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Flashcards in Optional : Islam Content Deck (189)
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1
Q

What are the six articles of faith?

A
  1. The unity of Allah (Tawhid)
  2. Belief in Angels
  3. Books of Allah
  4. Faith in prophets
  5. Belief in the day of Judgement and life after death
  6. Belief in Allah’s decree and predestination
2
Q

What is Tawhid?

A

There is only one God - Allah

3
Q

What do they believe about angels? (Malaikah)

A

Only angels can bring the word of Allah to man. The Angel Jibril (Gabriel) communicated the Qur’an to Muhammad.

4
Q

What do they believe about the books of Allah?

A
  • The Qur’an is the most important book in Islam
  • Qur’an as a word means recitation.
  • This is because originally it was spoken and shared orally.
  • Only later was it written down.
5
Q

What do they believe about the prophets?

A
  • Muhammad is the most important prophet. His name means Highly Praised.
  • Muslims believe that Muhammad received God’s final revelation to mankind.
6
Q

What do they believe about the Day of Judgement?

A

The good will be sent to paradise and the wicked to hell.

7
Q

What do they believe about Allah?

A

Every event is controlled by God.

8
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Tawhid?

A

God is not made up of parts. He is one.

9
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about Nubuwwah (Prophethood)?

A

They accept the truth of Muhammad’s prophecies.

10
Q

What do Shi’ah Muslims believe about ‘Adl (Divine Justice)?

A

Allah is just and can do no wrong. Humans are accountable to God.

11
Q

What similarities are there between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs?

A
  • Both believe in the absolute unity of Allah.
  • Both believe that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet.
  • Both believe that a day will come where all are judged and the righteous go to heaven and the bad to hell.
12
Q

What are the key differences between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs?

A
  • Sunni Muslims believe that Muhammad alone was given knowledge from Allah, so Muslims must emulate the life of the Prophet
  • Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah gave knowledge to the first caliph, ‘Ali, and that this knowledge has been passed down from imam to imam.
13
Q

What are Sunni Muslims?

A
  • Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam.
  • In the Sunni traditions, the Imam is the prayer leader and the Khalifah is a political head of state.
  • Sunni’s believe that the leaders following Muhammad should be elected.
  • Abu Bakr (a friend of Muhammad) was the first caliph (Khalifah).
14
Q

Who are Shi’ah Muslims?

A
  • Shi’a’s are a smaller group than Sunnis.
  • Shi’a Muslims believe that the leader should be from Muhammad’s family.
  • Ali, the fourth Sunni Caliph, is seen as the first Shi’i Imam and the only legitimate leader, appointed by Muhammad.
  • When Ali died in 661CE the imamate was passed down through succession.
15
Q

How do Muslims acknowledge that God is the greatest being?

A

Muslims acknowledge this idea in prayer and throughout the day each time they say “Allah Akbar”, which means “God is the greatest”.

16
Q

How many names do Muslims have for God?

A

There are 99 names for God.

17
Q

Why do Muslims have more than one name for God?

A
  • Each name reveals something different about Allah.
  • Muslims try and learn all these names so that they can better understand Allah.
18
Q

Name three qualities of Allah

A
  1. omnipotent (all-powerful)
  2. omniscient (all-knowing)
  3. omnipresent (everywhere at the same time)
19
Q

What do Muslims believe about Allah and justice?

A
  • Allah is just and beneficent (Adalat).
  • Allah judges all people.
  • In daily prayers, Muslims refer to God as merciful. God understands human suffering and knows how difficult it is to live according to God’s demands.
20
Q

What do Muslims believe about Allah’s presence in the world?

A
  • Allah is both immanent and transcendent
  • Although Muslims believe that God is the greatest, He is also close to his people.
  • The way to describe this is to say that God is immanent (near) and also transcendent (beyond this world).
  • Only God can be both at once.
  • God is not restricted or limited by the physical world.
21
Q

What does the word Islam mean?

A
  • The word Islam means obedience.
  • Muslims believe that they should peacefully surrender to the will of Allah in their lives and that following the will of Allah will bring peace.
22
Q

What does the word Allah mean?

A
  • God is One and only.
  • There is nothing else like God.
  • No one can picture God and there is nothing to compare Him to.
23
Q

How do Muslims express their belief that there is only one God?

A
  • The Shahadah.
  • They say “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.”
24
Q

Why are there no images of Allah?

A
  • In a Mosque, there are no images of Allah.
  • Believing in more than one God is a big sin.
  • This is the only sin that Allah will not forgive.
  • It is disrespectful
25
Q

What do Muslims say before doing something and why?

A
  • Muslims will say ‘Inshallah’, which means God willing.
  • They are hoping that what they want to do is also the will of God, which would mean that it is a good thing for them to be doing.
26
Q

What do Muslims say about Muhammad in the Shahadah?

A
  • The 2nd half of the Shahadah says that Muhammad is God’s prophet.
  • Muhammad should NOT be confused with Allah.
  • Muhammad is respected as a prophet but not worshipped.
27
Q

Why are Angels important?

A
  • They are the only beings who can receive the word of God directly.
  • Angels are one of the main six articles of faith for Sunni Muslims.
28
Q

How do angels interract with humans?

