Table on Syllabus / lesson Content -
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0.1 Introduction –Islam the basics
1.3 The nature of God- the Islamic idea of Adalat in Shi'a Islam
2.2 Prophethood (Risalah) The importance of Adam as the first prophet for Muslims
2.4 Prophethood (Risalah) Islamic views on Isa as a prophet for Muslims in the Qur'an 2:87
2.5 Prophethood (Risalah) Islamic teaching on Muhammad as the seal of the Prophets
4.1 The Foundations of faith The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam
4.2 The Foundations of faith The five roots in Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam
5.3 Akhirah (Afterlife) Islamic teaching on Human Freedom and its relationship to Day of Judgement.
5.4 Akhirah (Afterlife) Islamic teaching on Hell its nature and purpose.
TOPICS
TOPIC Introduction
Peace, someone who is in submission to the will of Allah
Islam is the worlds second largest religion (approx. 1.6 billion followers). It is also the worlds fastest growing religion.
In the 2011 census it was recorded that 2.6 million or 4.5% of the UK population are Muslim, making it the UK’s second largest religion.
2. A Muslim is?
A follower of Islam
3. What does PBUH stand for?
As a mark of respect Muslims will write (pbuh) after the name of important prophets. This means ‘peace be upon him’.
The same mark of respect is given to Muhammed, other prophets and prominent women found in the Qur’an (pbuh) ‘Peace be upon her’.
4. Who is the final prophet in Islam and what does the Quran say about him?
Muhammed
“You who believe, obey God and the messenger” (Qur’an 4:59)
5. What does the word Allah mean
· Allah: the Arabic name for God.
6. What does the Quran say about Allah?
Surah 112:1-4 says: “He is Allah the one, Allah is eternal and absolute. None is born of Him, He is unborn. There is none like unto him.” This means that Allah is the creator and sustainer of life. This quote rejects the Christian idea of the Trinity.
7. What is the daily prayer that repeats belief in Allah and the prohpeht Muhammed ?
The Shahadah (The confession of faith) which says: ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.’
8. What is Shirk?
· Shirk is to compare Allah to anything created (Greater Shirk) or to look for praise that Allah deserves (lessor Shirk).
· Muslims do not draw the images of Allah or Muhammad (pbuh). We will respect this by doing the same.
9. What are the two main traditions of Islam
Sunni
Shia
10. What does Inshallah mean and why is it important for Muslims?
· For Muslims, God is the one and only creator and controller of everything; therefore nothing takes place unless God allows it to happen.
· No matter whether something is good or bad, Muslims believe it is God’s will, and that God must have a good reason for letting it followed by happen.
· For Muslims, the supremacy of God’s will is an article of faith.
· Muslims believe they should accept whatever happens as the will of for God. God, trusting in God’s good intentions for people. God’s will is supreme (above all things).
· What God wants and expects of people is the most and unity of God. important thing.
· Muslims often add the words ‘God willing’ (inshallah) after a promise to do something.
· This shows their belief that they are not in control Supremacy: supreme power or authority over what happens: only God is in control. This idea leads some Muslims to believe that God controls everything human beings do and is the quality of God.
11. What does the Quran say about the supremacy of Allah and why is this important?
“Misfortunes can only happen with God’s permission” (Qur’an 64:11)
· For Sunni Muslims, the supremacy of God’s will is an article of faith.
· Believing in the supremacy of God’s will means that Muslims have to try to accept that even the bad things that happen in life are ‘meant to be’.
· God’s plans are mysterious and cannot be fully known to humans.
· The word Muslim means ‘one who has submitted to God’, and so a Muslim tries both to accept God’s will and to live according to God’s will in everyday life.
12. What is the Ummah?
· The ummah is the worldwide community of Muslims.
· Within the ummah all Muslims are equal, whatever their language, culture or nationality.
· There is great diversity across the Islamic world.
· There is no one, single pattern for what it means to be a Muslim, but there are certain fundamentals they all hold to.
· The central belief for Muslims is that there is one God (Allah) who has revealed his divine teachings to the Prophet Muhammad, in the Qur’an.
13. 87 - 90% of Muslims are… and believe ?
Sunni
Follow the 6 ‘Articles of Faith’ and dominate countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Indonesia to name but a few.
14. 10-13% of Muslims are… and believe?
Shi’a.
Follow the 5 ‘Usul ad-din’; Large communities found in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Majority in Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain
15. What are some key DIFFERENCES between Christianity and Muslim belief and Teachings?
On God
Christians believe in the Trinity – One God, Three persons- Father Son and Holy Spirit
Muslims believe in Tawhid- belief in the absolute Unity and Oneness of God
On Jesus / Isa humanity and/or Deity?
Christians believe Jesus was God incarnate, the Apostles Creed says Truly God and Truly man.
Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) is only human, is the second most important prophet after Muhammed, Isa was born of a virgin, did miracles, WAS NOT CRUCIFIED (Quran Surah 4 Verse 157 ‘AND THEY CRUCIFED HIM NOT), was taken directly to heaven by Allah.
On the Bible Quran
Christians believe the Bible is the ‘Word of God’ inspired meaning completely true in all that it says. Christians do not read the Quran or accept it teachings.
Muslims believe the Quran is the final and perfect revelation of Allah, and that earlier prophetic writings have been corrupted e.g. The scrolls of Ibrahim LOST + The Torah of Musa CURRUPTED (“And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation)- The Books of Abraham and Moses”. — Quran 87:9-19), , and Zabur/Psalms of Dawud USEFFUL for devotion, INGIL / gospels of Jesus LOST or CURRUPTED.
16. What are some key SIMILARITIES between Christianity and Muslim belief and Teachings?
On God
Both are MONOTHEISTS- believing in one God who is the creator of everything. However, some Muslims argue that Christians are POLYTHEISTS as they understand the Trinity to believe in three separate beings. “nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger from Allah, and His Word, …Say not "Three" [Qur'an 4:171]
On Muhammed, and The Quran
Both believe in the prophethood of Muhammad- he is the ‘Seal of the prophets’, both follow the guidance of the Qur’an and following the Sunnah or life of Muhammed.
On the Soul, resurrection, Judgement and life after Death
Both Christians and Muslims are DUALISTS believe we are a soul that has a body, and believe there is an afterlife which includes a resurrection, then Judgement then Heaven or Hell.
TOPIC 1 The nature of God (Allah)
1. What do Muslims understand the term ‘Tawhid’ to mean?
· The term ‘Tawhid’ within Islam refers to the belief in the nature of God as being One God.
2. What does Qur'an 3:18 say and what does it mean?
· “Allah bears witness that there is no god but He - and (so do) the angels and the men of knowledge - being the One who maintains equity. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.” Qur'an 3:18
· Not only believe in one God but this rejects the idea of the Trinity – Or UNITARIANISM God is either just one person or better God is not a person lie humans at alk.
3. Does this idea mean Islam is a polytheistic religion, or a monotheistic religion?
· Belief in ‘Tawhid’ means that Islam is a monotheistic religion, as they believe there is only one God.
4. Give and explain one Qur’anic verse which talks about the Oneness of God.
· Verse: Surah 112: ‘Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was he begotten. And there is nothing comparable to Him.’
· Explain: This is an important Qur’anic verse about the Oneness of God. It sets forward the view of Allah as being indisputably One God, and that there is none other like him. It declares him to be the Creator of all.
5. How does the concept of Tawhid impact Muslim attitudes towards representations of God?
· Allah is one, and there is nothing like him, therefore any attempt of comparison will be lesser than his greatness. Therefore, any images of Him are considered haram (forbidden).
· They may also lead to wrongly directed worship – worshipping an image rather than God. This is why there are no depictions of Allah, and why Mosques are commonly decorated with calligraphy.
6. In which important Islamic prayer is Tawhid asserted?
· Tawhid is expressed as a central sentiment in the Shahada – ‘The Lord Our God is One God, and Muhammad is his messenger’.
7. Explain why Muslims reject the Christian idea of the Trinity?
Islam is a monotheistic faith; it teaches that there is only one God. Muslims reject the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God. The passage, ‘he begetteth not, nor is he begotten’ (Qur’an 112:3) makes it clear that God has no children and he is not the child of anyone.
8. What is the sin of ‘Shirk’?
The sin of Shirk is to declare or believe that God is not one. It is a very grave sin in Islam. Should a person die upon committing Shirk, then they will not be forgiven.
9. Explain the difference between lesser and greater Shirk?
Lesser Shirk is to declare verbally that Allah is one (for example, within the Shahada), but not believe it to be true. Greater Shirk is to openly declare that God is not one.
10. What does the Quran say about why Allah the creator cannot be compared to his creation?
Do they not see that Allah , who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent. Qur'an 46:33
11. What does Surah 4:48 say and what does it mean?
“Surely, Allah will not forgive those who assign partners to Him; He forgives all but that. Whosever ascribes partners to Allah is guilty of a monstrous sin.” (Surah 4:48)
· Muslims warn of the sin of shirk.
· This is when people worship things other than Allah.
· There is one God and there can be no pictures to represent him.
· Muslims must worship the true God and not any images that may represent him, which will have been created by the human hand.
· For Muslims, it is a major sin of shirk to show a picture of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)
12. What is Major Shirk?
To show a picture of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)- Putting other things before God e.g. love of money.
13. What is Minor Shirk?
Any act of worship or religious deed done in order to get praise or fame (e.g.. showing off).
14. What does it mean to say Allah is transcendent?
Transcendence is being separate to the world, beyond it, which allows Allah to control and act in the world, but not be affected by it.
15. What quotes from the Quran Show the transcendence of Allah?
‘No vision can grasp Him…He is above all comprehension.’ (6:103)
‘Nothing there is like Him.’ (42:11) These show He is outside this world, outside everything that He created. Allah is outside time, whereas humans are subject to time. Allah has no beginning or end, so He cannot be part of time. Allah is beyond human understanding, limitless and therefore He is not part of this world.
16. Why might Muslims say Allah is Immanent?
In the Qur’an states, “He is with you wherever you may be,” (57:4) and ‘We are closer to human than his jugular vein.’ (50:16) showing how Allah is always present in a person’s life. Muslims take this to mean that Allah is active in their lives. These quotes from the Qur’an show Allah is vital to human existence. If the jugular vein is cut, humans die so trying to live without Allah is worse than death. Allah knows humans so well that, for example, He knows what someone will say even before they say it. Muslims believe Allah must be in this world to help and guide, to give people the purpose and ability to live this life. This is what immanence means; that Allah is very active in the world.
17. An important facet of Islamic thinking about God is not addressed by the transcendence of God, which is…
…Tawhid, which is the concept of the Oneness of God.
18. What is meant by the term ‘transcendence’?
The term ‘transcendence’ in Islamic context is the fact that God is beyond everything and anything humans know. He is understood to be removed from and greater than mankind. Transcendence is being separate to the world, beyond it, which allows Allah to control and act in the world, but not be affected by it.
19. What does the Quran say about Gods transcendence and what does it mean?
‘No vision can grasp Him…He is above all comprehension.’ (Qur’an 6:103)
‘Nothing there is like Him.’ (Qur’an 42:11)
These quotes show how Allah is outside this world, outside everything that He created. Allah is outside time, whereas humans are subject to time. Allah has no beginning or end, so He cannot be part of time. Allah is beyond human understanding, limitless and therefore He is not part of this world.
20. What is meant by the term ‘immanence’?
The term ‘immanence’ in Islamic context means the closeness of God to mankind. The Qur’an speaks of God as being ‘nearer to him [humans] than his jugular vein’ (Qur’an 50:16). ‘And He is with you wherever you may be.’ (Qur’an 57:4) These quotes show Allah is vital to human existence. If the jugular vein is cut, humans die so trying to live without Allah is worse than death. Allah knows humans so well that, for example, he knows what someone will say even before they say it.
21. What does immanence means for Muslims?
Muslims believe that Allah must be in this world to help and guide, to give people the purpose and ability to live this life. This is what immanence means; that Allah is very active in the world.
22. What is the tension between these two ideas?
A person may ask ‘Where is God?’. This is not an easy question to answer. Muslims believe that God is immanent, within all things and close to his people. But God is also transcendent, beyond all things. The Qur’an teaches that God is removed from humans. It also teaches that God is closer than the jugular. There is a tension between these two ideas because it would be thought to be impossible to be both completely removed from, and integral to, humans.
23. What does it mean to think Allah is both?
Our limited human thinking makes many people wonder, ‘How can God be both immanent and transcendent?’ For Muslims, God can be both because God is the creator of the universe, therefore outside and not limited by the physical world, yet He is also within all things and compassionate towards people.
24. How is this resolved within Islamic thought?
This is resolved in Muslim thought as they believe we have this tension because we are merely humans. We are intellectually limited to the rules of the physical world. God, however, is beyond the physical world in which we live. They believe he is not limited in the same way and therefore is able to simultaneously be both of these seemingly contradictory ideas.
25. In what way is Allah Thought omnipotent in Islam? What does the Quran say
Muslims also believe that God is omnipotent(all-powerful), as God is the creator, sustainerand owner of all things. He is also all-knowing, aware of everything including human actions and thoughts.
