GCSE Religious Studies - Islam (OCR) Flashcards
(10 cards)
Outline the origin of Eid-ul-Adha.
3 marks
- Ibrahim was tested by Allah when Allah asked him to sacrifice his son, Ismail/ Ishamel; although this weighed heavily on Ibrahim’s mind he was prepared to obey Allah
- Allah saw that Ibrahim was genuinely preparing to sacrifice his son and relieved him of the task, sending a message to say that Ibrahim’s obedience was accepted and he could now sacrifice an animal instead
- Ibrahim (Abraham) was a prophet and stories of the prophets’ lives are remembered by Muslims for the messages they illustrate; Eid-ul-Adha is a commemoration of one such story.
Give three of the ten obligatory acts of Shi’a Islam.
3 marks
- Salah/prayer
- Sawm/fasting
- Zakat/Zakah/alms payment/obligatory charity
- Hajj/pilgrimage to Makkah
- Jihad/struggle to follow/ defend Islam
- Khums/tax to support Islam
- Amr-bil-Maroof/– encouraging what is good
- Nahi Anil Munkar/discouraging what is evil
- Tawalla/showing love to what is good
- Tabarra/not associating with what is evil/not associating with those opposed to Allah.
Give three features of heaven (al-Jannah) in Islam.
3 marks
- Rivers, including al-Kawthar
- Waterfalls/flowing water
- Peaceful
- A garden
- Rich carpets and cushions
- Eight gates
- Abundant food and fruits
- Goblets of wine
- A lote tree
- Families reunited
- People wearing green, silk garments
- Gold and pearl bracelets
- Many virgins
Describe how self-denial in Ramadan is an act of devotion to Allah.
6 marks
Self-denial refers to how Muslims fast during Ramadan, avoiding food, drink, smoking, sexual activity and speaking badly or dishonestly. This is done out of respect and obedience to Allah and in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Fasting involves a great deal of effort, perhaps especially for Muslims in non-Muslims countries where the people around them will not be fasting. This sacrifice of personal comfort demonstrates a Muslim’s commitment to pleasing Allah and so indicates their devotion. Fasting might also be seen as a test of faith and/or an opportunity to demonstrate submission and obedience to Allah, since sawm is one of the Five Pillars. Submission to the will of Allah is at the heart of Islam and disregarding physical needs to do so shows devotion to Allah.
For many Muslims Ramadan also involves attending additional prayers, sometimes staying up at night to do so. This means Muslims are denying themselves the other activities they might usually do during these times. Choosing to focus on Allah over other things demonstrates the importance of Allah in a Muslim’s life and can therefore be seen as an act of devotion.
When Muslims read the Qur’an, they may think of Qur’an 2:185 which commands Muslims to fast during Ramadan. It states that Muslims should fast at this time because the Qur’an was revealed, and fast as an act of thanks to Allah if they are able. This directly links the physical act of fasting to belief in and submission to Allah. Fasting is for Allah, and it shows devotion through deliberate self-denial in the name Allah. This is important for communities as well as individuals, as when all Muslims fast together the importance of the ummah is emphasised through their shared devotion.
‘There is no point in Muslims considering what might be written in their book of life.’
Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should:
- Analyse and evaluate the importance of points of view, referring to common and divergent views within Islam
- Refer to sources of wisdom and authority.
15 marks (plus 3 SPaG
AO1:
The book of life is a record of the actions a Muslim commits during their lifetime. Intentions are also recorded, with bad intentions that are not then acted upon being rewarded. The recording angels, known as Raqib and Atid, watch everything a Muslim does and note down their actions in their book of life, sometimes referred to as their book of deeds. This is mentioned in the Qur’an.
The book of life is brought out and read by the recording angels on the Day of Judgement. Muslims will then be judged by Allah and every action will be weighed up. The book is then returned to the Muslim, and placed in either their right or left hand. The right hand indicates that they have been judged worthy of al-Jannah (heaven) while the left indicates they are being sent to Jahannan (hell).
For many Muslims there is a belief that all actions are predetermined by Allah so that a Muslim’s final place in heaven or hell has already been decided. This is written in a heavenly tablet before they are even born.