A
  • Angels are fully involved in the lives of humans.
  • They can communicate with humans.
  • They can appear like humans if they are being sent with a message from Allah.
  • This happened to Ibrahim (Abraham) and Maryam (Mary)
29
Q

Who is the angel Jibril?

A
  • Jibril, who is known to Christians and Jews as Gabriel or Gavriel.
  • He is the most trusted angel to bring God’s message to people and in particular to Muhammad.
  • Jibril communicated God’s words (the Qur’an) to Muhammad.
30
Q

Who is the angel Mik’ail?

A
  • Mik’ail, known to Christians and Jews as Michael.
  • Angel of mercy who rewards good people for their behaviour on earth.
  • He’s also tasked with sending blessings in the form of rain, lightning and thunder.
31
Q

Who is the angel Izra’il?

A
  • Izra’il is the angel who will announce the Day of Judgment by blowing his trumpet.
  • Izra’il has helpers who take people’s souls to Allah.
32
Q

Can you name any prophets which are shared across religions?

A

Many of the prophets in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles are shared by Islam too.

  • Abraham (Ibrahim)
  • Moses (Musa)
  • Jesus (Isa)
  • Adam
33
Q

Why are prophets important?

A

Because Allah is so beyond human understanding, the prophets play an important role in helping mankind to understand God.

34
Q

What do Muslims believe about prophets?

A
  • Muslims believe that there have been over 120,000 prophets.
  • Only 25 of these prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an.
  • These important prophets are called messengers.
35
Q

Who is Adam the prophet?

A
  • Muslims believe that Adam was the first prophet.
  • He was the first man, created by God in his own image.
  • He is believed by some to have first built the Ka’aba, (House of God).
36
Q

Who is Abraham the prophet?

A
  • The ancestor of Muhammad.
  • Ibrahim was tested by God and proved his faith by being prepared to sacrifice his first son, Ishmael.
  • Ibrahim rejected worshipping more than one God.
37
Q

Why is Muhammad significant as a prophet?

A
  • All previous prophets prepared the way for Muhammad.
  • Muhammad is the greatest and final prophet
  • His teachings and practices in the Hadith are the basis of Islamic law.
  • Teachings given to Muhammad were organised and have been written to form the Qur’an.
38
Q

What do Sunni Muslims believe about free will?

A
  • Some Sunni Muslims believe that as God’s will is supreme, He controls everything - including what everyone does.
  • However, free will is still possible as humans don’t know what Allah wants from them - humans find free will in working out what Allah wants.
39
Q

What do Shi’a Muslims believe about Free will?

A
  • Allah knows everything that is going to happen
  • His knowledge does not impact human choice.
  • As a result of this belief, Allah will judge all people on the Day of Judgment for the choices they have made throughout their lives.
40
Q

What is the name for life after death?

A

Akhirah

41
Q

What do Muslims believe about life after death?

A
  • Death is not the end of existence but the start of a new one.
  • After the body dies, Muslims believe that there is some form of consciousness even in the grave.
42
Q

What do Muslims believe happens once you die ‘the barrier’?

A

While a Muslim is in the grave, Allah sends two angels to question them about their beliefs. If they answer correctly they will be shown the rewards that are to come. If they deny the articles of faith, they will be shown the punishments that will come to them.

43
Q

What do Muslims believe about the Day of Judgement?

A
  • Only Allah knows when the Day of Judgement will be.
  • The angel Israfil will blow the trumpet.
  • The world as we know it will be destroyed.
  • Everyone who has ever lived will be brought back to life and judged by God.
  • People will be given new physical bodies and everyone will receive a record of their life story (written by the angels).
44
Q

What do they believe about suffering?

A
  • Suffering as temporary.
  • This is because a reward of eternity in paradise will make things right for them.
45
Q

What are the 5 pillars of Sunni Islam?

A
  1. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
  2. Salah (Prayer)
  3. Sawm (Fasting)
  4. Zakah (Charity)
  5. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
46
Q

What are the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’i Islam?

A
  1. Salah (Prayer)
  2. Zakah (Charity)
  3. Sawm (Fasting)
  4. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
  5. Tawallah (To be loving towards the friends of God)
  6. Nahi Anil Munkar (Discouraging people from doing what is wrong)
  7. Amr-bil-maruf (Encouraging others to be good)
  8. Jihad (Struggle to keep the faith and to defend Islam)
  9. Tabarra (Avoid the enemies of God)
  10. Khums (20% tax on income after all personal expenses)
47
Q

What is the shahadah?

A

The most basic belief for Muslims is about the oneness of God and that Muhammad is His prophet.

48
Q

Why might people say the shahadah?

A
  • If a person wishes to become a Muslim they must recite this phrase three times in front of witnesses.
  • Daily prayers.
  • Before a person dies they will try and say the Shahadah one final time.
49
Q

Is Islam monotheistic?

A
  • Yes
  • ‘There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise’
50
Q

What is Salah?

A
  • Salah means daily prayers.
  • Prayer is important for Muslims as it strengthens their relationship with Allah.
51
Q

Why is prayer important for community?

