Islam Beliefs and teachings

Question 1

What are the two main branches of Islam?

Answer 1

The two main branches of Islam are Sunni and Shi’a.

Question 2

Which branch of Islam is the largest?

Answer 2

Sunni is the largest branch of Islam.

Question 3

What do Sunni and Shi’a Muslims agree on?

Answer 3

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims agree on the basic principles of Islam, such as believing in one God and the importance of the prophets.

Question 4

What is the holy book shared by Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

Answer 4

They share the same holy book - the Qur’an.

Question 5

What caused the split into Sunni and Shi’a Islam?

Answer 5

The split is due to differences in belief about who was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community after his death.

Question 6

What is the largest group within Shi’a Islam?

Answer 6

Twelver Shi’a is the largest group within Shi’a Islam.

Question 7

Who do many Shi’a Muslims believe was chosen as Muhammad’s successor?

Answer 7

Many Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad chose Ali as his successor.

Question 8

What is an imam in Shi’a Islam?

Answer 8

In Shi’a Islam, an imam has the authority to decide the meaning of the Qur’an and which laws Shi’a Muslims should follow.

Question 9

What do Sunni Muslims follow as their central beliefs?

Answer 9

Sunni Muslims follow the six articles of faith.

Question 10

What do Shi’a Muslims follow as their central beliefs?

Answer 10

Shi’a Muslims follow the five roots of Usul ad-Din.

Question 11

What is Tawhid in Sunni Islam?

Answer 11

Tawhid is having absolute faith in the oneness of God.

Question 12

What are angels in Sunni Islam?

Answer 12

Angels (malaikah) were the first creation of God and communicate messages to prophets.

Question 13

What is the significance of the holy books in Sunni Islam?

Answer 13

The holy books should be respected, especially the Qur’an, which is a direct revelation from God.

Question 14

Who is known as the Seal of the Prophets?

Answer 14

Muhammad is known as the Seal of the Prophets.

Question 15

What do Sunni Muslims believe about the Day of Judgement?

Answer 15

Sunni Muslims believe in the Day of Judgement and the afterlife, where all Muslims will be judged by God.

Question 16

What does Al-Qadr mean in Sunni Islam?

Answer 16

Al-Qadr means that everything in the universe is following a divine masterplan.

Question 17

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

Answer 17

The five roots are Tawhid, Divine justice (Adalat), the prophets (nubuwwah), Authority of the imams (imamate), and Day of Resurrection (Al-Ma’ad).

Question 18

What do Shi’a Muslims believe about divine justice?

Answer 18

Shi’a Muslims believe that God will judge everyone on the Day of Judgement.

Question 19

What is the nature of God in Islam?

Answer 19

Muslims believe that Allah is the one true God, the creator, designer, and sustainer of the world.

Question 20

What is the significance of the Shahadah?

Answer 20

Confirming that Allah is the only God is the first part of the Shahadah.

Question 21

What are some attributes of Allah?

Answer 21

Allah is transcendent, fair and just, immanent, omnipotent, beneficent, and merciful.

Question 22

How many names does Allah have in the Qur’an?

Answer 22

Allah has 99 names in the Qur’an, each relating to a particular attribute.

Question 23

What is the role of angels in Islam?

Answer 23

Angels act as messengers to the prophets, take care of people, and record everything a person does.

Question 24

Who is Angel Jibril?

Answer 24

Angel Jibril is known as the Angel of Revelation and revealed Allah’s words to Muhammad.

Question 25

What is Akhirah?

Answer 25

Akhirah is the word Muslims use to refer to life after death.

Question 26

What happens to the soul after death in Islam?

Answer 26

The soul enters Barzakh, a state of waiting, until the Day of Judgement.

Question 27

What is Jannah?

Answer 27

Jannah is Paradise, where those who have been good go, described as 'gardens of pleasure' in the Qur’an.

Question 28

What is Jahannam?

Answer 28

Jahannam is Hell, described as a place of fire and torment.

Question 29

What is Al-Qadr in relation to predestination?

Answer 29

Al-Qadr is the belief that Allah has decided everything that will happen in the world.

Question 30

How do Sunni and Shi’a beliefs differ regarding free will?

Answer 30

Most Sunni Muslims believe in predestination, while most Shi’a Muslims believe in free will alongside God's ultimate control.

Question 31

What is the leadership difference between Sunni and Shi’a?

Answer 31

Shi’a Muslims respect the leadership of an imam, while Sunni Muslims believe leadership is not a birthright.

Question 32

What do Shi’a Muslims believe about leadership?

Answer 32

Shi’a Muslims respect the leadership of an imam and believe that the Qur’an must be interpreted by their leader. ## Footnote The imam is a figure with special God-given authority who is both a successor and a descendant of Muhammad. He is without sin and is the intermediary between God and humankind. The doctrine of ‘nass’ teaches that every imam is chosen by the previous imam, which ensures continuity.

Question 33

How do Sunni Muslims view leadership within the community?

Answer 33

Sunni Muslims believe that leadership within the community is not a birthright as it is in Shi’a Islam. There is no set hierarchy in Sunni Islam. ## Footnote The word imam is used to refer to the person responsible for providing religious and spiritual care and leadership for the congregation of a mosque.