GCSE R.S Islamic Practices

Specification Contents: Five Pillars of Sunni Islam, Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam, Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Hajj, Jihad, Festivals

What are the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam?

1. Shahadah

2. Salah

3. Zakah

4. Sawm

5. Hajj

Shahadah - declaration of faith and its place in Muslim practice

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “Allah bears witness that there is no god but Him” and “Muhammad is the [Final] Messenger of Allah”. Together, these two quotes form the Shahadah.

Analysis: Shows the two fundamental beliefs of Islam: Tawhid, that there is only one God, and belief in Muhammad as Allah's final prophet. Declaring the Shahadah demonstrates a Muslim's submission and commitment to Allah and acceptance of Muhammad's teachings. It is central to Muslim identity and is incorporated into many important moments of Muslim life.

Evaluation: The Shahadah is significant because it summarises the core beliefs of Islam and distinguishes Islam from beliefs such as polytheism. Muslims declare it in many situations, including at birth, in the adhan, during conversion and near death, showing its importance throughout a Muslim's life.

Salah and its significance; how and why Muslims pray, including times, directions, ablution (wudu), movements (rak’ahs) and recitations

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds”.

Analysis: Shows that Salah is not simply worship but also helps Muslims develop self-discipline and avoid sinful behaviour. Praying towards the Ka'aba in Makkah creates a sense of unity, as Muslims around the world face the same direction when praying. Salah involves rak'ahs, recitations and physical movements, demonstrating submission and obedience to Allah.

Evaluation: Salah is significant because it creates a regular connection between Muslims and Allah and reminds them of their dependence on Him throughout the day. The requirement to pray at set times can also provide discipline and structure, helping Muslims put their faith into practice rather than keeping it purely as a belief.

Friday Prayer’s Importance - Jummah

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “when the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation [Friday], hurry toward the reminder of God”.

Analysis: Shows that Jummah is a particularly important communal prayer for Muslims. Muslims gather together at the mosque for Friday prayer, strengthening unity and brotherhood within the ummah. The command to “hurry” demonstrates the importance of prioritising worship and responding to Allah's call.

Evaluation: Jummah is significant because it allows Muslims to worship collectively and reinforces their sense of belonging to the wider Muslim community. It also provides an opportunity for Muslims to hear the khutbah, helping them reflect on Islamic teachings and apply them to their lives.

Zakah: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy

SOW/A: In a Hadith, the Prophet says “you will not believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself”.

Analysis: Shows that Islam encourages Muslims to care about the wellbeing of other members of the ummah, rather than being concerned only with themselves. Zakah requires eligible Muslims to give a proportion of their wealth to those in need, helping to reduce poverty and inequality. It demonstrates that wealth is ultimately a trust from Allah, so Muslims have a responsibility to use it in a morally responsible way.

Evaluation: Zakah is significant because it puts Islamic teachings about compassion, equality and responsibility into practice. It can also purify a Muslim's wealth and reduce greed and selfishness, encouraging gratitude for what Allah has provided.

Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says that “fasting is prescribed for you… so that you may become mindful of God”.

Analysis: Shows that fasting is commanded by Allah and is intended to develop self-discipline and God-consciousness (taqwa). During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset, encouraging them to appreciate Allah's blessings and empathise with those who experience hunger. Sawm is therefore both an act of worship and spiritual development.

Evaluation: Sawm is significant because it strengthens a Muslim's relationship with Allah and encourages self-control, patience and gratitude. It also creates a shared experience across the Muslim community, strengthening unity and empathy.

Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “whoever performs Hajj… returns like a newborn baby”.

Analysis: Shows the belief that completing Hajj can lead to forgiveness and spiritual purification when it is performed sincerely. Hajj commemorates important events associated with Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma'il, connecting modern Muslims with the history of Islam. Pilgrims perform acts including tawaf around the Ka'aba, travelling to Mina and standing at Arafat, demonstrating obedience and submission to Allah.