A
  • Prayer brings the Muslim community together in unified worship.
  • Wherever a Muslim goes he/she will recognise the prayers and will feel part of the community.
52
Q

When do Muslims pray?

A
  • Sunni Muslims pray 5 times a day
  • Shia Muslims pray three times a day.
  • The times for prayer are based on the hours of sunrise and sunset.
53
Q

How do Muslims pray?

A
  • Muslims always wash themselves before they pray
  • They pray in the direction of Mecca.
  • In Mosques, men and women pray separately
  • This prayer is led by the Imam.
54
Q

What are are the 5 Daily Prayers?

A
  1. Fajr - just before sunrise
  2. Zuhr - just after midday
  3. Asr - afternoon
  4. Maghrib - just after sunset
  5. Isha - night
55
Q

Muslims are careful to prepare themselves before praying by washing. What is this washing called?

A

Wudu

56
Q

What is Rak’ah?

A
  • The daily prayers are composed of set recitations and action sequences.
  • The first chapter of the Qur’an is recited standing tall.
  • Three times “glory be to me Lord who is the greatest” is said in a bowing position.
  • Bowing shows humility and respect to God’s greatness.
  • Standing tall once again, a praise for God is said.
57
Q

What do Muslims do once they have said Rak’ah?

A
  • Whilst kneeling, Muslims turn their faces so they are kneeling on the ground with face, hands and toes touching the floor.
  • This shows that a person has complete obedience to God.
  • In a sitting position, all say “God is the greatest”.
  • Muslims then turn their faces right and left saying “peace be upon you” as well as the mercy and blessings of God.
58
Q

What is the Jummah prayer?

A
  • Friday midday is a special time for Jummah prayer.
  • All male Muslims are expected to attend the Mosque.
  • The Imam will give a sermon.
  • This will include quotes from the Qur’an reminding Muslims of their duties to Allah and the community.
  • Schools and places of work will shut for the time of prayer and will reopen after prayers have concluded.
59
Q

What is Sawm?

A
  • Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan.
  • The focus in Ramadan is on fasting, charity and being subservient to the will of Allah.
60
Q

What is Ramadan?

A
  • Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar.
  • Tradition teaches that it was during this month that the angel Jibril began to reveal the Qur’an to Muhammad.
  • This is a very important month for spiritual growth.
  • The Koran will often be divided into daily readings and completed during the 30 days.
61
Q

When do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

A
  • Fasting takes place during daylight hours.
  • Muslims will get up very early to eat before sunrise.
  • In the UK this can be before 4 am in the summer. They will eat and drink enough to keep them going till sunset.
  • In the UK this can be around 9:30 pm in the summer.
  • The fast is broken often with a glass of water and a date.
  • After that, a meal is eaten with family and friends.
62
Q

Who does not need to fast?

A
  • Children will practice fasting but are not obligated until they have reached
  • Muslims who are not physically able to fast are not required to do so.
  • If they can make up the fasting at a later time they should.
  • Old people
  • Pregnant ladies
63
Q

What is the Night of Power?

A
  • The Night of Power is a festival with no fixed date during the month of Ramadan.
  • Tradition says it’s the night when Muhammad received his revelation.
  • Muslims will try to spend the entire night praying and studying the Qur’an.
64
Q

What is Zakah?

A
  • The Arabic word Zakah means to purify or cleanse.
  • The Qur’an is clear about who should receive Zakah: the poor and needy, and those in debt.
  • Charity
65
Q

Why do Muslims do Zakah?

A
  • If a Muslim can afford to, he/she must give 2.5% of their income to charity.
  • This amount is not written in the Qur’an, but Muslim scholars have taught that 2.5% is the right amount to give.
  • Because Ramadan is an important month for spiritual growth, many Muslims will save their money and give it during this month.
66
Q

Why do Muslims give to Charity?

A
  • Some of our possessions must be given to those who don’t have anything.
  • It teaches a person not to be selfish.
  • Using wealth in the way the Allah wants fulfils a religious duty and helps a Muslim remember Allah throughout the day.
67
Q

When does Hajj happen?

A
  • Hajj should be made at least once in life.
  • Some wealthy members in a community might sponsor the less wealthy members.
  • It occurs during the final month of the Islamic calendar Dhul-Hijjah.
  • Between the 8th-12th, around 3 million people take this journey.
68
Q

What is the history of Hajj?

A
  • Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to take his son Ishmael and his wife Hajira to Arabia, and leave them there with bread and water.
  • Hajira prayed to Allah for help.
  • Ishmael kicked the ground and water spurted out of the ground - Mecca developed around this water source.
69
Q

What happened at the first Hajj?

A
  • Allah commanded him to build a monument to him.
  • Ibrahim built the Ka’aba which became a place of worship and the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • When Muhammad came back from Medina to Mecca he destroyed the idols that he been placed at the Kaba.
  • That journey back to Mecca is viewed as the first Hajj.
70
Q

How do men prepare for Hajj?

A
  • Muslims must purify themselves through ritual washing, prayer, and wearing special Ihram clothing.
  • Men wear two sheets of white clothing (as a sign of purity).
  • Women have strict modesty laws, so they wear clothes that cover their bodies.
71
Q

What is the purpose of Hajj?

