AQA GCSE RS Islam Lecture Summary

Introduction

• Video covers AQA GCSE RS Islam
• Key points on beliefs, teachings, practices, and exam questions
• Live stream on May 8th for exam revision

Key Islam Topics

Sunni and Shia Islam

• Largest denominations: Sunni (85%) and Shia (10%)
• Sunni believe in Abu Bakr as successor; follow six articles of faith
• Shia believe in Ali as successor; follow the five roots of Usul ad-Din
• Key difference: Accountability and God's will

Tawhid and Supremacy of God's Will

• Islam means surrender, obedience, submission, and peace
• Tawhid is the belief in oneness of God (monotheism)
• Supremacy: God controls the universe; "Inshallah" signifies trust in God's will

Angels

• Angels are supernatural, created by God from light, without free will
• Notable angels: Jibriel (Gabriel) and Mika'il (Michael)
• Angels relay God's word and record deeds

Nature of God

• Allah's 99 names; characteristics include immanent, transcendent, omnipotent, omniscient, beneficent, merciful, and just
• Justice is a critical belief in Shia Islam

Predestination

• Sunni: God's will is supreme (The Book of Decrees)
• Shia: Free will exists; God is just and humans have responsibility

Life After Death

• Belief in conscious existence in the grave (Barzakh) awaiting judgment
• Day of Judgment: Resurrected bodies, book of deeds, and crossing the Sirat bridge

Prophethood

• Prophethood (Risalah) is a divine gift
• Key prophets: Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, Muhammad

Holy Books

• Quran is the final revelation, revealed to Muhammad over 22 years
• Other important books: Torah, Psalms, Gospel

Islam Practices

Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada: Declaration of faith
• Salah: Five daily prayers
• Zakah: Charitable giving
• Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca

Ten Obligatory Acts (Shia)

• Includes Five Pillars plus Jihad, khums, and others

Jihad

• Greater Jihad: Personal struggle to be a good Muslim
• Lesser Jihad: Defending Islam from threats

Eid Festivals

• Eid al-Adha: End of Hajj, commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice
• Eid al-Fitr: End of Ramadan, thanksgiving celebration
• Ashura: Commemorates martyrdom of Hussein

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to engage with live streams and online content
• Best wishes for upcoming exams