Islamic Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
(119 cards)
1
Q
What are the 6 articles of Faith?
A
Belief about the Oneness of God and how he alone created and sustains the Earth
Beliefs about angels of Allah
Beliefs about books of Allah
Beliefs about messengers of Allah (the rasul)
Akhirah and the Day of Judgement
Predestination (Al’Qadr)
2
Q
What type of Muslims believes in the 6 articles of faith?
A
Sunni
3
Q
What are the Usul ad-Din? (five principles, must include Islamic name and meaning)
A
Belief in the Oneness and Unity of Allah (Al-Tawhid)
Belief in Divine Justice (Al-Ad)
Belief in Prophethood (Al-Nubuwah)
Belief in Imams (Al-Imamah)
Belief in the Day of Resurrection (Al-Ma’ad)
4
Q
What are the key beliefs about and characteristics of Allah?
A
- He is infinite, and has no beginning or end
- He is omnipotent
- He is omniscient
- He is merciful and benevolent
- He is transcendent while still immanent
- He is fair and just
5
Q
State 3 beliefs that Sunni and Shi’a Muslims share
A
The belief in the Oneness of Allah, Prophethood and the Day of Judgement
6
Q
State 2 beliefs that Sunni and Shi’a Muslims disagree over
A
The leadership of faith and divine justice
7
Q
What are the main effects of Tawhid on believers?
2 things
A
- Enables believers to understand that everything came from Allah, and that every things existence is dependent on him
- Enables believers to be content with their life, no matter the situation, as everything that happens is down to God’s will
8
Q
What is shirk?
A
The greatest sin, in which you place things as equal to Allah
9
Q
What is a quote supporting Tawhid?
A
“God is the Creator of everything. He is the guardian over everything”
10
Q
What is a Caliph?
A
A successor of Muhammad, who is sinless (Sunni)
11
Q
Who is believed by Sunni Muslims to be the first Caliph?
A
Abu Bakr
12
Q
Who is believed by Shi’a Muslims to be the first Caliph?
A
Ali (they discount the first 3 Caliphs who are believed by Sunni Muslims to be the first
13
Q
Why do Shi’a Muslims believe Ali should have been the first Caliph?
A
Because he was the first male convert to Islam, and was part of Muhammad’s family
14
Q
Why do Sunni Muslims believe Abu Bakr should have been the first Caliph?
A
Because he was Muhammad’s close friend, and was elected Caliph by the Islamic community
15
Q
What is Al-Imanah?
A
The Shi’a belief in the 12 Imams chosen by Allah, all of which were direct descendants of Muhammad
16
Q
What is an Imam?
A
A successor of Muhammad, who is sinless (Shi’a)
17
Q
What happened to the first 11 Imams?
A
They were martyred (put to death or endured great suffering on behalf of Islam)
18
Q
What is occultation?
A
The belief that the 12th Imam is still living but hidden, waiting to reappear at Allah’s given time- when he reappears he will come as a Messiah, to bring peace, justice and co-existence at the end of the world
19
Q
What is the Shi’a viewpoint on divine justice?
A
- There is an objective framework of right and wrong
- Humans are able to act using free will on what there actions are, and whether they’re right or wrong
- This is why Allah can judge us, and decide whether we go to heaven or hell, based upon our actions
- There is no such thing as predestination
20
Q
What is the Sunni viewpoint on divine justice?
A
- There is no such thing as right and wrong
- Everything that happens is down to Allah’s will
- Everyone’s life is planned out and everyone’s destination is decided by Allah the moment you are born
21
Q
What is Risalah?
A
The communication of Allah and humans, through angels, books and prophets
22
Q
Who was the first Prophet?
A
Adam
23
Q
Who was the last Prophet?
A
Muhammad
24
Q
What is a prophet?
A
A messenger, chosen by Allah to teach, guide and train people to follow him
They are human and not to be worshipped
Every prophet is equally significant and important
25
Who was Adam and what was significant about him?
The first Prophet
Created from clay in God's image
All angels except Iblis bowed in respect to him
After Adam was disobedient, so was sent out of al-Jannah
26
What is al-Jannah?
Paradise/Heaven
27
Who is Iblis?
Satan
28
Who was Ibrahim and what was significant about him?
