RE Islam revision
Salah (Shia 10 obligatory acts)
Praying 5x a day- "Regular prayer is obligatory"
sawm (shia 10 obligatory acts)
Fasting in Ramadan-"fasting is prescribed for you"
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca- "pilgrimage to the house is a duty"
Zakah
giving to charity-"whatever you give in charity...will earn multiple rewards"
Khums (shia 10 obligatory acts)
20% wage tax for causes decided by shia leaders-"one fifth of your battle gains belong to God"
Jihad
Striving in the way of Allah-"strive for his cause"
Amrbil ma'roof (shia 10 obligatory acts)
Encouraging good actions and encouraging others to follow the Islamic path- could be to do with Shariah law-"The believers, both men and women, support each other, they order what is right"
Nahi anil munkar (shia 10 obligatory acts)
Discourage and try to stop evil actions-"forbid what is wrong"
Tawalla (shia 10 obligatory acts)
Associating with good people who follow the path of Allah-"I ask no reward from you for this, only affection due to kin"
Tabarra (shia 10 obligatory acts)
Dissociating with bad people-"do not take my enemies and yours as your allies"
What is the Shahadah?
The basic statement of Islamic faith- you say that you fully believe in your heart Allah is the only God and Muhammad his prophet and that you will obey all the commitments of Islam
Why is the Shahada important?
-1st pillar of Islam so you have to say it to be muslim
-exhibits Tawhid admitting there is only one God who is Allah
-exhibits Risalah admitting Muhammad is Allah's messenger
-it is rewarded by Allah
Rewards for Shahada
"Whoever obeys God and the Messenger will be among those He has blessed"
Tawhid (shahada)
"There is no God except Allah"
Why is Salah important ?
-2nd pillar of Islam so muslims must do it to go jannah
-All prophets and Muhammad especially spoke about the importance of regular prayer
-it helps muslims to build a personal relationship with Allah as they can communicate with him through prayer
- it helps muslims seek help in hard times
Wudu
Muslims wash their faces, hands and bodies in preparation for prayer to be clean both physically and mentally and thus ready for prayer
How do Muslims pray
Qiblah- Muslims must pray in the direction facing Mecca
Rak'ah- series of movements Muslims undertake in prayer(standing,bowing,kneeling,prostrating)
Why is Salah in the Mosque important
It strengthens the Ummah and is said to be better in the eyes of Allah- "Prayer with the congregation is 27 times better than prayer performer by oneself"
Jummah prayers
Friday prayers all men have to go to but women can choose if they do or not- "He who comes to Jummah and offers Salah and listens quietly will have his sins forgiven"
Prayer at home
Muslims should pray at home so the home is a place connected to Allah. The prayer is lead by the father of the family and children are trained to pray- "Pray in your homes- do not make them like graveyards"
Who gives and recieves Zakah
-Sunni and Shia muslims both give Zakah
-Zakah goes to the poor, those in debt, travellers and ransom for prisoners of war
-"alms are meant only for the poor and needy"
Why is Zakah given
-helps to create a peaceful society
-form of worship that's linked to Salah
-Charity is rewarded by Allah
Why is Khums given
-part of the shia faith
-Muhammad said "the upper hand is better than the lower hand" so its more importsnt to give than recieve
-any money not paid anually isnt pure
Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan
-helps them get closer to God
-helps them be grateful for what they have
-helps teach self-restraint and reflect on their actions
-helps bring the Ummah together
-muslims believe it makes them physically and mentally purer
Allah doesn't want people to fast without becoming better people alongside it
"Whoever does not give up lying and evil deeds and saying bad words to others then God is not in need of their leaving of food and drink"
How is sawm observed
-donate to charity
-make food for neighbours and give extra food to the poor
-some sleep at the mosque to save time travelling to mosque for designated prayer times
-celebrate the breaking of fast with family
What is Laylat al-Qadr
translates to the night of power. It's the night when the Qu'ran was revealled to Muhammad by angel Jibril
What do Muslims believe about Laylat al-Qadr
-all muslims should attend mosque for this special night
-praying on this night is the best prayer(worth 1000 months)
-the night when Allah determines everyones destiny
Why is Hajj important
-1 of the 5 pillars so helps Muslims get to Jannah
-get spiritually closer to Allah
-shows unity and equality amongst believers