Evaluation: Hajj is significant because it brings Muslims from different backgrounds together as one ummah, demonstrating equality before Allah. The pilgrimage can also be a profound spiritual experience, allowing Muslims to repent, seek forgiveness and renew their commitment to Allah.

Context for Hajj, including origins, how it is performed, the actions pilgrims perform at sites including the Ka’aba, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and their significance.

• Hajj is connected to Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma'il.

• Ka'aba: pilgrims perform tawaf, walking around it seven times.

• Safa and Marwah: pilgrims perform sa'i, remembering Hajar's search for water.

• Mina: pilgrims stay and take part in the stoning of the pillars representing the rejection of evil.

• Arafat: pilgrims stand in prayer and ask Allah for forgiveness; this is a particularly important part of Hajj.

• Muzdalifah: pilgrims spend the night and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.

• Hajj promotes unity, equality, obedience and submission to Allah.

What are the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam?

1. Salah

2. Sawm

3. Zakah

4. Khums

5. Hajj

6. Jihad

7. Amr-bil-Maroof

8. Nahi Anil Munkar

9. Tawalla

10. Tabarra

Khums - an annual taxation of one-fifth gains in a year (additional duty)

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “anything you obtain of war booty… for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for near relatives and the orphans, the needy and the [stranded] traveler”.

Analysis: Shows the principle of Khums, meaning one-fifth of certain forms of wealth or surplus is given for religious and charitable purposes. The quote shows that wealth should be distributed to those in need, rather than being kept entirely by the individual. It demonstrates that Muslims have responsibilities towards Allah and the wider community.

Evaluation: Khums can promote social justice and generosity, helping support those who are disadvantaged. It also reminds Shi'a Muslims that wealth is not simply for personal benefit but should be used according to Allah's commands.

Amr-bil-Maroof - commanding what is good

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “invite towards good, order for acknowledged virtues [and] forbid from sin”.

Analysis: Shows that Muslims have a responsibility not only to behave well themselves but also to encourage good behaviour in others. It means promoting actions and values that are considered morally good according to Islam. This helps create a society based on Islamic moral principles.

Evaluation: Amr-bil-Maroof is significant because it encourages Muslims to take active responsibility for the moral wellbeing of society. However, it should be carried out appropriately and respectfully, rather than through unjust or aggressive behaviour.

Nahi Anil Munkar - forbidding what is evil

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “invite towards good, order for acknowledged virtues [and] forbid from sin”.

Analysis: Shows that Muslims should actively oppose sin and wrongdoing, rather than simply ignoring immoral behaviour. It complements Amr-bil-Maroof: Muslims should both encourage good and discourage evil. This reflects the Islamic responsibility to promote a morally good society.

Evaluation: Nahi Anil Munkar can encourage Muslims to stand against injustice and wrongdoing, helping protect others from harm. However, Muslims must use wisdom and appropriate methods when challenging wrongdoing, rather than causing further harm or conflict.

Tawalla - expressing love towards Good

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “the believing men and believing women are allies of one another”.

Analysis: Shows that Muslims should have love, loyalty and support towards fellow believers and those who uphold good. It strengthens the idea of the ummah, where Muslims have responsibilities towards one another. Tawalla encourages Muslims to build relationships based on faith and moral goodness.

Evaluation: Tawalla is significant because it strengthens Muslim unity and brotherhood, encouraging believers to support each other. It also encourages Muslims to associate themselves with good values and righteous people.

Tabarra - expressing dissociation from evil

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “do not take my enemies and yours as your allies”.

Analysis: Shows that Muslims should distance themselves from evil and those who actively oppose Allah's teachings. Tabarra involves rejecting beliefs, actions and individuals associated with wrongdoing rather than supporting them. It creates a clear distinction between supporting good and rejecting evil.

Evaluation: Tabarra can help Muslims maintain their religious identity and commitment to Islamic values by discouraging them from supporting wrongdoing. However, it does not mean Muslims should treat everyone who disagrees with them badly; Islamic teachings also emphasise justice and appropriate treatment of others.

