Islamic beliefs

• Islam is split into two main branches: Sunni & Shia. They each interpret Muhammad's wishes for his next successor differently.
• Sunni Muslims believe that Abu Bakr was rightfully the successor of Muhammad, as he was elected by the community.
• Caliph: The title given to the leader of the Muslims after the death of Muhammad.
• Sunni Muslims are guided by the Caliphate.
• Sunni Muslims believe in authority of the Qur'an & the Hadiths.
• The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam:

  • Tawhid
  • Angels
  • Judgement day
  • Prophets
  • Allah's will
  • Authority sources
• Tawhid is the 'oneness of Allah'. Both Sunni & Shia believe in Tawhid, however Shia include angels as part of Allah.
• Angels: Immortal beings which follow Allah's will rather than their own.
• Judgement day: The idea that Allah will judge every human & place them in a level of Jannah (Heaven) or Jahannam (Hell) according to their life on Earth.
• Prophets of Islam: Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, etc.
• Allah's will: An article of faith stating that Allah is supreme & omniscient over all living things.
• Authority sources in Islam: Psalms of David, Torah, Gospels, Scrolls of Ibrahim & the Quran.
• The Quran is the most important holy book of Islam, as they believe it is the unchanged word of Allah.
• Shia Muslims believe that Ali was intended to be Muhammad's successor.
• Shia Muslims believe in the imamate- a leader chosen by a previous imam, who interprets the Quran correctly.
• Shia Muslims practice annual mourning for Husayn (Muhammad's grandson) by punishing themselves.
• The five roots of Shia Islam:

  • Tawhid
  • Justice of Allah
  • Prophethood
  • Judgement day
  • Imamate
• Justice of Allah: A root of Shia Islam stating that Allah is just, wise & omniscient. Similar to the article of faith 'supremacy of Allah'.
• Both Sunni & Shia Muslims believe in Judgement day.
• Imamate: Protectors of the Islamic faith (in Shia Islam) who ensure that teachings do not become corrupt.
• The first 11 Imams led the Islamic Shia community & the 12th is said to be in hiding.
• "He who is the all-knowing, the all-powerful able to do anything" - Quran, on the topic of Allah's omnipotence.
• Examples of Allah's omnipotence include: the 7 days of creation, control over angel messengers & Jannah and Jahannam.
• "He is Allah, one, Allah the eternal refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to him any equivalent" - Quran, on the topic of Tawhid.
• Tawhid impacts Muslims, as they will not worship anything other than Allah.
• Tawhid differs from Christianity, the trinity would break the idea of 'oneness'.
• Immanence: The idea that God is present on the Earth & can contact or be contacted by humans.
• "We are nearer to man than his jugular vein" - Quran, on the topic of immanence.
• "And he is with you wherever you may be" - Quran, on the topic of immanence.
• Immanence of Allah can be proved through:

  • Miracles, humanity & nature existing
  • Prophethood
  • Angels visiting Earth
• Transcendence: The idea that Allah is beyond human understanding, & so he can control the world but isn't affected by it.
• "Nothing is impossible with God" - The Bible, on the topic of Immanence & transcendence.
• "No vision can grasp him... He is above all comprehension" - Quran, on the topic of transcendence.
• Since Allah is outside of time & beyond human understanding, he cannot be part of the Earth, so must be transcendent.
• Moral evil: Human caused suffering, believed to be a part of Allah's will, as all shall become fair on judgement day.
• If Allah is omnipotent, he should have the ability to give all humans the same opportunities & fulfilling lives. All beings should be loved & not tormented or tested.
• Allah's omniscience & omnipotence mean that he has the ability to fix unjust issues, yet chooses not to.
• Some Muslims may argue that suffering is simply a test to determine a place in the Afterlife. Prophets were sent to guide humanity, & so it is not Allah's fault if humanity disobeys.
• "Be a steadfast witness for Allah in equity & let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not justly" - Quran
• On Earth, Muslims cannot always witness justice being served as they do not understand how Allah acts. They must instead wait for Judgement day to be placed in Jannah or Jahannam.