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Prophets in islam - 3 key areas
What is prophethood?
Why are prophets important in Islam?
Quotes
What is prophethood? (6)
Prophets are humans chosen by God to receive his message on behalf of humankind.
This channel of communication is called risalah.
The wisdom of the prophets does not come from themselves, but from God himself.
The Quran teaches that every age has been given its own prophet, bring God's message to the people.
Muhammad was the last prophet and is the Seal of the Prophets.
Through him the will of God has been revealed fully and precisely.
Why are prophets important in Islam? (4)
God has sent many prophets throughout history to guide his people. Prophets are human beings chosen to carry God's message.
25 prophets are mentioned by name in the Quran. These are also found in Jewish and Christian scriptures, e.g. Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David, Isa (Jesus).
Muslims believe that over time the message from the prophets became lost or corrupted so there was need for a final revelation.
Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets, was given the revelation of the Quran-God's final and absolute word.
Quote on prophethood
Qur’an: ‘Say, we have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Issac and Jacob and the Descendants.’
Who are the 4 key prophets in Islam?
Adam, the first prophet
Ibrahim
Ishmael
Isa (Jesus)
Muhammad, the seal of the prophets.
Islamic teachings on Adam, the first prophet. (8)
Formed by Allah from a handful of soil. Eve (Hawwa) was created from his rib.
Adam and Eve lived in paradise but were banished after disobeying Allah.
Known as the father of the human race.
The descendants of Adam were destined to be as diverse as the handful of soil from which their ancestor was created; all have different appearances, attributes and qualities.
Allah blessed Adam by breathing into him a soul and the gift of Free Will.
Adam was appointed as a caretaker for all of Allah's creations.
Allah tested Adam and Eve, and they gave in to temptation.
Adam confessed his sin and was forgiven, becoming the first prophet.
Islamic teachings on Ibrahim (6)
Ibrahim is known as the Father of the Arab people.
He is praised for this essential and innate yearning (believing in one God despite being born into a polytheistic family) to discover the unity of God.
The tradition of God testing Abraham's devotion to him by asking him to sacrifice Ishmael is the heart of the Abrahamic tradition and the Abrahamic stories.
Abraham passed the test because he was prepared to sacrifice his own flesh and blood.
This was proof of his submission and devotion to God.
Built the first place of worship for Allah—on the spot of the Kaaba.
Islam teachings on Ishmael (4)
Ishmael is Abraham's first born son-born to Abraham's slave, Hagar.
Ishmael and Hagar were brought to Makkah by Abraham.
Ishmael is a model of surrendering one's will to God, an essential Characteristic in Islam.
In the Quran, Ishmael is praised for being patient, good, and righteous.
Isa: Islamic teachings on prophet Jesus (6)
Jesus understood to be the penultimate prophet and messenger of God (Allah)
He is the al-Masih, the Arabic term for Messiah (Christ),
Jesus was sent to guide the Children of Israel with a new revelation: Injil (Arabic for "the gospel").
A significant figure in the Qur'an, being mentioned over 187 times with various titles attached such as "Son of Mary"
Jesus performed many miracles, for example speaking from the Cradle, creating birds from clay and healing the blind.
Jesus did not die on the cross but was taken up into Heaven as Allah would not let evil men triumph over his prophet.
Islamic teachings on Muhammad (8)
He was troubled by the corruption and cruelty he witnessed in Makkah.
He considered idol worship wrong and longed to re-dedicate the Kaaba to Allah alone.
He began spending much time in prayer and solitude. In 610CE, he was visited by the Angel Jibril who commanded him to read. This event is known as the Night of Power and is commemorated on the 27th night of Ramadan.
Many further revelations from Allah followed and these continued for 23 years.
In 613CE Muhammad began to preach his message in the streets. His main teachings were that there is only one true God; God needs to be worshipped and that there would be a judgement day.
Many in Makkah rejected his message and there was an attempt to kill Muhammad.
By 630, Muhammad was strongly supported and he marched 10,000 men into Makkah and conquered the city.
The Kaaba was cleansed of idols and re-dedicated to Allah and he was accepted as the final and true prophet.
Muhammad as the seal of the prophets (5)
Muhammad is the last in a long line of prophets.
Through him, the will of Allah has been revealed fully and precisely.
There can be no more or new prophets.
The phrase means last of the prophets.
Muhammad himself claimed to be the last prophet sent by God.
Al Qadr (predestination) and its implications for human freedom (5)
Al Qadr is a key concept and can be translatated to mean pre destination.
