Jihad Islam Beliefs & Practices The Nature of Allah What is Allah like? Tawhid: The most important belief in Islam, that there is only one God and he has no equal, often known as the belief in the oneness of Allah Qur'an 3:18 Immanence He is always present Transcendence He is above all and greater Omnipotence He is all powerful Beneficence He is loving Mercy He shows kindness to his people Justice He does what is right and fair Qur'an 46:33 Justice is reffered to as Adalat in Shi'a Islam. Prophethood Risalah A prophet is a messenger from God. Prophets are very important figures in Islam - Qur'an 2:136 The first prophet was Adam, who was the first man created by Allah, and therefore considered very important. Ibrahim (Abraham) was the father of Isaac and Ishma'il whose descendants were the first Muslims. Isa (Jesus) is a prophet for Muslims, and is the most written about prophet in the Quran. Qur'an 2:87 The Prophet Muhammad was the final prophet and is known as the seal of the Prophets meaning he sealed off (finalised) God s message to mankind. Due to his role in receiving and reciting the words of God, he is considered the most important of all Prophets. Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam (approx. 90%). Its name comes from the word Sunnah, referring to the exemplary behaviour of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. They follow The 5 Pillars of Islam (see below) Shia (followers of Ali) is a denomination (approx. 10%) of Islam which holds that the Islamic prophet Muhammad chose Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor to lead the religion. Shia Islam primarily contrasts with Sunni Islam, whose adherents believe that Muhammad did not appoint a successor and consider Abu Bakr to be the correct Caliph. There are other differences (see below) Shia Muslims follow the Ten Obligatory Acts. (see below) 1Questions of Hereditary Succession Shiites believe the Prophet Mohammed should have been succeeded by his son-in-law, Imam Ali, and leadership of the Muslim world should pass through the prophet s descendants. Sunnis don t believe the leadership of the Muslim world should necessarily pass through hereditary succession. 2Reverence of Imam Ali and His Family Shiites continue to observe what they consider to be Imam Ali and his descendants persecution and to revere his family, making annual pilgrimages to shrines to the Imam and his 11 descendants. 3The Sunni Majority Sunnis greatly outnumber Shiites, constituting nearly 90% of the global community of Muslims. The governments of some Persian Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are Sunni, while Iran and Iraq are ruled by Shiites. Syria s regime is Alawite, a Shiite offshoot. 4Styles of Prayer Shiites and Sunnis pray differently: Sunnis cross their arms, while Shiites keep their arms by their sides. Sunnis observe five daily prayer sessions; Shiites condense the five prayers into three sessions.5governance Shiites are governed by more hierarchical structures, following living religious leaders. But Sunnis typically follow scholarly texts penned by past religious leaders. Akhirah - Afterlife Al-Akhirah is the life after death or what happens to all people once they die. Islam teachers us that human life is divided into three distinct parts. 1.The temporary life on earth. 2.The life of Barzakh. This is the time between this life and the Day of Judgment. 3.The eternal life that will follow. Everything we do in our life is recorded. Even the smallest deed will be displayed before our eyes on the Day of Judgment. The judgment will be final. No one will escape it. Heaven will be the reward for those who obeyed Allah and did good deeds. Hell will be the punishment for those who disobeyed Allah. The Qur an the revealed words of Allah Qur an means recite The Angel Jibril communicated the words of Allah to the Prophet Muhmmad (pbuh) over 40 years. Holy books The Sunnah Way of the Prophet It means path or clear Path The Hadith sayings of the Prophet Means report, tale or story Second most important source of authority for Sunni Muslims, Shi a Muslims may have their own Sunnah and Hadith. The Qu ran is the most important and respected book as it is the words of Allah himself. Al-Qadr - Predestination This is a key teaching that Allah has pre planned everything, and everything has a plan. He knows what is within heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare Qur an 64:4 Muslim do not believe in coincidence, they believe all things are planned by Allah. Muslim often say insha Allah which means if God is willing, this shows they believe all things are willed by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad The Prophet Muhammad received the words of the Qu ran via the Angel Gibril and wrote them down. He was the final prophet of Islam, sometimes called the seal of