AO2:
It might be argued that since a person’s book of life is recorded by the angels it is not under the direct control of a Muslim; they cannot write it themselves. However, since what is written into it is their actions there could be a benefit to considering what will be recorded as part of making decisions. Thinking about the book of life might give a sense that Islamic beliefs are important here and now because of the angels watching every action. This might also make Muslims consider the importance of small actions. Even if there is no human witness and a Muslim cheated without being caught the angels would see and record the event which might think twice before they act.
Some might argue that Muslims should consider their book of life before choosing their actions since their afterlife will be dependent on it after judgement. Compared to life in this world, life in the hereafter has greater significance and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) repeatedly warned Muslims not to stray from the straight path as this would lead to hell. Belief in the book of life provides justification for his warning. Even Muslims who believe that their destiny is prewritten might consider it important to reflect on the book of life, because they should not presume that they know their final destination, even though Allah does. Forgiveness and mercy are always possible and reflecting on what will be written in the book might encourage repentance even after a sin has been committed. Some Muslims believe that there is a delay before the angels record a sin, to allow for the possibility of sincere repentance.
There is no requirement to consider the book of life as part of any act of worship but that does not mean it is pointless to think about it at all. Considering their book of life might help Muslims focus on Allah and make them more obedient and regular in their prayers, because of the focus on future judgement.
Describe what Muslims mean when they call Adam the first Muslim.
3 marks
- Adam was the first human being created by Allah and fitrah, or the innate ability to recognise the oneness of Allah, is a fundamental part of human nature
- Adam was a prophet in the long line of prophets that ends with Muhammad (pbuh); this means he was an ideal example of how to live and spread true knowledge about Allah; he is also considered a messenger, meaning he received direct revelations from Allah
- Adam believed in tawhid and did not worship other things (such as idols)
- Adam strove to live a life in obedience to Allah’s will and, when he failed in this, repented and asked for forgiveness, demonstrating important Muslim values
- Adam built the Ka’ba, which remains the most sacred site for Muslims today
- Adam was made a khalifa/given responsibilities by Allah.
Describe what some Muslims mean when they call Allah transcendent.
3 marks
- One of the 99 names of Allah is al-Quddus, which means that Allah is wholly above everything; the 99 names all demonstrate aspects of Allah’s nature
- Allah is wholly outside the world/space and time
- Allah does not need material things and/or Allah may not have a physical body
- Human beings cannot fully comprehend Allah because Allah is so different
- Transcendent is the opposite of immanent, which means being part of or present within the universe of space and time.
Outline the idea of Nisab.
3 marks
- Nisab refers to the working of Zakat/ Zakah.
- It means ‘threshold’ and as such it refers to the amount that a person has to earn or possess before paying Zakat/Zakah becomes obligatory; this idea was established by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
- Islam does not require followers to go without themselves, or to become poor and hungry through paying Zakat/ Zakah, and Nisab is the means to prevent this while also requiring those who do have enough to make their contributions without being selfish
- Nisab might be calculated according to assets such as livestock, crops or gold and silver; it might also be calculated according to a person’s yearly income through their salary.
Outline different beliefs held about justice by Shi’a and Sunni Muslims.
6 marks
Most Muslims, including many Shi’a and Sunni Muslims, believe justice is an important part of their faith and beliefs. It can refer both to Divine Justice (Al-Adl), which is one of the Shi’a roots of Usul ad-Din, and to social or human justice and how people treat one another.
For Shi’a Muslims Divine Justice refers to Allah as the ultimate power who makes things fair and sees that justice is done. While this is not an explicit concept in the Sunni Articles of Faith most Sunni Muslims are likely to agree that Allah is just and commands justice. The 99 Names of Allah, which both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims might recognise and use, include Al-Hakam (the Just or Giver of Justice).
For Sunni Muslims events on earth are all parts of Allah’s plan and, while some events might sometimes seem unjust from a human perspective, they will serve a deeper purpose which is beyond human understanding. For most Sunni Muslims the choices they will make are predetermined (this is the belief in al-Qadr) while Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah knows the choices a person will make but does not make that decision on their behalf. For Sunni Muslims predestination is part of divine plan, and that plan is inherently just because Allah is. For Sunni Muslims Allah’s justice is primarily expressed by the judgement that results from their free choices.
