Living the Muslim Life ABC Refined Flashcards

Question

Explain 2 Muslim teachings about being excused from fasting (SOWA):

Answer 1

Sick Travelling / undertaking long journeys Elderly Those on medication Pregnant Young Children Apart from children, Muslims who cannot keep the fast must either make up the missed days at another time, or pay fidyah, a monetary donation that puts food on the table for poor families. The Qur’an says that “Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill … then on other days”, so God recognises their extreme difficulty and wants to ease their hardship, thus excusing the sick or travellers from fasting

Answer 2

Muslims believe doing Laylat Al-Qadr can remove past sins. This is important as it shows how the Night of Power can help Muslims become closer to God and achieve Jannah which is their ultimate goal in life. In the last 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims will be in mosques trying to experience their own Laylat Al-Qadr. Showing How the Night of Power can unite the Ummah and expresses equality in Islam. The Qur’an says: “The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months; on that night the angels and the Spirit descend again and again” Laylat al-Qadr has a special significance especially in Ramadan when Muslims seek to become closer to God and to become blessed. The last few nights of the month provide them with an opportunity to achieve a high level of devotion. This is why some Muslims spend the final days of Ramadan in i'tikaf, in seclusion to focus on prayer, reflection, and repentance. Muhammad advised his followers to seek Laylat al-Qadr on one of the odd nights towards the end of the fasting month - specifically the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, or twenty-ninth nights. This is one of the reasons mosques are full in the evenings during Ramadan. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr can remove past sins.

Answer 3

Increased Standard of Living Provides better access to basic needs If you are in debt it may help you out of it Better access to education when Khums is used to build learning centres Helps to spread Shi’a traditions, such as publishing through books

Answer 4

Khums - a system for Shi’a Muslims to pay an addition 20% towards community causes Sadaqah - voluntary charity, not fixed at any rate Zakah - Nisab is the amount of wealth above which a Muslim needs to pay Zakah

Answer 5

ZAKAH: Zakah is a source of goodness and purification for the individual and community Has existed since the time of the Prophet Muhammad Contribution of extra 2.5% of wealth Includes gold, silver and individual savings above nisab each year Only given my Muslims able to meet nisab threshold KHUMS: Additional 20% of one’s wealth “belongs to God and the Messenger” Twelver Shi’a Muslims give Khums to their leader Grand Ayatollah the money is spent on the descendants of the prophet, and the imam The money is spent on orphanages, schools, mosques It applies to savings, business profits, treasure finds, and war spoils. PURPOSES OF BOTH: Muslims believe all acts of charity are rewarded It creates a more harmonious society Increases standard of living for all Muslims Relieves poverty and distress; Helps those in debt Provides comfort and convenience for travellers Provides ransom for prisoners of war

Answer 6

One reason is because Muslims believe all acts of charity will be rewarded, like a loan which will be repaid by Allah. Therefore, those who pay Zakah are counted as among the successful believers who attain the mercy of Allah by creating a more harmonious society. The Qur’an says: “Pay your prescribed alms … you will find yourselves, better and with a greater reward” Another reason is because failure to use wealth in the right way can lead to serious consequences. Muslims believe Zakah is a form of worship which “gives them mercy”, but if they “use their wealth to bar people from the path of God … they will be herded towards Hell” One of the meanings of Islam is “peace” It is a pillar of Islam Muslims believe it is a form of worship that yields mercy from Allah

Answer 7

One reason is because serving others is part of their faith. The Prophet Muhammad said: “the upper hand is better than the lower hand” in the Hadith, meaning it is more important to give than to receive. The Qur’an says: “know that one-fifth of your battle gains belongs to God and the Messenger” Like Zakah, Khums must be paid annually. Shi’a Muslims believe that failure to do so would mean that any money owned is not pure. They believe Khums are a form of worship which “gives them mercy”, but if they “use their wealth to bar people from the path of God … they will be herded towards Hell”