Prophet
Allah tested his devotion by asking him to sacrifice his new-born
He is celebrated for his life of sacrifice and commitment to Islam
29
Who was Isma'il and what was significant about him?
Son of Ibrahim and also Prophet
Left with his mother in a deserted place (now Makkah)
Water was provided via miracle from Allah when they were in need
Him and Ibrahim (his father) built the Kaaba
30
Who was Musa and what was significant about him?
Allah instructed Musa's mother to place him in a basket in the Nile in order to avoid the wrath of the Pharaoh
Miraculously, Musa floated down the Nile, and was found by the Pharaohs wife, who hired Musa's mum to look after him
He became the leader of the Israelites, and free the Israelite slaves from the Pharaoh
31
Who was Dawud and what was significant about him?
Prophet and King of the Israelites
Killed Goliath
The Zabur was revealed to Dawud, which contained lessons of guidance for the Israelites
32
Who was Isa and what was significant about him?
Prophet
Performed many miracles
Foretold the coming of Muhammad
Sunni Muslims believe he is the Messiah, who will return on the Day of Resurrection
He will make war until all other religions except Islam are destroyed
He did not die, but was instead taken into the presence of Allah
33
Summarise the events of The Night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr)
During a time of meditation in a cave, the angel Jibra'il appeared to Muhammad
He commanded Muhammad to read- Muhammad couldn't
He commanded him 3 more times but after the 3rd time Muhammad recited the verses as though they were written on his heart
These verses were the first of the to be Qur'an
34
Summarise the events of The Night Journey (Lailat ul Miraj)
Muhammad was sleeping when an angel woke him and took him to Jerusalem on a winged horse
He was purified of doubt, error and idolatry, and filled with faith and wisdom.
He ascended through the seven heaves, was shown heaven and hell
He spoke with prior Prophets
He decided with Musa that Muslims should pray 5 times a day
He was in the presence of Allah
35
What does Hijrah mean?
Emigration
36
Summarise the events of the emigration (the Hijrah)
People tried to assassinate Muhammad, so he left Mecca and went to Yathrib
37
What was wrong with the books of wisdom before the Qua'ran?
They had become distorted over time, so we no longer Allah's true word.
The Qua'ran is the only true word of Allah
38
What do Sunni Muslims believe about the Qua'ran?
They believe that the Qua'ran has always been in existence but not always in written form- it is eternal
39
What do Shi'a Muslims believe about the Qua'ran?
They believe it was created by Allah, is not eternal and can be added to and interpreted by Imams
40
What are two sources of wisdom? (other than the Qua'ran)
The Sunna of the prophet contains records on what Muhammad did
The Hadith of the prophet contains records on what Muhammad said
41
What is Malaikah?
Angels
42
What are Angels?
They are the first thing Allah created, formed from Nur (meaning divine light).
They do not have free will or physical needs
They sole existence is to carry out the will of Allah
They are immortal
43
What are the 4 main Angels?
Jibrail
Izrail
Israfil
Mikail
44
Who is Jibrail?
The chief angel, who brought Allah's message to Muhammad and other prophets
45
Who is Izrail?
The angel of death, who is responsible for ending everyone's life
46
Who is Israfil?
The angel of the Last Judgement, who will blow the trumpet to announce the Day of Ressurection
47
Who is Mikail?
The angel guardian of heaven
48
What is Al-Qadr?
Predestination
49
What is sifat and who is believed to have it?
Sifat is the foreknowledge of all things, and Allah is believed to have it
50
What are the beliefs of Mutazilites and who accepts these beliefs?
They believe free will and predestination cannot co-exist. They believe that ones actions will decide whether on the day of judgement they will go to heaven or hell
This belief is accepted by Shi'a Muslims
51
What are the beliefs of Asharism and who accepts these beliefs?
They believe free will and predestination can co-exist
Allah created everything, including human actions, and humans can acquire the act and make a choice between the right and wrong course of action
120 days after contraception, the baby receives its soul and angels record their sex, future lifetime earnings and whether they will go to heaven or hell
52
What is Barzakh?
The period between a persons death and the Day of Judgement.
Some people believe that your experience in Barzakh reflects the life you have led.
