Islam Beliefs

Question 1

What is the Arabic name for Gabriel, the archangel who brought God’s message to the prophets?

Answer 1

Iblis

Iblis is also known as Satan in Islamic tradition.

Question 2

What is the cube-shaped building in the center of the Grand Mosque in Makkah called?

Answer 2

Ka’aba

The Ka’aba is considered the holiest place in Islam.

Question 3

What does the term ‘Risalah’ refer to in Islam?

Answer 3

Communication between Allah and Prophets

Question 4

What is the term for the belief in the oneness of Allah in Islam?

Answer 4

Tawhid

Question 5

Which sect of Islam forms the majority of the Muslim community?

Answer 5

Sunni

Question 6

Who did Sunnis believe should be the next caliph after Muhammad’s death?

Answer 6

Abu Bakr

Question 7

What does the word ‘Sunnah’ mean?

Answer 7

‘Custom’ or ‘way’

Question 8

What is the second largest branch of Islam?

Answer 8

Shi’a

Question 9

After Muhammad’s death, who did Shi’a Muslims believe should be the next caliph?

Answer 9

Ali

Question 10

What does the term ‘Party of Ali’ refer to?

Answer 10

Shia

Question 11

What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?

Answer 11

• Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)
• Angels
• Five sources of authority
• Supremacy of Allah’s will
• Day of judgment
• Prophets and messengers chosen by Allah

Question 12

What are the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam?

Answer 12

• Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)
• Justice of Allah (Adalat)
• Resurrection (Al-Ma’ad)
• Leadership (Imamate)
• Prophets and messengers chosen by Allah

Question 13

What is the belief in the justice of Allah (Adalat)?

Answer 13

He does no wrong and always has a purpose

Question 14

What is the significance of the Day of Judgment in Islam?

Answer 14

Muslims will either go to heaven or hell based on their actions

Question 15

Who are the Twelvers in Shi’a Islam?

Answer 15

Followers who believe in twelve imams after Muhammad

Question 16

What do Seveners believe regarding the imams?

Answer 16

The seventh imam was Isma’il

Question 17

True or False: Sunnis believe that election is the right way to choose Muhammad’s successor.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

True or False: Shi’a Muslims consider the first three caliphs to be legitimate leaders.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The belief in the _______ of Allah means He is the creator and sustainer of life.

Answer 19

Oneness

Question 20

What is the role of angels in Sunni Islam?

Answer 20

They record the words and actions of each individual

Question 21

What is the expectation of Muslims regarding their actions based on the belief in Day of Judgment?

Answer 21

They want to live a good life to be rewarded

Question 22

What is the significance of leadership (Imamate) in Shi’a Islam?

Answer 22

Muslims feel they need trusted leaders to protect and guide them

Question 25

What did the Muslim community need to do after Muhammad's death?

Answer 25

They had to choose a successor.

Question 26

What percentage of the global Muslim population are Sunni Muslims?

Answer 26

Around 90 percent.

Question 27

Who do Sunni Muslims believe was the rightful successor to Muhammad?

Answer 27

Abu Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law and closest friend.

Question 28

What do Sunni Muslims refer to the first four leaders of Islam as?

Answer 28

The 'Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs'.

Question 29

Who do Shi'a Muslims believe was the rightful successor to Muhammad?

Answer 29

Ali, Muhammad's cousin.

Question 30

What do Shi'a Muslims believe about the twelve imams?

Answer 30

They believe the imams are spiritual successors to the Prophet Muhammad.

Question 31

What percentage of the global Muslim population are Shi'a Muslims?

Answer 31

Around 10 percent.

Question 32

What is the Imamate in Shi'a Islam?

Answer 32

The belief that all modern imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.

Question 33

What role do imams play in Shi'a Muslim communities?

Answer 33

They protect the religion and guide Muslims along the right path.

Question 34

What is the Twelvers branch of Shi'a Islam?

Answer 34

A branch whose followers believe there were twelve imams after Muhammad.

Question 35

What do Twelvers believe about the 12th imam?

Answer 35

He has been kept alive by God and is hidden somewhere on Earth.

Question 36

Why do Shi'a Muslims believe imams are necessary?

Answer 36

Because people need guidance on how to live correctly.

Question 37

What do Isma'ili Shi'a Muslims believe about the seventh imam?

Answer 37

They believe that the seventh imam was Isma'il.

Question 38

What is the belief regarding the succession of imams in Isma'ili Shi'a Islam?

Answer 38

Each imam can choose his successor.