Answer 8

ZAKAH SPECIFIC: Muslims pay zakah to purify their wealth (zakah means purification). Islam teaches that wealth can be evil and cut people off from God, but if a Muslim pays zakah, they purify the wealth they have left and God will accept their prayers. Muslims also pay zakah because it is the third pillar of Islam which all Muslims must fulfil. Muhammad said in a hadith that zakah protects a Muslim’s property and helps relatives to recover from disease. “An act of charity shields seventy dead people from ill fate”. - FOR BOTH: Muslims believe all acts of Charity are rewarded as seen through the quote Surah 2:271 'Allah loves the Charitable' Showing how giving Zakah can help a Muslim achieve Jannah which is their ultimate goal in life Muslims giving Zakah makes them less greedy, Zakah literally means 'purification' and is a way of making sure one's money is pure, showing how Zakah makes Muslims better people overall.

Answer 9

While they are on hajj, all pilgrims must wear the same pilgrim dress. (ihram - for men this is two white sheets of cloth, for women they dress in simple white clothes.) They must perform the same actions. (eg Staying in tents together and spending time in reflection and prayer) They must all use the same language They may drink water from the same cup

Answer 10

Hajj involves intense physical effort – Pilgrims walk long distances in extreme heat, stand for hours during Wuquf at Arafat, and perform rituals like the Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and Sa’i (running between Safa and Marwah). – This can be especially difficult for the elderly, those with health issues, or during crowded conditions. – However, Muslims believe that enduring these hardships with patience (sabr) brings spiritual reward. “And Hajj to the House is a duty to Allah for those who can afford the journey.” – Surah Al-Imran 3:97 Hajj can be very expensive – Costs include travel, accommodation, and visas, especially for those coming from faraway countries. – For many, it takes years of saving, and the financial pressure can be intense, especially in poorer communities. – Still, Muslims see the cost as an investment in their spiritual life. Islam only obligates Hajj if one can afford it without hardship. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” – Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286 One major challenge is maintaining the spiritual transformation once pilgrims return home – During Hajj, Muslims experience deep closeness to Allah, humility, and unity with the ummah, but daily life can quickly pull them back into old habits and distractions. – The simplicity, patience, and gratitude they learn in Hajj are meant to shape their behaviour permanently, but it's not easy to carry that forward in a world full of materialism and stress. – Muslims are encouraged to continue regular prayer, charity, and reflection to preserve the lessons of Hajj. “Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater.” – Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45

Answer 11

Hajj (?) is the holiest place on earth Hajj is the place where prophets lived and preached The pilgrimage starts on the eighth day of the month Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts about 5 days Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, ordained by Allah for Muslims who are physically and financially able Hajj is a symbol of unity and equality among Muslims, as believers from diverse backgrounds gather in Mecca) Hajj is a spiritual journey of self-reflection and purification The origins of Hajj can be traced back around 4000 years ago The Qur’an says Ibrahim was chosen by Allah to establish the Kabah Hajj is rooted in the legacy of Prophet Muhammad, who performed the pilgrimage Hajj is believed to have been ordained by Allah as a form of worship “Abraham and Ishmael built up the foundations of my house” - Qur’an “Purify my House for those who walk around it"

Answer 12

Pilgrims wear ihram - for men this is two white sheets of cloth, for women they dress in simple white clothes. Symbolic of everyone being equal before Allah. Women must be accompanied by a man, such as a father or son, for their protection and safety Women under 45 and single cannot go to Hajj alone They circle the Kabah Pilgrims fulfil their vows in an act of cleansing

Answer 13

Muslims believe doing Hajj brings them closer to God. This is significant as it shows how doing Hajj helps a Muslims to achieve Jannah. The Qur’an says: “Proclaim the Pilgrimage … anyone who honours the sacred ordinances of God will have good rewards from his Lord” Muslims believe completing Hajj unites all Muslims. This shows how completing Hajj helps to create a harmonious society which is one of the ultimate goals of Islam. This is shown by the wearing of the ihram which symbolises equality of all people, regardless of their background. Muslims believe that the pilgrimage removes all sins as long as they repent with a sincere heart. This is like being born again with a fresh start, and is symbolised with the shaving of the head. Only Allah can forgive sins, so by going on Hajj Muslims hope Allah will reward them for their commitment to him.