A
  • It is transformative.
  • Time to build a stronger relationship with Allah.
  • They become more humble and less obsessed with material comforts.
  • They develop self-discipline
72
Q

How is the Ka’aba used during Hajj?

A
  • The Ka’aba is circled anti-clockwise seven times.
  • Muslims try and touch the black stone as they walk around.
  • As they go around they say a short prayer: “here I am, oh lord, at your service. Praise and blessings to you”.
73
Q

What is the final part of Hajj?

A
  • Pilgrims return to Mecca and walk around the Ka-aba seven more times.
  • They return to Mina for two nights reflecting on the experience and thinking about Allah.
74
Q

What is Eid-al-Ghadir?

A

Shi’as believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib was appointed by Allah to be the religious authority after the Prophet

75
Q

What is greater jihad ?

A
  • The struggle of every Muslim to obey Allah.
  • Individual, inner struggle.
76
Q

What is the lesser jihad?

A
  • Concerned with fighting injustices (e.g poverty and illness)
  • The struggle to defend Islam against outside threats.
  • This may be peaceful, e.g. evangelising
  • Non-peaceful jihad warfare can only be used as self-defence.
  • Jihad against civilians (non-soldiers; i.e. children, the sick or the elderly) is unlawful.
77
Q

What are the two main Festivals for Sunnis and Shi’as?

A
  • Eid al-Adha
  • Eid al-Fitr
78
Q

What is Eid al-Adha?

A
  • Commemorates complete obedience to Allah
  • Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son to Allah when God intervened.
  • It lasts 4 days
79
Q

What happens during Eid al-adha

A
  • 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.
80
Q

What is Eid al-Fitr?

A
  • Marks the end of Ramadan.
  • Celebrates the completion of the fourth pillar by fasting.
81
Q

What happens during Eid al-Fitr?

A
  • 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.
82
Q

What is Ashura?

A
  • This festival is mostly important for Shi’a Muslims
  • Sunnis think of it as a day of atonement.
83
Q

How is the Qur’an set out?

A
  • The Qur’an is divided into surahs (chapters)
  • The chapters are made up of verses known as ayat (signs).
84
Q

What is the Qur’an?

A

The Qur’an is the revealed word of God.

85
Q

What is the Hadith?

A

The hadith is the record of the way that the Prophet Muhammad lived his life.

86
Q

How do Muslims read the Qur’an?

A
  • The Qur’an is used for public and private worship and is seen as a handbook for life.
  • In Arabic it is read from right to left.
87
Q

How must the Qur’an be treated?

A
  • The Qur’an must be kept on the highest shelf in a house.
  • The Qur’an must be wrapped in silk cloth to keep it clean
  • It must never be placed on the floor.
  • Muslims must not talk, eat or drink when reading the Qur’an.
88
Q

What happened during Muhammad’s call?

A
  • During the month of Ramadan in 611CE, Muhammad was meditating in a cave.
  • The angel Jibril order him to read, but Muhammad could not. He asked him three times and as Jibril continued to speak Muhammad repeated the words.
89
Q

What is Shari’ah law?

A
  • The religious law of Islam, derived from the religious principles of the religion.
  • Based on the teaching of the Qur’an and Hadith
90
Q

Who is the Imam?

A
  • The imam in the Shi’a tradition is a man of God.
  • Imams have been chosen because they are perfect examples and role models for humanity who are free from committing sin.
91
Q

What is the role of the imam?

A
  • Leads all formal prayers in a mosque
  • An imam is usually attached to a mosque and they are the ones who give the sermon and lead the Friday prayers.
  • The name ‘imam’ is also used to mean a religious scholar or authority.
92
Q

How does a Mosque get used?

A
  • The mosque has a function for the community
  • A place of prayer.
  • A school where children learn Arabic and how to recite the Qur’an is attach to the mosque.
  • Prayer halls are used for also teaching and funerals but not weddings.
  • The mosque may also have a mortuary for laying and preparing the dead.
  • It may also have community rooms, kitchens and is sometimes used as a law court.
93
Q

What do Muslims think about idolatry and use of images in worship?

A
  • Islam is against idolatry.
  • There are no pictures, statues or images in a mosque.
  • Shirk is the terrible sin of regarding something as equal to Allah.
  • To make an image of Allah would be shirk and to make an image of anything living would be an insult to Allah.
94
Q

What does Islam teach about divorce?

A
  • Divorce is allowed as a last resort
  • A period of 3 months of trying to be reconciled must be tried first
  • Remarriage is allowed
  • It is not wrong to separate if both agree
95
Q

What does Islam teach about sex and contraception?

A
  • Sex should only take place within marriage
  • Sex is an act of worship
  • Using contraception is fine if both partners agree
  • Contraceptives that harm the body or are more permanent are not acceptable
96
Q

What is the Islamic attitude to same-sex relationships?

A
  • Sex should be between a husband and a wife
  • Same-sex marriages are not allowed
97
Q

What do Muslims think about the roles of women in worship and authority?

A
  • A true believer can be male or female
  • Men should have authority over women in some situations - divorce
  • Only men can be an imam and lead prayer
  • Men and women sit separately for worship
  • Men and women are equally important but their roles are different
98
Q

What do Muslims believe about creation?