Muslins believe Allah has set out a path for all living things. All things happen at Allah's Muslims believe Allan has a masterplan for everyone that is predestined to take place.
Allah knows of all things and in absolute detail as he is omniscient.
‘Insha Allah’ is a phrase meaning 'God willing’. Muslims say this as a sign of their submission to God and the plans he has for them.
These beliefs come from Islamic Holy writings.
5 arguments for Al-Qadr and free will
Life is a test and we need to learn how to turn away from evil
Everyone has free will
Each person can choose right or wrong
God holds everyone accountable for the decisions they make.
Humans are not puppets or robots.
Akirah: human responsibility and accountability (5)
Akhira is the term for Islamic belief and teaching in an afterlife / judgement day.
Life on earth is a preparation and test for the eternal life to come (akhira).
Life is a test and all will be judged on how they have lived their lives on Judgement day: they will all be accountable for their actions.
Every human has free will-they can make choices about beliefs and actions.
Allah has given the Qur'an to help people know how to live.
6 arguments on human freedom and its relationship to the Day of Judgement.
The dead will be raised and stand before Allah to be judged.
Good deeds and bad deeds are weighed in balance.
Personal intentions (niyyah) are also taken into consideration.
The book given to the right had means the person will pass into Heaven. If given to the left hand, the person is destined for Hell.
Every human should ask themselves whether they are ready to face death and judgement.
A book representing every action is presented to each person.
Muslim beliefs about the nature, stages and purpose of Heaven (Jannah) - 3 key areas
What will Heaven be like?
When will it happen?
What’s its purpose?
What will Heaven be like? (6)
Heaven is a state of peace, happiness and joy.
It will contain everything longed for on earth.
It is full of beautiful gardens, sparkling fountains and flowing rivers.
People will recline on comfortable sofas, eat delicious food and be served by young maidens.
Some also say that there are different stages or levels of Heaven, from seven to a hundred! These levels represent closeness to Allah.
The higher the level, the closer you are to the throne of Allah.
When will entry to Heaven happen? (3)
When the dead are raised, after the sounding of the final trumpet by Israfil, the two angels Munkar and Nakir will question each individual.
Correct answers can be given only by those who can recite the shahadah and have also lived in submission to Allah and observed the 5 pillars.
For those who die before the Day of Judgement, the angel of death, Azrail takes their soul and keeps them in a state of barzakr (waiting).
What is the purpose of Heaven? (2)
A reward for living a faithful and moral life, or for suffering persecution because of faith, or fighting in the cause for Allah.
It separates out those who have committed a greater proportion of good deeds to bad, and whose intentions were good as well.
Muslims beliefs about the nature and purpose of hell - 3 key areas.
What will Hell be like?
When will it happen?
What’s its purpose?
What will hell be like? (3)
A place of terror, with boiling water, fierce fire and thick black smoke.
As well as physical suffering, those condemned to hell will suffer by being separated from God and having no hope of escape.
Some Muslims believe it is not an eternal experience, but a short period, with pardon for those who repent.
When will entry to hell happen? (3)
After judgement, people will have to cross the very narrow bridge of As-Sirat.
Those who have collected more bad deeds than good will fall as they try to cross the bridge, ending up in the terrors of hell.
For those who die before the Day of Judgement, the angel of death, Aural takes their soul and keeps them in a state of barzakr (waiting).
What is the purpose of hell? (4)
A punishment for those who have failed to live faithfully and morally.
It is for those who have not ensured that their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds and intentions.
It is also thought by some Muslims to be a tool to persuade people to obey the laws of Allah as they’d fear the threat of ending up in Hell.
Others believe that most people find happiness in following the requirements of the Qur’an and learning from the example of Muhammad.
Where can muslims pray? (3)
A Mosque is a building set aside for worship, but Muslims can pray anywhere, as long as the place is clean.
In some Muslim-majority countries, small areas next to a tea room or railway station may be marked off as prayer areas.
Muslims unable to get to a mosque at the set times of prayer will use a prayer mat and with the help of a compass, will find the direction to face for their prayers.
What are the 5 key architectural features of a Mosque?
Dome
Minaret
Qibla wall
Mihrab
Minbar
Purpose of a dome in a mosque. (3)
While not a requirement like the mihrab, many say the dome possesses a significance within the building: as a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven.
On a practical level, Domes help to circulate the air-keeping the building cool.
Also, the voice of the Imam is amplified with the natural acoustics of the dome, meaning that all worshippers will be able to hear.