Good = Reward
Bad = Punishment
Other people believe that your soul will be given a temporary body, which will be light or dark, reflecting whether you were good or bad during your life
53
What is al-Jannah?
Heaven- believers will be welcomed in, and it will be in a constant state of peace
54
What is Jahanna?
Hell- a place of punishment and eternal suffering.
For sinful believers it is a place of purification
For non-believers it is a place of eternal punishment
55
What is martyrdom?
It is being killed in defense of, or struggle for, Islam
| A death in this way will cause the person to enter the presence of Allah immediately
56
What are the main impacts of the teachings of Islam in life? (2 impacts)
- Muslims will aim to do good, and hold back from doing evil because they want a good final judgement
- Muslims will not be obsessed with looks or objects, because they know all they have has been given by Allah
57
What are the 5 pillars of Islam?
```
They are the 5 basic duties all Muslims must perform:
Shahadah
Salah
Zakah
Sawm
Hajj
```
58
What is Shahadah?
Declaration of faith
59
What is Salah?
Prayer 5 times a day
60
What is Zakah?
The giving of money
61
What is Sawm?
Fasting during Ramadan
62
What is Hajj?
Obligatory pilgrimage
63
What are the 2 statements of Shahadah?
- There is no God but Allah
| - Muhammad is the messenger of Allah
64
When should Shahadah be said?
It should be the first thing said to a new-born, and the last thing a Muslim says
It is also a way for previous non-believers to convert to Islam
65
What are the names of the 5 prayers?
```
Fajr
Zuhr
Asr
Maghrib
Isha
```
66
What is a minaret?
The tower of a mosque
67
What is adhan?
The call to prayer
68
What is the Muezzin?
The person he gives the adhan
69
How often is adhan given a day?
5 times
70
What is Wudu?
The ritual washing a Muslim must do before prayer
71
What does Wudu symbolise?
The declaration of Niyyah
72
What is Niyyah
A Muslim's intention to worship Allah with a pure heart
73
What is a complete sequence of prayers known as?
A rakah
74
What is Jummah prayer?
A prayer said at midday every Friday, of which is obligatory for male Muslims to attend
75
What does Jummah prayer remind the Muslim community of?
Each other and the unity of Muslims
76
How do Shi'a Muslims pray?
They pray 5 times a day, however are allowed to join together the prayers. Midday with afternoon and evening with night-time
77
How do Sunni Muslims pray?
They pray at the 5 different allocated times, and are not allowed to join
78
What is Dua prayer?
Private prayer in which Muslims bring their concerns to Allah
79
What might Dua prayer include?
Thanksgiving to Allah, asking for forgiveness or requests for Allah's aid
80
Why do some Muslims use prayer beads?
To help recite the 99 names of Allah
81
Why do some Muslims disagree with the use of prayer beads?
Because Muhammad did not use them
82
What is the purpose of Zakah?
To purify the heart of greed, and show the lack of attachment to material possesions
83
How is Zakah money used?
To help the poor and needy
84
How much do most Sunni Muslims give as Zakah?
2.5% of their earnings that are above Nisab
85
What is Khums?
The 20% tax of a person's excess earnings, given as Zakah
86
What is Nisab?
The minimum net worth that after it you pay Zakah of it
87
Why are the final 10 days of Ramadan significant?
Because it was the practice of Muhammad to spend these 10 days at a mosque
88
What must Muslims do in Sawm?
Those who are physically able, must fast for the entirety of Ramadan
89
What is the effect of Sawm on Muslims?
It helps them appreciate the needs and suffering of others, developing a greater sense of empathy.
They should be thankful of what Allah has given them, and increase their dependence upon Allah
90
What is Muttaqi?
A person fully obedient to Allah
91
What is festival that ends Sawm?
The festival of fast breaking
92
Where do Muslims go during Hajj?
To the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia
93
What is Ihram?
The state of holiness Muslims must be in before beginning Hajj
94
Give 2 requirements of Ihram
- They must be fully washed and clean
| - All men and women must wear simple predetermined clothing
95
What do Muslims do in Mecca during Hajj?
- They say the prayer of intent
| - They visit and circle the Kaaba (Tawaf)
96
What do Muslims during the Sa'y (the running)?
