Islam Revision Flashcards

Prophethood - Risalah

A Prophet is a messenger of Allah.
The Qur’an mentions 25 prophets in Islam, from Adam to Muhammad.
Prophets are human beings chosen by God (Allah) to receive His message.
This communication channel is called Risalah.
Every age has been given a prophet bringing God’s message.
Qur'an Quote: ‘And we send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners’.
Qur'an Quote: ‘And for every nation is a messenger’.
Muslims believe prophets are sent by God and contacted by God to reveal His message, teachings, and expectations.
Muslims should follow the example of the prophets in their faith, teachings, and actions.
Most Muslims believe Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets, bringing the final message from Allah.
Muslims honor and respect Muhammad; they use the words 'Peace Be Upon Him' after saying or writing a prophet's name.
Muslims believe Adam was the first human and first prophet, known as the father of the human race.
Muslims believe the Ka’bah was built by Adam, the sacred stone was placed there by Ibrahim, and Muhammad re-dedicated it to the worship of one God.
Ibrahim and Isa are important because they gave the world Judaism and Christianity, and Jews and Christians are considered 'people of the book’.
Ibrahim is known as ‘hanif’ to have inner knowledge of the one God.

Adam

Adam is considered a Prophet - A messenger of Allah.
Adam is the father of the human race.
God created Adam from a handful of soil of many colors, representing the diversity of people on Earth.
Angels were commanded to bow or submit to Adam.
Eve (Hawa) was created from Adam’s rib, and they lived in paradise.
They were told not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge but were convinced by the devil, fell from God’s grace, and were banished to Earth.
Adam came to his senses in Arafat, confessed his sin, and was forgiven, becoming the first prophet.
Muslims believe Adam was created as God’s khalifah, responsible for looking after Earth.
Adam built the first Ka’bah in Mecca, later destroyed by the flood and rebuilt by Ibrahim.
God gave Adam scrolls containing regulations, such as Islamic food laws.
All human knowledge has its origins with Adam.
Adam was married to Eve (Hawa).
Qur'an Quote: ‘We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the descendants (of Jacob) and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and in what the other Prophets received from their Lord.’

Ibrahim and Ishmael

Ibrahim is considered a Hanif and an early Prophet.
Qur'an Quote: ‘but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim (submitting to Allah). And he was not of the polytheists’
He had two sons who were also prophets: Ishaq and Isma’il.
Isma’il became a prophet to the Arabs; Ishaq became a prophet to the Jews.
For Muslims, Isma’il is more important because he is an ancestor of Muhammad.
God ordered Ibrahim to build a new Ka’bah (destroyed in flood).
The Qur’an makes it clear that Ibrahim established it as a holy shrine, a place of worship and guidance.
Ibrahim prayed that he and his family should be custodians of the Ka’bah; guardianship passed on to Isma’il and his descendants after Ibrahim’s death.
Muslims believe that God ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Isma’il.
Qur'an Quote: ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you’.
Ibrahim remained faithful to God and was prepared to do it, but God commanded him to stop.
This was a test of faith from God, encouraging Muslims to have complete faith in God.
This event is commemorated at the annual festival of Id-ul-Adha.
There is a tradition that God revealed a holy book to Ibrahim, known as the Scrolls of Ibrahim, mentioned in the Qur’an, but no record remains of it today.

Isa/ Jesus

Isa is the 24th and penultimate prophet of Islam; in Christianity, he is known as Jesus.
Muslims believe Isa to be a messenger of God and in no way divine.
Isa is believed to have had a miraculous, fatherless birth and was a healer of the sick.
Isa foretold the coming of the final prophet, Muhammad.
Isa is the Islamic name for Jesus.
Apart from Muhammad, Isa and his mother Maryam (Mary) are the most prominent figures in the Qur’an.
Isa is recognised as a prophet and is the successor of Moses.
Muslims believe that God gave Isa his message to spread to the people.
He was given the Injil (Gospel) by God, and he performed miracles.
Unlike in Christianity, Muslims deny the Christian teaching of the Trinity.
They also reject the belief that Isa is God; they say God is one, not three.
Although it appeared as if Isa (Jesus) had been crucified, he did not die.
Qur'an Quote: ‘And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them’ (Qur’an 4.157)
They believe Isa was taken up to Heaven and will reappear in the second coming when God judges the world.

Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad is the final prophet of Islam, to whom the Qur’an was revealed.
He is regarded as the Seal of the Prophets.
Seal of the prophet: 25th final prophet who brings the absolute and perfect message word of God
Communication from God is known as Risalah
Through the Angel Jibril, Muhammad received revelations, the first on the Night of Power, Laylat ul Qadr
Final messenger and this was the greatest miracle of all time
Shown through the teaching “People, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will emerge”
Perfect example of a human being
He was a role model due to the moral and spiritual way he lived his life being a honest and humble man

Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets

God has communicated to humans through revelations, and the last and greatest of these revelations was given to Prophet Muhammad.
He is a role model for Muslims because of the moral and spiritual way he lived his life.
Muslims believe that God chose Muhammad as a prophet because he was a humble, honest man; a man who could be trusted with a special message.
Muhammad did not come from a rich family, and it is likely that he could not read or write. He was not a learned man or a scholar but was very devout.
He would take himself off for days to meditate in a cave or desert, seeking God.
Unlike Jesus, Muhammad performed no miracles; he was born, lived, and died an ordinary man.
He was a perfect example of a human being.
However, he is not represented in pictures or statues so that there is no temptation to worship him (shirk).
Muslims call him the seal of the Prophets because he was the final messenger.
Just as a seal is put on a letter or container to show it is complete and unopened, so Muhammad communicated God’s final, perfect message (the Qur’an) to humankind.
This was the greatest miracle of all time.

Al-Qadr

Al-Qadr is the Muslim term for ‘predestination.’
Muslims believe God has set out the destiny of all things.
Islam teaches that God has eternal foreknowledge.
Al-Qadr is the Muslim term for predestination this means the belief that Allah has set out or predestined the destiny of all things.
This means that Allah has foreknowledge of all things (The Exalted), and that there is a divine plan for all human beings.
Allah is the creator of all things, and all of His creation remains under His control.
Qur'an Quote: ’He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. ’.
The belief that all which happens as part of Allah’s plan is expressed in the phrase ‘insha’ Allah’
We can only succeed in our own plans if God is willing us to.
Qur'an Quote: Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct’.

Akhirah

Akhirah is the Muslim term for the belief in the Final Judgement and life after death.
Human beings have just one life on Earth, and it is their choice how they live it.
Earthy life is preparation for the eternal life to come (Akhirah).
Their lives are a test, and we will be judged on how we have lived.
As we have free will, it is up to us to behave how God wants by following the right path.
This is set out in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Hadith (risalah).
If they do not behave how God wanted, God might punish them on the Day of Judgement.
Qur'an Quote: ‘He may let them taste part of the consequences of what they have done so that perhaps they will return to righteousness’
The Hadith says that Angel Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement (Yawm al-din).
The dead will be raised from their graves, and all people will stand before God to be sentenced.
A book will be presented to them explaining everything that a person has done; if good outweighs the bad, they will go to Jannah.
Qur'an Quote: ‘and everything they did is in written records’/ ‘Whoever does good, righteous deeds, it is for his own soul’
Muslims believe God will decide whether you go to Heaven (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).
Jannah is a place of contentment, peace, and being with Allah, and Jahannam is a place of torture and fire away from Allah.

Akhirah: human responsibility and accountability

This world is not all that there is. Each human existence will continue after death; every earthly life is just a preparation for the eternal life to come.
Each mortal life is a test, and everyone will be judged according to how they have lived.
Everyone has been given free will, so each person is able to make choices about what to believe and how to treat others.
People will be held responsible for their thoughts and actions when God comes to judge on the Last Day.
God has given the Qur’an and the Sunnah to show people how to live their lives, and it is up to every individual to follow these.
Each human is accountable for their own actions.
If they don’t take notice of the teachings of God and the example of Muhammad, they only have themselves to blame when God punishes them on the Day of Judgement.

Human freedom and it’s relationship with the Day of Judgement

The Hadith says that Angel Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement (Yawm al-din).
On that day, humans will be raised from their graves and brought before Allah and judged on how they lived their earthly lives. This belief is known as the resurrection of the body.
People will be held responsible for their thoughts and actions when God comes to judge on the Last Day.
Qur'an Quote: ‘And everything they did is in written records’
A book will be presented to them explaining everything that a person has done; if good outweighs the bad, they will go to Jannah.
Qur'an Quote: ‘and everything they did is in written records’/ ‘Whoever does good, righteous deeds, it is for his own soul’
Each human is accountable for their own actions.
If they don’t take notice of the teachings of God and the example of Muhammad, they only have themselves to blame when God punishes them on the Day of Judgement.

Nature, Stages and Purpose of Heaven (Jannah)

Muslims believe in akirah or life after death
Good, virtuous Muslims will cross the bridge of As-Sirat and enter Jannah.
Jannah is described as paradise where moral followers of Islam will be greeted by angels.
It is a reward for followers who have turned away from evil and lived good and moral lives.
There are beautiful gardens, flowing waters, and an abundance of food.
Qur'an Quote: “For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord… and the good pleasure of Allah. ”
Muslims believe that heaven has a number of levels in closeness to God.
It is an eternal place for devout Muslims. “There are gardens, with rivers flowing underneath – their eternal home.