-sins are forgiven on Hajj-"Let the pilgrims perform their acts of cleansing"
What happens on Hajj
-everyone wears irham(white sheets) to show equality
-women must be accompanied by a man for safety
-no smoking, sex, washing with scented soaps, cutting nails, makeup
-1.Tawaf- circling the Kabah 7 times
-2.Safa and Marwah- walk/jog between two hills to represent Hagar's search for help from God
-3.mt Arafat- where Muhammad preached his last sermon so muslims pray there
-4.Muzdifah- Muslims collect pebbles
-5.Mina- muslims throw pebbles at a wall that represents Satan
-6.Sacrificing and shaving- an animal is sacrificed to Allah and men shave their heads to represent a fresh start
-7.Tawaf again
-8.Eid ul Adha- big festival at the end of Hajj
challenges of Hajj
-very physically demanding
-lessons learnt need to be remembered in everyday life
-challenge to remain solely focused on Allah
-costs a lot of money to go
-the number of people that go has caused injuries and deaths in the past
Why is Jihand important to Muslims
-taught and practiced by Muhammad
-taught in Qu'ran
-pleases Allah
Greater Jihad
Resisting evil within oneself and becoming a better person
Jihad of the heart (greater)
fighting against evil and temptation through self discipline and Islam
Jihad of the tongue (greater)
speaking truthfully and spreading the word of Islam
Jihad by the hand (greater)
spreading gods word through literature, art and/or religious writings
Lesser Jihad
Resisting evil in the world through physical or military means- "Fight in God's cause against those who fight you...fight them until there is no more persecution"
Conditions of lesser Jihad
-when persecution reaches an extreme level
-when religious freedoms are taken away
-when Islam is attacked by the enemy
-when authorised by a muslim leader
misinterpretations of Jihad
some extremist groups (ISIS, Boko Haram) use Jihad as an excuse to commit atrocities. Most muslims disagree with these groups of focus on peace, however- "we denounce and condemn extremism, radicalisation anf fanaticism today"(The Amman declaration)
Id-Ul-Adha
-Story of Ibrahim and Ismail remembered- Ibrahim thought Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail and he told his son, who was prepared to die. Allah stopped Ibrahim from doing it but praised their dedication to God.
-celebrated 10 weeks after Hajj
-animals sacrificed,new clothes worn, families go to mosque and say "id mubarak" to each other
Id-ul-Ghadeer (shia)
-When Ali was chosen to lead Shia Islam after Muhammad-"today I have perfected your religion for you (in giving them Ali)"
-Shia muslims fast, go mosque to recite poetry about the day.
-a day of happiness (the greatest Id)
Id-ul-Fitr
-the end of Ramadan, so is a really happy occassion to thank Allah for helping them get through it
-New clothes worn, families go to mosque to pray, say "id mubarak", enjoy food and money donated to less fortunate by head of the family.
Ashura (shia)
-remembers death of Hussain (Muhammads grandson) who died a martyr.
-Shia muslims go to mosque in black to show mourning and gather there for 10 days, visit Kerbala (shrine to Hussain), self-flagellate, donate blood to NHS
-period of mourning stops 40 days after Ashura
Why is peace important to muslims
-leads to a better society
-one of Allah's characteristics is being peaceful and muslims want to embody that
Following God is the best way of achieving peace
"in rememberance of God that the heart finds peace"
the best muslims treat and speak to others in a way that promotes peace
"when aggressive people address you, reply with words of peace"
The Qu'ran on peace
-Islam means peace
-accepting Islam means accepting God and inner peace, and that causes peace with others
-The Qu'ran doesn't like non-peaceful people-"God does not love arrogant or boastful people"
Evil and spiteful talk is like eating a dead brothers flesh-really deeply wrong and unpleasant
"Would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother?"
Islam wants peace in every aspect of life
"God invites everyone into the Home of peace"
Muslims should try to end disagreements rather than start them
"if two groups of believers are fighting you should reconcile them"
Muslims should lead the way for peacemaking
"be a community that urges what is right and forbids what is wrong"
Muslims should see Islam as equal with other faiths
"do not give me superiority over Moses"
How muslims are working towards peace today
-Islamic relief- supports refugees from warzones with medical care and food
-Salaam peace- community project in London trying to change peoples view of Islam.Brings people together with sports, homework clubs, and mentoring schemes
What can cause conflict ?