the prophets. His primary message to his followers was that God is merciful, but there will be a day of Judgement. After many years of struggle and war Muhammad returned to Makkah and established Islam as a permanent religion in 630 CE. It is important you know the story of The Prophet as well as his significance to Muslim believers. The sin of Shirk Islam warns believers of the sin of Shirk, this is when a person worships something other than God. This means most Muslims think it is wrong to make an image of God or to try and create him in any way by human hands.. Greater/inner jihad: striving to be better person, resist evil- help poor, do not let anger get to you, follow the laws of Islam as closely as possible, Lesser jihad (Striving with the sword) - resisting evil through military /physical ways eg defending land or places of worship. Muhammad fought against those who wanted to end Islam. BUT strict conditions: Persecution Religious freedom Being attacked/defending land/religion Authorized by a Muslim leader Not target civilians eg women, kids Not harm crops Not to convert others 5 Pillars - Sunni Id-ul-Adha Id-ul-Fitr Festivals End of Hajj, animals sacrifice, meat to family and to poor, new clothes, go to mosque Started by Muhammad, end of Ramadan, new clothes, mosque, sermon ( talk), money to less fortunate Recall story of Ibrahim and Isma il, reminder to be devoted to Allah, unity of community thanks for fasting/ blessings, recall poor- community 10 Obligatory Acts - Shia
The Six Beliefs 1 Belief in Allah Most important belief for Muslims. 2 Belief in the angels of Allah Heavenly beings created by Allah to perform various duties. 3 Belief in the books of Allah Contain Allah s messages also known as Kutubullah. 4 Belief in the messengers of Allah 5 Belief in the day of Judgement 6 Belief in the decree of Allah Muslims believe more than 124,000 prophets have appeared in the world and it is essential to believe in them all. The dead will be resurrected and will be judged by Allah. Muslims believe in al- Qadr (divine decree) Sunni Muslims base their six central Beliefs, known as Iman- Ul-Mufassal, on the Qur an and the Hadith of Gabriel, believe in Allah, and his angels, and His books, and His messengers, and in the Last day, and in the decree of Allah ) Sahih Muslim These are important as they show highlight the key features of a Muslim s faith and inform their day-to-day living. RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 2
The five roots of Usul ad-din -Shia Islam The five roots of Usul ad-din are central to the Shi a Muslim faith: 1 Tawhid The belief in the oneness of Allah. 2 Nubuwwah Belief in the prophethood and the chain of messengers from Adam to Mohammed. 3 Adl Allah is just (fair) and will bring about Divine Justice. 4 Imamah A term for God-given leadership. 5 Mi ad The day of judgement and Resurrection. He is God the One, God the eternal Surah 112 We sent messengers to every community Surah 16. I advise you to being just towards both friend and foe Imam Ali obey God and the Messenger, and those in authority among you. Surah 4 His is the judgement; and to Him you shall be returned. Surah 28 Twelver Shi a Muslims consider obedience to 12 particular imams to be essential. Sevener Shi a Muslims believe that Isma ail ibn Jafar was the sixth Imam and have a separate line of Imams from the Twelver Shi a Muslims GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 3
The nature of Allah The Arabic word for God is Allah. Muslims are forbidden from drawing Allah. Characteristic Tawhid Immanence and transcendence Omnipotence Beneficence Mercy Fairness and justice, Adalat in Shi a Islam Meaning This means oneness and that Allah is unique and without partner or family. Allah can be experienced, however, he is also beyond human understanding. Allah is all powerful and can create everything from nothing. Allah loves his creation especially humans. Allah is know as the merciful. Sunni and Shi as believe Allah is just. Shia s believe that Allah treats people fairly. Muslims believe that Allah has many characteristics, each one is represented by one of his names. Why are Allah s characteristics important? Knowing some of Allah s attributes helps Muslims to understand some aspects of Allah s nature. Understanding Allah helps Muslims to establish a close relationship with Allah. It also helps Muslims to strive for some of His attributes. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 4