What is the purpose of a minaret in a mosque? (3)
The Minaret is a tower attached to the main building of the mosque.
The call to prayer (adhan) is made from the top of these towers.
They help to locate a mosque in a town or city.
What is the purpose of the Qibla wall in a mosque? (2)
The wall in the prayer room that indicates the direction of the Ka'aba in Makkah.
Worshippers face this wall when praying.
What is the purpose of the Mihrab in a mosque? (3)
The Mihrab is an alcove in the qibla wall. This alcove helps to identify the qibla wall.
It is a requirement in all mosques and even areas set aside for worship should have a qibla arrow.
It helps to show worshippers the way in which they should face during worship.
Purpose of a minbar in the mosque. (3)
A minbar is a set or steps with a platform in the prayer room.
The Imam will stand on the minbar during Friday prayers to deliver a sermon (khutbah).
It enables the Imam to be seen and heard clearly.
Pilgrimage to Makkah as an obligatory act: purpose and practices/rituals - 4 key areas
Summary
What is it?
Why go?
What do Muslims do there?
Summary of pilgrimage to Makkah.
5th pillar of Islam: Hajj.
It is an obligatory act - an act that all Muslims should strive to do at least once in their lifetime.
In order to go, a Muslim must have enough money to make the pilgrimage and be physically and mentally fit enough for the journey.
Makah is situated in Saudi Arabia and is where Islam originated as it is the birthplace of Muhammad.
It is the site of the Ka’ba (Islams most sacred shrine) and it is the holiest city on earth for Muslims.
What is pilgrimage to Makkah?
The pilgrimage is called hajj.
A pilgrim who has completed Haij is then known as a Haji (male) or Hajjah (female).
It lasts 5 days and occurs once a year.
Observance of hajj is the recognition of the uniqueness of Allah, his unity (tawhid), power and wisdom.
It is the 5th pillar of Islam and as such, is an obligatory act that Muslims aim to complete - once in their life.
Why go to Makkah? (4)
To visit the holiest city on earth —the city of Allah.
Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice Isma'il there.
Ibrahim re-built the Ka aba as a place of worship to the one true God.
To remember that the prophet Muhammad was born there and received the first of Allah's revelations there.
What do Muslims do in Makkah? (11)
On arrival, pilgrims enter into a state of ihram (purity) dedicating themselves to humility and prayer.
They show this by putting on the special ihram cloths which are plain garments of white unsewn cloth.
This indicates equality amongst all the pilgrims.
During ihram, pilgrims must not cut hair or nails, wear perfume or have sex.
They perform tawaf (circle the Ka'aba) 7 times and drink from the well of Zamzam-enacting Hagar's search for water for her and her son Ishmael.
At Mina, pilgrims spend the night in tents and throw pebbles at three pillars representing that they reject the devil and his evil ways.
Also at Mina, pilgrims will have an animal sacrificed to remind them of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
This is celebrated at a festival called Id-ul-Adha.
Men will shave their heads.
Pilgrims will also stand before Allah on the great plains and at the Mount of Mercy in Arafat.
Lastly, Tawaf is repeated around the Ka'aba in Makkah.
Why do people dress in modest clothing in Islam? (5)
Muslims will wear clothing that will reflect their culture and interpretations of passages from the Qur’an.
The Qur’an tells Muslims - men and women - to dress modestly.
Many believe it is important that clothing is modest and does not encourage sexual interest.
For men, this means covering the main parts of their bodies - from their navels to their knees and loose, long fitting robes are usually worn.
For women, it is generally seen as covering everything except their face, hands and feet when in the presence of men they are not related or married to.
What are the different times of coverings in Islam and why are there so many variations?
There is much debate within Islam as to whether different things go far enough to meet what the Qur’an says.
The hijab is typically a scarf that covers the hair and neck.
The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf or an abaya, a full-length robe, and sometimes with a separate transparent eye veil.
The burka is the most concealing - covering the entire face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through.
Arguments for dressing modestly in Islam.
It is their choice to cover if they would like too.
People are educated and thus will understand why they want to cover up if they choose to do so.
It’s a way of showing devotion to Allah.
People do not want to attract inappropriate attention from strangers.
Constant reminder to be the best person they can at all times, and to keep their minds on Allah.
Not ashamed of their religion and it’s a part of their identity.
Want to be judged on personality, not looks.
Qur’an: ‘And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty’
Arguments against dressing modestly in Islam. (5)
On the other hand, some people take offence when others express their religious beliefs or it leads people to complain.
In some countries it is illegal to wear religious symbols in public.