A
  • Allah made the world and everything in it
  • Allah created the heavens and earth over 6 long periods
  • Adam was made out of clay
  • Humans were given the role of Khalifas to be responsible for the world
99
Q

What do Muslims believe about Stewardship?

A
  • They should be Khalifs (Guardians) of the world
  • They should preserve the balance of the world
  • We should care for the world because we will all be judged on Judgement day
100
Q

What is the Muslim view on the Sancity of life?

A
  • Allah created human and animal life
  • All life is special and should be protected
  • Each life is unique and valuable beyond measure
  • No one has the right to take their own or someone else’s life - it is forbidden in the Qur’an
101
Q

What do Muslims believe about Abortion?

A
  • Abortion is considered Haram (forbidden)
  • Only Allah can take away life
  • Some Muslims may accept it up to 16 weeks
  • They believe ensoulment happens at 120 days, until then the mother’s rights are more important
  • Abortion to save the mother’s life could be acceptable
102
Q

What do Muslims believe about Euthanasia?

A
  • It is Haram (forbidden)
  • Allah chooses how long people will live
  • Only God can take life
103
Q

What do Muslims believe about death and the afterlife?

A
  • There is an afterlife which is determined by one’s deeds on earth
  • There is a soul which is released after death
  • Entry to heaven is determined by people’s good deeds
  • Hell is where people go when their bad deeds outweigh their good
  • Only Allah knows when the day of judgement is
104
Q

What happens at a Muslim funeral?

A
  • When close to death the shahadah is whispered in the ears just like at birth
  • A simple white shroud is wrapped around the body
  • The body is buried
  • The grave often has no gravestone
105
Q

How do Muslim funeral rites reflect their belief about the afterlife?

A
  • The shahadah is said - The belief that when you die you return to your creator
  • White shroud is wrapped round the body - We are all equal before God
  • The body is buried - The body should remain whole for judgement day
  • The grave often has no gravestone - Everyone is equal in death
106
Q

What do Muslims believe about the aims of punishment?

A
  • Believers should make the choice between good and evil deeds
  • Punishment is an important aspect of justice but forgiveness is also important
  • Allah will be the final judge on judgement day
  • God sets the rules and shows the way
107
Q

What arguments do Muslims have FOR Capital Punishment?

A
  • Criminals should be punished on earth
  • The Qur’an says ‘never take a life except for a just cause’ it is thought that murder is such a cause
  • In some countries Shari’ah law sets out rules and punishments including execution
108
Q

What arguments do Muslims have AGAINST Capital Punishment?

A
  • In the Qur’an it says ‘never take a life, which God has made sacred’
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation are very important
  • There are more beneficial ways to punish an offender and keep law and order in society
109
Q

What do Muslims believe about forgiveness?

A
  • There are two types of forgiveness; Human and God’s
  • There is no limit to God’s forgiveness, especially towards those who apologise
  • The Qur’an says that God is forgiving and merciful
110
Q

Can you give an example of Muslim forgiveness in action?

A
  • Khaled Hosseini - His family in Afghanistan went missing or were imprisoned
  • He set up an organisation to provide shelter, education, healthcare and economic opportunities to refugee families in Afghanistan
111
Q

What do Muslims believe is the origin of evil?

A
  • All that happens is part of Gods plan
  • Humans are given free will and their actions will be answered to on judgement day
  • Shaytan tempts humans into evil ways - this can be resisted
112
Q

What do Muslims believe about suffering?

A
  • Suffering can be a test to demonstrate faith
  • It is important to help others who are suffering
113
Q

What do Muslims believe about free will?

A
  • Many Muslims believe in predestination but they also believe they have free will
  • Allah knows the final outcome
  • The Qur’an and Hadith are used to make important decisions
  • Every person has the ability to choose to obey Allah
  • On the Day of Judgement the impact of free will is determined
114
Q

What do Muslims believe about human dignity?

A
  • The Qur’an refers to the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of helping even just one individual
  • Allah created all life and so it should be respected
  • The worldwide community of Muslims (Ummah) is important and all are equal
115
Q

How do Muslims promote human rights?

A
  • Ummah (worldwide community)
  • Promote the welfare of the worldwide community
  • Help the poor
  • Volunteer for charities such as Islamic Relief
116
Q

What do Muslims believe about prejudice and discrimination?

A
  • All people are equal, but not the same
  • All are important in their own right
  • The Qur’an teaches that men and women have equal religious and ethical rights
  • Women are allowed particular rights and protections
117
Q

What do Muslims believe about racial discrimination and who helped campaign against it?

A
  • People should not be racially discriminated against
  • All are equal in the eyes of Allah
  • The Christian Muslim Forum is a London group that brings together Christians and Muslims so to build good relationships
  • It created safe places for discussion between the two faiths
118
Q

What do Muslims think about the making and use of wealth?

A
  • All wealth is a gift from Allah
  • It is not wrong to be wealthy, but the wealthier you are the more generous you should be
  • You should give 2.5% of your wealth every year to the poor and needy
119
Q

Why is justice important for Muslims?