Sunni and Shi’a Muslims agree that justice in the afterlife is given by Allah, through Allah’s judgement of people on the Day of Resurrection. Their deeds are reported by the angels and people sent to heaven or hell. Allah’s justice is given according to the actions and intentions carried out by each individual. There are differences of perspective about how far deeds and how far intentions are weighed up (even if the deeds are not completed). There are also differences of emphasis by some Muslims about how far Allah’s compassion weighs against punishment. Punishment is a necessary part of justice according to some, whereas others might emphasise forgiveness, despite the bad deeds a person has done in their life.
Many Muslims believe that Allah commands justice from them and so they must work for justice in the world. This involves opposing acts of injustice wherever they find them which could be considered lesser jihad. For Shi’a Muslims it would also be part of the Ten Obligatory Acts which include encouraging what is good (Tawalla) and discouraging what is evil (Tabarra).
‘It is more important to communicate with Allah than complete the rituals of a raka’t.’
Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should:
- Analyse and evaluate the importance of points of view, referring to common and divergent views within Islam
- Refer to sources of wisdom and authority.
15 marks (plus 3 SPaG)
AO1:
A raka’t is an Arabic term which Muslims use to refer to a unit of prayer. It involves a set ritual of standing, bowing and prostrating according to a pattern established by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Raka’t are therefore Sunnah. The physical actions of a raka’t are preceded by saying the intention, called the niyyah. This is a statement about what the Muslim is about to do, such as pray two raka’ts of the dawn prayer, and also that they make this prayer for Allah alone. All these rituals are followed by many Muslims five times a day, as they form part of Salah, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Communication with Allah can be achieved in different ways according to the individual. One way is for a Muslim to make personal, du’a prayers in which they state requests and ask for forgiveness from Allah for their misdemeanours. There is also dhikr, or remembrance of Allah, a specific form of prayer of particular importance in Sufi Islam through which oneness with Allah is achieved. Reading the Qur’an means engaging with and reflecting upon the words of Allah. Allah can be communicated with in ways other than acts of worship; for many Muslims submitting to Allah’s will and striving to live a good Muslim life is a form of such communication.
AO2:
Islam is a religion which requires obedience to the will of Allah and this involves following the instructions given by Allah. While raka’t are not described in the Qur’an they are part of the Sunnah, and the Prophet Muhammad is the second source of authority, sometimes described as the living Qur’an. Following his example demonstrates obedience to Allah and would therefore be considered important. It might be argued that without raka’t Muslims cannot complete the pillar of Salah, daily prayer, which is considered an obligatory practice by most Muslims. However, some forms of Islam, such as Ismaili Shi’a, do not consider this form of salah obligatory (although it is virtuous) and might therefore regard other forms of communication with Allah as more important.
However, Muhammad also often communicated with Allah in various ways, asking for help in difficult times and meditating. Muslims today do not have the same relationship with Allah as prophets, but can nevertheless follow their examples by asking for forgiveness and making requests. This kind of personal prayer (du’a) is an established tradition in Islam and is encouraged by the Qur’an, emphasising it’s importance. It can help with personal worries and bring calm to the mind of a Muslim, knowing they have passed on their concerns to a greater power. However, following the stages of a raka’t can also create such mental states, enabling a Muslim to focus on Allah and put aside all other concerns. Following ritual can help a Muslim avoid having to make choices or become confused about how to pray. It also helps them join prayer congregations which follow the same rituals, and so gain strength and inspiration in their faith.
It might be argued that the rituals of a raka’t are not separate from communication with Allah. During a raka’t, a Muslim says words from the Qur’an but they may also feel a sense of deep devotion in the heart, and feel nearer to Allah than at any other time. This may be a form of communication. The rituals of a raka’t may be repeated at other times, not just during the formal five prayers during the day. A raka’t and a du’a request can be combined. Stating the intention to pray (niyyah) is also both a requirement to complete the raka’t and a means of communicating directly and in a personal way with Allah.
It could be argued that importance of raka’t might vary with circumstance as someone ill, in danger or unable to pray the physical actions of a raka’t can still communicate in their minds with Allah and would not be negatively judged by Allah for this.