In France, overtly religious symbols cannot be worn in public institutions such as in state schools.
Wearing hijab in school settings may create rival groups and encourage violence.
More importantly, in openly expressing their religious beliefs, the religious believer may be putting themselves at risk to prejudice, discrimination and violence.
What are the two types of jihad:
The Greater Jihad: The way in which a believer struggles each day to live as a good Muslim - following the rules and practices required of them.
The Lesser Jihad: The expectation that a Muslim may have to stand up for their religion and defend it when a country or place where the religion is not accepted or commonly practiced.
Lesser Jihad. (4)
Idea arose from Prophet Muhammad, who gave his faithful followers authorisation to fight.
The Qur’an makes it clear that fighting should be used in defence only.
‘Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you but do not transgress’. - Qur’an
Allah will only support people fighting in self-defense.
Lesser Jihad as holy war (5)
Muslims believe that violence and war are justified when removing evil from society.
It originates from Muhammad's decision to authorise engaging in conflict to prevent the wiping out of Muslims and is supported by teachings in the Quran.
Muslims must not attack first.
Muslims should not injure civilians.
Jihad can only be declared by a holy and pure Muslim leader whose decision is supported by the whole Muslim community.
What are the 8 strict rules when it comes to jihad?
Come to an end as soon as enemy surrenders
Opponents must have initiated the violence
No fighting for greed or ownership of land
Do not rape or abuse women
Innocent people should not be killed or hurt
The last resort—all other peaceful ways must have been tried first
Only a religious leader can authorise jihad
Soldiers who are wounded should be treated equally and with respect
Why is Id-ul-Adha important? (6)
Id-ul-Adha (festival of Sacrifice), also known as the Greater Eid, is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar.
The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him.
It marks the end of the annual hajj.
It an opportunity for Muslims across the world to worship together.
It is a commemoration of the example and commitment of prophet Ibrahim.
It underlines the importance of personal sacrifice in terms of commitment to God.
How is Id-ul-Adha celebrated? (7)
Id ul Adha is a public holiday in Muslim countries. In Wales, schoolchildren are permitted to miss a day of school to celebrate with their families.
Today Muslims all over the world who can afford it, sacrifice a sheep
(sometimes a goat) as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to Allah.
In Britain, the animal has to be killed at a slaughterhouse.
Muslims share out the meat among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share.
It usually starts with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking Allah for all the blessings they have received.
It is also a time when they visit family and friends as well as offering presents.
It’s obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity to be used to help poor people buy new
What is Id-ul-Fitr and why is it important? (5)
Id-ul-Fit is the festival that commemorates breaking the fast after Ramadan.
There are three days of joyful celebrating at the end of Ramadan.
It is a reward for completing and ending Sawm.
A very holy time for Muslims.
It is a thanksgiving to Allah for giving Muslims strength, self-discipline and self-control during Rama-dan.
How is Id-ul-Fitr celebrated? (8)
It is a public holiday in Islamic countries. In Wales, Muslim pupils are allowed to stay home to celebrate with their families.
Muslims decorate their houses with lights, banners and flags.
New clothes will be bought and worn.
Prayers will be said and a sermon listened to at the Mosque.
Families and friends will be visited and gifts and money will be given to children.
Donations to Charity will happen - Zakat-ul-fitr.
Various customs are kept in different parts of the world e.g. henna designs are drawn on hands and feet in India.
In Newport, south Wales, a large gathering of Muslims takes place to celebrate Id-ul-Fitr in Rodney Parade where Muslims begin the day by praying and then enjoying fun filled activities with their families.
What is the Night of Power? (2)
The Night of Power is one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar-the 27th day of Ramadan.
It marks the date when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
How is the Night of Power celebrated?
Many Muslims stay up all night reading from the Quran.
Muslims pray and remember Allah's merciful and forgiving nature.
Muslims take time off work to focus on worshipping Allah (ibadah).
Muslims commit extra time to study and recite the Qur'an in greater depth, thinking deeply about the meaning of the passages.
What is the importance of the Qur’an?
The revealing of the Qur'an to Muhammad is extremely important to Muslims because it is Allah's divine law.
The Quran guides people in the right way to live.
It was revealed by Allah to Muhammad through the Angel Jibril
It was written down by Muhammad's followers and put into a book shortly after Muhammad's death in 623CE.
Before reading from the Qur'an, Muslims will be in a state of Wudu (purity).
It is often stood on a wooden stand when being read so as not to touch the floor.
When the Quran is not being used, it is wrapped and kept on the highest shelf.
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