A
  1. The Qur’an teaches that God is a just God who will reward the good and punish the bad on the LAST DAY.
  2. Islamic teaching on the last day is concerned with the need for the good to be rewarded and evil punished which is the basis of justice.
  3. Islam teaches that Muslims have to behave justly to other people and to ensure that the world is governed in a fair way.
  4. Islam teaches that all people should have equal rights before the law and that Muslims should work for a fairer sharing of the Earth’s resources.
120
Q

Why do Muslims agree with capital punishment?

A
  • It is a punishment set down by God in the Qur’an and Muslims believe the Qur’an is the word of God.
  • Muhammad made several statements agreeing with capital punishment for murder, adultery and apostasy.
  • Muhammad sentenced people to death for murder when he was ruler of Madinah.
  • The Shari’ah says that capital punishment is the punishment for murder, adultery and apostasy.
121
Q

Why do Muslims not agree with capital punishment?

A
  1. They feel that capital punishment is recommended by the Qur’an but not necessary.
  2. The Shari’ah says that the family of a murder victim can accept blood money from the murderer rather than requiring a death sentence.
  3. They agree with the non-religious arguments against capital punishment.
122
Q

Why do Muslims believe justice is important for the victim?

A
  • Islam teaches that justice should always be given
  • The victim is totally innocent
  • Justice can only be given when the victim receives justice from the perpetrator
123
Q

What is justice?

A

It means rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

124
Q

What is the nature of crime?

A
  • A crime is an act against the law
  • There are two types of crimes in the UK:
    1. Violent crime - Crime ranging from minor assaults to murder
    2. Cybercrime - Crime using the internet
125
Q

What are the main causes of crime?

A
  1. Poverty
  2. Upbringing
  3. Drugs
  4. Low Self-Esteem
126
Q

What is the Muslim attitude to crime?

A
  • They are against crime because misdeeds are breaking the laws of God
  • Islam tries to deal with the issue of poverty which can lead to crime - They share their wealth, support charities such as Muslim Aid and encourage people to think about how they vote
  • Islam tries to deal with problems of upbringing by helping people to fulfil their duties as Muslim parents
  • Alcohol and drugs are prohibited for Muslims
  • Islam’s teachings should mean nobody has a problem with self-esteem. They are all khalifahs of God
127
Q

What is halal?

A
  • That which is permitted
  • Good actions are halal
128
Q

What is Fard?

A

Actions which must be performed for a person to be thought of as good

129
Q

What is Mandub?

A
  • Actions which a Muslims will be rewarded for doing
  • They will not be punished if they do not do them
130
Q

What is Mubah?

A

Actions which are permitted because nothing is said about them in the Qur’an or Hadith

131
Q

What does Islam teach about good actions and Judgement Day?

A
  • Those who perform good actions will be rewarded on Judgement Day
  • God will send them to paradise for eternity
132
Q

What is haram?

A
  • That which is forbidden
  • Evil actions are haram
  • Any action that is forbidden in the Qur’an or the hadith or by Shari’ah law is haram
133
Q

What does Islam teach about evil actions and judgement day?

A

Those who do evil actions will be punished by God on Judgement Day

134
Q

What are the two types of evil?

A
  1. Moral evil
  2. Natural evil
135
Q

What is moral evil?

A

Actions done by humans which cause suffering

136
Q

What is natural evil?

A

Things which cause suffering but have nothing to do with human actions

137
Q

Why do Muslims think people suffer?

A
  • God allows evil and suffering to test people’s faith
  • Those who keep the faith and help people who suffer will be rewarded
138
Q

What do non-religious people think about evil and suffering?

A
  • A good, all-powerful God shouldn’t allow evil and suffering
  • If God were all-powerful or good he would be able to, and want to, do something about evil.
  • Evil still exists
  • Does this mean God doesn’t?
139
Q

What is punishment?

A
  • A penalty inflicted on those who break the law
  • Types of punishment can range from fines to the death penalty
  • Punishment is a type of justice as it rewards the good and punishes the bad
  • Punishment is needed for society to work properly
140
Q

What does Islam teach about punishment?

A
  • People who commit crimes should be punished
  • In the Qur’an the punishments given are called hadd punishments
  • Hadd punishments include things like cutting off a the hand of a thief.
  • Most Muslims no longer support hadd punishments
141
Q

What are the aims of punishment?

A
  • To protect the public
  • To deter people from committing crimes
  • To reform and rehabilitate criminals so they don’t break the law again
  • To make criminals pay for their actions
142
Q

What is retribution?

A

The theory that criminals should pay for their crimes

143
Q

What are the benefits of retribution?

A
  • It makes criminals pay for their crimes
  • It is in proportion to the severity of their crime
  • It makes criminals suffer for what they have done
  • It actually punishes the criminal
144
Q

What is deterrance?

A

The theory that punishment should put people off committing a crime

145
Q

What are the benefits of deterrance?

A
  • If someone knows they will be punished for their crime, they will not commit it
  • For example, if someone knows they will be put to death if they murder somebody, they will not murder
146
Q

What is reformation?

A

The theory that criminals should be taught not to commit crime again

147
Q

What are the benefits of reformation?