‘This is God, your Lord, there is no God but him, the creator of all things, so worship Him; He is in charge of everything. No vision can take Him in, but He takes in all vision. He is the All subtle, the All Aware.’ (Qur'an 6:102-103)
26. What is the relevance of the idea that God is able to do all things?
The idea that God is able to do all things ensures a Muslim’s submission Muslims use prayer beads to help them recite the names of God to Him. Humankind will always need Him and there is a reason for everything that happens. Muslims can be secure in knowing that Allah knows what is happening in the world. He sees their every action and knows their innermost thoughts and desires and He hears when they call Him. There are hidden blessings to everything that happens
27. What would a Muslim say about the importance and impact that God’s omnipotence should have on a believer’s life?
‘As a Muslim I believe that the omnipotence of Allah affects my life because He is always there for me. To me, the impossible is never impossible. I know I can trust Allah, and that trust brings me peace. I am weak; Allah strengthens me. It is all part of His design and weakness is for my own good, so that I always come back to Allah even if I stray. I cannot be without Allah.’
28. Tawhid is important to consider because…
…the concept of the Oneness of God is key within Islam and is represented throughout the practices of worship such as in the Shahada which is the Islamic statement of faith declaring there to be only one God.
The Omnipotence leads to belief in the supremacy of Allah. This is an important idea to Shia but is especially to Sunni. Typically, this is reflected when Muslims say ‘Inshallah’ (In the will of Allah) and the idea of Al-Qadeer
29. Therefore, it can be concluded…
…that the term ‘transcendent’ on its own is not the best way to describe the concept of God in Islam. A better picture of the Islamic concept of God is gained from considering all aspects of the nature of God (Tawhid, transcendence, immanence, beneficence, omnipotence, justness, mercifulness and fairness) together.
30. What is meant by the term ‘Al-Qadeer’?
The term ‘Al-Qadeer’ is the Arabic term that refers to the all-powerful nature of God, which is one of the seven facets of God’s nature. This is repeatedly underlined throughout the Qur’an.
31. What does Quran 112: 1-4 say and does it is say about what Allah is like?
He is Allah, the One, Allah is Eternal and Absolute. None is born of Him, He is unborn. There is none like him
This is the claim that Allah is self-existent or no dependent on anything else for his existence.
Allah is the Islamic word for God. Al = the and lah= God.
2. List the seven qualities of God, according to Islam.
Omnipotent, immanent, transcendent, merciful, fair, just, beneficent.
3. What does Allahu Akbar’, mean?
‘God is the Greatest’ - Every day Muslims hear and say the words ‘AllahuAkbar’, meaning ‘God is the greatest’. Muslims believe that God is so great he is beyond human understanding, and greater than anything humans can imagine. Yet Muslims have firm beliefs about what God is like.
4. How many names do Muslims believe God has?
Muslims believe that God has ninety-nine beautiful names.
5. What are the 99 names that Muslims believe God has?
· Muslims believe that God revealed himself to people through Muhammad and the holy books. There are 99 names of God in the Qur’an and Hadith (Muhammad’s sayings), which can help Muslims to understand something of God’s nature. Each name describes a quality that God has revealed about himself.
· There are the names of Gods attributes or qualities used in the Quran. Muslims use what the Quran says about nature of Allah in the 99 names as a devotional aid sometimes reciting them by memory using prayer beads.
6. What does the opener say Al-Fatihah, the opening or first surah of the Quran say about Allah?
Al-Fatihah, the opening
1. Merciful: Fair; God forgives if we are sorry
2. Creator: God is the beginning; he is the cause of all that exists
3. Beneficent: Always kind; loving
4. Judge: on the last day, God will be our judge
5. Transcendent: Beyond all things; not limited by nature
6. Immanent: Close by
7. Omniscient: All-knowing
7. Where are these names found?
These are found throughout the Qur’an and in the sayings of the Prophet (known as the Hadiths).
“The Most Excellent Names belong to God: Use them to call on Him” (Qur’an 7:180)
“Vision perceived Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.” (Qur’an 6:103)
8. Give four of the 99 names and explain their meaning and this might impact Muslims?
The Master / The King
Allah is the Creator and Ruler of the whole universe.
Muslims will try to worship Allah in the way He expects so that they show their loyalty and obedience. They will try to treat all Allah’s creations with respect.
The All Hearing
Muslims believe that Allah hears us because he is immanent because the Qur’an says that Allah is closer to us than our jugular veins.
Muslims will try to live as if Allah is part of life and vital to human existence. If the jugular vein is cut, a human dies. Likewise, if a human tries to live without Allah, it is like death.
Allah the Doer of Good
Allah is a doer of Good to those who obey him
Muslims will try to be obedient to Allah’s will following the five pillars of Islam
Allah the Generous
Allah is a generous God.
Muslims will try to generous paying their Zakat or religious giving each year 2.5% of their income.
Muslims believe God’s mercy is shown in the sending of the Prophets and the giving of the Qur’an.
God is also described constantly in the Qur’an as being merciful, and will forgive those who truly repent of their wrongdoing.
2. What is meant by the term ‘Adalat’?
The term ‘Adalat’ is Arabic for ‘God’s Justice’. It expresses the Muslim belief that Allah is just and will judge people according to their actions throughout their lifetime, good or bad. Muslims believe that Allah sees and knows all.
3. What does eth Quran say about Adalat?
The Qur’an teaches that it was God “who created the heavens and the earth” and that “He has power over all things.” (46:33)
4. What is meant by the term ‘beneficence’?
God is beneficent, the source of all goodness. His generosity is seen in his gift to humans of life on earth.
Beneficence means ‘completely good’; by declaring that God is beneficent, Muslims are declaring that he is good in all of his ways.
God’s beneficence is linked to his mercy and compassion. In their daily prayers, Muslims begin by saying ‘In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the giver of Mercy.’ This phrase is called the ‘Bismillah’ and Muslims say it to dedicate everything they do to God. They believe that God is merciful: He understands their suffering, cares for them and forgives them if they are truly sorry for any wrong, they have done.
‘God’s beneficence is seen in his many gifts to humans’
5. How is Allah beneficent and merciful in a world of suffering and evil?
In the Qur’an, Allah is referred to 57 times as the Beneficent and over 160 times as the Merciful. In daily prayers the names are recited 17 times.
1.He sent prophets as guides to the right path…so He is compassionate and humans have free will to follow his path.
2.The mercy of Allah is reflected in the rules within the Qur’an.
3.Making mistakes is part of being human, but Allah forgives those who repent. Out of mercy Allah forgives and even repeated sin is forgiven. Muslims have the chance to make up for bad deeds.
4.Allah’s mercy allows humans to exist, to live, to love and to care. Muslims are never alone. Allah’s compassion surrounds them and mercy helps them deal with being human.
5.Suffering clearly exists, but it is a test of faith to see how humans respond even where it seems beyond comprehension.
6.Humans should focus on the good (charity, loving kindness, family, togetherness, selflessness) of which there is much. They should not think only of the bad, for example, war, crime, poverty and disease.
6. In what ways do Muslims
understand God to be fair?
God acts with fairness and justice. He treats people equally and justly and requires that they do the same to their fellow human beings.
Muslims believe Allah is all knowing and fair, and therefore in his judgement of humankind he will be fair according to the actions of each person. God will judge people in fairness on the Day of Judgement.
7. Who and why is the fairnes of Allah important to?
One of the five roots of Usalad-Din in Shi’a Islam is the justice of God (Adalat). Since God is perfect, he is just and therefore never acts unjustly to his creations. Also, God is not happy when people do wrong and will hold them to account. Humans have full responsibility for their own actions and God will judge them accordingly.
8. What does Qur'an 46:33 say and what does it mean?
“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent”. Qur'an 46:33
Meaning- Allah or God is the creator of everything and can and will resurrect the dead one day.
9. What does the word Adalat mean?
The concept of justice in Shi’a Islam
10. What confession and tradition is Adalat related to?
The five roots of Usul ad-Din - The foundations of the faith in Shi’a Islam. They consist of five key beliefs: Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), Adalat (justice), prophethood (nubuwwah), imamate (leadership).
11. Explain the root of religion Adalat?
The belief in the divine justice of Allah (Adalat). God is just and wise, cannot do wrong, and holds humans accountable for their actions.
12. Why is Adalat specific to Shia Islam?
Adalat of Allah: Although both accept that Allah is just, Shi’as have a different understanding of how he is just. They believe that there is intrinsic good or evil in things, and that God commands them to do the good things and shun the evil. God acts according to a purpose or design, and human reason cannot comprehend this design or purpose in its entirety. Sunni say nothing is good or evil per se, only what God commanded people to do became good by virtue of his command, and what he forbade became evil. Thus in Shia there is s stronger view of free will, than Sunni Islam. In Shia Adalah is important because other attributes of God get their meaning from it. E.g. Allah being The Most Merciful or The Sustainer. This difference goes back to the beginning of the split. Justice is corporate less individual in Shia i.e. social justice.
13. What does the Quran say about Allah that relates to Adalat and what does this mean for Shia Muslims?
· Allah is ‘The Just’ and ‘The Wise’ which means He does no wrong.
· The Shi’a believe they need to be aware there is good and evil in everything, but that Allah commands them to do good. Surah 16:90 says ‘Indeed Allah commands you towards Justice.’
· Humans will be held responsible for all their actions, good and bad.
· Allah acts with a purpose which humans cannot understand.
· Sometimes justice can be hard to see but the Shi’a should try to understand as much as they can.
14. Give a quote about free will in the Quran that Shia might use.
“God does not change the condition of people (for the worse) unless they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
15. What doe Shia believe about Free will. Give some examples to illustrate it.
Many Shi’a Muslims believe that God knows everything that is going to happen, but this does not mean that he decides what is going to happen. This means people still have free will, so they can make their own choices.
Here is one way to think about it: a mother of a little boy knows her child very well, and knows in advance what he is going to do. If he is given a choice between a bowl of peas or an ice cream, she is very sure that he will choose the ice cream – it was his choice. Another time he might be offered peas or spinach, and he might choose the peas then if he likes them better. Just because a mother might be able to predict what will happen does not mean the boy is not being given a real choice.
Or imagine you have to travelled in time 100 years into the future. You spend some time observing what people are doing and writing down their actions. You take this written record back with you to the present year. Does this mean that the people you observed 100 Years in the future suddenly have no free choice? No; those people are still deciding for themselves what they want to do – you just happen to have been able to see in advance what they are going to decide.
Another way to think of it is this: God is the creator of time so is not bound by it. For God there is no past, present and future – for him it is as if everything has already happened. Human events happen in time due to cause and effect or human free will, but God is outside time. Therefore many Muslims do not see any conflict between the supremacy of God’s will, and human freedom to act freely and make choices.
TOPIC 2 -Prophethood (Risalah)
1. What is a Prophet?
A Prophet is a human to which divine revelation is given by God.
2. What is risalah? How does Allah speak?
Risalah flows through the whole of life. Humans are born, go through the stages of life listening to Allah’s guidance from the prophets and reading the holy books and finally die to be resurrected in the afterlife to paradise.
3. What do Muslims believe was God’s purpose for sending Prophets?
Muslims believe that God sent Prophets in his mercy to help and guide humankind by sending his revelations through them to man. The prophets are important for Muslims because they provided a method of communication between God and human beings In order for Muslims to know how to live in the way God desires, it was necessary for instructions to be conveyed to people through the prophets When humans forgot, misunderstood or changed God’s message, he sent prophets to call people back to the right path
4. How many Prophets do Muslims believe there have been?
Muslims believe there have been 124,000 Prophets. Some Muslims believe there to have been roughly 25 important Prophets. Some say The most important prophets are called messengers or apostles. These have been sent by God to every nation on earth
5. Are there more important prophets?
The Quran says they are all considered equal. We make no distinction between any of them (Qur’an 2:136).
6. What is the relationship between prophets and Angels?
· Allah chose the prophets to reveal his truth. They are responsible for the revelation.
· Messages from Allah were sent to the prophets using malaikah – Angels.
· These messages are recorded in the Kutub holy books.
· The prophets performed miracles, which proved they really were prophets.
7. What do Muslims believe about revelation?
Islam teaches that God does not communicate directly with humans, but instead he uses special beings (humans and angels) to carry his message to us.
8. What does the Quran say about the prophets who brought Allah’s revelation?
“We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit.” Quran 2:136
9. In what way do Muslims think God has a duty to guide us?
Muslims believe that, because all humans have a duty to serve God, he must have shown us what his will is. As humans, we can only know what is truly right and wrong by understanding God’s laws. Since God is just, it makes sense to believe that he must have shown us the right path to follow.
10. In what way did the prophets bring revelation of God’s inspired truth
Revelation is the idea that God has made known his special truth to humans. Islam teaches that the prophets received God’s divinely inspired message, instructing humans how to live. God’s final and perfect message was given to the Prophet Muhammad, sent down to him over the last 23 years of his life. Each passage was memorised and recorded by his followers and then later written down to form the Qur’an, the final revelation.
11. Why is the Quran the Prophet Muhammed’s revelation thought of as the only reliable book?
The Quran itself says “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of God.” (Qur’an 2:2)
12. What does the word Fitrah, (the need for God) mean?
Islam teaches that we are all born with an instinctive need for God. This is called fitrah. It is the natural spirituality that connects us to our creator, making Muslims aware of God’s presence and drawing them to worship him. This is where our conscience comes from, helping us discern right from wrong.
13. What does the word Taqwa, awareness of God mean?
Taqwa is the desire for a personal with God. Muslims try to live in a state of taqwa, the awareness of God. The Qur’an refers to taqwa as the highest quality of a Muslim, leading them to show worship and submission to God. Taqwa is often understood as a shield against wrongdoing; it allows Muslims to live as God would want, protecting them from evil.
14. What does the word Hanifs, the devout people mean?
Islam teaches that, long before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, in pre-Islamic Arabia, there were groups of people known as hanifs. The hanifs rejected idol worship; they believed in one Supreme God, creator of the universe, the God of Ibrahim who had sent revelations to the prophets through the ages. It is said by some Muslims that Muhammad’s grandfather was a hanif and through him Muhammad learnt the practice of spending time alone in the desert to fast and pray.