- They run between 2 hills seven times
- This is reenacting Hagar's search for water, when she was left alone in the desert with her son
- It was only when her son dug his foot into the ground when a spring appeared; this spring can be visited
97
What do Muslims do during Arafat?
- The pilgrims stand before the Kaaba and face towards it
| - They then plead for forgiveness for their sins
98
What do Muslims do at Mina during Hajj?
- The pilgrims all grab stones and throw them at three pillars, which represent Iblis (the devil)
- Then those who can afford it will provide an animal sacrifice, which they roast and then distributed everyone, including those who can't afford their own sacrifice
99
Why do Muslims sacrifice animals?
It is a reminder of Allah's provision of a sacrificial ram in place of Ismail
100
What is Ummah?
The unity of Muslims
101
What are the effects of Hajj on Muslims?
- It gives a greater sense of Ummah (the unity of Muslims)
- It helps develop their intimacy with Allah
- Many Muslims may feel relieved of the weight of their sin as it has now been removed by Allah as a result of them pleading for his forgiveness
102
What is the festival of sacrifice?
It a festival that occurs simultaneously with the sacrifices occurring at the end of Hajj, in remembrance of Allah's provision of a sacrificial ram in place of Ismail
103
What is Bismillah?
A blessing said over the animal that is being sacrificed
104
What is the purpose of the festival of sacrifice?
- Demonstrates Muslims' willingness to make sacrifices for Allah
- An opportunity for Muslims to show their thankfulness towards Allah
- Helps develop a sense of Ummah, in both gathering together and sharing food
- Shows support of those completing Hajj
105
What is the real name for the festival of sacrifice?
Id-Ul-Adha
106
What is the real name for the festival of fast-breaking?
Id-Ul-Fidr
107
What is the festival of fast-breaking?
It is a celebration of completing the hardships of sawm.
Before it begins, Muslims must pay zakah. Firstly Muslims will attend a sermon at the Mosque, then will return to their homes and gather with their friends and family for a celebratory party
108
What is the purpose of the festival of fast-breaking?
- Celebrates and rewards the completion of sawm
- Develops a sense of Ummah
- Helps Muslims recognise and appreciate the real important things in life (family and friends)
109
Who celebrates Id-Ul-Ghadeer?
Shia Muslims
110
What is Id-Ul-Ghadeer a celebration of?
When Muhammad named Ali as his successor
111
Summarise the events of Muhammad naming Ali as his successor
- Muhammad, after the verse of announcement was revealed to him, made a speech which (Shias believe) proclaimed Ali as successor
- Muhammad then had a tent set up for Ali, where Muslims then came up to him and pledged allegiance to him as successor
112
What is the purpose of Id-Ul-Ghadeer?
For Shias to reaffirm their commitment to the first Imam, Ali
113
What is Ashura?
A Shia festival, celebrating the day Nuh left the Ark, and the day Musa was saved from the Egyptians
It is also when Shia Muslims remember the death of Hussayn, who was the son of Ali, and the second Imam. Hussayn and a few other Shias were massacred by Sunni forces at a battle in Karbala
114
What effect did the massacre of Hussayn have on Sunni Shia relations?
It enhanced the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims, as it was Sunnis who were responsible for his death
115
What do Shias do on Ashura?
- They participate in public expressions of grief and mourning
- Some inflict physical pain through whipping, cutting and beating themselves
- Some make pilgrimages to where is believed to Hussayn's tomb
116
What is the significance of Ashura?
- Hussayn's death is seen as a symbol of struggle against injustice and oppression
- The mourning and self-inflicted pain are a way in which Muslims show respect and remembrance of Hussayn, as well as relating to his suffering
117
What is greater jihad?
The continuous internal struggle of Muslims to follow 'the straight path' and please Allah. This includes munkar and maruf, and possible being prepared to die their faith.
The reward is entering paradise after death
118
What is lesser jihad?
Striving to create a good and fair Muslim society, some believe it to include holy war. If lesser jihad is holy war, then it should either be defensive or against unjust regime
119
How can lesser jihad/holy war be used by terrorists as a premise for terrorism?
Extremist Muslim groups, such as Al-Qaeda, use the holy war as a premise for their violence, claiming that society is trying to destroy Islam, therefore justifying their actions
