muslim beliefs t section 1 paper 2. lesson 1 the six beliefs · 1 muslim beliefs t section 1 paper...

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Muslim Beliefs – section 1 paper 2.

Lesson 1 – The Six Beliefs

Essential information

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims are the two main groups in Islam. Sunni and Shi’a Muslims share many beliefs but express

some of them in different ways. Sunni tradition has formed the Six Beliefs, and Shi’a the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din.

The Six Beliefs come from the Qur’an and the Hadith.

“[Faith is that you believe in Allah, and His angels, and His books, and His messengers, and in the Last Day, and in the

decree of Allah.” [Hadith]

What are the

Six Beliefs

What do they mean? How are they expressed in Sunni and Shi’a

communities today?

Belief in Allah Allah is the Supreme Being, creator of the

universe. Without him, nothing would

exist.

Recognising Allah as the creator encourages

Muslims to be thankful for the life they have been

given, and to express gratitude through prayers.

Belief in the

angels of Allah

Angels are heavenly beings created by

Allah to perform various tasks.

When Muslims end their prayers, they turn their

heads to the right and the left and say, ‘peace be

upon you,’ to the angels and to anyone else they

are praying next to.

Belief in the

books of Allah

The books of Allah contain teachings

Allah has given to humans

Muslims study the books of Allah to improve their

knowledge of religious teachings.

Belief in the

messengers of

Allah

A messenger [also known as a prophet] is

a person chosen by Allah to guide people

to the right path.

Many Muslims are named after different prophets

so that they can learn from their example.

Belief in the

Day of

Judgements

The Day of Judgement refers to a time

when the dead will be resurrected, and

Allah will judge whether they go to

Jannah [paradise] or Jahannam [hell]

Muslims are reminded of their limited time on

earth and the inevitable meeting with Allah,

especially when they attend funerals.

Belief in the

decree of Allah

Allah has supreme power over the

universe. He has given humans free will

but will not interfere unless he wishes to.

Muslims are reminded about the need to accept

God’s will and seek blessings on a special night

called Laylat al-Qadr [Night of Power]

The importance of these principles for Sunni Muslims today

It is compulsory for Sunni Muslims to believe in the Six Beliefs

Believing in the Six Beliefs will ensure Sunni Muslims are on the right path and will earn the pleasure of Allah

Complete the tasks/questions

b) Explain two ways that the Six Beliefs are expressed in Muslim communities. [4]

One way that the Six Beliefs are expressed in Muslim communities is through prayer ___________________________

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d) ‘The Six Beliefs are all equally important.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your

response you should:

Refer to Muslim teaching

Reach a justified conclusion [15]

Arguments for Arguments against

Source of wisdom

Justified conclusion

Lesson 2 – The five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din


The ‘Usul ad-Din are the five main principles of faith for Shi’a Muslims. The five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din come from the

Qur’an and the Hadith. They lead Shi’a Muslims on the right path and help them to earn the pleasure of Allah.

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What are the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din?

Tawhid

[oneness of

Allah]

Belief in the oneness of Allah

Allah is unique and without equals

‘Say, He is God the One, God the eternal.’ [Surah 112]

Nubuwwah

[prophets]

Belief in prophethood

A chain of messengers, for Adam to the Prophet Muhammad, have been sent to preach Tawhid

Adl [Adalat]

Allah is Just

Belief that Allah is just.

Allah will bring about divine justice

Muslims should demonstrate fairness in everything they do

Imamah Means God-given leadership

Shi’a Muslims believe the successors to Muhammad are the Imams from the Prophet

Muhammad’s family

The majority of Shi’a Muslims [called Twelvers] believe there have been 12 Imams, while

others [such as Seveners] believe there have been fewer

Mi’ad Belief in the Day of Judgement and Resurrection

After death, each individual will be judged by Allah and rewarded or punished for their actions

The importance of these principles for Shi’a Muslims today

It is compulsory for Shi’a Muslims to believe in the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din

Believing in the five roots will ensure Shi’a Muslims focus on the most important aspects of their faith, and

guide their actions in daily life


a) Outline three of the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din [3]

One of the five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din is__________________________________________

Another of the five roots is ___________________________________________________

Finally, another of the five root is ______________________________________________

d) ‘Tawhid is the most important of the five roots of ‘Usul as-Din.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments

for and against. In your response you should:

Refer to Muslim teachings

Refer to different Muslim points of view



Sources of wisdom

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Lesson 3 – The nature of Allah


More than 100 characteristics of Allah are mentioned in the Qur’an and the Hadith. Each characteristic gives

Muslims an understanding of what Allah is like. Having an understanding of Allah helps Muslims establish a close

relationship with him.