15. What is the difference between a Rasul and a Nabi?
Rasul: A Rasul is a Prophet who has been given a message/revelation that has credence for everyone. ‘Risalah’ means bringing prophecy from God.
Nabi: A Nabi is a Prophet who is given a revelation that has credence only for themselves, their community or a specific situation.
16. What does the Quran say about humility and why God choose the propehts to give his reveltaion to?
“God chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him].” (Qur’an 42:13)
17. What do Muslims believe about the nature of Prophets?
Muslims believe that God chose them because they were good people, and thus their example is a good one to follow.
18. What is the link between shirk and prophets?
Images of God or the prophets are not allowed in Islam, so often mosques are decorated instead with Arabic calligraphy The Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul, Turkey, was originally a church that was later converted to a mosque, so displays both Christian images and Arabic calligraphy
19. What does the Quran say about people who attack, or even just ignore, the prophets?
The Qur’an states that people who attack, or even just ignore, the prophets will be cursed by Allah.
And We did certainly give Moses the Scripture [ie the Torah] and followed up after him with messengers. And we gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit [ie the angel Gabriel]. But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, [O children of Israel], with what your soul did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed.
Qur’an 2:87
20. Who was Musa?
Musa, commonly known as Moses, was a Prophet who received the revelation of the Tawrat.
21. Why was Musa important?
Musa (Moses) is remembered by Muslims as one of the most significant prophets. The teachings of Ibrahim had been forgotten and his book lost, so a new prophet had to be sent. Musa led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Islam teaches that he was given the word of God, known as the Tawrat (Torah), but the people were disobedient and the message became distorted.
22. Who was Dawud?
Dawud was the Prophet commonly known as David, who received the Psalms.
23. Who s Dawud important?
Dawud (David) was Israel’s greatest king, who made Jerusalem a holy place for Muslims. He received the word of God in the Zabur (Psalms), beautiful hymns of praise to God.
1. What is the importance of Adam as a Prophet? Give at least two points.
· Adam was the first creation, formed by God from clay.
· He is the father of all mankind - the human race.
· He was also the first Prophet.
2. What does the Quran say about Adam?
· “One of His signs is that He created you from dust and lo and behold you became human and scattered far and wide ..””(Qur’an 30 20
· “He first created man from clay Then he moulded him He breathed from His Spirit into him He gave you hearing, sight and minds ..””(Qur’an 32 7 9
3. According to the Qur’an what is the story of the creation of Adam and what does it represent?
According to the Qur’an, God formed Adam from a handful of soil of many colours. Eve was created from Adam’s rib and they lived together in paradise.
This represents the diversity of people on earth. Muslims believe in the Ummah or Brotherhood of Muslims from all round the world
4. What was Adam given to do according to the Quran.
· God gave Adam understanding and the names of all things
· “He taught Adam all the names (of things), then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Tell me the names of these if you truly (think you can) They said,,‘May You be glorified! We have knowledge only of what You taught us You are the All knowing and All wise ..’”’”(Qur’an 2 31 32
5. What happened between Adam and the angels?
· God then asked Adam to tell the angels the names of some objects that they did not know but he did God told the angels to bow down to Adam out of respect and admiration for his knowledge, but Iblis refused His defiance resulted in him being thrown out of paradise and he vowed to tempt humans to sin against God
6. What did Allah do to prevent Adam from being lonely?
· In order to prevent Adam from being lonely, God created Hawwa ( and they live in the Garden of Bliss There was one rule they had to obey :
· ‘O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and enjoy (its good things) as ye wish but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression’ (Qur’an 7 19
7. What does the Quran say about Adam and eves temptation?
· He and Hawwa (Eve) lived in the Garden of Bliss until they were deceived by the jinn Iblis and tasted the fruit that Allah had forbidden.
· They were thrown out of the garden.
· Their actions brought sin into the world All humans would now be judged on the Day of Judgement
8. What does the Quran say about Adam and eves punishment and then what happened after that’s different from genesis?
They were banished to Earth (eden is thought of as in the sky) as punishment, but forgiven as they asked God for mercy.
However, Adam confessed his sin and was forgiven, becoming the first prophet. Adam was then given revelation from God about Himself, which Adam taught and passed down to his descendants.
9. Why is Adam is important to Muslims?
Adam is important to Muslims as a prophet because God gave him understanding and Adam in turn passed on his knowledge to the rest of the human race through his descendants He was the first person to learn to plant seeds, harvest crops and cook food God revealed to him the food that Muslims are allowed to eat, how to repent for wrongdoing and how to bury the dead He built the Ka’aba as the first place of worship, with the help of the angels after he was sent to earth Adam and Hawwa (had many children including Cain and Abel The two brothers continued the evil side of humankind when Cain killed Abel, fulfilling a prophecy in the Quran
10. What can Muslims learn from Adam?
Iblis and Adam both disobeyed Allah ( However, Adam repented his sins straight away and regretted it all his life, so finding salvation He openly criticised himself for falling into Iblis’ trap but he hoped he could make amends and receive Allah’s mercy Iblis did not show repentance or regret. He lost all hope and was forever tormented
11. What do Muslims believe about Adam as Khalifah?
“Muslims believe that Adam was created as God’s “khalifah” (his representative on earth). It was his job to rule in the place of God. Tradition says that he built the first Ka’ba (House of God – the black covered, cube-shaped building at the centre of Islam’s holiest mosque) in Makkah.
1. Why is Ibrahim remembered for his willingness to sacrifice for God?
Ibrahim is remembered for his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail, to God upon God’s request. God sent the angel Jibril to stop the death of Ismail before it took place as Ibrahim had already demonstrated his dedication to God. This is juxtaposed with Adam, who succumbed to temptation.
2. What did Ibrahim (Abraham) regarded himself as and what does this mean?
Ibrahim (Abraham) regarded himself as a hanif.
This means that he had an inner knowledge that there is only one true God.
3. Why do Muslims say he was the greatest of the Prophets before Isa?
It is because Ibrahim (Abraham) regarded himself as a Hanif he is seen as the greatest of the prophets before Isa (Jesus). He was born into a family of polytheists (people who believe in many Gods), but he rejected these beliefs in favour or monotheism and became a Muslim (one who bows down to God).
4. What does the Quran say about Ibrahim (Abraham)?
“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to God].And he was not of the polytheists.” (Qur’an 3:67)
5. Who were Ibrahim (Abraham) sons and why are they important?
Ibrahim had two sons who were both prophets: Ishma’il (the prophet to the Arabs) and Ishaq (the prophet to the Jews). In the Jewish and Christian Bible it is Issac who is sacrificed and saved by an angel not Isma’il.
For Muslims, Ishma’il is the more important because he is an ancestor to Muhammad.
6. How is the hajj related to the story of Ibrahim (Abraham) wife hagar and son Ishma’il?
When Muslims go on Hajj they remember the distress of Hajar (Ishma’il’s mother) as she ran between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah in search of water. They also remember how God instructed Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishma’il. When Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey God, telling him to refuse to sacrifice his son, Ibrahim drove the evil one away by throwing stones at him.
7. What were the ‘Sahifah’ or the ‘scrolls of Ibrahim’?
There is a tradition that God revealed a holy book to Ibrahim, known as the ‘scrolls of Ibrahim’ or she ‘Sahifah’. The Qur’an mentions this book, but no record remains of it today.
8. Why is Ibrihim important?
The Maqam Ibrahim (also spelled Muqam, literally meaning 'station'), is a small square stone, which according to Islamic tradition, bears the imprint of prophet Ibrahim's feet.
Ibrihim is the Arabic name of the prophet Abraham Muslims believe that he fulfilled all the tests and commands given to him by God, and so was promised to be the father of all nations They believe that the prophet Muhammad was descended from Ibrihim through his on Ishmael.
Ibrihim is important in Islam because he was a man of faith who denounced the worship of idols, rebuilt the Ka’aba and gave the message that there is only one God In Arabia at that time people worshipped many gods and statues
Ibrihim (or Abraham) is an important religious figure in Islam, Christianity and Judaism for this reason these three faiths are called ‘Abrahamic religions’
9. What does the Quran say about Ibrihims importance?
“Who could be better in religion than those who direct themselves wholly to God, do good, and follow the religion of Abraham, who was true in faith? God took Abraham as a friend (Qur’an 4 125
The Qur’an presents Ibrihim as a role model because of his obedience to God, his kindness and compassion, and his refusal to worship idols. .(His close relative Aazar was a sculptor who carved statues and idols, which at the time were worshipped widely by the people of Arabia
10. What is the link between Ibrihim and Muslim rejection of idol worship?
Pilgrims walking to Mina to throw stones at the pillars, representing the
stones that Ibrihim threw at the devil
As a young man, Ibrihim was determined to discover who created the u niverse He wanted his people to know who made the stars, moon and sun, which many people worshipped in those days He declared his belief in one God and was determined to stop idol worship
One day when there was a big feast on the riverbank he saw his opportunity As everyone left the town, he took an axe and destroyed all the idols in the temple except the largest one He left the axe tied around the neck of this statue When the people returned they were angry and demanded to know what had happened Ibrihim replied that the biggest statue had destroyed all the rest and they could ask the statue if this was so When the people objected that their idols could not speak, Ibrihim rebuked them, asking why they worshipped statues that cannot speak, hear, see or defend themselves
The people were furious and demanded that Ibrihim be burned alive An enormous fire was prepared on the orders of the king and Ibrihim was thrown into it A miracle occurred and the fire only burned his chains and he walked out completely unscathed, much to the amazement of the people As a result many began to follow God
11. What is the lin between The Ka’aba , Ishmael and Hajj pilgrimage?
Pilgrims surround the Ka’aba in the Masjid al Haram mosque in Makkah
The Ka’aba is a small building in the centre of the Masjid al Haram mosque in Makkah (Mecca). It is considered to be the house of God and the holiest place in Islam. Muslims believe that the original Ka’aba was built by Adam but it was destroyed by the flood at the time of Noah. With his son Ishmael, Ibrihim rebuilt it on the same site.
Many Muslims believe that Ibrihim had a dream in which God asked him to sacrifice his son to him God did not take the boy although Ibrihim was willing to sacrifice him, showing his willingness to be obedient and that he was a man of faith During the festival of Id ul Adha each year, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrihim’s willingness to sacrifice his son
Ibrihim is also remembered when Muslims go on Hajj pilgrimage For some Muslims this pilgrimage is a way to return to the perfection of Ibrihim’s faith At Mina, Muslims often throw stones at the pillars in the same way that Ibrihim threw stones at the devil that tempted him to disobey God When pilgrims run between the two hills and drink the water of Zamzam they g remember the story of Ibrihim’s wife Hagar She searched desperately for water for her young son Ishmael and God rewarded her search with the gift of the will Makkah is sometimes referred to as ‘the city of Ibrihim
1. Who are the most prominent figures after Muhammad in the Quran.
Isa (Jesus) and his mother Maryam (Mary) are the most prominent figures in the Qur’an, after Muhammad. It recognises Isa as a prophet and as a successor to Moses. He was given the Injil (Gospels) and he performed miracles.
2. What does Muslims reject from Christian beliefs about Isa / Jesus?
However, Muslims deny the Christian teaching of the Trinity and reject the belief that Isa is God. They say God is ‘one’ not ‘three’. The Dome of the rock one of Islam’s earliest artifacts is believed to say Jesus was a servant or Messenger of Allah a prophet like Muhammed thus not divine.
3. What does the Quran say about the Trinity and Tawhid, and what does it mean?
Verse: Surah 112: ‘Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was he begotten. And there is nothing comparable to Him.’
Explain: This is an important Qur’anic verse about the Oneness of God. It sets forward the view of Allah as being indisputably One God, and that there is none other like him. It declares him to be the Creator of all. Specifically it rejects the Nicene claim that Jesus is the eternally begotten son of God.
4. What does the Quran say about the life of Isa Isa as the Messiah, his miracles and how does it reject the divinity of Isa and what does it mean?
The account of Jesus begins with a prologue narrated several times in the Quran first describing the birth of his mother, Mary, and her service in the Jerusalem temple, while under the care of the prophet Zechariah, who was to be the father of Yahya (John the Baptist). The birth narrative in the Quran for Jesus begins at Quran 19:16–34 and Q3:45–53.
Gabriel declares the son is to be named Jesus, the Messiah, proclaiming he will be called a great prophet. Mary, asking how she could conceive and have a child when no man had touched her, was answered by the angel that God can decree what He wills, and it shall come to pass.
In the Quran, Isa is described as the Messiah (al-Masīḥ), born of a virgin, performing miracles, accompanied by disciples, rejected by the Jewish establishment, before being raised to heaven.
Jesus speaking from the cradle is one of six miracles attributed to him in the Quran, According to various hadiths, Jesus and Mary didn't cry at their birth, The miracle story of creating birds from clay and breathing life into them when a child is mentioned in al-Imran (3) 43, 49 and al-Maida (5) Jesus healing the blind and the lepers in al-Imran (3) 49. Jesus is believed to have raised people from the dead, as mentioned in al-Imran (3) 49.
5. What does the Quran say about the death or rather assumption of Isa and what does it mean?
“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.” (Qur’an 4:157)
The Qur’an teaches that, although it appeared as if Isa had been crucified, in fact he did not die. God could not allow evil men to triumph over his prophet in such a way. Instead, Isa was taken up to heaven and will reappear in the second coming when God judges the world.
