Core beliefs of Islam

Question 1

Sunni:

Recall the 6 articles of faith

Answer 1

1) Tawhid - (oneness of Allah) beliefs about Allah.
2) Beliefs about the angels of Allah.
3) Beliefs about the books of Allah.
4) Risalah (prophethood) the way that Allah communicates with humans. Beliefs about the messengers of Allah - the prophets.
5) Akhirah afterlife - life is a test for what happened next - ‘Last Day’ when Allah will judge and reward or punish.
6) Al-Qad’r (predestination) everything in the universe follows a master plan set by Allah.

Question 2

Shi’a: five articles of faith. What are the roots of usul ad-din?

Answer 2

1) Belief in oneness and unity of god: Al Tawhid.
2) Belief in divine justice: Al-Adl.
3) Belief in prophethood: Al-Nubuwwah.
4) Belief in imams: Al-Imamah.
5) Belief in the day of resurrection: Al-Ma’ad.

Question 3

Why are there two denominations?

Answer 3

Two denominations have been made based around disagreement of who should succeed Muhammad as leader.

Question 4

Who are the successors for Shi’a and Sunni Muslims?

Answer 4

Muhammad dies
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Abu Bakr is the son of Muhammad’s uncle. Majority of muslims declared Abu Bakr his successor - same tribe and Muhammad had married his daughter = first Caliph.
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After he dies, other caliphs were pointed including Ali - son of Muhammad’s uncle and second person to believe in Muhammad’s prophethood after his wife.
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Shias see Ali as true successor, ignoring three caliphs who came before him.