)

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Importance of the Quran (x4)

Answer 4

• 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 5

Importance of the Hadith (x4)

Answer 5

• Establishes a basis for social interactions that are easily followed
• Builds a harmonious and united umma
• 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