6. What is the link between Isa and judgement day?
According to Islamic tradition, Jesus' descent will be in the midst of wars fought by the Mahdi against al-Masih ad-Dajjal ('The False Messiah") and his followers. Jesus will descend at the point of a white minaret, in eastern Damascus, which is believed to be the Minaret of Isa in the Umayyad Mosque. He would be dressed in yellow robes, with his head anointed. He will then greet the Mahdi and pray beside the latter. Jesus, considered as a Muslim, will abide by the Islamic teachings. Eventually, Jesus will slay the Dajjal at Lod. Afterwards, the People of the Book (ahl al-kitāb) will believe in Jesus, accept Islam, and thus, there will be one community, that of the Muslims. Thus, Jesus will abolish the jizya tax.
7. Do Muslims think Jesus divine?
The terms `abd-Allāh (servant of God), wadjih ("worthy of esteem in this world and the next") and mubārak ("blessed", or "a source of benefit for others") are all used in reference to him. According to Islam, Jesus never claimed to be divine. Islam sees Jesus as human, sent as the last prophet of Israel to Jews with the Gospel scripture, affirming but modifying the Mosaic Law. Mainstream Islamic traditions have rejected any divine notions of Jesus being God, or begotten Son of God, or the Trinity. This would be constitute shirk (the "association" of partners with God) and thereby a rejection of his divine oneness (tawhid) as the sole unpardonable sin.
1. What is meant by ‘The Seal of the Prophets’?
Muhammad, the most important Prophet in Islam, is referred to as ‘The Seal of the Prophets’. This means that he is the final Prophet that God will send in Muslim belief. There were as many as 124,000 Prophets in Muslim belief, so the importance of Muhammad is signified by him being the final one to receive God’s final revelation.
1. What does the Quran say about Muhammad and the Imamate / Caliphs?
“Muhammad is not the father of any one of you men he is God’s messenger and the seal of the prophets God knows everything “Qur’an 33 40
2. Who was Muhammad?
Pilgrims at the cave on Mount Hira where the
angel Jibril revealed the Qur’an to Muhammad
Muhammad was the final Prophet sent by God according to Muslim belief. He is also the founder of Islam, and the Prophet after whom Muslims model themselves.
According the the Sirah or biographers - Muhammad was born in Makkah (in Arabia present day Saudi Arabia) in 570CE, but by the age of 6 he had become an orphan age and was brought up by his uncle Abu Talib. As he grew up he became a merchant and gained a good reputation he gained a reputation for truthfulness, and intelligence, working as a shepherd for his uncle. In his twenties he entered the service of a wealthy merchant named Khadijah and he so impressed her with his honesty in his buisness dealings and character that Khadijah proposed marriage. They married and had four daughters, and two sons (who sadly died in infancy).
3. What makes Muhammad so important?
Islam teaches that Muhammad is the last and the greatest prophet, send by God. He is a role model for Muslims because of the moral and prayerful way he lived his life. Unlike Jesus, he performed no miracles; he was born, lived and died an ordinary man, but Muslims see him as the perfect example of a human being.
4. What was his experience of Mecca growing up?
As he grew older, Muhammad began to feel troubled by the corruption and cruelty he saw in Makkah. He believed that the worship of idols by the people of Makkah was wrong and that there was really only one true God. So from an early age he was religious and on occasions he went to a cave in the mountains for meditation and prayer ..(Muhammad spent time in the cave as he became disillusioned with the way people were living their lives in Makkah)
5. What happened on Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power?
Muhammad started to spend more time alone in prayer and solitude and one night, in the year 610CE, while he was praying in a cave near Makkah, he had an experience that would change his life. As he sat meditating, the Angel Jibril appeared before him with a message from God and ordered him to recite the words that had miraculously appeared before him. Muslims call this even Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power, and they remember it today on the 27th day of Ramadan. It is one of the holiest days of the Muslim year.
1. What was the revelation of the holy Qur’an?
These revelations were to continue for the next 23 years, until Muhammad’s death then these were combined together to form the Qur’an, the Muslim’s’ most holy book. He did not always see the Angel Jibril; sometimes he heard a voice speaking to him; sometimes these revelations took place while he was in prayer, at other times when he was going about his every day life.
6. What does the hadith say about Muhammed’s revelation?
“Not once did I receive a revelation without thinking that my soul had been torn away.” (Hadith)
7. How was the Qur’an revealed to Muhammad?
· The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet on what has become known as the Night of Power.
· This happened while he was meditating on Mount Hira at Makkah.
· It is believed that the angel Jibril came down to visit Muhammad and ordered him to recite the Qur’an – an impressive feat, as Muhammad was believed to be illiterate.
· Muhammed instructed a scribe to write down the revelations.
· It was thought to have been revealed in 610 CE.
8. What was Muhammed’s Message and what was the response?
Three years after the first revelation, Muhammad began preaching the words he had received and he spent the remainder of his life proclaiming or preaching. According to the standard Islamic narrarive. The message or praching of Muhhamed brought to the people of Makkah was:
· There is one true God, Lord of goodness and power . Then because God is One, we should offer complete surrender to God is the only acceptable way to live. He challenged the people of Makkah to give up cheating, drinking alcohol, gambling and idol worship
· We need to show thanks to God through worship
· There will be a judgement day where God will judge our lives
· Many in especailly the leaders of Makkah did not receive this message well; he was ridiculed and insulted. However, some did follow him and they became known as ‘Muslims’.
9. What is the Hijrah?
The leaders of Makkah began to make Muhammed and his followers suffer so he fled persecution with his followers to Medinah in 632 CE This event is known as the Hijrah ( and marks the beginning of the Ummah (the worldwide family of Islam) The Islamic calendar starts from this date and the years are numbered AH (after Hijrah)
10. What is the night Journey?
Muslims believe that before the Hijrah Muhammad had an amazing experience which is recorded in the Qur’an The angel Jibril took Muhammad on a miraculous. Journey to Jerusalem In this event, known as the Night Journey, Muhammad was carried on a horse like creature with wings, called al Buraq From Jerusalem he ascended into heaven, saw magnificent signs of God and spoke to prophets such as Isa ( He was told that people should pray five times every day.
11. What happened after the Hijrah: migration from Makkah to Madinah?
According to Muslims not long after, while teaching in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad was approached by some pilgrims from Yathrib, a city some distance to the north. They were impressed with his message and invited him to visit, to judge their community disputes. He agreed and sent some of his followers ahead of him. Now, as he planned to leave, it became clear that his life was in danger; there were people plotting to kill him. Ali (Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law) insisted in staying behind in Makkah, to act as a decoy, whilst Muhammad made the journey. The migration of Muhammad from Makkah to Yathrib is known as the Hijrah. It marks the start of the Muslim calendar. Prophet Muhammad was welcomed into Yathrib, where he came to be seen not just as a prophet, but also as a political leader and military commander. He became the city’s ruler and it was renamed Madinah (City of the Prophet).
12. What was Muhhameds effect in Madinah according to Muslims?
For the next ten years he worked to unite the different communities. There are a number of Jewish tribes in Madinah and he had expected them to become Muslims. However, many rejected Prophet Muhammad’s belief that the revelations he received were from the same God that they worshipped. They refused to believe that they should now turn towards Makkah to pray (instead of Jerusalem) and that they should fast during Ramadan. Some of these Jewish tribes in Madinah began to plot against Muhammad and so he was forced to expel them from the city. By 630CE he has gained enough support across Arabia to march on Makkah with an army of 10,000 men. Faced with this overwhelming force, the rulers of the city conceded defeat and opened the gates. Makkah was taken without the shedding of a drop of blood and the Ka’ba was cleansed of idols and re-dedicated to Allah.
13. What happened when Muhammad returned to Makkah triumphant?
In Madinah, Muhammad united the tribes and gathered an army of 10 000 Muslim converts. He marched on Makkah and conquered the city in the name of God The 360 idols at the Ka’aba were destroyed and Muhammad set about introducing Muslim law Muhammad’s teachings and practices (which are found in the Hadith and Sira texts, are still used as sources of Islamic law Shariah Muhammad won many battles but in 632 CE he returned to Madinah, became ill an died He was buried in a simple grave
Muhammad was not accepted as the final and true prophet of God. He continued to lead his community until his death in 632CE
14. What is a Caliph and what is imam?
Caliph:
Caliph: A person considered to be a political and religious successor to the prophet Muhammad, and the leader of the Sunni Muslim community.
Imam / Imamate::
Imam: the title given to Ali and his successors.
Imamate: The divine1. A person who
leads communal prayer; 2. (Iman) in Shi’a Islam,
15. Who succeeded Muhammed as Caliph / Imamate?
When Muhammad died it wasn’t clear who should succeed him Muslims split into two groups, Sunni and Shi’a. Sunnis elected Abu Bakr as their first Caliph Shi’as believe that Muhammad named his cousin and son in law Ali, as his successor so Ali became the Shi’as first Imam For Shi’as, it was important that Ali took control because they believed the prophet had appointed him by divine instruction, and that leadership should follow the family line When Ali died, his son became the Imam Each Imam that followed was the son of the previous imam (with the exception of Husayn ibn Ali, who was the brother of Hasan ibn Ali)
16. What is the Shariah
The Shari’ah law sets out the moral and religious rules that Muslims must follow. It puts into practice the principles set out by the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Hadith, so by following Shari’ah laws, Muslims can know that they are obeying the will of God. Shari’ah lays dows laws about what is halal (allowable) and what is harem (forbidden). It deals with many everyday topics, setting out rules for Muslimcs on personal matters like food, clothing, crime, money, sex and relationships.
17. What did Muhammed say in his last sermon?
One of the largest mosques in the world now sits above Muhammad’s grave
“I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and the example of my life (the Sunnah). If you follow these you will not fail.” (Muhammad’s final sermon in Makkah)
In the Hadith there is an account of Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon, delivered in Makkah shortly before his death. Here he instructed his followers to be obedient to the teachings set out in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
1. What do Muslims consider the Qur’an to be? Give three facts.
· The word of God
· Directly from God, unchanged by man
· God’s final revelation
· Perfect and Irrefutable
· A miracle
· A source of framework for jurisprudence
· Guidance and answers to questions
2. Why is the Qur’an written in Arabic?
· The Qur’an is written in Arabic because it is the language of God.
3. Is the Quran created or eternal?
· There was debate for years about whether the Quran was created by Allah or existed eternally. Typically Muslims believe that the Qur'an is a perfect copy of a heavenly book, and that it is the last revelation of Allah's truth to the human world, they believe that it is the best guide for how to live our lives and achieve salvation.
4. What does the word ‘Qur’an’ mean and what does this indicate about how it was revealed to Muhammad?
· Meaning: ‘recital’
· It was not Muhammad’s words, but God’s.
· Unlike other texts which Muslims believe to have been written by humans, this was recited.
· It was a miracle, as Muhammad was illiterate and therefore would not have been able to read words from a page.
· The style of Arabic in which the Qur’an was written/recited was ancient and very complicated, which Muhammad would not necessarily have known in his position as a merchant.
5. How many chapters are in the Qur’an?
· There are 114 Surahs in the Qur’an.
· Someone who has learnt the Qur'an by heart is called a Hafiz/Hafizah (male/female), a very respected status.
6. What is the Arabic term for the chapters of the Qur’an?
· The Arabic term for chapters is Surah.
· The Qur'an is written in verses of various lengths. Each chapter begins with the words 'In the name of Allah, the merciful, the compassionate.' This is known as the Bismillah.
7. Give two examples of the type of content the Qur’an addresses?
· The Qur’an consists of some historical events (such as Ibrahim’s almost-sacrifice of his son) as well as guidance on how to live correctly and follow God’s will. It also contains instructions on Islamic law and practices in aspects of life such as marriage and finances.
8. Why is the Qur’an considered to be the highest authority?
· Because it is both the word of God and his final revelation, the Qur’an is therefore considered to be the highest authority in Islamic thought.
1. What is the The importance of the Qur’an?
Muslim children are encouraged to learn Arabic from an early age so that they can read the Qur’an inits original language
Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God, which was revealed to Muhammad via the angel Jibril over a period of around 22 years It contains the foundation of every believer’s faith, and is the most sacred text in Islam It is believed to be an infallible source of authority for all matters of doctrine, practice and law Islamic scholars regard the Qur’an as a literary work that is beautifully written in perfect Arabic The original Qur'an was believed to be in heaven, so when Muslims read the Qur'an they believe that God’s words are speaking directly to them Muslim Children are encouraged to learn Arabic so they can read the Qur’an in its Original language Qur’anic recitation is highly valued as Muslims believe it brings blessings Those who are able to recite the whole Qur’an from memory are given the title ‘
2. What does the Quran say about itself?
· “This is the Scripture in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are merciful of God Qur’an 2 2
· “This is truly a glorious Qur’an ( on a preserved Tablet ..””(Qur’an 85 21 22
3. What does the name ‘Quran’ mean?
· ‘the recital’, as Muhammad recited by heart each revelation that he received and passed it on to his followers
4. What does Muslims say about how the Quran was complied?
The standard Islamic narrative is that His followers memorised them and scribes wrote them down After Muhammad died, his successor Abu Bakr commissioned an official copy to be compiled by Zayd ibn Thabit one of Muhammad’s companions Soon converts of different nationalities started to read and write the Qur’an and some parts were in danger of being misread or miswritten So Uthman the third Caliph, commissioned a team of Muslim scholars to oversee the compilation of one official written version to be followed everywhere They completed their work around 650 CE
5. What are the the contents of the Qur’an
Similarly to the Christian Bible, the Qur’an contains a mixture of historical accounts and advice on how to follow God There are 114 surahs ( in total It begins with a short surah called ‘al Fatihah which means ‘The Opener’ This is a prayer to God for guidance, and is used in daily prayers The remaining surahs are arranged approximately in order of length with the longest first 286 verses) and the shorter chapters last The content is not arranged in the order it was revealed Apart from the ninth Surah, each chapter begins with the words
‘In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
6. What does ‘PBUH’ stand for and what purpose does it serve?
PBUH stands for ‘peace be upon him’. This is commonly said after the name of Muhammad as a mark of respect.
