* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Core Beliefs - WordPress.com
Islamic democracy wikipedia , lookup
The Jewel of Medina wikipedia , lookup
Soviet Orientalist studies in Islam wikipedia , lookup
Criticism of Twelver Shia Islam wikipedia , lookup
Islam and secularism wikipedia , lookup
International reactions to Fitna wikipedia , lookup
Imamate (Twelver doctrine) wikipedia , lookup
Islam and violence wikipedia , lookup
Criticism of Islamism wikipedia , lookup
Historicity of Muhammad wikipedia , lookup
Muhammad and the Bible wikipedia , lookup
War against Islam wikipedia , lookup
Islamic socialism wikipedia , lookup
Political aspects of Islam wikipedia , lookup
Islam and Sikhism wikipedia , lookup
Sources of sharia wikipedia , lookup
Violence in the Quran wikipedia , lookup
Satanic Verses wikipedia , lookup
Islam and modernity wikipedia , lookup
Islam and Mormonism wikipedia , lookup
Islam in Bangladesh wikipedia , lookup
Islamic culture wikipedia , lookup
Islam in Indonesia wikipedia , lookup
Islam and war wikipedia , lookup
Hindu–Islamic relations wikipedia , lookup
Origin of Shia Islam wikipedia , lookup
Schools of Islamic theology wikipedia , lookup
Core Beliefs Islam Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. The heart of faith for all Muslims is obedience to Allah's will. Allah is the name Muslims use for the supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything. Although there is general agreement amongst Muslims about the oneness of God (Allah), the authority of the Qu’ran and the Prophet Muhammad, there are different interpretations of some Islamic laws. Basic articles of faith Muslims have six main beliefs: Allah as the one and only God Belief in Angels Belief in the Qu’ran, and the holy books Belief in the Prophets, for example Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus). Muhammad though is the final prophet. Day of Judgement: the day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell. Predestination: Allah has the knowledge of all that will happen but this understanding doesn't stop human beings making free choices. Allah Allah is eternal, omniscient, and omnipotent... Allah has always existed and will always exist. Allah knows everything that can be known. Allah can do anything that can be done. Allah has no shape or form... Allah can't be seen. Allah can't be heard. Allah is neither male nor female. Allah is just... Allah rewards and punishes fairly. But Allah is also merciful. A believer can approach Allah by praying, and by reciting the Qur'an. From http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/beliefs.shtml Groups within Islam The two main groups within Islam are Sunni and Shi’ite. Sunni is the most widespread form of Islam. Shi’ite Islam is the predominant religion in Iran and has major communities in Lebanon and Iraq. The division between the groups began after the death of Muhammad who did not make any provision for a successor. A dispute arose between who would succeed Muhammad; a close relative of the Prophet or an early convert to Islam who had worked closely with Muhammad. The main community, the Sunni, chose to elect as leader a member of Muhammad’s tribe ,Abu Bakr, who then became Caliph. The smaller group, the Shi’ite, chose Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, as successor as they believed leadership should run through Muhammad’s family. In Sunni Islam the ultimate source of authority is the Muslim community. For Shi’ite Muslims, authority resides in the divinely appointed leader, the Imam, rather than the community. Shi’ite Muslims also hold the view that the caliphs are empowered with the same spirit that empowered Muhammad and therefore can speak authoritatively in new situations. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believe the caliph has no power to innovate. Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims agree on the broad range of Islamic principles, but Shi’ite Muslims have distinctive practices, such as the celebration of the tenth day of Muharram. This day commemorates the death of Ali’s son Husayn, who died in battle. Husayn’s suffering is seen as redemptive. Principal practices of Islam Muslims must accept and practice the Five Pillars, which are an expression of their faith and belief in Allah. 1. Shahadah - Creed The first pillar of Islam is Shahadah, or Creed. Muslims recite the single sentence; “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”. This single sentence makes a person a Muslim. The Shahadah is whispered into the ear of a newborn child and is also the last phrase that Muslims hear before death. The Shahadah is a simple creed that emphasises the unity of God and names Muhammad as a prophet and messenger. 2. Salat - Prayer Muslims are required to pray five times a day: before dawn, at midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and night time. Traditionally the call to prayer was made by a Muezzin from the minaret on the mosque, but today it is broadcast through loudspeakers. The call to prayer begins with the Allahu akbar (God is great) and continues with “I witness that there is no God but Allah; I witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; hasten to prayer”. Call to Prayer youtube clip 3. Zakat – charity to the poor Islamic practice requires that believers donate a percentage of their total income and produce to the poor. The concept of Zakat is based on the understanding that God is the creator of all and what a Muslim owns is entrusted to them by God. The underlying principle of Zakat is Sadaqa which means “bearing one another’s burdens”. A Muslim is therefore expected to act generously when called on in everyday life. Hospitality is also a part of Islamic society, and Muslims should share their food and drink when someone visits. Zakat is calculated annually, and the purpose of Zakat is outlined in the Qu’ran. 4. Sawm – fasting during Ramadan Muslims fast during Ramadan to commemorate the time when Muhammad received his revelation. The fast is commanded in the Qu’ran (2:183-187). During this time of fasting Muslims must avoid all food, liquid, tobacco and sex from dawn until dusk. Exceptions are made for travellers, pregnant women, and the sick, but the days are expected to be made up at a later time. The idea of fasting is to learn self-discipline for the rest of the year. It is meant to be an experience that Muslims look forward to as a time of spiritual renewal. 5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca Muslim men and women are expected to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, unless they are prevented by poverty or illness. Pilgrimage to Mecca was practised before Muhammad was born, but Muhammad continued the pilgrimage and included the veneration of the black meteorite (Ka’bah)found in the area. During the hajj Muslims circle in an anti-clockwise direction around the Ka’bah seven times (tawaf). Before the tawaf Muslims must bathe and put on special garments which is usually white. Purity and selfdenial is also an important part of the pilgrimage. Youtube clip of the Hajj Sharia Law The Qu’ran is the source of Islamic law and the text is believed to reveal the will of Allah to Muslims. Islamic law is called Sharia Law which includes all laws, religious and secular, personal and communal. Sharia Law also covers offences that range from the serious and immoral to matters of etiquette and personal hygiene. Muslims consider sharia law to be divine and therefore it cannot be questioned. Because the law concerns everyday life though, there is also an element of human interpretation. Further Information http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYcNew1KGI 0&feature=related http://www.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/religion/Islam.htm http://www.reonline.org.uk/ks4/topiclist.php http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ Reference Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World Religions. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2009.