Nature, Stages and Purpose of Hell (Jahannam)

Muslims believe that God is the ‘Most Just’ and created hell as a punishment for those who make no effort to do good and overcome evil.
Qur'an Quote: But he whose balance (of good deeds) is found to be light, will have his home in a (bottomless) pit’.
Those who are unworthy of heaven or have committed shirk will suffer in the afterlife.
Muslims will fail to pass over the As-Sirat Bridge and experience physical torment.
Jahannam is a place of scorching fire pits and boiling water, a place of physical and spiritual suffering.
Qur'an Quote: ‘Poured upon their heads will be scalding water’
Vivid descriptions of hell are used in the Qur’an as a way to stop Muslims from participating in a sin.
Muslims believe that they will be sent to Hell if they reject the teachings of the Qur’an or take no responsibility for their actions. Either of these would mean that they had failed Allah’s test.

Muslim Identity and Ummah

Muslims living in the UK will describe themselves as British Muslims.
They may have heritage from Pakistan or Bangladesh but still identify as British and part of the Islamic community – Ummah
All human beings are born Muslim
Created by Allah to live in submission and obedience to Him.
Those who convert/revert to Islam are returning to their natural condition at birth.
Ummah is the worldwide community of Muslims
Everyone is equal, no matter their language, culture, or nationality.
Huge diversity across the world – but what does it mean to be a Muslim?
Central beliefs of being a Muslim: one God – Allah, who revealed divine teachings to Prophet Muhammad
Practices of prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, as well as attending a Mosque.

Features of a Mosque

Muslims worship in a mosque.
Inside you can find a minaret, from which the adhan is announced.
There is also a mihrab, which is an alcove in the mosque.
Pointing to the direction of Makkah.
The Imam stands on the minbar, which is a raised platform
So he can deliver his sermon for Friday prayers (Jummah).
These are congregational prayers that unite the Ummah
There is also an ablutions fountain which provides water for performing wudu (ritual washing) before prayers.
Outward sign of inner cleanliness
On some mosque’s you will find a dome on the outside,
Which is thought to represent Heaven.

Pilgrimage to Mecca as an Obligatory Act

One of the Five Pillars of Islam
Duty for all Muslims to perform to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah and receive reward on the Day of Judgement
Complete only once in their lifetime.
Qur'an makes specific command for those who ,
- have enough money to leave their homes for a period of time,
- physically and mentally fit to do so.
Perform Hajj in the holiest city on earth – Makkah
It has immense spiritual significance where important events took place EG – Muhammad receiving the first passages of the Qur’an
Whole observance of Hajj is recognition of the uniqueness of Allah, his unity, power and wisdom
Qur'an Quote: ‘There is no deity expect Him, the Exalted, the Wise’

Purpose of Pilgrimage (Importance)

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam meaning pilgrimage,
And is a sacred journey to the Holy city of Makkah
Makkah is the place where Prophet Muhammad received the Qur’an from the angel Jibril in cave Hira
This is remembered on the 27th day of Ramadan; known as the Night of power or Laylat ul Qadr
Hajj once in a lifetime and the greatest achievement of their life,
Shows devotion to Allah and Islam – submission to complete journey
Qur'an Quote: “- And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage.. They will come from the farthest locations. "
The route of Hajj takes believers to sacred sites such as Mount Arafat, where many sacred events are said to have happened.
The whole observance of the Hajj is recognition of the uniqueness of God, his unity, power and wisdom.

Practices/Rituals of Pilgrimage (Actions)

On arriving in Makkah, pilgrims enter a state of ihram (purity),
Where they dedicate themselves to humility and prayer.
Tawaf: circling the ka’bah seven times
anticlockwise symbolizing one God.
Walking or running seven times between two hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah,
In memory of Hajar, Ibrahim’s wife, in her frantic search for water for her son and drink from the Zam Zam Well.
Hurling pebbles at the three pillars at Mina
To show rejection of the devil, as Ibrahim did when faced with temptation.