9. Apart from the Qur’an, name two other sources scholars use to understand the law of God.
· Consensus of the scholars
· Analogy
· Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammed)
· Sunnah
· Reasoned thinking
10. Why does the Qur’an have authority over these other sources?
· The Qur’an has ultimate authority because it is the word of God.
· Also, it is a source used by scholars as a reference point to check consensus, analogy, etc.
· It therefore has authority over these methods of understanding the law.
11. In what state is the Qur’an considered to not be irrefutable?
· The Qur’an is only wholly perfect when it is written in the original language of Arabic.
· Therefore, when translated into English or another modern language it ceases to be infallible.
12. What is the beauty of the language of the Qur’an considered to be able to do?
· The Arabic of the Qur’an is considered to be so beautiful that it can convert anyone who hears it.
13. What is the Sunnah?
· Unlike the Quran, the Sunna was not recorded and written during the Prophet's lifetime, but was systematically collected and documented beginning at least two centuries after the death of Muhammad.
· Muhammad is known as ‘the Seal of the Prophets’ and was the final prophet Allah chose to reveal the Qur’an to. (Think back to teaching on Risallah)
· Sunnah often stands synonymous with hadith since most of the personality traits of Muhammad are known from descriptions of him, his sayings and his actions after becoming a prophet at the age of forty.
· Sunnah, which consists not only of sayings, but of what Muhammad believed, implied, or tacitly approved, was recorded by his companions in hadith.
· Sunnah refers to the practices, customs and traditions of Muhammad. These are considered to be ‘model’, a perfect example. These are found in the Hadith and other text.
· The sunnah of Muhammad includes his specific words (Sunnah Qawliyyah), habits, practices (Sunnah al Fiiliyyah), and silent approvals (Sunnah Taqririyyah).
· Recording the sunnah was an Arabian tradition and, once people converted to Islam, they brought this custom to their religion
· In the Qur’an the instructions are given many times. “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger” Surah 3: 32
14. What is meant by ‘following the Sunnah’?
· To follow the Sunnah is to use the actions of the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime as a framework for making decisions; to follow his example.
15. What are the haddith?
The Hadith: the sayings of the Prophet
Muslims love and respect the words of the Prophet Muhammad because he was such an outstanding character. He had deep devotion to God, but he was also a man of enormous wisdom, kindness and compassion. The Hadith is a book which contains his sayings, as recorded by his family and companions. There are different collections of these sayings, each accepted by different Muslim groups.
· Hadith: An account describing the words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. To ‘tell’ or ‘narrate’.
16. Give some examples of what the Haddith say?
“The warrior who truly fights for God’s cause is he who looks after a widow or a poor person.” (Hadith)
“If you think of God, ou will find Him there before you.” (Hadith)
17. What are the Hadith?
· Hadith refers to reports of statements or actions of Muhammad, or of his approval or criticism.
18. Why are there different Haddith?
· Sunni and Shia hadith collections differ because scholars from the two traditions differ as to the reliability of the narrators and transmitters.
· Narrators who took the side of Abu Bakr and Umar rather than Ali, in the disputes over leadership that followed the death of Muhammad, are seen as unreliable by the Shia; narrations sourced to Ali and the family of Muhammad, and to their supporters, are preferred.
19. What Haddith do Sunni and Shia follow
· For Sunni Islam 'The Accurate Six' is the name given to the most trustworthy of the Hadith. They were collected within the first three centuries of Islam.
· For Shi’a Islam they use ‘The Four Books’ to refer to their most trusted Hadith. They are al-Kafi, ( the Sufficient), Man la yahduruh al-faqih (The book for the one who does not have a jurist before him), Tahdhib al-ahkam (The Refinement of the Laws), and al-Istibsar (of the Holy Qur'an and al-khabar al-mutawatir).
20. Give an example of a Shi’a Hadith:
· "The most beloved of all acts to Allah, Mighty and Exalted, is the prayer, and it is the legacy of the prophets." - Imam Sadiq (6th Imam)
· "Do not neglect your prayer, for verily the Prophet said while he was on his death bed: 'The one who takes his prayer lightly is not of me.’" - Imam Baqir (5th Imam)
21. Give an example of a A Sunni Hadith:
· “Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “The best day on which the sun rises is Friday; on it Adam (AS) was created; and on it, he descended on earth; and on it, his repentance was accepted; and on it, he died; and on it, the Hour will be established…..” Sunan Abu Dawud
22. What is the Shariah
‘‘the path to water’ The Shari’ah law sets out the moral and religious rules that Muslims must follow. It puts into practice the principles set out by the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Hadith, so by following Shari’ah laws, Muslims can know that they are obeying the will of God. Shari’ah lays dows laws about what is halal (allowable) and what is harem (forbidden). It deals with many everyday topics, setting out rules for Muslimcs on personal matters like food, clothing, crime, money, sex and relationships
TOPIC 3 -Angels (Malaikah)
1. According to Islam, what are Angels?
Muslims believe that angels, or malaikah, were created before humans with the purpose of following the orders of Allah and communicating with humans. Islam teaches that angels are heavenly, immortal beings, God’s first creation. According to the Qur’an, humans were formed from clay, but angels were made out of light. They are God’s messengers, the channels through which we can become aware of his laws and his purpose in our lives. They are God’s servants and they can take on many forms to carry out his commands, but unlike humans they have no free will. They are without sin and so they are able to enter into God’s divine presence, but they also communicate with humans.
2. According to Islam, why does God need to send angels rather than addressing humanity directly?
Angels bring God’s revelations to humans, as they are holy enough to be talking to God directly, whereas humans are not. Therefore, angels function as messengers between the two as they are holy enough to be in God’s presence.
3. Why can angels communicate directly with God?
Angels are holier than humans, but not as holy as God. They are without sin, as they do not have free will like humans and therefore cannot disobey God. Therefore, because they are holier and without sin, they can enter God’s presence and communicate with Allah.
4. What does the Quran say about Angels and what does it mean?
(2:97) Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel. … is an enemy to Allah, His Angels and His Messengers and to Gabriel and Michael will surely find Allah an enemy to such unbelievers.” Qur’an 2:97-98
Angels like Gabriel and Michael along with the prophets are Allahs servants and to be respected.
5. Give six examples of Angels and why they are significant?
Jibril (Gabriel)
is the angel of revelation. He is the archangel who is responsible for revealing the Qur’an to Muhammad and brings messages to God’s chosen ones
Mika’il (Michael)
is the archangel responsible for keeping the devil out of heaven and protecting faithful worshippers rewarding them for good deeds. He brings sustenance for the body and support the spiritual needs of believers soul. He send thunders and rainfall for the earth, to water the land.
Israfil (Raphael)
is the archangel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgement to announce the resurrection of all from the dead
Azrail
is the archangel that takes souls at death
Raqib and Atid
are the angels referred to in the Qur’an as the ‘noble recorders’. They sit, one on each shoulder, noting down our good and bad deeds, to be read from the book on the last day
Munkar and Nakir
("The Denied and The Denier") are the two terrifying, judging angels who will question each person after their death, testing their faith
6. What Qualities do angels have
· Muslims believe that God made angels from light.
· They are sinless, and unlike humans do not have free will because they only have the knowledge Allah has given them.
· They are part of the unseen world, as opposed to the seen world which humans inhabit.
· They are therefore limitless
· They are described in the Qur’an as eternally praising God.
· Allah uses them to communicate with humans.
· They are invisible. However, they may reveal themselves to humans on special occasions. An example is when the Angel Jibril revealed himself to Prophet Muhammad.
7. What are the duties of Angels?
• Putting souls in foetuses
• Taking the final breath from a dying person
• Guardian angels for humans
• Recording good and bad deeds in the Book of Life/Decrees
• Passing revelation to Prophets/mankind
• Escorting souls to heaven/hell
• Sounding the Trumpet on Judgement Day
8. Explain what the angels Al-Kiram and Al-Katibun do?
Muslims also believe that angels are with them at all times. They have two angels, which sit on either shoulder and are known as Al-Kiram and Al-Katibun. One of the angels records the good things the person has done and the other records the bad things the person has done. Allah will judge each person based on these deeds, deciding whether they are worth of Paradise (Jannah or Hell (Jahannam).
9. Do angels have gender?
Angels have no gender. Although angels are invisible, they exist everywhere, throughout the whole universe. They are never far away and they are always in contact with humans, especially when someone prays or thinks about God. They have no physical bodies, but the Qur’an describes them as having wings and are always described as male.
10. What does the Quran say about the relative importance of any of Allah’s messengers and what does it mean?
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination." Qur’an 2:285
This means that all the prophets and all the angels are of equal importance. E.g., Jesus / Isa and Muhammed of equal importance or Gabriel and Michael.
11. According to the Quran thus Islamic teaching, what do the angels constantly do?
“They exalt him night and day and do not slacken”. Qur’an 21:20
The praise Allah
12. Who is Izra’il ?
The Angel of Death, who takes the souls from bodies when people die.
1. What do Muslims believe about free will and why?
The belief in the free will of humans is essential in Islam. This is because, for Muslims, life is a test from Allah. Therefore, all human beings must make their own decisions, on which they will be judged by Allah. Yet the question is then asked about Angels do they have free will?
2. Why is belief that angels have no free will important to Sunnis?
Most Sunni Muslims believe that angels don’t have free will, so they are totally obedient to God. This means they are ideal for carrying out God’s tasks and communicating God’s word reliably. For many Muslims, this belief is key. It shows that the Qur’an, passed to Muhammad by Jibril, must have been the pure word of God. This is because Jibril had no free will and therefore could not change God’s messages.
3. Why is belief that angels have limited free will important to Shia?
Many Shi’a Muslims believe that angels do have a limited amount of free will, but no desire to sin. This makes the Angels worship and praise of Allah, as well as their obedience, more meaningful. Iblis thus Among Shia Muslims, the idea prevails that the Mahdi will kill Iblis.
4. What is the debate about Free will and Angels in Islam?
The possibility and degree of erring that angel can do is debated in Islam. In the early Islamic thinking, angels are supernatural creatures that were not expected to understand sin or help remove it (expiate it). They only follow their nature created by God. A really early scholar called Hasan of Basra (Born -642?) was one of the first who established the doctrine of infallibility of angels by reinterpreting verses which seem to imply erring angels. This belief raises the question about what Ibilis or Satan is.
5. Who or what was Ibliis?
Art from an unknown manuscript where angels bow before the newly created Adam, but Iblis (top right on the picture, a dark black naked figure behind the hill) refuses to prostrate
Iblis may either be a fallen angel or A Jinn.
Iblis is often identified with al-Shayṭān ("the Devil"), Shayṭān is usually applied to Iblis in order to denote his role as the tempter, while Iblīs is his proper name. Muslim throw rocks at Iblis during the Hajj. While Angels are made of light Iblis is made of fire. In the Quran Prophet Yusuf, Joseph tells how
“Shaytan [Satan] made him [the fellow prisoner] so neglectful that he forgot to mention him to his lord, and so Yusuf remained in the prison for several years” (Surah 12:42).
6. What are the Jinn?
Belief in Jinn is not among the six articles of Sunni Faith as belief in angels is. Al Tabari, says the angels were created on Wednesday, the jinn on Thursday, and humans on Friday, though not in succession, but rather, more than 1000 years later, respectively. Like humans, they are created with fitra, neither born as believers nor as unbelievers; their attitude depends on whether or not they accept God's guidance. Jinn are neither innately evil nor innately good. The community of the jinn race were like those of humans, but then corruption and injustice among them increased and all warnings sent by God were ignored. Consequently, God sent his angels to battle the infidel jinn. Just a few survived, and were ousted to far islands or to the mountains. With the revelation of Islam, the jinn were given a new chance to access salvation. However, because of their prior creation, the jinn would attribute themselves to a superiority over humans and envy them for their place and rank on earth.
7. Was Ibliis a fallen angel?
This painting is from a copy of the Fālnāmeh (Book of Omens) ascribed to Ja´far al-Sādiq. Iblis characteristically depicted black-faced is bottom-left in picture above the Angels.
In Islamic folklore the earth was first inhabited by Jinn creatures with free will.
Some believe before Iblis was cast down from heaven, he used to be a high-ranking angel called Azazil,
As an angel, Iblis is described as an archangel, the leader and Imam (teacher) of the other angels, and a guardian of heaven. At the same time, he was the closest to the Throne of God. God gave him authority over the lower heavens and the earth. Iblis is also considered the leader of those angels who battled the earthly jinn. Therefore, Iblis and his army drove the jinn to the edge of the world, Mount Qaf.
Knowing about the corruption of the former earthen inhabitants, Iblis protested, when he was instructed to prostrate himself before the new earthen inhabitant, that is Adam. When Allah created Adam and Eve (humans, as obedient creatures) he refused to prostrate himself before Adam (in Eden/in the heavens). Iblis objected to God's decision to create a successor (k̲h̲alīfa). He assumed that the angels who praise God's glory day and night are superior in contrast to the mud-made humans and their bodily flaws. He even regarded himself superior in comparison to the other angels, since he was (one of those) created from fire. However, he was degraded and sentenced to hell (Sijjin), by God for his arrogance. But Iblis requested to redeem himself by proving that he is right and leading humans into sin as a shayṭān (devil).
