Key Beliefs in Islam

Overview

• Muslims believe in one God, Allah.
• Muhammad is considered the final prophet of Islam.
• The Quran is the holy book revealed to Muhammad.
• Two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shia.

Sunni Islam

• Believe in the successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.
• Largest branch of Islam.
• Agree with Shia on basic principles such as belief in one God and the importance of prophets.
• Share the Quran as the holy book.

Shia Islam

• Second largest branch of Islam.
• Divided into three branches, including the largest group, Twelver Shia.
• Believe Muhammad chose Ali as his successor, not the first three Sunni caliphs.
• An imam has the authority to interpret the Quran and decide laws for Shia Muslims.

Additional Resources

• Beliefs
• The nature of God
• Angels
• Life after death
• Judgement
• Predestination

Further Reading

• Authority - AQA
• Practices in Islam

Related Links

• Jobs that use RS
• BBC News: Religion
• Matters of Life and Death

These notes provide a high-level summary of the key beliefs in Islam as outlined in the GCSE Religious Studies Revision guide on BBC Bitesize.