Answer 14

At the end of Hajj, Men shave all their Hair and women cut a few hairs to symbolise a new beginning, during this period, they all wear the same white ihram. Showing how this stage of Hajj expresses equality in Islam Another Stage in Hajj is when Muslims throw rocks at a wall symbolising Spartans. This is significant as it shows how this stage in Hajj drives Muslims away from Satan and toward God, this is important as Satan causes them to do bad deeds. The Qur’an says: “feed yourselves … let the pilgrims perform their acts of cleansing, fulfil their vows, and circle around the Ancient House” There is the sa’ee, which is the walk between two hillocks called Safa and Marwah, which re-enacts Hagar’s search for help when she and her son Isma’il were thirsty in the desert Staying in tents and spending time in reflection and prayer

Answer 15

Jihad is a personal struggle to be a better Muslim. Greater Jihad is the inner struggle against sin and temptation. Lesser Jihad is the physical defence of Islam and Muslims. The prophet Mohammad said there are two types of Jihad Jihad originates from the Quranic teachings and the example of Prophet Muhammad. It is rooted in the obligation to defend Islam and uphold justice. Jihad is seen as a response to persecution and injustice faced by Muslims.

Answer 16

Greater Jihad is the inner struggle against sin and temptation. It involves striving to live according to Islamic teachings and values. Greater Jihad focuses on personal spiritual growth and improvement Includes suppressing anger and helping the poor Lesser Jihad involves defending Islam and Muslims from oppression and aggression. It is a means of protecting the Muslim community and preserving religious freedom. Lesser Jihad is conducted according to strict ethical principles, such as avoiding harm to civilians. “You who believe, be mindful of God and strive [jihad] for His cause, so that you may prosper” The Hadith says: “A man came to the Prophet and asked for his permission to go for [a fighting] jihad. The Prophet asked, “are your parents alive?”. He replied “yes”. The Propet said, “then your jihad is with them” [by looking after them]” Greater Jihad is striving spiritually to resist evil, Lesser Jihad is striving physically to resist evil Lesser Jihad is only allowed in certain circumstances, Greater Jihad is always allowed Lesser Jihad may lead to a damaged relationship with Allah, Greater Jihad will always lead to a developed relationship with Allah

Answer 17

Jihad bi al-nafs (striving with the soul) - aiming to improve one’s character, for example through prayer and fasting Jihad bi al-lisan (striving with the tongue) - speaking the truth or telling others about Islam Jihad bi al-qalam (striving with the pen) - writing about, or in defence of, your beliefs

Answer 18

Persecution reaches an extreme level Religious freedoms are being taken away Islam has to be defended from an attack started by the enemy Authorised by a Muslim leader

Answer 19

A Muslim living in a non-Muslim country faces a considerable struggle to avoid being involved in the payment of interest. It can also be a great struggle to find halal food, especially halal meat. It can also be a struggle to practise Salah at a mosque as they may not be available nearby

Answer 20

Some groups like IS and Boko Haram, believe they have a duty to fight non-Muslims so that Islam can dominate the world. They also torture people, endorse suicide bombings, and teach that anyone who dies as a martyr of islam will go straight to paradise. The majority of Muslims believe this is a wrong interpretation of jihad and that nothing can ever justify terrorism. They would emphasise the importance of peace - which is one of the meanings of Islam - and say that lesser jihad does not permit terrorism. The Amman Declaration says: “We denounce and condemn extremism … Islam is a religion that strives for the good of the people”