Therefore, Allah makes him a tempter for humanity as long as his punishment endures. Since, according to Quran 15:36, Iblis is cursed until Day of Judgement Iblis is now the leader of the devils (shayāṭīn) in Islam.
8. Was Ibliis a betraying Jinn?
Depiction of Iblis in the epic poem Shahnameh
Iblis some think was one of the jinn, who lived on earth before their battle with the angels. When the angels took prisoners, Iblis was one of them and carried them to heaven. Since he, unlike the other jinn, was pious, the angels were impressed by his nobility, and Iblis was allowed to join the company of angels and elevated to their rank. However, although he got the outer appearance of an angel, he was still a jinn in essence, thus he was able to choose when the angels and Iblis were commanded to prostrate themselves before Adam. Iblis, abusing his free will, disobeyed the command of God. Iblis considered himself superior because his physical nature constituted of fire and not of clay.
Some think God sentenced Iblis to hell forever, but granted him a favor for his former worship, that is to take revenge on humans by attempting to mislead them until the Day of Judgment. The Quran says he was from the jinn in Surah 18:50
9. What are the two views on Iblis and the free will of Angels?
Sunni who generally believe in predestination of all creatures including Angels. Generally they think Iblis was an angel who was predestined by God to disobey. Some think he was a Jinn taken to heaven and only appeared as an Angel.
Shia generally believe Iblis was a fallen Angel. They emphasize angels like Iblis had free-will and that Iblis freely choose to disobey.
10. What does the Quran say about the debate on Angels and Free will?
Angels have no free will – Iblis was predestined to fall or was a Jinn in heaven.
“About the angels: For NONE are arrogant (before their Lord). They ALL fear their Lord, high above them, and they do ALL they are commanded”. -- Sura 16:49-50
Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam": They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrong-doers! [Qur'ân 18:50]
Angels have free will – Iblis was a fallen Angel
And behold, we said to the ANGELS: "Bow down to Adam". And THEY bowed down, EXCEPT Iblis. He refused and was haughty. -- Quran 2:34
11. Which other Angels does the Quran suggest sinned?
Walters manuscript W.659 depicts the angels Harut and Marut hanging as a punishment for being critical of Adam's fall.
Harut and Marut were angels that came down and fell into sin:
12. What does the Quran say about the Jinn?
The devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic and that which was revealed to the two angels in Babel, Harut and Marut (alal-malakayni bi-Baabila Haaruuta wa Maaruut).
Nor did they (the two angels) teach it to anyone till they had said: We are only a temptation, therefore disbelieve not (in the guidance of Allah). And from these two (angels) people learn that by which they cause division between man and wife; but they injure thereby no-one save by Allah's leave. And they learn that which harmeth them and profiteth them not. And surely they do know that he who trafficketh therein will have no (happy) portion in the Hereafter; and surely evil is the price for which they sell their souls, if they but knew. Quran. 2:102
13. Which verses of the Quran seem to suggest that angels can sin?
And recall when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam”; all of them fell prostrate, except Iblis. He was of the jinn and so disobeyed the command of his Lord. Will you, then, take him and his progeny as your guardians rather than Me although they are your open enemies? Quran 18:50
1. Who was the angel Jibril?
Jibril - The bringer of good news. He is mentioned in both the Qur’an and the Hadith.
2. Why is the angel Jibril called the angel of revelation?
The Angel Jibril revealed Allah’s words in the form of the Qur’an to Muhammad on the Night of Power. Because of this, he is also known as the Angel of Revelation, as he played a vital role in communicating Islam to humanity.
3. What does the Quran say about Jibril and what our attitude to Angels should be?
· “Whoever is an enemy to Jibril – it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon his heart, by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Jibril and Mika’il – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers”. Qur’an 2:97-98
· Angels like Gabriel and Michael along with the prophets are Allah’s servants and to be respected. In the Qur’an, Allah makes it clear that anyone who opposes Jibril or the other angels will become an enemy of Allah:
4. What is the angel Jibril commonly known as outside Islam?
· He is commonly known as Gabriel. The Angel Jibril is known as the Angel Gabriel in Christian scriptures.
5. Why is the angel Jibril central to Islam? Give one example of one of his actions to support your answer.
· The angel Jibril is central to Islam as he is believed to be the Chief Angel. He was the first being into which Allah breathed life. He is involved in revealing God’s revelations to mankind at various points in the Qur’an – notably, it is the angel Jibril (Gabriel) who reveals to the Virgin Mary that she will have a child, and it is the angel Jibril that revealed the Qur’an to Muhammad.
6. What doe Shi’a believe about Jibril?
· Shi’a believe Jibril brought additional messages to the al-Bayt, the family of Muhammad. In Shi’a belief Jibril visited Ali to encourage him to marry Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter), and comforted Fatima after Muhammad died. Fatima in Shi’a tradition is viewed withsimilar respect and reverence as Mary in the Christian religion.
1. Who was the angel Mika’il?
Mika’il – The Angel Mika’il (known as Michael in Christianity) is a friend to humanity. He is known as the giver of rain, which waters the land and helps to provide food for people. He is believed to guard places of worship and reward people’s good deeds. As the Angel of Mercy, he asks Allah to forgive people’s sins. It is believed that both the Angel Jibril and the Angel Mika’il will be present on the Day of Judgement.
2. What did the angel Mika’l do for the Prophet Muhammad, and how does this continue today for Muslims?
· For Muhammad: He helped him on his spiritual journey throughout his life.
· For believers today: Muslims believe that this angel helps Muslims in their spiritual journeys today, in the same way they helped Muhammad.
3. What does the Quran say about Mikal?
The single allusion to Mīkāl in the Qurʾān (2:98) states: “Whoever is an enemy of God or his angels or his apostles or Jibrīl or Mīkāl: verily God is an enemy of the unbelievers,” a verse exegetes say was intended to address the Jews of Medina, who disbelieved in the Qurʾān’s revelation yet held Michael in particular esteem as “the lord of Israel.”
4. Why is Mikal important?
Mīkāl and Jibrīl were the first angels to obey God’s order to prostrate oneself before Adam. The two are further credited with purifying Muhammad’s heart before his night journey (Isrāʾ) from Mecca to Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension (Miʿrāj) to heaven. Mīkāl is also remembered as aiding the Muslims in their first significant military victory (Battle of Badr) in Arabia in 624. It is said that he was so shocked at the sight of hell when it was created that he never laughed again. In biblical literature Michael is the counterpart of Mīkāl.
5. Who is Israfil?
The angel who will be present on the day of resurrection. It is believed that the Angel Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement from the rock in Jerusalem. The trumpet is constantly poised at his lips, ready to be blown when God so orders. He is one of the four archangels in Islamic tradition, along with Mīkā'īl, Jibrā'īl, and Malak-al-Mawt (archangel of Death). The "Book of Dead" described Israfil as the oldest of all archangels. He is commonly thought of as the counterpart of the Judeo-Christian archangel Raphael.
6. What does the Haddith and tradition say about Israfil?
Israfil is mentioned in a hadith as the angel nearest to God, mediating the commands of God to the other archangels. Although the name Israfil does not appear in the Quran, a figure blowing a trumpet is repeatedly alluded to, and is assumed to be this figure. Certain sources indicate that Israfil was created at the beginning of time, has four wings, and is so tall that he can span the distance from the earth to the pillars of Heaven. A beautiful angel who is a master of music, Israfil sings praises to God in a thousand different languages, the breath of which is used to inject life into hosts of angels who add to the songs themselves. Due to his beautiful voice, he is also the Muezzin of those in Heaven. However, another tradition mention that Israfil has twelve wings.
7. What does the Quran say about the blowing of the trumpet
And the trumpet shall be blown, so all those that are in the heavens and all those that are in the earth shall swoon, except him whom Allah will ; then it shall be blown again, then they shall stand up awaiting. — Quran 39:68
8. What will happen when the trumpet is blown?
According to tafsir (Quranic interpretation) Israfil will blow the Armageddon trumpet twice. The first blow will kill all creatures and creations except Israfil himself. Later, Israfil will blow the trumpet for the second time, then all creatures will be revived and wait for judgment.
9. What is the significance of Israfil?
Though not mentioned in the Qurʾān, Isrāfīl is known from Hadith and tafsīr literature. He is usually conceived as having a huge hairy body that is covered with mouths and tongues and that reaches from the seventh heaven to the throne of God. One wing protects his body, another shields him from God, while the other two extend east and west. He is overcome by sorrow and tears three times every day and every night at the sight of hell. It is said that Isrāfīl tutored Muhammad for three years in the duties of a prophet before he could receive the Qurʾān. Isrāfīl has no clear counterpart in the Judeo-Christian tradition, though some scholars have drawn connections to Raphael, Uriel, or Seraphiel.
TOPIC 5-The Foundations of faith
1. What are the Six Articles of Faith in Islam?
· The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam are: the Supremacy of God’s Will, belief in Angels, the authority of the Qur’an, the oneness of God (Tawhid), belief in the Prophets, belief in the Day of Judgement.
· The first five beliefs are based on Qur’anic verses such as “Whoever disbelieveth in God and His angels and His Scriptures and His messengers and the Last Day, he verily wandered far stray.” (4:136)
· “It is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers.” (2:177)
· “The man of faith. Each one believeth in God and His angels, His books and His apostles.” (2:285)
2. Which branch of Islam follows the six articles and which Haddith shows this?
· The Sunnis follow the six articles of Islam.
· Haddith “You must believe in Allah, his angels, his holy books, his messengers, in the Last Day and in fate (both in its good and in its evil aspects).” (Kitab al-iman 1:4)
3. What are the key features of Sunni Islam
· When Muhammad died, the majority of Muslims thought that only the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) and the Sunnah (Muhammad’s teaching and actions) had authority to guide the beliefs and behaviour of Muslims. They elected Abu Bakr to be their leader (Caliph), to act on behalf of God and Muhammad to make sure people followed God’s laws.
· The Caliphs did not make the laws; they enforced them once the community had considered the views of scholars who studied the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This group of Muslims came to be called ‘Sunni’, eaning followers of the Sunnah.
4. What is the Sunnah, haddith and Quran and why are they imnportant for Sunni Muslims?
Quran- Direct message of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
· Important because: - Tells humans all they need to know about God, religion and how to live their lives - For Muslims the Qur’an contains only the literal unchanged words of Allah
Haddith Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
· Important because: - Muhammad was the final prophet and so his words must be important - The best person to interpret the Qur’an must be Muhammad
Sunnah - The footsteps of the Prophets
· Important because: - The practices, customs and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad are considered to be a perfect example for a Muslim to follow.
5. What does Tawhid –‘oneness’: mean for Sunni and why is it important?
· There is only one God. ‘The Oneness of God’ is the concept of Tawhid meaning ‘oneness, absolute, alone’.
· Tawhid shows that Muslims believe that there is one God who then must be the creator, all-powerful and all-present who is the same God that Jews and Christians worship.
6. What does the Quran say about Tawhid and what does it mean for Sunnis?
· Surah 112:1-4 says: “He is Allah the one, Allah is eternal and absolute. None is born of Him, He is unborn. There is none like unto him.”
· This means that Allah is the creator and sustainer of life. He is beyond any human limitations like age and death because He was not born and cannot die. He has no partners or children and nothing is like him.
7. What do Malaikah Angels mean for Sunni and why is it important?
· Angels communicate the message of God to humans. God created angels to interact with human lives, bringing his divine message.
· They do the work of Allah.
· They deliver revelations via the prophets so that Muslims know what Allah wants them to do.
· They record the words and actions of each individual person, so they have a book to account for their lives. Each Muslim has two guardian angels who record that person’s good and bad actions.
· They receive souls at death.
· Angels do not have free will like humans and they obey Allah’s commands.
· Believing in angels shows that Muslims believe that God can communicate with humans using His special beings.
8. What do Sunni believe about Risalah (prophethood), and why is it important?
· Risalah, meaning prophethood or the belief in prophets, is a basic article of faith for Muslims.
· Believing in the prophets of God shows Muslims believe that Islam is the first and final religion (Adam to Muhammad (pbuh)).
9. What does the Quran say about Risalah (prophethood), and Muhammed?
· ‘Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.’ (Qur’an 33:40).
· the seal of the Prophets means his revelation is the correct one that Muslims can depend on.
10. What does the Kutub or authority of the Holy books mean for Sunni?
· Sunni Muslims believe that five sources of authority are books: the Torah of Moses; the Psalms of David; the Gospels; the scrolls of Abraham and the Qur’an. According to Muslims, the first four books have been lost in their original form or changed.
· The Qur’an is the only revealed scripture still in its original form. It is the direct Word of Allah as given through Angel Jibril.
· The Qur’an is the most important writing and the highest authority in Islam.
11. What does the Kutub or prophets mean for Sunni?
· Believing in the holy books shows that Muslims believe God sent books to show humans what to believe and how to live. Muslims believe the Qur’an is the final and correct word of God.
· Prophets and messengers are chosen by Allah to deliver His message to humankind. Muslims believe that Allah revealed messages throughout time to guide humanity and that Prophet Muhammad was the last (Seal) of the prophets; he was given the ultimate guidance in the Quran. He is the most important prophet of God. As a result of this there is no need for any more prophets.
12. What does Akhirah (the afterlife) mean for Sunnis?
· Belief in the final judgement and life after death. This life is a preparation for the eternal life that follows. On the last day there will be a time of judgement, when Muslims will have to account for their lives
· Muslims believe that there will be a day (the Day of Judgement) when all Muslims and others stand alone in front of Allah, who decides whether they go to heaven or hell based on their deeds. Everyone must answer for themselves and must accept the consequences of their thoughts and actions on Earth. Human life acts as a test for the eternal life to come.
