Ethics and Philosophy Paper 2:

• In which century was Islam founded?

  7th century
• What do Muslims believe about God?

  Muslims believe in one god, Allah.
• What is the Muslim holy book called?

  The Qur’an
• Who is considered the prophet of Islam?

  Prophet Muhammad
• What are the two main traditions of Islam?

  • Sunni
  • Shi’a
• What percentage of Muslims are Sunni?

  About 85-90%
• Who were the first four caliphs after Muhammad?

  Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali
• Why did some Muslims disagree with the first three caliphs?

  Some believed Ali should have been the first caliph.
• What are the main differences between Sunnis and Shi’as?

  • Sunnis accepted the next caliph after Ali.
  • Shi’as followed Ali's descendants.
• What are the shared beliefs of Sunnis and Shi’as?

  • Belief in Allah
  • Belief in holy books
  • Belief in prophets
  • Belief in a day of judgement
  • Belief in angels
• What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?

  1. Tawhid (one god)
  2. Malaikah (angels)
  3. Holy books
  4. Nubuwwah (prophets)
  5. Day of Judgement
  6. Al-Qadr (predestination)
• What are the five articles of faith in Shi’a Islam?

  1. Tawhid (one god)
  2. ‘Adl (divine justice)
  3. Nubuwwah (prophethood)
  4. Imamah (authority of imams)
  5. Mi’ad (Day of Resurrection)
• What is a key belief of Shi’as regarding Ali?

  • Ali was the first true caliph.
  • He was given knowledge by Allah.
• What is a key belief of Sunnis regarding knowledge from Allah?

  • No one after Muhammad received knowledge from Allah.
  • Focus on Muhammad's way of life (sunnah).
• What do Shi’a Muslims believe about imams?

  • There is a line of imams after Ali.
  • Imams have the same knowledge from Allah as Ali.
• What do Twelver Shi’as believe about their imams?

  • They believe in a line of 12 imams.
  • The last imam is in hiding and will return.
• Who are the Isma’ili Shi’as and what do they believe?

  • They are often called ‘Seveners’.
  • They believe the seventh imam should be Isma’il.
• What is the central belief of Islam?

  Islam is a monotheistic religion.
• What does Tawhid mean in Islam?

  Tawhid means the oneness of Allah.
• What is the Arabic meaning of the word Allah?

  It means 'the god'.
• What is shirk in Islam?

  Shirk is the belief in other gods alongside Allah.
• What does the hadith say about Tawhid?

  It should be the first thing Muslims mention to non-Muslims.
• What are the characteristics of Allah in Islam?

  • Merciful
  • Omnipotent
  • Benevolent
  • Just
  • Immanent
  • Transcendent
• How many names for Allah are mentioned in the Qur’an?

  Ninety-nine names
• What is Risalah in Islam?

  Risalah is the concept of messengership.
• How many prophets are mentioned in the Qur’an?

  25 prophets
• Who was the first prophet in Islam?

  Adam
• What significant act did Adam commit according to Islamic belief?

  He ate fruit forbidden by Allah.
• What is Ibrahim known for in Islam?

  Ibrahim rejected the idea of many gods.
• What role did Musa play among the prophets?

  Musa is the only prophet Allah spoke to directly.
• What miracle is Dawud known for?

  Dawud killed Jalut (Goliath).
• What do Muslims believe about Isa's crucifixion?

  Muslims believe Isa wasn’t crucified.
• When was Muhammad born?

  About 570 CE
• What happened when Muhammad received the first message from Allah?

  He was scared at first.
• What is the Qur’an seen as by Muslims?

  The Qur’an is seen as a miracle and the final revelation from Allah.
• What is the significance of Muhammad being called the 'seal of the prophets'?

  It means he is believed to be the last prophet.
• What are the key aspects of the Qur’an?

  • Most important holy book
  • Complete and accurate record of Allah’s words
  • Guides Muslims on how to lead their lives
• How many surahs are in the Qur’an?

  114 surahs
• How is the Qur’an organized?

  It is organized by length, longest first.
• How do Muslims treat the Qur’an?

  • Keep it clean and wrapped
  • Wash hands before touching it
  • Keep it on a higher shelf
  • Place it on a special stand when reading