Answer 21

In terms of Lesser Jihad, Muslims believe it is sometimes necessary. Shown by the quote 'fight them until there is no more persecution.' This is important as it shows how partaking in Lesser Jihad shows respect to Allah and devotion to Islam In terms of Greater Jihad, Muslims believe Allah rewards those who try to better themselves. This is important as it shows how greater Jihad can help Muslims to achieve Jannah. Allah is pleased with those who aim to improve themselves to become better people. The Qur’an teaches about the need to resist evil in oneself and society. One of the 10 Obligatory Acts is Nahi Anil Munkar, which is discouraging actions of evil. The Qur’an says: “support each other … forbid what is wrong” Both greater and lesser jihad were practised by the Prophet Muhammad

Answer 22

Commemorates complete obedience to Allah - Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son to Allah when God intervened. During the 4 days of this festival, people often exchange presents. Muslims attend a service in mosques, which focuses on the importance of obedience to Allah. Muslim families often sacrifice an animal and divide it into three parts: one to their family, one to their relatives, and one to the poor. Was started by Prophet Mohammad Was started in memory of Ibrahim and Isma'il Id-Ul-Adha commemorates the devotion of Ibrahim and Isma'il

Answer 23

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrates the completion of the fourth pillar The fourth pillar is fasting, observing sawm.Thanking Allah for giving Muslims the strength to complete the fourth pillar. There are prayers and a sermon either in or outside the mosque. There is a meal to break the fast and family and friends exchange presents. It commemorates the end of Ramadan, the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The first Id-ul-Fitr was celebrated by Prophet Muhammad The first Id-ul-Fitr was celenbrated in Medina after the migration (Hijrah) from Mecca.

Answer 24

Prophet Muhammad is believed to have made this announcement, at the Pond (Ghadeer) of Khumm that Ali was his successor Shi’a Muslims believe that this was the last time the Prophet addressed a gathering of people before he died It was when Mohammad declared Ali as his successor Ghadeer is the pond in which the celebration took place It occurred during the farewell pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wida) of Prophet Muhammad.

Answer 25

Commemorates the death of Husayn, son of ‘Ali, and grandson of Muhammad. He died in battle and a Passion narrative has developed around his death. Fasting on Ashura is not compulsory as Muhammad decreed that Muslims should observe sawm on Ramadan. Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to an oppressive leader called Yazid Hussain and 72 of his companions were forced out of Medinah Yazid trapped them in the desert of Karbala

Answer 26

At Eid ul-Adha Muslims offer special prayers at the mosque because Eid prayers must be offered in congregation At Eid ul-Adha the meat of a sacrificed animal is shared with the poor in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son All members of the family dress in their best clothes, which is a sign of respect for the importance of the day

Answer 27

Muslims attend congregational prayers at the mosque in the morning to offer thanks to Allah for completing the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, before the Eid prayers, ensuring that those in need can also participate in the festivities and have enough to celebrate. There is a meal to break the fast and family and friends exchange presents.

Answer 28

Muslims organise gatherings or majalis to listen to sermons and lectures about the significance of Ghadeer and the appointment of Imam Ali as the successor of Prophet Muhammad Eulogies (marsiyas) and poems praising Imam Ali and reflecting on his leadership qualities and virtues are recited during these gatherings, inspiring love and admiration for the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of Prophet Muhammad). Presents are given People take ritual baths People eat celebratory meals Many Shi’a Muslims fast on this day and they may wear their best clothess

Answer 29

prior to ashura: The ten days leading up to Ashura are a period of mourning. They are characterised by processions, passion plays, and recitations of stories and poems about the death of Husayn. Shi’a Muslims wear black during this period and some practice self-flagellation. Many Muslims observe a voluntary fast on the day of Ashura, following the example of Prophet Muhammad who recommended fasting on this day to seek forgiveness for sins. Muslims participate in mourning processions, recite elegies (marsiyas), and engage in acts of self-flagellation (zanjeer-zani or matam) to express grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at the Battle of Karbala. some may engage in acts of charity and community service