Risalah Muslims believe Allah chose special individuals to teach humanity about the right way to live. They are called Prophets Every community has been sent a warner Qur an One of the Six Beliefs for Sunnis and 5 roots of Usil-ad-Din for Shi as Represents how Allah communicates with people Muslims expected to follow the teachings of prophets All prophets had great qualities and were an example to their people. Reminds Muslims of their links with Judaism and Christianity. What do the roles of Prophets teach Muslims? Lived exemplary lives, set good examples of social, moral and spiritual conduct, communicated the message of Allah. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs Some of the Prophets of Allah Adam-First prophet, known as Allah s khalifah Ibrahim-Considered as one of the greatest prophets, he is called Allah s friend Isma il- One of Ibrahim s sons, chosen to rebuild the Kabah Musa-main founder of Judaism and was chosen to free the Israelites from slavery. Dawud- remembered for his wisdom, prayers, fasting and victory over Jalut (Goliath) Isa-Amongst the most honoured prophets. Performed many miracles. Muhammad- The principle prophet sent by Allah, God and His angels bless the Prophet so, you who believe, bless him too.. Prophet Muhammad said more than 124,000 Prophets were sent by Allah. 5
Book Muslim holy books Muslims believe that, over the centuries, prophets have received messages from Allah known as Kutubullah. Sahifah (scrolls) One of the earliest knowns scrolls of Ibrahim and Mosessome parts are quoted in the Qur an. Tawrat (Torah) Contains many good teachings and laws, but was only meant for Jewish people and a limited. Zabur (Psalms) Given to Dawud, there are 150 Psalms Injil (Gospel) Orginial Gospel taught by Isa Qur an Revealed to Prophet Muhammad and is the final testament for all times, all people and all places and sent by God. He has not been told what was written in the Scriptures of Moses and Abrahim Surah 53 We revealed the Torah with guidance and light surah 5 to David We gave the book (of Paslams) Surah 4 We sent Jesus (Isa), Son of Mary: We gave him the Gospel Surah 57 Nor could this Qur an have been devised by anyone other than God. Surah 10 Holy books revealed to humanity prior to the Qur an are believed by Muslims to be earlier forms of revelation and not considered a final authority. Why are Muslim holy books important for Muslims today? All of Allah s books are respected by Muslims as they contain Allah s original messages and moral guidance. All previous scriptures prepared the way for the final and eternal revelation, the Qur an. A sha said that Muhammad was a living example of the Qur an, Muslims try to follow this example by acting according to the teachings of the Qur an. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 6
Malaikah Muslims believe in angels because they are mentioned in the Qur an For Sunni Muslims this is one of the six Beliefs Malaika are beings created by Allah to perform various tasks e.g. governing the universe and the laws of natures. Most Muslims believe they do not posses a fixed material form. Angel Jibril appeared to Mary and Prophet Muhammad in the form of a man. Angels are believed to help those whose faith is strong Angels Role 1 Jibril When Allah wants to communicate with his prophets, he does through Jibril. 2 Izra il Angel of death, responsible for taking the soul of everyone person. 3 Mika il To oversee the provision and maintenance of life, plants and the rain. We only descend (with revelation) at your Lord s command Surah 19 The Angel of Death put in charge of you will reclaim you SURAH 32 If anyone is an enemy of God, His angels and His messengers, of Gibra l and Michael (Mika il) Surah 2 Praise be to God, Creator of the heavens and earth, who made the angels messengers with two, three, four (pairs of) wings. Surah 35 What is the significance of angels for Muslims today? Belief in Malakah is the second most important article of faith for Sunni Muslims. Help believers in times of need. Referred to as Kiraman Katibin (noble scribes) in the Qur an. Angels record the good and bad deeds of every human. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 7
Al-Qadr Muslims believe Allah that Allah knows everything: he is omniscient. Many of his laws are predetermined and unchangeable. When is the All Knowing Creator: when he wills something to be, His way is to say Be - and it is! Qur an He regulates all things. Surah 13 Belief in Al-Qadr is important because; It affirms Allah s omnipotence and his capacity to know everything. The laws governing the universe are designed for the benefit of humanity, Allah s knowledge of all things helps Muslims to understand that everything happens for a reason and is part of Allah s plan. What is Human freedom? Muslims believe Allah gave humans free well-they are free to chose and act however they want. Sometimes people's choices are in harmony with God s will, which forms part of al-qadr if God had so willed, He could have guided all mankind? Surah 13 This shows that Allah could have taken away human free will but chose not to. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs How do al-qadr and human freedom related to the Day of Judgment? Allah is just, so will judge everyone fairly in the akhirah- Some circumstances are beyond human control such as being born into a crime ridden society. Humans are responsible for anything they do outside of these factors: people are free to make their own choices and should be responsible for their actions, good and bad, right and wrong. What are the implications of belief in al-qadr for Muslims today? One of the six beliefs of Sunni Muslims and also important for Shi a Muslims Muslims trust Allah is in control of everything Close connection with akhirah Reminded of Allah s conscience- He knows what has happened, is happening and will happen-muslims must be prepared to answer for their deeds in their next life. 8
Akhirah Muslims believe that our physical life will one day come to an end and that all humans will be raised again in the next life, called Akhirah. Then the will say who will bring us back? Say, The One who created you the first time. Qur an What are the Muslim teachings about life after death? Some Muslims believe the resurrection will be physical, this is why Muslims are buried. Other Muslims says only the soul is taken away and given a new form in Akhirah. The soul is important, after death, the angel of death takes the soul to Barzakh which is the time between death and judgment day. Judgement, paradise and hell- Qur an When the Hour arrives, on that Day people will be separated People will be rewarded and punished according to their deeds. they will have gardens of lasting bliss graced with flowing streams Jannah (paradise) is described as a beautiful and attractive place. the Fire will scorch their faces and their lips will be twisted in pain. Jahannam (hell) is described as a place of pain and suffering in the Qur an. How do Muslim teachings about life after death affect the life of a Muslim today? Belief in the day of Judgement is one of the six Beliefs of Sunni Muslims and Five roots of Usal ad-din of Shia Muslims. Belief in the akhira affects how a Muslims lives and treats others because they know they will be judged. A Muslim will strive to follow the Qur an, Sunnah, and the Hadith to the best of their ability, so they will be judged fairly. Promise of paradise for good deeds offers Muslims hope for a better afterlife. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Beliefs 9
The Ten obligatory acts (Shia Islam) 1 Salah Praying 5 times a day 2 Sawm Fasting during Ramadan 3 Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca 4 Zakah Alms given 5 Khums Tax set at 20% for causes decided by Shia leaders 6 Jihad Striving in the way of Allah 7 Amrbil ma roof Encouraging good actions 8 Nahi anil Discouraging evil actions munkar 9 Tawalla Association with good people eg those who follow the ahl al -bayt 10 Tabarra Dissociation with evil people Based on Qur an, Hadith, early Shia scholars These are demonstrated in actions and behaviour in every day life eg praying regularly, helping those in need and encouraging other Muslims to do so too. They can be a guide for how to go to heaven. God has promised the believers gardens graced with flowing streams where they will remain ) Qur an These are important as they show faith in action not just words GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW : Islamic Practices 10
The Shahadah- declaration of faith Declaration of faith, one of 5 Pillars- sums up Islam: Tawhid- 1 God, only worship him, trust in anything else is shirk "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." A Shia may add Ali is the friend of God Risalah- Muhammad delivered final message Important because: 1 st Pillar Declaration of faith (said if converting to Islam) Testimony- a reminder of their commitments as a Muslim Rewards (heaven) promised to those who put Allah and the prophet before everything It is said regularly: Recited since the time of Muhammad First words a new-born baby hears At the burial service Whoever obeys God and the messenger will be among those he has blessed Qur an GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 11
Salah-prayer Prayer, daily prayers, second of 5 Pillars, worship as the purpose of human creation Keep up regular prayer for prayer is obligatory for the believers at prescribed times 5 times a day at set times Wudu/ablutions before Facing Mecca (Ka bah),the direction is called qiblah Rak ah movements- sajdah is prostration Said in Arabic taken form Qur;an, Sunnah, Hadith Shi Muslims may use small brick turbah- heads touching something natural- we come from earth and will return to it Existed since Muhammad who showed Muslims how to pray, way of communicating with Allah Mosque Dedicated space unity Hadith 27 times better Jummah prayer- imam will give sermon/talk Home Make home a spiritual place Trains children to pray Less distractions GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 12