13. What does the supremacy of Allah’s will or Al Qdar mean for Sunni?
· Muslims believe in the supremacy of Allah’s will. Sunni’s believe that Allah knows everything. Qadrmeans that everything is ordered by Allah; nothing is random or by chance.
· Humans do have free will though, but as Allah knows the past, present and future, their choices are already know to Him, but not to them.
14. What does the disagreement about the last belief mean for different Sunni?
· There is some disagreement about the sixth belief. Some believe that it refers to ‘destiny’, known as predestination (al-Qadr).
· Therefore some Muslims describe the six beliefs in three categories instead: - Tawhid (the oneness of God) - Risalah (the messengers of Allah) - Akhirah (the last things)
15. What do the six beliefs mean for Sunni Muslim communities today
· Most Sunni Muslims believe all people are created equal in the sight of Allah, (except because of their religious devotion/piety) which means that humanity should be respected and no one should be judged. There are no priests or holy people with special authority for Sunni Muslims.
· Sunni Muslims believe that they are born without sin. It is only after the age of puberty that Sunni Muslims believe that they can be held responsible for knowingly committing sins. Salvation in Islam comes from believing in the six beliefs and living the way set out by Islam.
· Sunni Muslims accept four of the five roots of Shi’a Islam (1, 2, 3 & 5)
16. What other beliefs are important to Muslims?
· Although these six beliefs are central to the Islamic faith, they are not the only important beliefs. Others include: the jihad (striving to do what is right, for God.) The greater jihad is the struggle that each person has, as an individual, to follow God’s will in their life. The lesser jihad is the fight to defend Islam and the submission to the will of God.
Al-Qadr is the Arabic term meaning the Supreme Will of God. It is one of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam. It means that all which takes place is because Allah has willed it so.
2. What does Islam teach about Allah’s has eternal foreknowledge?
Islam teaches that God is responsible for all things and that he has a divine plan for all of us (al-Qadr). God has a masterplan; everything that happens is predestined to take place; it is all part of his design. He is the cause of all things and the whole of creation is under his control. God knows all things in the greatest detail, with accuracy that we, as human, could never imagine.
3. What does the Quran say and Islam teach about how everything is part of a larger plan?
“He knows what is within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And God is Knowing of that within the breasts.” (Qur’an 64:4)
Muslims believe that we can never know the reasons behind the universe, but that it is all part of a larger picture. God is the all-knowing one; his knowledge is complete and perfect. He even knows the secrets of our hearts.
4. What does saying Insha’Allah, if God is willing mean?
Muslims believe that things which some people might call coincidences are, in fact, part of God’s plan. The word ‘insha’Allah’ expresses the belief that all events are outside of our own control; they are in the hands of God. When a Muslim says insha’Allah they are acknowledging that they are in submission to God. They will only succeed in their plans if God is also willing to make it happen.
5. What do Muslims think about the idea that good come out of suffering?
If all things are part of the will of God, then that must include suffering, pain, disease and disasters. It is easy to see how good can come out of things which cause suffering, like training to run a marathon, but harder to understand how hurricanes and wars can be seen in a positive way. Islam teaches that painful experiences need to be viewed as opportunities for our own growth as human beings
6. What does Islam teach generally about Free will?
Islam teaches that we all have free will and God will hold us accountable for our decisions on the Day of Judgement. Humans are not puppets or robots; we have the ability to choose right from wrong. God wants us to follow the ‘straight path’, but it is up to us to make the right choices. Central to Islamic thought is the idea that life is a test and we need to learn how to turn away from evil.
7. What does the Quran say about Free will?
“He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].” (Qur’an 30:41)
8. What do Sunnis believe about predestination?
Sunnis believe that due to the Supreme Will Of God, He has power over all creation and therefore has power over what happens within creation. This includes human beings. He has written down everything that will happen in a ‘book of decrees.’ God creates all things, including the actions of his creatures, so they must act according to his will. The Quran says “Only what God has decreed will happen to us. He is our Master: Let the believers put their trust in God ” Qur’an 9:51)
9. How is the Sunni belief in Free will linked to their belief in the supremacy of Allah’s will?
Some Sunni Muslims believe that because God’s will is so powerful, he can determine everything that is going to happen. This view places greater emphasis on God’s omniscience (having
unlimited power) and less on human freedom, but it does not mean that people have no
choice about how they behave.
10. What do Sunnis believe about free will?
Sunnis believe that human beings still have the responsibility to make moral decisions. While a human may make a choice, God has already decided what that choice will be and therefore it is predestined.
11. What do Shi’as believe about predestination?
Shi’as believe that Allah knows all that is going to happen before it does, as he is not confined to a linear timescale. They believe, however, that Allah simply knows what choice you will make and the res ponsibility for making a moral choice is firmly with mankind who have free will.
12. What do Shi’as believe about free will?
Shi’as believe that all humans have free will, and with it the responsibility to themselves, others and God to make moral choices. They might quote the Quran which says “God does not change the condition of people (for the worse) unless they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
1. Name three Holy Texts or Kutub apart from the Qur’an.
· The Scrolls of Abraham Ibrihim
· Torah (Tawrat)
· Psalms (Zabur)
· Gospels (Injil)
2. Which Prophets received these Holy revelations?
· Abraham Ibrihim The scrolls of Ibrihim
· Dawud (David) received the Psalms
· Moses (Musa) received the Torah
· Isa (Jesus) received the Gospels
3. Why was there a need for the Qur’an if there were already revelations?
· Muslims believe there was a need for the Qur’an because the previous revelations had been misconstrued or confused, resulting in the misguided interpretations represented in religions such as Christianity and Judaism.
4. What does belief in these texts show about God?
· Belief in these texts demonstrates that Muslims believe God has been continually revealing himself to humanity throughout the ages, as he is too merciful to leave us on our own.
5. What do some scholars think happened to these texts?
· Some scholars think these texts have been lost.
· Others believe they can be found in the Christian Bible (although the original text has been corrupted or distorted, so does not have the same authority as the Qur'an)
6. How does the Qur’an refer to the Tawrat?
· The Qur’an refers to the Torah/Tawrat as a previous revelation. It is referred to 18 times throughout the Qur’an. Some Muslims think the Torah is essentially the first five books in the Bible, but over time additions and subtractions have been made to the original text The Torah .
· Tawrat does not exist in its original language or its original text It was put together by the followers of Moses after his death The compilers changed the text, so some is the Word of Allah and some is human addition.
7. What do Muslims believe regarding the Gospels (Injil)?
· That it was a text written by the followers of Jesus years after he left the Earth, however it like the other texts was changed which confused the revelation he was given. For example, they do not believe he died by crucifixion but was rather raised up to be with God.
8. What authority do these texts have on modern Muslims?
· They are regarded as important because they were revelations from God, however their true form has been confused and also lost, therefore they have no bearing on the teachings of Islam.
· Instead, modern Muslims put their focus on the Qur’an.
9. What are the Scrolls of Abraham?
· An early scripture, revealed to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) that are referred to in the Qur’an. However it is believed that these have been completely lost over time.
· They are thought to have been one of the earliest scriptures of Islam, which were revealed to Ibrihim The revelations to Ibrihim were said to have been received by Ibrihim on the first day of Ramadan and contained parable like stories about worship, reflection and building a livelihood
10. What is the ‘Zabur’?
· The Zabur is the Arabic word for the Psalms.
· The Psalms were revealed to David, and are mentioned on three occasions in the Qur'an Many Muslims believe these are similar to the Psalms in the Bible. The Psalms are a collection of prayers to Allah (some refer to them as poems) David was a great king, whose people were God fearing and righteous They contain lessons of guidance for the people
11. What is the ‘Ingil’?
· The Gospel is mentioned in the Qur’an and it is believed that this refers to a book divinely revealed to Jesus ( It is thought that this Gospel has been lost but that some of its message is still found in the Bible The word Injil occurs 12 times in the Qur’an
12. What does the Quran say about the Ingil
· “We sent Jesus, son of Mary, in their footsteps, to confirm the Torah that had been sent before him We gave him the Gospel with guidance, light, and confirmation of the Torah already revealed a guide and lesson for those who take heed of God ..””(Qur’an 5 46
TOPIC 5-Akhirah (Afterlife)
1. What does al-Qadr mean?
Al-Qadr is the Arabic term meaning the Supreme Will of God. It is one of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam. It means that all which takes place is because Allah has willed it so.
2. What does Islam teach about Allah’s has eternal foreknowledge?
Islam teaches that God is responsible for all things and that he has a divine plan for all of us (al-Qadr). God has a masterplan; everything that happens is predestined to take place; it is all part of his design. He is the cause of all things and the whole of creation is under his control. God knows all things in the greatest detail, with accuracy that we, as human, could never imagine.
3. What does the Quran say and Islam teach about how everything is part of a larger plan?
“He knows what is within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And God is Knowing of that within the breasts.” (Qur’an 64:4)
Muslims believe that we can never know the reasons behind the universe, but that it is all part of a larger picture. God is the all-knowing one; his knowledge is complete and perfect. He even knows the secrets of our hearts.
4. What does saying Insha’Allah, if God is willing mean?
Muslims believe that things which some people might call coincidences are, in fact, part of God’s plan. The word ‘insha’Allah’ expresses the belief that all events are outside of our own control; they are in the hands of God. When a Muslim says insha’Allah they are acknowledging that they are in submission to God. They will only succeed in their plans if God is also willing to make it happen.
5. What do Muslims think about the idea that good come out of suffering?
If all things are part of the will of God, then that must include suffering, pain, disease and disasters. It is easy to see how good can come out of things which cause suffering, like training to run a marathon, but harder to understand how hurricanes and wars can be seen in a positive way. Islam teaches that painful experiences need to be viewed as opportunities for our own growth as human beings
6. What does Islam teach generally about Free will?
Islam teaches that we all have free will and God will hold us accountable for our decisions on the Day of Judgement. Humans are not puppets or robots; we have the ability to choose right from wrong. God wants us to follow the ‘straight path’, but it is up to us to make the right choices. Central to Islamic thought is the idea that life is a test and we need to learn how to turn away from evil.
7. What does the Quran say about Free will?
“He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].” (Qur’an 30:41)
8. What do Sunnis believe about predestination?
Sunnis believe that due to the Supreme Will Of God, He has power over all creation and therefore has power over what happens within creation. This includes human beings. He has written down everything that will happen in a ‘book of decrees.’ God creates all things, including the actions of his creatures, so they must act according to his will. The Quran says “Only what God has decreed will happen to us. He is our Master: Let the believers put their trust in God ” Qur’an 9:51)
9. How is the Sunni belief in Free will linked to their belief in the supremacy of Allah’s will?
Some Sunni Muslims believe that because God’s will is so powerful, he can determine everything that is going to happen. This view places greater emphasis on God’s omniscience (having
unlimited power) and less on human freedom, but it does not mean that people have no
choice about how they behave.
10. What do Sunnis believe about free will?
Sunnis believe that human beings still have the responsibility to make moral decisions. While a human may make a choice, God has already decided what that choice will be and therefore it is predestined.
11. What do Shi’as believe about predestination?
Shi’as believe that Allah knows all that is going to happen before it does, as he is not confined to a linear timescale. They believe, however, that Allah simply knows what choice you will make and the res ponsibility for making a moral choice is firmly with mankind who have free will.
12. What do Shi’as believe about free will?
Shi’as believe that all humans have free will, and with it the responsibility to themselves, others and God to make moral choices. They might quote the Quran which says “God does not change the condition of people (for the worse) unless they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
1. What is Akhirah?
Akhirah is the Islamic concept of the afterlife, in which belief is certain.
2. What do Muslims say about the questions in the grave?
Walters manuscript W.659 depicts the angels Munkir and Nakir, who are charged with questioning the deceased people.
Muslims believe that after a person dies, his soul passes through a stage called barzakh, where it exists in the grave: barzakh, means ‘a barrier’ no one can cross the barrier to amend things they have done wrong or warn the living. They are waiting for the Day of Judgement.. The questioning will begin when the funeral and burial is over. Nakir and Munkar prop the deceased soul upright in the grave and ask three questions: Muslims believe they are questioned by angels while lying in the grave. 1 Who is your Lord? 2 What is your religion? 3 Who is your prophet?
3. How will the rightous and chastised respond and what will happen?
A righteous believer will respond correctly, saying that their Lord is Allah, that Muhammad is their prophet and that their religion is Islam. If the deceased answers correctly, the time spent awaiting the resurrection is pleasant and may enter heaven. Those who do not answer as described above are chastised until the day of judgment. Shia theologian al-Mufid reports that the angels ask about who one’s imam is. The correct answer being the Quran.
4. What is Barzakh?
Barzakh is the state following death in which the rouh (soul) of the dead await Judgment Day going into their grave to wait for the Day of Judgement. People do not go straight to heaven or hell upon death, but the angel of death, Azrail, will come to take their souls to stay in the state of Barzakh until God decides that the Day of Judgement should take place. Some Muslims believe Barzakh is a state of sleep, while others believe you experience a lesser version of where you are destined to be (heaven or hell).
5. What is the role of angels in Barzakh?
In the process of Barzakh, some Muslims believe that there are angels Munkar and Nakir whose job it is to visit the souls of the deceased and question them regarding their actions in life. They will either then begin punishment of a soul who has done wrong, or calm the soul of those who have done good The Quran says “…behind them there shall stand a barrier till the Day of Resurrection.”.
6. Can Barzak be a kind of Purgatory?
Some believe the punishments start right away. Others think that people sleep in their graves until the end of the world when the Day of Judgement will come. Some belief that the fire of hell can already be seen in Barzakh, and that the spiritual pain caused by this can lead to purification of the soul.
7. How do Muslims believe our actions impact upon the Day of Judgement?
Muslims, both Sunni and Shi’a, believe that our good and bad acts have been recorded and will be used on the Day of Judgement to decide whether or not we as humans are destined for heaven or hell.
8. Muslims believe there is a record kept of all actions and thoughts kept. Where is this recorded?
The raining down of the books of deeds on the Day of Judgment. Anonymous, Aḥwāl al-Qiyāma (Conditions of Resurrection). Ottoman Istanbul or Baghdad, late 16th century.
Muslims believe all of our actions are recorded in the Book of Decrees (Destiny + Deeds).
9. Who keeps this record?
· Muslims believe this is kept and recorded by the angels.
· Muslims also believe that angels are with them at all times. They have two angels, which sit on either shoulder and are known as Al-Kiram and Al-Katibun. One of the angels records the good things the person has done and the other records the bad things the person has done. Allah will judge each person based on these deeds, deciding whether they are worth of Paradise (Jannah or Hell (Jahannam).
10. What role does this record play in the Day of Judgement?
This book has all of the actions and thoughts of each person and will, on the Day of Judgement, be used to decide whether a person will go to heaven or hell depending on which hand the book is placed into. The left hand means a person will go to heaven, the right hand means a person will go to hell.
11. Is this Life more importance than the next?
Muslims believe that they are on this earth for a relatively short time and during this time they are preparing themselves for eternal life after death.
They view this life as a test and try to do as many good deeds as they can.
In order to get to Jannah, they must also fulfil their Islamic obligations.
12. What does the Quran say about preparing for the next life?
Of the good that they do nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. Those who reject faith – neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: they will be companions of the fire, dwelling therein forever. Qur'an 3:115-3:116
13. What is the Islamic belief of Rouh – the Soul?
The belief that Allah breathes a ‘soul’ into each human when they are created. This is a pure or clean beginning.
14. What is the Islamic belief of Kalifah – Stewardship?
The idea that Allah has given humans the role or job of looking after the world and following His will.
15. What does Islam say about enduring suffering
Muslims believe suffering is part of the test to see how they deal with it and Allah will never give you more than you can cope with.
The Quran says “Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits of your toil, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere’
1. What is Akhirah?
Akhirah is the Islamic concept of the afterlife, in which belief is certain.
2. What do Muslims believe will happen on the Day of Judgement?
Muslims believe that only God can decide when the Day of Judgement will take place. They believe that the angel Israfil will blow a trumpet signifying the end of the world. The world we now live in will be destroyed and a new Earth established.
All people, both living and dead, will then be judged on their actions in life, which were recorded in the Book of Decrees. This will be handed to every human, and which hand a person receives it in indicates where they are destined for. If the book is handed to their right hand, this declares that this person has done good deeds and will go to heaven. The left hand indicates that this person will go to hell.
3. What is the bridge of As-Sirat?
After the judgement Humanity then travels across the Sirat Bridge which spans the flames of hell. Those destined for heaven will be taken there, those destined for hell will be thrown into the flames.
4. What is the book of Deeds?
Book of deeds is the book where the rewards (thawabs) and sins of a person are written by angels Al-Kiram and Al-Katibun. during his lifetime.
“Each person has angels before him and behind, watching over him by God’s command.” (Qur’an 13:11)
“The record of their deeds will be laid open and you will see the guilty, dismayed at what they contain, saying, ‘Woe to us! What a record this is! It does not leave any deed, small or large, unaccounted for!’ They will find everything they ever did laid in front of them: your Lord will not be unjust to anyone..” (Qur’an 18:49)
5. What is the importance of the book of Deeds?
People will be given new bodies and the book of their life will be handed to them to read out. Just as human DNA is a sort of ‘book’ that dictates how the body develops, the book of deeds dictates how one lives in the afterlife. If people are given it in their right hand they will go to heaven; if they receive it in their left hand they will go to hell.
On this day everyone will be faced with their good and bad deeds and realise what they have done. If they are believers who have shown sorrow for their failings, God will forgive them. God sorts the souls by making them cross the narrow ‘Sirat Bridge’ that spans the fires of hell. Good people are transported across the bridge quickly and enter heaven.
6. How does Allah Judge us?
Allah weighs our deeds. God judges each person’s actions, but intentions (niyyah) are also taken into consideration.
Ø If the person has the intention to do a good deed, but was unable to carry it out, this is counted as a good deed
Ø If they intended and carried out a good deed, this is counted as ten good deeds
Ø If the person intended a bad deed, but did not do it, that is counted as a good deed
Ø If they intended and carried out a bad deed, God records that as one bad deed
7. What do the angels, Munkar and Nakir do at death?
God tests people’s faith: The two terrifying judging angels, Munkar and Nakir, will question each person, testing their faith. In order to give the correct answer to their questions, it is not enough to just learn to recite the Shahadah. If the person has not truly lived a life of submission to God, following the Five Pillars, they will be incapable of giving the right response on the day.
8. What does this say about the responsibility of humans for their actions?
This demonstrates the view that humans are responsible for their actions during their lifetimes; whether they do good or bad deeds will dictate whether they go to Jannah or Jahannam.
9. What does this say about the Justice of Allah?
Muslims are reminded that Allah sees and knows all, and that all actions and thoughts are recorded by angels. Every thought and action will be recorded in the book of deeds and therefore it is important that Muslims try to follow Allah at all times.
10.How does this reassure Muslims?
This reassures Muslims that Allah will reward them for their struggle to do good deeds and be good Muslims. It also reassures them that those who wrong them will be dealt with in a just manner.
1. What is Heaven (Janna)?
Heaven (Janna) is a state of joy, happiness and peace.
2. What are the stages involved in achieving an afterlife in Heaven (Janna)?
A person dies, Azrael takes the soul and puts the soul in the state of waiting BarzaK. The final trumpet is blow by Israfil. First he blows and the world will be destroyed. The present world will be totally transformed into a new world and then the angel Israfil will blow the trumpet again. Everyone who has ever lived will be raised from the dead (resurrection) and judged by God.
After judgement, people will pass over the very narrow bridge of As-Sirat. Those who have been blessed by God will successfully cross to heaven (Janna) on the other side. This will include those who have lived faithful and moral lives, those who have been persecuted for their faith in God and those who have fought for God.
3. What is the Nature of heaven (Janna)?
Muslims believe that heaven is a reward for living a good life, so everything that one longs for on earth will be found in paradise: beautiful gardens, delicious food, gently flowing rivers, lovely serving maidens and reclining couches.
4. What does the Quran say about Heaven?
“On couches of well woven cloth they will sit facing each other; everlasting youths will go round among them with glasses, flagons, and cups of a pure drink that causes no headache or intoxication; (there will be) any fruit they choose; the meat of any bird they like; and beautiful
eyed maidens like hidden pearls: a reward for they used to do .” (Qur'an 56:15
“But the true servants of Allah shall be well provided for, feasting on fruit, and honoured in the garden of delight.’
5. Describe the Islamic picture of heaven. Give at least three details.
· In Islam, heaven is known as Jannah. It is considered to be a physical place. It is described in the Qur’an as a garden, full of beauty and life.
· The inhabitants of Jannah are given plentiful delicious foods and drinks, spending their time worshipping Allah
· While alcohol is considered haram (forbidden) on Earth because it intoxicates, there is mention in the Qur’an of sweet heavenly wine which does not intoxicate and is therefore able to be enjoyed by the inhabitants.
· The inhabitants of Jannah are also described as being eternally youthful.
6. Do Muslims believe in a literal heaven?
Some Muslims believe heaven is a literal place, whereas some view it as more metaphorical/symbolic. There are said to be four rivers in heaven sometime equated with earthy rivers but the Quran describes them metaphorically as flowing with delights- ne river is of pure (possibly distilled) water. Another is of milk that never goes bad. A third is of honey, and the last is of delicious win. Given that wine is forbidden to Muslims some commentators suggest this means the passage should be read metaphorically The More conservative Sunni would argue belief in the Day of Judgement and Heaven and Hell is the fourth article of Faith.
...wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord... Quran 47:15
7. Are there levels to (Janna) heaven?
The Paradise is described as surrounded by eight principal gates, each level generally being divided into a hundred degrees guarded by angels (in some traditions Ridwan). The highest level is known as firdaws (sometimes called Eden) or Illiyin where the the Hafaza angels protect the souls who reach here. Entrants will be greeted by angels with salutations of peace or As-Salamu Alaykum. There are seven levels of heaven in Islam, (Jannat al Adan, Firdaws, Jannat-ul-Mawa, Jannat-an-Naim, Dar al-maqama, Dar al-salam, and Dar al-Akhirah.) and each level has a different nature with a different prophet residing in them.
1. What is Hell (Jahannam)
Hell (Jahannam) is a state of torment and suffering
2. What are the stages involved in achieving an afterlife in Hell (Jahannam)?
A person dies, Azrael takes the soul and puts the soul in the state of waiting BarzaK. The final trumpet is blow by Israfil. Souls and bodies are resurrected to face judgement. After judgement, people will pass over the very narrow bridge of As-Sirat. Those. The wicked, those whom God has damned, will fail to pass over the As-Sirat bridge. In trying to cross they will fall into hell.
3. What is the Nature of Hell (Jahannam)?
Hell is a place of terror, where the damned will face boiling water, scorching fire and black smoke. As well as experiencing the physical torment, those condemned to hell will suffer because they are separated from God, without hope of return.
4. Describe the Islamic picture of Hell (Jahannam)?
· In Islam, hell is known as Jahannam. It is believed to be a physical place. It is described vividly in the Qur’an as a place of great suffering.
· It is a place full of fire and smoke, where those who are sent there will be eternally punished. Those who are in Jahannam will be tormented and tortured. There is a great amount of pain involved in this torment.
· They will have boiling water poured on them, and will be burned with fire. Once their skin becomes so burned that the pain is no longer keenly felt, they will be given a new skin so that the pain is fresh.
· The Qur’an states that in hell there is no respite from the suffering in the flames.
· While hell will always exist, the sufferers’ confinement there is necessarily for eternity. There is some respite for those who truly repent – you can still get to heaven should you truly repent, however some sins are unforgivable such as Shirk.
5. What does the Quran say about Hell (Jahannam)?
The Qur’an describes hell as a place of fire and great torment. It is the punishment for those who reject God and do evil. “They will dwell amid scorching wind and scalding water in the shadow of black, neither cool nor refreshing.” (Qur’an 56:42-44)
6. How is Hell described in Islam?
Islam provides the most graphic descriptions of what awaits after death. Heaven and hell are described as very real places, but some Muslims interpret these descriptions symbolically, since what exists beyond death must exist in a different dimension from our own world.
7. Do all Muslims believe in a literal hell?
Some Muslims believe hell is a literal place, whereas some view it as more metaphorical/symbolic.
8. Why do some Muslims think Hell is not a literal place?
Muslims accept God’s word in the Quran but have different interpretations of these verses. Some think they are exactly what heaven and hell are like. Others think they are just hints or suggestions because heaven and hell are beyond human understanding. Others think they are symbolic of the spiritual life a person will live after their death, either in the presence or absence of God. Shia say that unbelievers known as ‘Jahil-e-Qasir’ (lit. ‘inculpable ignorant’), who "will attain salvation if they are truthful to their own religion" because the message of Islam either didn't reach them, or reached them in an incorrect form. Sufis preach "the centrality of the love of God" for which focus on eternal reward is a "distraction".
9. Are there levels to Hell?
There are different descriptions of seven levels of hell mentioned. In one hadith which "came to be associated" with the seven names used in the Quran to refer to hell, a category of inmates assigned to each level. (In one list sinful Muslims! Jews, Christians, Sabaeans, Zoroastrians, idolaters and hypocrites)
1. Jahannam, or the first level of hell: This level is for Muslims who were sinful in the world.
2. Ladah, or the second gate to Jahannam: situated below Jahannam, and it is for people and Jinn who did not believe in Allah, rejected the Prophet’s messages and did not believe in them as the messengers of Allah.
3. Saqar, the third level of Jahannam: situated below Ladah. - They did not perform Salah (prayer), offer food to the poor, used to talk vainly to those who in vain that is they used to follow the path of unjust and falsehood, refused the existence of the Day of Reward and Resurrection (Qayamat).
4. Al-Hutamah, the fourth gate of hell:
5. Jaheem, the fifth level of Jahannam: lies below Al-Hutamah, - did not give correct belief to Allah, declined to give the correct right to the creations, did not encourage feeding the poor.
6. Saeer, the sixth level:
7. Al-Hawwiyah, the last level of Jahhanam: This is the last and the worst level of hell. It is the seventh level of jahannam, situated below Saeer. It is said that no sinner will be released from this level.
10.Why is belief in Akhirah, the After life important?
Belief in life after death is one of the six articles of faith for Sunni Muslims and one of the roots of Usulad-Din in Shi’a Islam. It is an important belief because it encourages human responsibility and accountability: the idea that people must be responsible for their own actions as they will be held accountable for them by God.
Belief in life after death urges people to avoid sin and do the right thing. It also satisfies a deep human need for justice. Sometimes it seems that some people get away with almost anything in life; the belief in God’s judgement means that one day they will be held accountable and punished for their wrongdoing. For those good people who have suffered in life, there is something better to look forward to.