Clothing – Diversity of Attitudes

Part of their religious identity and an outward sign of their faith
Shows adoration and personal devotion to Allah
Openly expressing faith in Allah
Qur'an Quote: The Qur’an states, “Tell your wives and your daughters… to draw over themselves some of their outer garments” “They should lower their gaze and guard their modesty”
Freedom of expression – people can wear whatever they want
Honouring their traditions, and it is their personal preference whether they choose to wear religious clothing
Dress custom of an Ihram is worn during the Hajj pilgrimage and upon death to symbolise equality and purity
Hijab shows Muslims still have a voice to express themselves regardless of how they choose to dress.
Many believe that Allah has instructed women to wear it as a means of fulfilling his commandment for modesty.
Qur'an Quote: O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment (Qur’an)

Clothing – Diversity of practices seen in different communities across Wales and elsewhere

There is no single Muslim style of clothing, and they vary from culture to culture
Some countries, women expected not only their head and body covered, but a veil (niqab) covering their face apart from the eyes.
The head covering worn by women in Wales will largely depend on their cultural background and reflect on the traditions of the country where their families originated.
A woman of Afghan heritage may wear a burkha; someone from one of the Arab countries may wear a niqab. By far the most commonly worn form of head covering in Wales is the hijab.
In traditional Muslim countries, Muslim women often wear long dresses and headscarves.
In Wales, they may choose to wear a hijab and shalwar kameez clothing (loose trousers and tunic), but ultimately, it is their choice.
In many Islamic countries, it is accepted that men should cover the main part of their body
At home, a women does not need to wear a hijab and they are only required to fully cover infront of a man they may potentially marry
Men should focus on their personality, not their physical beauty.

Lesser Jihad

The lesser jihad is a physical struggle or holy war in defence of Islam
Qur’an lays down the condition that Muslims must not be the first to attack; a war of aggression is prohibited.
The Qur’an is clear that jihad can only be fought in defence.
Qur'an Quote: Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you, but do not attack them first’.
It is the duty of all Muslims to try to remove evil from society, with the concept of lesser jihad arising during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, when he gave his faithful followers authorisation to fight.
Qur'an Quote: ‘Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wrong. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory’ .
Another condition of the lesser jihad is killing must not be indiscriminate.
Innocent people should not suffer – particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Id-ul-Adha: How Muslims prepare for this

Preparations begin with gifts being bought, new clothes are made, visiting relatives, and food is prepared.
In Wales, parents may have to organise time off school for children to celebrate this
Muslims celebrate by remembering the story of Ibrahim and his son Isma’il,
Many will make arrangements to sacrifice a sheep or goat to commemorate this story.
Visit the Mosque to pray
Listen to Id prayers.
Muslims in Wales might ask a butcher to slaughter a sheep for them,
As killing an animal without a license in the UK is illegal.

Id-ul-Adha: How Muslims celebrate this in Wales and elsewhere

Festival of sacrifice
It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage; a chance for all Muslims across the world to worship and cerebrate together.
Muslims remember the story of Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son Isma'il to show his love for God/exemplary faith.
Qur'an Quote: ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I (must) sacrifice you… ’
Today, an animal, such as a camel, a sheep, or a goat is sacrificed at Id-ul-Adha as part of the commemoration.
The meat is shared among family and friends, as well as being distributed to the poor;
Prophet Muhammad said: He is not a Muslim who goes to bed with a full stomach while his neighbour goes hungry. ’
In Wales, it is illegal to kill an animal without a license and, in any case, most families do not have the space and skills to keep and kill sheep or a goat.
People may ask a butcher to slaughter a sheep for them; they will then share it among the family and neighbours as a communal meal.

Id-ul-Fitr: How Muslims celebrate this in Wales and elsewhere

Muslim students in Wales may take a day off school to celebrate Id-ul-Fitr at home and at a mosque.
Many Muslims visit their local mosque as part of the celebrations for special Id prayers.
Cards are exchanged (Id Mubarak – have a blessed Id), Presents, money, sweets may be given to children.
Traditionally best clothes are worn and houses may be decorated.
In the Hadith, Muhammad instructs Muslims to make a donation of Zakat-ul-Fitr 'for the purpose of providing food for the needy. ’
This donation, given at the end of Ramadan, goes to the poor. It allows everyone, even those in poverty, to eat a good meal at Id-ul- Fitr.
Muslims may visit family graves
Graves may be cleaned and prayers are offered
Family and community meals will take place to mark the ending of the Ramadan fast.
Many Muslim shops and businesses will close.

The Night of Power: how the giving of the Qur’an is commemorated

The Night of Power known as Laylat Al Qadr is the holiest day in the Muslim calendar
Is significant as it commemorates the night that the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in cave Hira.
Further, on the 27th night Muslims may stay up all night, reciting the Qur’an and praying
On this night, the mercy of God is especially present and evident - sins are forgiven.
Following this, it has religious significance as they take some time off work to do extra worship (Ibadah ).
As this night prayers are answered shown through the teaching, ‘The night of decree is better than a thousand months’
Lastly, Muslims are committed in this time to studying and reciting the Qur’an in greater depth,
They think deeply about the meaning of the passages reflecting on personal sins and remembering God's mercy and forgiveness