The characteristics of Allah

The importance of these characteristics for Muslims

Muslims believe it is impossible to visualise Allah because he is not a physical being. This is why any attempt

to draw Allah is forbidden

Muslims believe that although it is impossible to fully understand Allah, knowing some of his characteristic

can help them to understand something of his nature so that they can establish a close relationship with him

Muslims believe knowing about the characteristics of Allah helps them reflects such qualities in their own

lives. For example, Allah is beneficent and so Muslims should also be loving

Complete tasks/questions

c) Explain two Muslim beliefs about Allah. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. [5]

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Tawhid – Tawhid means ‘oneness’ and is the

belief that Allah is unique and without any

partner, including parents, siblings, or

children. To associate partners with Allah,

including false gods, is shirk [sinful] “Worship God and shun false gods.” [Surah 16]

Mercy – Everything Allah does is an act of

kindness, including punishment as one of the

aims of punishment is to make a person and

society better.

Immanence and transcendence – Allah is the creator. He both

acts in the world [he is immanent] and is above and beyond his

creation [he is transcendent]

Omnipotent – Allah is all-powerful. He has the

power to create everything from nothing and is

able to do whatever he wills.

Beneficence – Allah loves, and acts for the

benefit of his creation.

Fairness and justice – Allah treats people fairly according to

how they have lived their lives. Adalat [divine justice] is one of

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

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Write down at least two developed points for and two points against the following statement.

‘It is not possible to know what Allah is like.’ Argument for Argument against

Lesson 4 – Risalah


Risalah is the channel of communication between Allah and people. This communication happens through prophets

[also known as messengers] who are chosen by Allah to deliver his messages to humanity. Important prophets

include Adam, Ibrahim, Isma’il, Musa, Dawud, Isa and Muhammad.

The nature and importance of prophethood

Muslims believe prophets are human beings appointed by Allah to communicate with people and guide

them to the truth

Twenty-five prophets are named in the Qur’an, but Muslim tradition says there have been approximately

124,000 prophets sent by Allah

Muslims are required to believe in all the prophets: “We believe in God and in what was sent down to us

[…] and all the prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them.” [Surah 2]

All the prophets demonstrated great qualities and Muslims strive to follow their example

Important prophets

Prophet Information

Adam [first man] First prophet to receive a message from Allah. He was expelled from a beautiful garden

after making a mistake, but Allah showed him mercy.

Ibrahim [Abraham]

1800-1700 BCE

Was obedient to Allah and upheld high moral standards that were an example to others.

He helped rebuild the Ka’ba in Makkah.

Isma’il [Ishmael]

1800-1700 BCE

Son of Ibrahim willing to give his life to God when Ibrahim had a dream in which Isma’il was being sacrificed. Model of obedience for Muslims. Helped his father rebuild the Ka’ba.

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Musa [Moses]

1250 BCE

Main founder of Judaism who led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land.

The teachings given to him are in the Tawrat [Torah]. He is an example of how Allah

rewards perseverance in the face of suffering.

Dawud [David]

1000 BCE

Became king of the Banu Isra’il after defeating Goliath. He is an example of how Allah

gives honour to his chosen ones.

Isa [Jesus]

0 CE

Born to Mary, without a biological father. He was given the Injil, one of the most

important revelations before the Qur’an. Muslims do not believe he was divine and killed

on a cross.

Muhammad

570 CE

The principle prophet and last to be given a revealed Scripture: the Qur’an. He is described

as the ‘Seal of the prophets’ and was the only prophet to be given a message for the

whole world. Muslims who follow the example of Muhammad will please Allah.


b) Explain two reasons why prophets are important in Islam [4]

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d) ‘All of the prophets in Islam are as important as each other.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for

and against. In your response you should:


Reach a justified conclusion. [15]


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Sources of wisdom


Lesson 5 – Muslim holy books


Allah’s messages to many different prophets have been recorded in holy books. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is

the final and perfect revelation for all times, people and places.

