Islam

• What is Tawhid? (quote) This is the belief that there is only one God God is an undivided entity. The Shahadah shows the belief in one God. ‘There is one God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet (and Ali is the friend of God).’
• What is the sin of Shirk? The only sin that God will not forgive is the sin of Shirk. Which is attributing God-like qualities to any other being or thing.
• What is the Supremacy of God's will? Everything happens under God’s will. The supremacy of God’s will is an article of faith (Sunni). God is the creator therefore nothing happens unless God allows it, whether it is good or bad. Muslims often add the words ‘God willing’ (Inshallah) after they promise to do something. This leads to the belief that God controls everything and humans do not have freewill.
• How does Tawhid and the Supremacy of God's will impact Muslims? They make God their number 1 priorityLive according to God’s willThey respect the prophets (not worship them)They worship GodThey show their belief in their daily lives. E.g. by repeating the ShahadahMuslims accept that bad things happen
• What are the names of Allah? (quote) There are 99 names of God in the Qur’an. These names help Muslims to understand God’s nature. Many Muslims memorise the names of God and recite them when praying. They help Muslims to feel God’s presence. ‘The Most Excellent Names belong to God: use them to call on Him.’
• Give 2 examples of the names of Allah Al-Hadi – the guide Al-Ghaffar – the forgiving
• What are the natures of Allah? Immanent Merciful Omnipotent Transcendent Beneficent Just and Fair
• How is Allah immanent? (quote) God is within all things and present in and beyond life on earth. ‘He is with you wherever you are.’
• How is Allah merciful? He understands suffering, cares for them and forgives if they are truly sorry
• How is Allah omnipotent? He is the creator, sustainer and owner of all things. He is all powerful
• How is Allah transcendent? He is beyond and outside of all things and human understanding
• How is Allah beneficent? Source of all goodness. Life and the Earth is a gift
• How is Allah just and fair? He treats people fairly and justly and requires Muslims to do the same
• Explain the origins of Sunni Islam (and how it differs) Sunni meaning followers of the Sunnah.When Muhammad died, Sunni Muslims believe that the Qur’an and the Sunnah had the authority to guide Muslims.They elected Abu Bakr to be their leader (Caliph) to make sure people follow God’s laws.The Caliph’s don’t make the laws, they enforce them.
• Explain the origins of Shi'a Islam (and how it differs) Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad had named his cousin Ali as his successor.Ali and his supporters thought that the true leaders (Imams) had to be descendants of Muhammad and chosen by God.Shi’a Muslims only accept the sayings of Muhammad that have been passed to Ali or his followers.