Practice Questions Flashcards
(12 cards)
2 contrasting ways Salah
One contrasting way is that Sunni Muslims usually pray with their hands folded – right hand over the left – across their chest or navel during Salah. This is based on hadiths they follow and is part of their tradition.
In contrast, Shi’a Muslims pray with their hands by their sides. They also often use a Turbah (a small clay tablet) to place their forehead on when prostrating, which they believe is closer to how the Prophet Muhammad prayed.
Explain two contrasting Muslim beliefs about giving alms.”
One Muslim belief about giving alms is that it is a religious obligation (Zakah). Sunni Muslims believe Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and must be given (usually 2.5% of their savings) to help the poor and purify their wealth. It is seen as a duty set by Allah.
A contrasting belief is held by Shi’a Muslims, who also pay Khums in addition to Zakah. Khums is 20% of surplus income, and it’s divided between religious leaders and the poor. This makes their understanding of almsgiving broader and more structured.
Give two actions that Muslims perform during Hajj.
• Tawaf: Muslims walk around the Ka’bah seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
• Sa’i: Muslims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Explain two ways in which Muslims celebrate the festival of Ashura.
• Answer:
• Sunni Muslims observe Ashura by fasting. It is seen as a day of reflection and commemoration, marking the day when Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh.
• Shi’a Muslims commemorate Ashura with mourning rituals, including visiting the shrine of Hussein (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) and reenacting the tragedy of Karbala to honor his sacrifice.
Give two Muslim practices that happen during Ramadan.
Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
• Taraweeh prayers: Special nightly prayers that are performed during the month of Ramadan.
Explain two religious reasons why the Night of Power is important to Muslims.
Revelation of the Qur’an: The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is believed to be the night when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
• A night of prayer and forgiveness: It is a night when Muslims believe that their prayers are more likely to be accepted, and Allah forgives sins for those who seek forgiveness.
Give two religious practices that Muslims perform on Jummah (Friday).
Friday Prayer (Jummah Salah): Muslims gather for the Jummah prayer, which replaces the Dhuhr (midday prayer) on Fridays. The Jummah prayer is a congregational prayer followed by a sermon (khutbah).
• Listening to the Khutbah (sermon): The Khutbah is an important part of Jummah. It’s delivered by the imam and serves to remind the congregation of their duties to Allah, provide spiritual guidance, and reflect on key teachings of Islam.
Explain two contrasting understandings of Jihad.
Jihad as a Spiritual Struggle: One understanding of Jihad is that it represents a spiritual struggle or effort to live in accordance with Allah’s will, to avoid sin, and to do good in life. This includes striving for personal improvement, resisting temptation, and striving for justice.
• Jihad as Armed Struggle (in certain contexts): Another understanding of Jihad is the physical or military struggle to defend Islam. This includes fighting in a just war when necessary, for example, to protect the Muslim community or defend the faith from oppression. However, it is important to note that this form of Jihad is tightly regulated under Islamic law and is not seen as a justification for violence against innocents.
Explain two contrasting ways in which Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
Some Muslims begin Eid-ul-Fitr with special prayers and a sermon focused on gratitude and charity. This includes giving Zakat-ul-Fitr before the prayer to help the poor.
• Others place more emphasis on community and family celebrations, visiting relatives, sharing food, and enjoying the day socially.
Explain two contrasting ways in which Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Adha.
In the UK, Muslims often celebrate with prayer at the mosque, followed by meals with family and giving to charity.
• In Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, families may personally sacrifice an animal, following the example of Ibrahim, and share the meat.
Give two reasons why the prophet Ibrahim is important in Islam.
Faith in God: Ibrahim is important because he showed complete faith in God when he was willing to sacrifice his son to obey God’s command.
2. Father of Prophets: Ibrahim is considered the father of many important prophets, including Isma’il and Isaac, making him a key figure in Islam.
Role of the prophets in islam
To deliver Allah’s message: Prophets are sent by Allah to guide humanity, delivering divine revelations to teach people how to live in accordance with God’s will.
2. To set an example of righteous living: Prophets serve as role models for Muslims, demonstrating how to live a life of faith, obedience, and morality in their actions and behavior.