The nature and history of Muslim holy books

Muslims believe that all revelations to prophets originally came from Allah

Some holy books were only meant for a particular group of people living at a particular time

Many teachings were lost or changed and so became unreliable, so Allah revealed the Qur’an to be the final

and perfect book.

Qur’an given to Muhammad “The Qur’an is nothing less than a revelation that is sent to him [Muhammad]. It

was taught to him by [an angel Gabriel] with mighty powers and great strength.”

[Surah 53]

Injil [Gospels] given to Isa

[Jesus]

“We gave him [Isa] the Gospel […] a guide and lesson for those who take heed of God.” [Surah 5]

Zabur [Psalms] given to

Dawud [David]

“to David we gave the book [of Psalms].” [Surah 4]

Tawrat [Torah] given to

Musa [Moses]

“we revealed the Torah [Tawrat] with guidance and light.” [Surah 5]

Sahifah [Scrolls] given to

Ibrahim [Abraham]

“Has he not been told what was written in the Scripture of Moses [Musa] and of

Abraham [Ibrahim].” [Surah 53]

The importance of the holy books for Muslims today

Muslims view all the holy books with respect, because they contain messages originally sent by Allah to

show people how to live good lives

Muslims believe that the Qur’an is protected from corruption and is the only holy book for all times, all

people and all places

The Qur’an has supreme authority for Muslims and is the guidance for their life

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b) Explain two Muslim attitudes to holy books. [4]

Firstly, Muslims believe that all holy books are from Allah. Allah revealed messages to many different prophets which

are still found in Scriptures like the Tawrat and Qur’an. Therefore, a Muslim must respect all holy books.

Secondly, _______________________________________________________________________________________

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d) “The Qur’an is the only book Muslims need to read.” Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and

against. In your response you should:


Refer to different Muslims points of view


For Against

Holy books before the Qur’an are unreliable Allah revealed many messages before the Qur’an

All other holy books paved the way for the Qur’an Belief in all the holy books is one of the Sunni Six Beliefs

of Islam

The Qur’an is the final and perfect book Muslims must respect all holy books

Lesson 6 – Malaikah


Malaikah is the Arabic word for angels. Belief in angels is the second of the Six Beliefs of Islam for Sunni Muslims.

Angels perform various tasks for Allah.

Angels

Malaikah were created by Allah to perform various tasks. They have no free will and can only obey the commands of

Allah. Muslims have varying opinions about the nature of angels. Many Muslims believe that angels are not physical

beings but can take on physical form when they appear to humans.

Angels shown in the Qur’an

Muslims believe Allah has created numerous angels. The ones considered the most important are called

‘archangels.’ These include:

Jibril [Gabriel]

Angel of revelation communicates

Allah’s messages to prophets

including revealing the whole

Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.

“[Gabriel said], ‘We only descend

[with revelation] at your Lord’s

command.’” [Surah 19]

Izra’il [Azrael]

Called the ‘Angel of Death’ [Surah

32]: responsible for taking the souls

from humans and all living creatures

when they die.

Mika’il [Michael]

Angel of mercy: responsible for

overseeing the provision and

maintenance of life. Placed in

charge of plants and the weather,

which is said to mean that his duties

are to provide food for the body

[physical] and soul [spiritual]

There are also angels known as the Kiraman Katibin. These are noble scribes who record every good and bad deed a

person does, which are presented to Allah on the Day of Judgement.

Importance of angels for Muslims today

Angels help believers in times of need

Belief in angels is the second of the Six Beliefs for Sunni Muslims and is also important for Shi’a Muslims

Each angel has an important role that directly affects the lives of Muslims

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Complete the table below to help you answer the question.

a) Outline three important angels in Islam. [3]

Angel Importance

Jibril

Mika’il

Izra’il

d) ‘Jibril is the most important angel in Islam.’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your

answer you should:




Source of wisdom


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Lesson 7 – Al-Qadr


Al-Qadr is the belief in predestination, that the universe follows the divine master plan of Allah. Allah is omnipotent

[all-powerful] and omniscient [all-knowing] and has put in place many fixed universal laws. Muslims believe Allah has

also given humans free will to make many of their own choices.

Divergent understanding of predestination – Sunni and Shi’a

Shi’a Muslims Sunni Muslims

Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah can change a person’s

destiny according to the actions they decide to take.

For instance, Allah may have destined for you to die at

the age of 70, but if you are a good person and have a

positive influence on others, Allah may decide to grant

you a longer life. This means that a person’s actions can

change their destiny.

Sunni Muslims believe that while a person has many

choices in life, their destiny is set and known by Allah.

This does not mean that their freedom is taken away,

but that Allah already knows what choices they will

make. For instance, a parent may already know their

child will always choose chocolate over fruit, but it’s

still the child making the choice.

The implications of al-Qadr for Muslim’s today

Belief in al-Qadr means that Muslims trust Allah is in control of everything and that all things are part of

Allah’s plan

No Muslim’s faith – including the faith of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims – is complete without a belief in al-Qadr

Al-Qadr has a close connection with akhirah [life after death, when the Day of Judgement takes place] and

reminds Muslims that they must answer for what they have done in this life


c) Explain two Muslim beliefs about al-Qadr. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. [5]

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Allah is the creator of the

universe and knows

everything. He has a plan

for the world and the

power to make it happen.

This does not mean that a

person is forced to do

anything. Muslims believe

everyone has the right and

freedom to do and believe

whatever they like.

Although humans have free will to make the

decision to do or not to do what Allah wants,

Allah knows what people will do before they

do it.

Bukhari 78 supports the idea that a person’s destiny is set by Allah. It teaches Muslims

that the choices people make may coincide

with Allah’s will.

Because humans are given free will, they

need to be responsible for their choices

and actions. This is why there is a Day of

Judgement, when Allah will decide if a

person will go to paradise or hell.

But

However

Therefore

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d) ‘Everyone’s destiny is decided by Allah’ Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your

answer you should:





Source of wisdom


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Lesson 8 – Akhirah


Muslims believe that our physical life will end, and we will be raised again in the next life. On the Day of Judgement

Allah will judge how each person has lived their life and will send them to paradise or hell. Paradise is described as a

place of peace while hell is a place of punishment.

Life after death

Muslims believe that physical life is temporary and that all humans will be raised again in the next life, called the

akhirah. When a person dies, Izra’il, the angel of death, takes their soul to barzakh, where they wait until the Day of

Judgement. On the Day of Judgement, a person is resurrected. All their thoughts, words, and actions are judged by

Allah, who decides whether they go to paradise or hell.

“’When we are turned to bones and dust, shall we really be raised up in a new act of creation? Say, ‘[yes] even if you

were [as hard as] stone, or iron, or any other substance you think hard to bring to life.’ Then they will say, ‘Who will

bring use back?’ Say, ‘The One who created you the first time.’” [Surah 17]

Judgement, paradise, and hell

Judgement Paradise Hell

Also known as resurrection

All judges the actions of each person

and decides whether they got to

paradise or hell.

Also known as Jannah [the

garden]

A place of eternal beauty and

perfect happiness.

Called Jahannam

A place of punishment for those who

have done wrong

Muslims disagree about whether a

person sent to Jahannam will be there

forever or temporarily

Why is Judgement important? Why is paradise important? Why is the idea of hell important?

The effect of belief in the akhirah on the life of Muslims today

Belief in the afterlife affects how Muslims live and treat others because they know God will judge them

The promise of paradise for good deeds offers Muslims hope for a better afterlife


Write a second developed point to the following question

b) Explain two reasons why Muslims believe in life after death [4]

One reason why Muslims believe in life after death is because it is one of the Six Beliefs and one of the five roots of

‘Usul ad-Din, meaning you cannot be a Muslim unless you believe in the akhirah.

Another reasons why they believe in life after death is ___________________________________________________

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d) ‘If there is no paradise, there is no need to be good.’ Evaluate this statement considering argument for and

against. In your response you should:




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muslim beliefs t section 1 paper 2. lesson 1 the six beliefs · 1 muslim beliefs t section 1 paper...

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