3.1.2 Islam — Overview

Islam is the world's second-largest religion with approximately 1.9 billion Muslims. The word Islam means "submission" (to the will of Allah). For AQA GCSE RS you must study both Islamic beliefs (3.1.2.B) and Islamic practices (3.1.2.P).

Core Islamic beliefs at a glance

• Tawhid: the absolute oneness of Allah — the most fundamental Islamic belief (Shirk — associating partners with Allah — is the gravest sin)
• Risalah: prophethood — Allah communicates through prophets; Muhammad (PBUH) is the final and greatest prophet
• Kitab: holy books — the Qur'an (final, uncorrupted revelation), the Torah, Psalms and Gospels (earlier revelations, now corrupted)
• Malaikah: angels — Allah's servants who carry out his commands and record human deeds
• Akhirah: the afterlife — resurrection, judgement (Al-Qiyamah), paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam)
• Al-Qadr: pre-destination — everything happens according to Allah's will and knowledge

Sunni Islam follows the Six Articles of Faith; Shi'a Islam follows the Five Roots (Usul ad-Din) which include Justice (Adl) and the Imamate.

Key Islamic practices at a glance

• Five Pillars (Sunni): Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer 5x daily), Zakah (2.5% almsgiving), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)
• Shi'a: Ten Obligatory Acts including Khums (20% religious tax) and Jihad
• Jihad: greater jihad (inner struggle against sin) and lesser jihad (external struggle; in extreme cases, armed defence of Islam)
• Festivals: Id-ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Id-ul-Adha (sacrifice; end of Hajj), Ashura (Shi'a mourning of Imam Husayn)
• Mosque: centre of worship, community, education

Sunni vs Shi'a

The Sunni-Shi'a split arose over succession after the Prophet's death (AD 632). Shi'a believe Ali (the Prophet's cousin/son-in-law) should have been first caliph. The Imamate (succession of Imams) is a key Shi'a doctrine.

Exam advice

Always distinguish Sunni and Shi'a where relevant. Use Arabic terminology correctly: "Salah" not just "prayer," "Zakah" not just "charity."