In which Surah from the Qur’an is the Night of Power mentioned?

Qur’an Surah 96:1-5

Meaning and Significance of Greater Jihad

SOW/A: A Sunnah says “the strongest among you is not the one who can defeat another in fighting, but the one who can control his anger”.

Analysis: Shows that Greater Jihad is the internal struggle to overcome weaknesses and live according to Allah's commands. Controlling anger demonstrates self-discipline and the struggle against negative emotions and sinful behaviour. Greater Jihad therefore involves continually trying to become a better and more faithful Muslim.

Evaluation: Greater Jihad is significant because it can apply to every Muslim's everyday life, regardless of whether they are involved in conflict. It demonstrates that jihad is not simply about warfare; it can involve a person's personal spiritual and moral struggle to follow Allah.

Meaning and Significance of Lesser Jihad

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says to “fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits”.

Analysis: Shows that Lesser Jihad can involve physical struggle in defence of Islam or Muslims, but it is subject to strict limits. The command “do not transgress limits” demonstrates that warfare cannot simply be used whenever Muslims want; it must follow Islamic conditions. This distinguishes legitimate struggle from aggression or unjust violence.

Evaluation: Lesser Jihad can be significant because Muslims may believe they have a duty to defend themselves and others against oppression. However, the restrictions demonstrate that violence is not automatically justified. Many Muslims emphasise that jihad must meet strict conditions and cannot be used to justify terrorism or attacks on innocent people.

Context for Lesser Jihad, including origins, influence and conditions for declaration of it

• Lesser Jihad is associated with defensive struggle, rather than unrestricted warfare.

• The Qur'an places limits on fighting.

• It should not involve aggression or deliberately harming innocent people.

• Islamic teachings traditionally place restrictions on how warfare is conducted.

• The concept has influenced Muslim thinking about defence, justice and responding to oppression.

• It must not be confused with terrorism, which involves unjust violence against civilians.

Id-ul-Fitr, its importance for Muslims, including origins and meanings

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “Allah has given you two days better than them: the Day of Breaking the Fast and the Day of Sacrifice”.

Analysis: Id-ul-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, celebrating the completion of Sawm. It is a time of thanksgiving to Allah, as Muslims celebrate the strength and guidance they received during Ramadan. Muslims gather for special prayer, give Zakah al-Fitr, visit family and friends, and celebrate together.

Evaluation: Id-ul-Fitr is significant because it celebrates both spiritual achievement and Muslim unity, bringing communities together after Ramadan. It also reinforces the importance of charity, ensuring that poorer Muslims can participate in the celebrations.

Id-ul-Adha, its importance for Muslims, including origins and meanings.

SOW/A: In the Quran, it says “Allah has given you two days better than them: the Day of Breaking the Fast and the Day of Sacrifice”.

Analysis: Id-ul-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice and occurs during the period of Hajj. It commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, demonstrating complete submission and trust in God. Muslims may sacrifice an animal and distribute the meat among family, friends and those in need, expressing generosity and remembrance of Ibrahim.

Evaluation: Id-ul-Adha is significant because it reinforces the Islamic values of obedience, sacrifice, faith and submission to Allah. The sharing of meat also demonstrates charity and concern for the poor, strengthening the ummah.

Ashura, its importance for Muslims, including origins and meanings.

SOW/A: In a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad says that “fasting the day of Ashura, I hope Allah will expiate thereby the year that came before it”.

Analysis: For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is associated with fasting and remembering the day Allah saved Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh. Fasting demonstrates obedience, repentance and gratitude to Allah, and the Hadith suggests it can lead to forgiveness for sins. For Shi'a Muslims, Ashura has additional significance because it commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala.

Evaluation: Ashura demonstrates how the same festival can have different significance for Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. For Sunnis, the emphasis is particularly on fasting, repentance and gratitude, while for Shi'a Muslims it is a deeply emotional remembrance of Husayn's sacrifice and opposition to injustice.