Sawm- Fasting During month of Ramadan all healthy men/women go without food/drink in daylight hours Fasting is prescribed for you it was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur an was revealed times Qur an Compulsory for all Muslims Qur'an revealed in this month Brings you closer to Allah Appreciate what poor people suffer Teaches self restraint Create unity Those not required to fast: sick, travellers on long journeys, elderly, young children, pregnant/breastfeeding women. They can make up fast later or donate money. Night of Power- Laylat al- Qadr Angel Jibril visits Muhammad- reveals Allah's word. Some Muslims spend last days of Ramadan in I tikaf (seclusion in mosque- praying, studying) Some believe all prayers accepted this night or angels will support you Muhammad advised followers to seek Laylat al Qadr on one of odd nights towards end of month 21 st, 23 rd,25 th,27 th,29th The night of glory is better than a thousand months.. Qur an GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 13
Zakah and Khums- charity Pillar of Islam- compulsory. Means purification. 2.5% of savings/wealth Given by those who meet nisab (amount needed for own basic needs) Sadaqah voluntary charity Those who pay zakah are counted among successful believers Qur an Used for: Helping poor Helping those in debt Helping travellers Ransom for prisoners of war Other things to help society eg mosques, schools Important because: Islam means peace - helps create a harmonious (peaceful)society Form of worship Those who give will be rewarded (heaven) Qur an praises those who pay If misuse wealth can turn away from God Khums: Know that one fifth of your battle gains belongs to God and the Messenger Qur an Khums: Shia Muslims give 1/5 (20%) of savings. Believe failure to give means money is not pure. The prophet suggested it is better to give rather than receive: the upper hand is better than the lower hand Hadith GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 14
Hajj - pilgrimage One of 5 Pillars,Mecca, holiest place, Muhammad lived/preached here. Ka bah 1 st place Allah worshipped. Proclaim the pilgrimage to all people Qur an Must do IF can afford, healthy, safe Wear white ihram (all equal) 1. Tawaf 7x Kab ah 2. Walk between hills 3.Mina 4. Arafat pray 5.Collect pebbles 6. Stoning pillars ( against evil) 7. Animal sacrificed 8.Tawaf Why important: Unity Sins forgiven Fresh start Focus on Allah 5 Pillars History of Ismal Ibrahim chosen by Allah, how Ibrahim established Ka bah Story of Hagar s search for water GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 15
Jihad- struggle Referred to in Qur an and Hadith, one of Shia 10 obligatory acts Be mindful of God and strive for his cause, so you may prosper Qur an A man came to the prophet and asked for his permission to go on jihad. The prophet asked are your parents alive? He replied Yes. The prophet said then your Jihad is with them Hadith Greater/inner jihad: striving to be better person, resist evil- help poor, do not let anger get to you Lesser jihad (Striving with the sword) - resisting evil through military /physical ways eg defending land or places of worship. Muhammad fought against those who wanted to end Islam. BUT strict conditions: Persecution Religious freedom Being attacked/defending land/religion Authorized by a Muslim leader Not target civilians eg women, kids Not harm crops Not to convert others Important because: Both jihads were performed by Muhammad The Qur an teaches about the need to be against evil in oneself and within society Allah is pleased by those who aim to be better people Most Muslims say nothing can justify terrorism lesser jihad does not permit terrorism. Islam means peace GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 16
Celebrations and commemorations (festivals) Festival Who What Why Id-ul- Adha All End of Hajj, animals sacrifice, meat to family and to poor, new clothes, go to mosque Id-ul-Fitr All Started by Muhammad, end of Ramadan, new clothes, mosque, sermon ( talk), money to less fortunate Id-ul- Ghadeer Shia Fasting on the day, gather at mosque, recite poetry, speeches about importance of event Ashura Shia Mosque every night, mosques draped in black- mourning, pilgrims visit Karbala to shrine of Hussain,. Some whip themselves to express grief. Some donate blood instead. Recall story of Ibrahim and Isma il, reminder to be devoted to Allah, unity of community thanks for fasting/ blessings, recall poor- community Recalls Muhammad declaring Ali as leader. Ghadeer is the pond where this took place Martyrdom of Muhammad s grandson Imam Hussain and family in Karbala Why festivals are important: inspire people, unite the ummah, show commitment to Allah, increase faith. GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES OAJW: Islamic Practices 17