A
  • It encourages criminals to become law-abiding citizens
  • It gives criminals a second chance
  • It often includes giving criminals education so that they can get jobs and no longer have to be a criminal
  • If they have had a bad upbringing it teaches them how to live without committing crimes
148
Q

What is protection?

A

The theory that punishment should protect society from criminals

149
Q

What are the benefits of protection?

A
  • Capital punishment is a good punishment for murderers as if they are dead they can no longer threaten people
  • Long prison sentences keep criminals out of society
  • Community service keeps vandals off the streets
150
Q

What do Muslims believe about punishment?

A
  • Muslims agree with retribution, deterrence and reform
  • The Qur’an states that people should be amputated or whipped for certain crimes
  • The Qur’an is the word of God which must be followed
  • The strict punishments are only given as a last resort.
  • Islamic courts investigate the background of a case
151
Q

What do Muslims believe about forgiveness?

A
  • They should try and forgive those who wrong them
  • They should try and resolve conflicts because it says so in the Qur’an
  • They should forgive as God will forgive them
  • If Muslims do not forgive, God may not forgive them
152
Q

What is restorative justice?

A
  • It gives victims of a crime the chance to explain to the criminal how they have been affected
  • It gives the victim a chance to ask questions they have about the crime
153
Q

Why is restorative justice important for criminals?

A
  • It helps them realise the effects of their crime
  • It makes them face their victims
  • It makes them realise what consequences their actions have
  • It helps them to realise they want to turn their back on a life of crime
154
Q

What do Muslims think about restorative justice?

A
  • They agree with it
  • It brings peace and reconciliation between the criminal and the victim
155
Q

What do Human Rights say about the treatment of criminals?

A
  • There should be no torture
  • Everyone accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial
  • People in prison should be treated fairly
156
Q

What do Muslims believe about the treatment of criminals?

A
  • They agree with that criminals have human rights and are entitled to a fair trial, to not be tortured and to be treated fairly
  • Muslim Aid and Muslim prison chaplains help prisoners to become reformed individuals
  • Some Muslims agree with Hadd punishments (which are against human rights) and would approve of the use of torture in some cases
157
Q

What do non-religious people think about the treatment of criminals?

A
  • They support human rights
  • All prisoners should be treated fairly
  • They should be allowed legal help to defend themselves
  • Criminals should never be tortured
  • Young offenders should not be treated as they are adults
158
Q

What is Capital Punishment?

A
  • The death penalty
  • A punishment which takes the life of a criminal
  • It is legal in some states in America and other places in the world
  • It is against the law in the UK
159
Q

What do non-religious people think about capital punishment?

A
  • Some agree because it is a life for a life
  • Some agree because it deters people from murdering others
  • Some disagree because there is evidence it does not deter people from committing crimes (The USA has a higher murder rate than the UK)
  • Some disagree because mistakes during trials can lead to innocent people being killed. You cannot bring back a dead person
160
Q

What do Muslims think about Capital Punishment?

A
  • Some agree with it because it is the punishment laid out in the Qur’an for certain crimes
  • Some agree because Muhammad made statements saying he agreed with it and he sentenced people to death
  • Some agree because Shari’ah law states that it is the punishment for some crimes
  • Some disagree because it is recommended by the Qur’an - but not compulsory
  • Some disagree because it does not reduce the amount of crimes and an innocent person could be killed
161
Q

What do Muslims believe about peace?

A
  • Islam can mean peace
  • The Qur’an says Islam is a religion of peace
  • Muslim countries are known as ‘the abode of peace’
  • The Qur’an calls Islam the House of Peace
  • The Qur’an claims true peace comes when people accept Islam and live in its ways
162
Q

How do Muslims promote peace today?

A
  • The Qur’an teaches that Muslims should be peacemakers
  • They try to remove injustice and forgive other peoples sins, just as they hope God will forgive them
  • The Muslim Peace Fellowship and Ahmadiyya try to bring about peace in the world
163
Q

How do the Ahmadiyya and Muslims Peace Fellowship try to work for peace?

A
  • Hold an annual peace forum where political leaders talk about how Islam could work with other religions to stop war
  • Campaign for human rights
  • Speaks out against any terrorist activities done in the name of Islam
164
Q

What are the main causes of conflict?

A
  1. Religion
  2. Economics
  3. Nationalism
  4. Politics
165
Q

Why does religion cause war?

A
  • One country might feel that another country is treating the followers of their religion badly.
  • A large part of a country might be one religion, but the country as a whole is another religion.
  • There are differences inside a religion and one religious group attacks the other for having a different belief e.g. in Afghanistan
166
Q

Why does economics start war?

A
  • Wars can occur if a country has resources another country wants
  • Some people think that the two Gulf Wars occurred because the West wanted to make sure it had access to the oil reserves of the Middle East
167
Q

Why does nationalism start war?

A
  • They believe that every ethnic group should have its own country as they all have different cultures.
  • Another way wars can happen is if people insist that any small ethnic/religious group leave a country. Such as the genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994.
168
Q

Why does politics cause war?

