Untitled Flashcards Set

Islam

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Great! When studying Islam, there are several key areas you might need to cover. Here’s a general outline of important topics in Islam that are often included in exams:

1. The Five Pillars of Islam

These are the core beliefs and practices in Islam:

• Shahada (Faith): The declaration of belief in the oneness of Allah and Muhammad as His final messenger.

• Salah (Prayer): Muslims pray five times a day (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha).

• Zakat (Charity): Giving to those in need, typically 2.5% of a Muslim's wealth annually.

• Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.

• Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): A pilgrimage that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are able to.

2. The Qur'an and Hadith

• Qur'an: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

• Hadith: The sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, recorded by his companions. These help interpret the Qur'an and guide daily life.

3. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

• Life and Mission: Muhammad is the final prophet in Islam. His life and teachings are central to Islamic belief and practice.

• The Hijra: The migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

• The Sunnah: The practices of Prophet Muhammad, which Muslims follow in addition to the teachings of the Qur'an.

4. Islamic Beliefs

• Tawhid: The belief in the oneness of Allah.

• Angels: Belief in the existence of angels, created by Allah to perform various tasks.

• Prophethood: Muslims believe that Allah sent many prophets, with Muhammad being the final one.

• The Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in a final Day of Judgment when all humans will be judged for their actions.

• Predestination (Qadar): Belief that Allah has knowledge of everything that happens, but humans still have free will.

5. Islamic Law (Sharia)

• Sources of Sharia: The Qur'an, Hadith, Ijma' (consensus of scholars), and Qiyas (analogy).

• Major branches of Islamic jurisprudence: Sunni and Shia, with different interpretations of Sharia.

• Key concepts: Halal (permissible), Haram (forbidden), Makruh (discouraged), and Mustahabb (recommended).

6. Major Sects in Islam

• Sunni Islam: The largest branch of Islam, which follows the Sunnah and believes that the community should choose the leader (Caliph).

• Shia Islam: The second largest branch, which believes that leadership should stay within the family of Prophet Muhammad, specifically with Ali and his descendants.

7. Key Islamic Holidays

• Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, marking the end of fasting.

• Eid al-Adha: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

8. Islamic Architecture and Culture

• Mosques: The place of worship in Islam, often with features like domes, minarets, and prayer rugs.

• Calligraphy: Arabic script is often used to write verses from the Qur'an in a beautiful style.

• Art: Islamic art tends to focus on geometric patterns, floral designs, and arabesques, avoiding depictions of humans or animals.