-Politics
-Resources
-Religion
-Ethnicity and nationalism
How do Muslims respond to problems caused by conflict
-Muslims should avoid conflict and never attack first
-Muslims shouldnt involve themselves in conflicts that take resources from another country, forces another country to become Muslim or changes the political leadership or culture of another country
Muslims will fight if war is deemed necessary and fair
"if you have to respond to an attack, make your response proportionate"
NR responses to conflict
-avoid conflict and want all humans to live in harmony
-many believe religion is at the root of many conflicts
-many believe the UN should be stronger to help keep peace
Types of pacifism
-Absolute pacifist- never participate in war even in self defence
-Conditional pacifist-war is wrong but fighting may be necessary as a last resort
-Selective pacifist-against wars involving nuclear, chemical or biological weapons because of how dangerous they are
-Active pacifist-involved in protest against unjust war non-violently and commited to social change
The Qu'ran on killing people
"if anyone kills a person, unless in retribution for murder... it is as if he kills all mankind"
the Qu'ran on obedience
"obey God, and the Messenger and those in authority among you"
what should muslims do when governments take away peoples human rights
"if an act of disobedience to Allah is imposed, he should not listen to or obey it"
When is a war a just war
-Just cause- fighting to uphold justice
-Comparitive justice-those affected by injustices should have a better life after the war
-Legitimate authority-war authorised by a recognised leader
-Right intention- the war should be fought to re-establish peace and restore human rights
-Probability of success-wars should only be fought if the country is likely to win
-Last resort-war is the only option for peace left
-Proportionality- the amount of force used should be no more or no less than the problem
just war Islam
"why should you not fight in God's cause and for those oppressed men, women and children"
Is just war possible
-No
-(in Islam) lesser jihad was only ok in the time of the prophet
-too challenging to meet the set criteria
-modern weaponary can't be used in a way that satisfies the criteria
-violence causes more violence
What is a holy war
-A war fought over religious differences
-Must follow the conditions of lesser Jihad
-"fight them until there is no more persecution"
When should muslims enter a holy war ?
-When persecution over beliefs becomes intense
-When freedoms of belief are taken away (including other faiths)
-When muslims have to defend themselves
-When it is authorised by a Muslim leader
-When it's a last resort
-A spiritual reward is promised to those who fight
Muslim self defence
"those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms"
Rules of holy war
-you cant kill fellow muslims
-you cant attack innocents are leaders of other faiths
-you cant use the war to convert people to Islam
-must be a last resort
-enemies should be treated justly
-property shouldnt be targetted
-chemical and biological warfare is banned
War should stop as soonnas the enemy ask for peace
"if the enemy inclines towards peace, so you also incline towards peace"
If the enemy breaks an armistice
"if they break your oath...and relive your religion,then fight these leaders of disbelief...so that they may stop"
What are weapons of mass destruction
Nuclear, chemical and biological weapons
benefits of WMD
-Good deterrent
-Losses are minimal for the side that's used them
-Ensures a quicker end to conflict
-Better course of action than invasion
Issues with WMD
-Immeasurable scale of destruction that is irreversable
-Civilian deaths are guaranteed
-May cause long term ill effects
-Using them is a war crime
Muslim views of terrorism
-Muslims are against terrorism
-suicide and murder is haram so suicide bombing is against Islam
-Muhammad said people who kill in the name of Islam will still go to hell-"they weren't fighting for the sake of God"
Why is justice important to muslims ?
-Allah is just
-Quran commands justice-"Allah commands justice,the doing of good...and he forbids all shameful deeds and injustice"
-Muslims believe it is part of their role of stewards
-Allah commands the unjust to be punished-"and he forbids all immorality, bad conduct and oppression"
-Muslims are judged on judgement day-"People beware of injustice, for justice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgement"
-In the Hadith Muhammad acts justly
NR beliefs on justice
-believes its important- all humans deserve freedom and respect- Justice requires freedom and freedom needs responsibility
-the need for justice isn't just religious- not done to please Gods
types of muslim crime
-Hudud- crimes against God with a fixed punishment
-Qisas- crimes against individuals or families and the nearest relatives to the victim(s) choose the punishment
-Ta'zir- crimes with no punishment stated in any Islamic texts- therefore the Qadi (Muslim judge) chooses the punishment
How does Satan plan to stop Muslims from praying and being good people ?
"With intoxicants and gambling, Satan seeks to intice enmity and hatred among you, and to stop you remembering God and prayer."
Why do people commit crimes ?