Answer 30

Id-ul-Adha may be seen as important as it celebrates the sacrifice of Ibrahim and teaches Muslims the importance of duty ‘O my son! I have seen in a vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: now see what is thy view’, Id-ul-Adha is connected with Hajj which is an important part of Islam. Hajj removes the sins of all Muslims and it reminds Muslims about the sacrifice of Ibrahim and the importance of trusting Allah. During the festival of Id-ul-Adha Muslims sacrifice an animal and distribute it to friends and family, thus building community ties ‘so pray to your Lord and sacrifice.' Id-ul-Adha is celebrated over 3 days 'Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.' (Hadith).

Answer 31

Id-ul-Fitr comes after the most important month of the year Ramadan ‘You shall complete the number and you may glorify God for his guiding you, and that you may be thankful.’ It is the festival that is celebrated after great self-restraint (fasting). Zakat-ul-Fitr is paid and so helps to support the poor - ‘The fasting of the month of fasting will be hanging between earth and heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without paying the Zakat al-Fitr.’ (Hadith). Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated by every Muslim. Some Muslims may not celebrate Ashura in the same way as they do Id-ul-Fitr, this difference shows the importance of Id-ul-Fitr, etc.

Answer 32

Id-ul-Ghadeer is celebrated by Shi’a Muslims as the day on which the Prophet named Ali as his successor. They regard Ali as the first legitimate leader of the Muslims after the Prophet and believe that Muhammad (pbuh) specifically said that Ali and his family should be his successors. This day is particularly important for Shi’a Muslims because of the reverence and authority they attribute to Ali. Ali and his successors, within the line of the family of the Prophet, are a source of authority for Shi’a Muslims. They often refer to Ali in their daily practice and may draw inspiration from his teaching. Shi’a Muslims believe they must follow the teachings of their Imams, who teach that this is an important festival, marking a significant action by the Prophet. Sunni Muslims do not agree that the Prophet appointed any specific successor. From the Sunni perspective Abu Bakr was the first ruler after the Prophet, legitimised by consultation amongst the companions of the time. Therefore, they do not accept the validity of this festival. However, Sunni Muslims do believe Muhammad asked Muslims to respect Ali. Sunni Muslims do not celebrate this festival and don’t consider the choice of Ali as successor to be referred to in either the Qur’an or Hadith. Practices which are neither specifically mentioned in the Qur’an nor carried out by the Prophet might be seen innovations, so a Sunni Muslim might feel uncomfortable about this celebration. “For whoever I was regarded as leader, Ali will be the leader” (Hadith)

Answer 33

The festival of Ashura reminds Muslims about the martyrdom of Husayn. This is a key practice for Shi’a Muslims. For some Sunni Muslims Ashura celebrates the Day of Atonement and this helps them to repent and come closer to Allah. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his companions at the Battle of Karbala It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for truth and righteousness It inspires reflection, repentance, and renewal of faith, as Muslims draw lessons from the sacrifices of Imam Hussain

Answer 34

Commemorations serve as a means of preserving and passing down cultural and religious traditions from generation to generation, ensuring their continuity and relevance in contemporary times. Commemorations provide opportunities for Muslims to come together as a community, fostering unity, solidarity, and a sense of belonging among believers, regardless of differences in culture or background, strengthening the ummah as a result. The Qur’an says: "The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers."

Answer 35

Muslims believe celebrating (...) can help to increase their faith and make them closer to God, showing how celebrating (....) can help them achieve Jannah. During (....), Muslims gather at the mosque to celebrate and offer extra prayers, showing how celebrating (....) can unite all Muslims and provide a sense of equality in the Ummah. The Qur’an says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

Living the Muslim Life ABC Refined Flashcards

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