Islamic Practices - Contrasting Views + General Information

What are the 5 pillars of Islam

Shahadah

Salah

Sawm

Hajj

Zakah

what are the main 2 obligatory acts that aren’t part of the 5 pillars

Khums

Jihad

What are 3 important festivals + when do they happen

Ashura - during the month of Muharram

Id-ul-adha - after Hajj

Id-ul-fitr - after the month of Ramadan

What are considered ‘duties’

Khums

Zakah

Hajj

Jihad

2 contrasting way that Muslims do whilst preparing for Salah

One thing that Muslims perform is Wudu. This is when Muslims wash themselves before prayer in order to purify themselves.

Another thing that Muslims do before prayer is covering their body. Muslims do this to in order to retain modesty when praying to Allah.

2 contrasting things Muslims do in regards to the Rak’ahs

Shi’a Muslims have 3 praying sessions that total to 18 Rak’ahs. They perform 2 at dawn, 8 in the afternoon and 7 at dusk.

Whilst Sunni Muslims also have a total of 17 rak’ahs, they do this in 5 different prayer sessions. They perform 2 at dusk, 4 in the afternoon, 4 in the late afternoon, 3 at dusk and 4 at night

2 contrasting things that Muslims do whilst praying

After Repeating Allah Akbar, Muslims bow before saying ‘Glory be to my Great Lord, and praise be to him’. Muslims say this tom show themselves submitting to Allah.

A different thing that Shi’a Muslims do whilst praying is placing their head on a clay tablet. Shi’a Muslims do this as the Qur’an teaches them that they should place their head on the Earth as they pray.

Why is Salah Important for Muslims

Salah is important for Muslims as they believe that it will be the first thing that is judge on the day of Judgement. They believe this because the Hadith says that “Salah will be the first thing to be judged on the day of judgment”. This emphasises to Muslims how important prayer is for them.

Salah is also important for Muslims as they are taught that, without it, you will go to Jahannam.

What is the Shahadah

The belief that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger

(Shi’a Muslims add on that ‘Ali is the friend of God’)

Explain 2 reasons as to why the shahadah is significant for Muslims

The Shahadah is the first thing that new-born Muslims hear, as it is whispered into their ears. This demonstrates the importance of the Shahadah as Muslims make it a priority that all ne Muslims hear this instantly as it is a key understanding in Islam.

Another reason that the Shahadah is important, is as it is prayers before all prayers. Before praying all Sunni muslims say ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger’. The repetition of this is significant as it shows how important it is for Muslims to remeber

What is Jummah prayer + what happens

Friday prayers - Sunnis believe that men have to go to the mosque

The adhan is called and wudu is performed. The imam will deliver a sermon on an issue relevant to the community.

What are Du’a prayers

Personal prayers of invocation, supplication or request. They are performed at home or on special occasions, eg. Festivals

2 contrasting things that Muslims do during Sawm

One things Muslims do during Saw is fast from dawn to sunset. The Qur’an teaches Muslims to “Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread”. This demonstrates that Muslims should avoid all food and drink during daylight hours to show obedience to Allah.

A different thing Muslims do is increase their charitable donations. Many Muslims give to the poor or pay Zakah during Ramadan to help those in need as an act of generosity.

2 contrasting things that Muslims do during Hajj

One think that Muslims do during Hajj is circle the Kaaba decent times, know as Tawaf. Muslims are taught in the Qur’an to “perform the circumambulation of the ancient house”. This act symbolises the unity of all Muslims around one central point and shows devotion by following the example of Ibrahim.

A different thing that Muslims do is stand on the plain of Arafat to pray for forgiveness. This is seen as the most important part of Hajj, where Muslims believer their sins can be wiped clear, symbolising a fresh start on their relationship with God.

Explain 2 Muslim beliefs about Zakah

One Muslim belief about Zakah is that it purifies a persons wealth and soul. The Qur’an teaches Muslims to “Take from their wealth a charity, by which you purify them”. This shows that giving to Zakah cleanses you of greed and selfishness.

Explain two Muslim beliefs about Khums

One belief about Khums is that it is a duty to support religous leaders and community needs. In thr Qur’an, Muslims are taught

Explain two Muslim beleifs about jihad

One belief about jihad is that the greater jihad is the personal struggle to live a good Muslim life. The Hadith says that “The best jihad is the stifle against your own soul”. This shows that Muslims believe striving to resist temptation and over Allah is the most important jihad.

Another belief is that lesser jihad can involve defending islam when it is under attack. Muslims believe this form of jihad must follow strict rules, eg. Must be declared by a religious leader, must not harm innocent people and should be last resort.

Explain 2 contrasting things that Muslims perform during Ashura

One thing Shi’a Muslims do during Ashura is morn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain though public displays of grief. The Hadith teaches Muslims that “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain”. This shows the deep respect Shi’a Muslims have for Hussain and why they commemorate his death with passion, eg. Chest beatings.

A different thing that Sunni Muslims do is fast on Ashura to remember when Allah saved the Israelites from Pharaoh. Sunni Muslims view Ashura as a day of gratitude and follow the example of the prophet Muhammad, whose fasted in this day to honour the prophet Moses.

Explain 2 contrasting things that Muslims perform during Id-ul-Adha

One thing that Muslims do during Id-us-Asha is perform a ritual where they sacrifice an animal. The Quran teaches Muslims that “the meat will not reach Allah… but what reaches Him is piety for you”. This shows taht the sacrifice is not about the animal itself, but about the intention and devotion behind the act, resembling Ibrahim willingness to sacrifice his son.

A different thing that Muslims do is attend special prayer at the mosque. These prayer are performed in congregation and include a sermon, reminding them of the submission and importance of charity, family and unity in ummah.

Explain 2 contrasting things that Muslims perform during Id-ul-fitr

One thing Muslims do during Id-ul-fitr is perform the special congregational prayer know as the Eid salah. These Hadith teaches Muslims that “When the month of ramadan ends, the believers go out to offer prayer”. This shows that muslims come together to thank Allah for giving them strength for completing Ramadan,

A different thing Muslims do is give Zakat-al-fitr before the Eid prayer. This is a charity given to the poor to ensure that everyone, even those in need, can join in the celebration. Reflecting on the Islamic view of generosity.