A
  • Two different groups are fighting for power because they have different ideas about how the country should be run.
  • The Korean War began in 1949 when communist North Korea invaded South Korea with the aim of uniting the country under communism.
169
Q

What problems do conflicts cause?

A
  1. Casualties
  2. Displacement (refugees)
  3. Economic problems
170
Q

What are the two types of Jihad?

A
  • Jihad = ‘struggle’ or Holy War.
  • The greater jihad is the struggle to make yourself and your society perfectly Muslim. This involves struggling with yourself and your desire, and not fighting.
  • Lesser jihad is the struggle with forces outside of yourself by means of war.
171
Q

Why do Muslims believe they must fight in a just war?

A
  • The Qur’an says that Muslims must fight if they are attacked.
  • Muhammad (peace be upon him) fought in just wars therefore so must Muslims.
  • Muhammad made many statements about war which say that Muslims must fight in just wars.
  • The Qur’an says that anyone who dies fighting in a just war will go straight to heaven.
172
Q

What do non-religious people think about the causes of war?

A
  • A good way to end wars is to get rid of religion
  • Religion is false as it is not based on reason
  • A way of peacemaking is to challenge religious leaders and to show believers that their religion is wrong
  • They should make the United Nations stronger so they can end wars with a peacekeeping force
173
Q

How might Muslims apply Situation Ethics to war?

A
  • They will look at the causes and effects of a war and decide what will produce the most loving outcome
  • If a war is over a country trying to ethnically cleanse a country - Muslims might get involved to try and stop this as it would be the most loving thing to do
174
Q

What is the just war theory?

A
  1. The war must be for a just cause.
  2. The point of going to war is to make peace.
  3. All other non-violent ways of solving the problem should have been tried first and failed; war is the last resort.
  4. There must be a reasonable chance of success.
  5. It is being fought by the authority of the United Nations.
  6. The methods used should avoid killing civilians or innocent people.
  7. The methods used are in proportion to the cause.
175
Q

What is Pacifism?

A
  • An opposition to war
  • It is thought to have originated with the Early Christians who refused to fight in wars
  • There has been a growth in Pacifism in modern times
176
Q

What do Muslims believe about pacifism?

A
  • Most Muslims disagree with it
  • The Qur’an encourages all Muslims to ‘struggle in the way of Islam’
  • There are some Muslim pacifists
177
Q

What do Humanists think about pacifism?

A
  • Humanists are opposed to war
  • They helped to set up the United Nations
  • Some Humanists are pacifists because human life is valuable
  • Humanists who are not pacifists would think very carefully before getting involved in a war
178
Q

What do Muslims believe about Just War?

A
  • It must be fought for a just cause
  • It must be a last resort
  • It must be authorised by a Muslim led authority
  • It must be fought in such a way that it causes a minimum amount of suffering
  • Innocent civilians must not be attacked
  • It must end as soon as the enemy lays down their arms

Muslims would believe if a war fulfils these conditions then a Muslim must fight in it

179
Q

What is a holy war?

A
  • A war fought for a religious goal
  • It is called by a religious leader
  • Those who fight in it gain a spiritual reward
  • There have been many holy wars with lots of casualties E.G The Crusades
180
Q

What do Muslims believe about holy wars?

A
  • They should fight in them if they are called to defend Islam
  • This is taught in the Shari’ah
  • It is part of the lesser jihad
  • They must not harm children, women or the elderly
181
Q

What do non-religious people think about holy wars?

A
  • They are wrong
  • Religion is misguided
  • To fight a war based on religious ideas and in response to a religious leader would seem ridiculous to them
  • They would accept the Just War theory as it is based on reason and values
182
Q

What is a weapon of mass destruction? (WMD)

A
  • A weapon which can destroy large areas and large numbers of people
  • There are three types of WMD:
    1. Nuclear
    2. Chemical
    3. Biological
183
Q

What is a Nuclear Weapon and why do countries have them?

A
  • They are a type of weapon of mass destruction
  • They are the most deadly WMD
  • They can be sent thousands of miles away by missiles
  • Countries that have them believe that nobody will attack them because it would result in the attacker’s country being destroyed
184
Q

What do Muslims believe about weapons of mass destruction?

A
  • Some oppose the use of them due to their belief in the idea that wars should be just
  • Some Muslims would accept them as they help to keep peace
185
Q

What do non-religious people believe about weapons of mass destruction?

A
  • Some are against them as they do not think it is right to use weapons which could destroy the planet and life on it
  • Others would agree as they are a way of self-defense
186
Q

What is violence outside of war?

A

The main type of violence outside of war is domestic violence where women are the main victims

187
Q

What is terrorism?

A
  • Frightening the population for political or religious reasons
  • The most notorious recent terror attacks were:
    1. The 9/11 terror attack in New York
    2. The 7/7 attack in London
    3. The Paris bombings in 2015
188
Q

What do Muslims think about violence and terrorism?

A
  • They are against it because their religions teach the rule of law
  • It is the duty of Muslims to protect the weak and innocent - not attack them
  • Muslim leaders are working together to prevent terrorism
189
Q

What do non-religious people think about violence and terrorism?

A
  • It can never be justified
  • It is wrong for civilians to be targeted by violence to achieve political, social, economic or religious ends