Overview
This lecture covers the key beliefs, teachings, and practices of Islam for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies exam, including definitions, differences between Sunni and Shia Islam, core beliefs, and major religious practices.
Sunni and Shia Islam
- Sunni and Shia are the two largest Islamic denominations; Sunnis (85%), Shias (10%).
- Sunnis believe leadership succeeded via Abu Bakr, following the Six Articles of Faith.
- Shias believe leadership stayed within Muhammad's family, following the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din.
- Sunni Six Articles: Tawhid, angels, holy books, prophets, supremacy of God’s will, Judgment Day.
- Shia Five Roots: Tawhid, prophethood, justice of God, imamate, resurrection.
- Key difference: Sunnis emphasize God's supremacy, Shias emphasize human accountability.
Core Beliefs: Tawhid, Supremacy, and Nature of Allah
- Islam means submission and peace; ultimate aim is peace through obedience to Allah.
- Tawhid refers to belief in the oneness of Allah; Islam is strictly monotheistic.
- Declaring faith in one God is central (shahada).
- Belief in Allah’s supremacy means nothing occurs unless God wills it; “inshallah” is used to express this.
- Allah has 99 names reflecting his nature, e.g., merciful, omnipotent, omniscient, beneficent, just, imminent, and transcendent.
Angels and Holy Books
- Angels are sinless beings made from light, lack free will, and perform tasks for Allah.
- Key angels: Jibril (Gabriel) communicated the Quran to Muhammad; Mika’il (Michael) brings mercy.
- Angels record deeds for Judgment Day.
- Holy books include the Quran (unchangeable word of Allah), Torah, Psalms, and Gospel.
Prophets (Nubuwwah)
- 124,000 prophets in Islam, 25 named in the Quran, including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad.
- Adam: first man, first prophet, taught about halal food; story of Iblis’ (Satan) refusal to bow.
- Ibrahim: rebuilt the Kaaba with Ishmael, tested by God to sacrifice his son.
- Muhammad: final prophet (“Seal of the Prophets”), received Quran via Jibril over 22 years.
Life After Death and Predestination
- Life after death (Akhirah): soul waits in Barzakh until Judgment Day.
- Two angels question the dead; deeds determine reward or punishment.
- Predestination: Sunnis believe all events are decreed by Allah; Shias stress human free will and justice.
Practices: Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts
- Five Pillars (Sunni): Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage).
- Ten Obligatory Acts (Shia): includes some Pillars, plus Jihad, Khums (tax), and other moral duties.
Worship and Festivals
- Shahada: Declaration of faith.
- Salah: Five daily prayers at set times; ritual washing (wudu) required.
- Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, exempting children, elderly, ill, and travelers.
- Zakah: 2.5% of wealth to charity, supports the poor.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, rituals include circling the Kaaba, drinking Zamzam water, stoning the pillars.
- Jihad: Greater (personal struggle to be good), Lesser (defending Islam if necessary).
- Festivals: Eid al-Adha (commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice), Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Ashura (Shia commemoration of Hussein's death).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tawhid — Oneness of Allah.
- Shahada — Declaration of faith in Islam.
- Salah — Ritual prayer performed five times daily.
- Zakah — Required charitable giving.
- Sawm — Fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Jihad — Struggle for Allah; personal (greater) and defensive (lesser).
- Akhirah — Life after death.
- Barzakh — State of waiting after death.
- Imamate — Shia belief in leadership by Muhammad's descendants.
- Usul ad-Din — Shia five roots of religion.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Attend the revision livestream on Wednesday 8th May, 6-8 p.m. for exam prep.
- Review the Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts.
- Practice answering exam-style questions on key beliefs and practices.