GCSE Religious Studies: Islamic Beliefs and Teachings

Introduction

• Presented by Ben Ward
• Aimed at revising Islamic beliefs and teachings for GCSE exams
• Covers AQA specification
• Focus on preparing for exam questions:
  • Know key terms and two facts per belief
  • Understand two influences of each belief
  • Memorize key quotes from scripture
  • Prepare evaluation points for each belief

Six Articles of Faith (Sunni Islam)

1. Tawhid - Oneness of God
2. Angels
3. Prophethood
4. Holy Books
5. Predestination
6. Life After Death

• Importance: Foundation of faith, unites Sunni Muslims, supports an Islamic life

Five Roots of Usul ad-Din (Shia Islam)

1. Tawhid
2. Prophethood
3. Life After Death
4. Justice
5. Imamate

• Key difference: Belief in Imamate

Tawhid: The Oneness of God

• Islam is a monotheistic religion
• Key Quote: Surah 112: "He is God the one, God the eternal"
• Importance: Basis for all beliefs and practices, part of Shahada
• Influences: Worship God alone, avoid idolatry, focus on God

The Nature of God

• Attributes:
  • Beneficence (Omni-benevolence)
  • Fairness
  • Immanence
  • Transcendence
  • Mercy
  • Omnipotence
  • Omniscience
• Key Quotes:
  • Merciful: "God is the Lord of mercy"
  • Omnipotent: "All power belongs to God"
  • Omniscient: "God is all knowing and all aware"
• Influences: Worship, seek forgiveness, follow God's rules, avoid sin

Angels

• Created from light, carry out God's commands
• Key Angels:
  • Angel Jibril: Revealed Qur'an to Muhammad
  • Angel Mikail: Angel of mercy, rewards good deeds
• Key Quote: "Each person has angels watching over him"
• Influences: Do good deeds, avoid sin, believe in Quran's authority

Life After Death

• Key Concepts:
  • Day of Judgment: God judges based on deeds
  • Heaven: Reward for faithful, eternal happiness
  • Hell: Punishment for evildoers
• Key Quote: "On that day you will be exposed"
• Influences: Do good deeds, avoid sin, seek forgiveness, hope for eternal life

Predestination

• Belief that everything is part of God's plan (Al-Qadr)
• Key Quote: "Only what God has decreed will happen to us"
• Importance: Emphasizes God's omnipotence
• Raises questions about free will
• Influences: Trust in God, hope for future, follow teachings

Prophethood

• Belief in prophets as God's messengers
• Key Prophets:
  • Ibrahim: Exemplar of faith, preached monotheism
  • Muhammad: Seal of the prophets, final message (Qur'an)
• Key Quote: "Every community is sent a messenger"
• Influences: Follow teachings, exemplify faith, avoid idolatry

Holy Books

• Most Important: Qur'an (final revelation)
• Other Books: Torah, Scrolls of Ibrahim, Psalms, Gospels (not New Testament)
• Key Quote: "The Qur'an is nothing less than a revelation sent to him"
• Influences: Follow Qur'an's teachings, treat it with respect

Imamate (Shia Islam)

• Shia Belief: Divine appointment of imams, spiritual descendants of Muhammad
• Sunni Belief: Community appointment based on suitability
• Key Difference: Imamate as a root of Usul ad-Din in Shia

Conclusion

• Revision and understanding of these topics are crucial for exam success
• Encouragement to prepare evaluation points and understand the relevance of beliefs for Muslims today