-socialisation/upbringing- people might not follow rules because of poor parenting where their parents never taught them right from wrong
-media stereotyping- the media causes prejudice of certain social and racial groups.The negativity influences these groups behaviours
-lack of opportunity-poor performance in exams and hence lack of job opportunities
-sub-culture-peer groups might encourage crime due to a dislike of rules and authority
Muslim organisations working to end crime
-Muslim Chaplain's Association- an organisation which supports muslim chaplains (muslim leader) help stop muslim prisoners from reoffending after their release from prison
-MOSAIC-an organisation which provides support for Muslim prisoners 6 months before and after their release
Why do Muslims care about crime ?
-All humans deserve equal and fair treatment as everyone's created by Allah
-criminal behaviour breaks the law of Allah
-all muslims in the Ummah have a duty to deal with crime
-crime distracts muslims offenders from doing what really matters- worshipping Allah
-They want to follow the example of Muhammad who discouraged crime
Muslims must do more good than bad in their lives
"Good and evil cannot be equal...repel evil with what is better"
Muslims can help to clean their souls of sin by doing good things. Doing this helps them go to paradise
"The one who purifies his soul succeeds abd the one who corrupts it fails"
fitrah
a pure nature everyone is born with
how are good actions rewarded ?
-nobody knows for sure -" no soul knows what joy is kept hidden as a reward for what they have done "
-The Quran vividly describes the afterlife but some descriptions are not interpreted literally-"their Lord will give them a pure drink;this is your reward"- pure drink is symbolic of immortality in Jannah
NR attitudes towards suffering and evil
-suffering is caused by bad behaviour, choices and luck
-God cannot be blamed for suffering as he isn't real
-humans cause suffering, so should work to combat it too
Muslim responses to NR views on suffering
-humans have been given a mind to realise there is something grater than them to worship
-Allah created free will for humans, so any suffering is a result of us not him
-Islam teaches to help with pain and suffering which is part of the islamic duty of stewardship
Humans are from humble beginnings and suffering is a test of faith from Allah
"We created man from a drop of mingled fluid and put him to the test"
the punishment for non-believers
"We have prepared chains,iron collars,and blazing fire for the disbelievers"
Allah is responsible for all the good in Muslims life and humanity is responsible for all the bad
"Anything good that happens to you...is from God. Anything bad is from yourself"
people who ignore God's messages face serious consequences
"they have tasted the evil consequences of their conduct and painful torment awaits"
types of punishment
-retribution-punishments should make the criminal pay for what they did wrong
-protection-society should be protected from the criminal and their offences
-deterrence-punishments put people off committing crime
-reform-punishments should change criminals to stop them from committing crime again
why does Islam punish ?
-Allah is compassionate and gave humans laws out of kindness to guide them, so punishment is seen positively not negatively-"He wishes to turn towards you in mercy...God wishes fo lighten your burden.Man was created weak"
-repentance is important and punishment allows it to occur-"If anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept his repentance"
-punishment brings on change in criminals to stop them committing more crime. This is rewarded by Allah by acceptance-"avoid the great sins...we shall wipe out your minor misdeed and let you in through the entrance of honour"
Don't kill other people or yourself
"do not kill each other, for God is merciful to you"
why is forgiveness importance in Islam ?
-one of Allah's names is the forgiving- "Al Ghafoor"-Allah can overlook peoples faults and forgive, and so should muslims. At Islams heart
-the Quran says it is-"forgive them, pardon them, then God is all forgiving"
-Muhammad modelled it- when he was chased out of Mecca, and then later returned people there thought he would kill and take revenge, but he didn't and forgave his persecutors instead
-forgiveness now means rewards in the afterlife-"anyone who forgives and puts things right will have his reward from God himself"
Restorative Justice in Islam
-RJ is when criminals are given a chance to make amends for their crimes. To do this they must show repentence and remorse, ask for forgiveness from the victim or their family, and work to reconciliation
-Muslim's don't want punishment to be too harsh but also do want to punish. If punishment brings about reformation it should be done.Sometimes forgiveness and compassion should be shown. Islam seeks practical aims to reduce suffering and let go of grudges and feelings of malice
Human rights
-right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment
-right to have a fair trial
-right to be free
-right to freedom of thought-no one can be punished for their ideas and beliefs
-right to freedom of expression- people can say what they think, so long as it doesn't break other human rights laws
Muslim's can't be true believers if they dont treat other's how they would like to be treated, including criminals
"None of you believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself"(Hadith)
the Quran teaches criminals should be fed as an act of charity
"give food to the orphan, the poor, the captive"
Muslims should act justly, even when they find it hard
"Do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice"