Chapter 7 Islam Beliefs and Teachings Sample Material

DRAFT
7 Islam: Beliefs and teachings
■ The foundations of faith
▶ The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam

There is no official creed in Islam, but for Sunni Muslims there
Creed a set statement of faith that
are six central beliefs, or articles of faith, which define their
all religious believers follow.
understanding of God. This teaching can be found in the Hadith,
where Muhammad is recorded as saying: ‘You must believe in Allah,
his angels, his holy books, his messengers, in the Last Day and in
fate (both in its good and in its evil aspects).’
1 Allah (God): the unity and oneness of God is called Tawhid. Like
Jews and Christians, Muslims believe in one God. The Arabic
word for God is Allah, which simply means ‘the (al) God (ilah)’.
2 Malaikah (angels): God created angels to interact with human
lives, bringing his divine message. Each Muslim has two guardian
angels who record that person’s good and bad actions.
3 Holy books: God has revealed his word to humans in the
Qur’an. This tells Muslims all they need to know about how to
live their lives. Other inspired scriptures include the Tawrat of
Musa (Torah), the Zabur of Dawud (Psalms) and the Injil of Isa
(Gospels).
4 Risalah (prophethood): God has spoken through numerous
prophets throughout time, including Adam, Nuh (Noah),
Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus). However,
Muhammad is the greatest prophet.
5 Akhirah (the afterlife) Belief in the final judgement and life after
death. This life is a preparation for the eternal life that follows.
On the last day there will be a time of judgement, when Muslims
will have to account for their lives.
6 Al-qadr (God’s predestination): God is responsible for everything
and has set out a divine destiny for all things. God has written
down all that has happened and all that will happen in the
universe. However, this does not take away human free will.
Jihad striving to do what is right, for God. The greater jihad is the struggle
that each person has, as an individual, to follow God’s will in their life. The
lesser jihad is the fight to defend Islam (holy war).
Submission to the will of God Islam means ‘submission’; following the Five
Pillars and the rules of Shari’ah law are a sign of being a true Muslim.
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Although these six beliefs are central to the Islamic faith they are
The five roots of religion in Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam

not the only important beliefs. Others include: the creed, the jihad
and submission to the will of God.
Task
The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam
Create a mind map around these six articles of faith. Write out the six key beliefs on a large sheet of paper and add in
the following ideas, linking them in where you think they belong:
• Prophet Muhammad • Free will or predestination? • Ibrahim, Musa and Isa
• Angel Jibril • The afterlife • Two guardian angels
• The Qur’an • One God (Tawhid) • Revelation from God
Can you think of six more of your own to add to the diagram?
Belief in God
Belief in al-
Belief in the
qadr (God’s
prophethood
divine plan)
Articles of
faith
Belief in the Belief in the

afterlife holy books
Belief in the
angels
▶ The five roots of religion in Usul ad-Din in

Shi’a Islam
Diversity of beliefs in Islam
All Muslims share the central beliefs of the Islamic faith: the
understanding that there is one God (Allah) who is creator,
protector and judge; the belief that Muhammad is the Seal of the
Prophets, to whom God revealed the Qur’an. However, over the
centuries, as Islam developed in different cultures and societies,
Muslim scholars developed different ways of understanding the
faith. Today there are some significant differences in the way
different Muslim groups interpret these truths.
Leadership
Prophethood
(Nubuwwah)
(Imamat) The five roots of religion (Usul ad-Din)
Shi’a Islam emphasises the importance of five
Oneness of God
(Tawid)
fundamental principles which are sometimes called
Justice of God
(Adalah) the ‘roots of religion’. Every individual must make
Resurrection themselves aware of these truths as the foundation of
(Qayamat) their faith.
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Usul ad-Din, the five roots of religion, can also be referred to as
the ‘foundation of faith’. They are:
▶ Oneness of God (Tawid)
▶ Justice of God (Adl or Adalah)
▶ Prophethood (Nubuwwah)
▶ Leadership (Imamat)
▶ Resurrection (Qayamat).
1 The oneness of God (Tawid): There is one God who has no
equals; he is a divine unity. He cannot be compared to anyone
or anything. He is perfect and unique and he possesses
infinite power and knowledge. He is immortal (he was never
born) and has no partner or children. He alone should be
worshipped.
‘Say, “He is God, [who is] One, God, the Eternal Refuge.’
Qur’an 112:1–2
2 The justice of God (Adl or Adalah): God is perfect justice, fairness
and wisdom. He does not wrong anyone and he will not tolerate
wrongdoing. He cannot abuse his power by performing acts that
go against his own nature to be just and fair. Humans must be
responsible for their own actions, good or bad.
3 Prophethood (Nubuwwah): God has appointed prophets and
messengers to guide human beings, showing them how to live
in peace and submission to God. According to some Islamic
sources, God sent 124,000 prophets; some of these bought divine
scriptures with them, from God. Muhammad was the Seal of
the Prophets, meaning that he brought the final, perfect and
unchanging message from God.
4 Leadership (Imamae): All Muslims believe that Muhammad was
the last prophet, who brought the final scripture (the Qur’an)
Task to humanity. Shi’as believe that, after his death, God appointed
Using the information here 12 infallible Imams to guide the Muslim community, leading
and on Pxxx (Key differences them on the path set by the Prophet Muhammad. These Imams
between Sunni and Shi’a beliefs are part of what Shi’as call Ahl al-Bayt (the Family of the House).
and practices) compare and In other words, they are part of Prophet Muhammad’s extended
contrast Sunni and Shi’a beliefs household.
about imams. Of these 12, 11 have been killed. They believe that the 12th (or
hidden) Imam is still alive, but is in hiding (occultation), waiting
to reappear and rule on earth with justice. They sometimes refer

to him as the Mahdi.
Sunni Shi’a 5 Resurrection (Qayamat): The belief that, on the Day of
Judgement, there will be a resurrection, when all human beings
will be physically raised to life to be judged by God. He will
reward the good and punish the evil.
Sunni and Shi’a beliefs about
imams ‘So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does
an atom’s weight of evil will see it.’
Qur’an 99:7–8
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■ The Nature of God (Allah)
Al-Fatihah, the opening

Key Concept
Tawhid ‘Oneness’ in reference to God. The basic Muslim belief in the
oneness of God.
The single most important belief in Islam is Tawhid, the oneness

Allah the Arabic word meaning and unity of God. There is one God (Allah) who is the universal
God. Muslims believe that they God of all humanity.
worship the same God that spoke Muslims believe that God is:
through Musa (Moses) and Isa
(Jesus). ▶ Immanent: God is always close by. The Qur’an says that God is
closer to each one of us than the veins in our necks (50:16).
▶ Transcendent: God is beyond all things, not limited by the rules
of nature.
▶ Omniscient: God has all knowledge, nothing can be hidden from him.
‘God witnesses that there is no ▶ Beneficent: God is always kind; he loves us.
deity except Him, and [so do] the ▶ Merciful: God is always fair; he forgives us if we are sorry.
angels and those of knowledge ▶ Judge: on the last day, God will be our judge.
– [that He is] maintaining ▶ Creator: God is the beginning; he is the cause of all that exists.
[creation] in justice. There is no
deity except Him, the Exalted in In Shi’a Islam there is an emphasis on Adalat, the Justice of God.
Might, the Wise.’ This is one of the five roots of religion (Usul ad-Din).
The Qur’an teaches that it was God ‘Who created the heavens
Qur’an 3:18
and the earth’ and that ‘He has power over all things.’ (46:33)
▶ Al-Fatihah, the opening

The al-Fatihah is the first surah (chapter) in the Qur’an. It means
‘the opening’, and many Muslims learn to recite it from memory in
their daily prayers.
‘In the name of God, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All]
praise is [due] to God, Lord of the worlds – The Entirely Merciful, the
Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.
It is You we worship and You we ask for help.
Guide us to the straight path – the path of those upon whom You
have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of
those who are astray.’
Qur’an 1:1–7
Tasks
1 Copy out the al-Fatihah in
your book.
2 Why do you think Muslims
might try to learn this
passage by heart?
3 Choose three things it says
and write down what they
teach Muslims about God.
Al-Fatihah in calligraphhy 231
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▶ The 99 names of God
In Islam, God is not to be confused with any living creature; he is
The word ‘anthropomorphism’ beyond all things and cannot be pictured as a physical being. God is
comes from ‘anthros’ meaning outside our human understanding, but for Muslims he lies at the very
man and ‘morph’ meaning shape. centre of everything we think and do. So, how do Muslims ‘see’ God?
In some religious traditions it is The Qur’an and the Hadith have many different ‘names’ for
acceptable to picture God in human God, not as a person, but using words that describe his qualities
form (for example in some Christian and attributes. They use names like: King, Protector, Wise, Eternal,
art). Islam rejects this sort of Light, etc. These are known as the 99 beautiful names of God.
anthropomorphic representation. In fact, there are different lists of these names, recorded through
different traditions of Muslims, but reciting these names has been
a powerful form of prayer for Muslims through the centuries.
‘Whenever I am in a difficulty, I
remember God with his words ‘Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the
and through his names. There are Subtle, the Acquainted.’
ninety-nine names for God and
Qur’an 6:103
we remember them for different
purposes.’
Musarat S
Calligraphy showing the 99 names of God
Task
Here are some of the 99 names of God:

Giver of life, Protector, Just, Generous, Guide, Ever-forgiving, Watchful, Creator, Watcher, Compassionate, Avenger,
Tremendous, Mighty, Finder, Patient, Knower, King, Gentle.
Copy out the table below. Put each of the ‘names’ of God in the list above into the column you think it most relates to.
Then compare your table with your neighbour's. Did you have different ideas? Why?
Merciful: Judge: Creator:
Transcendent: Omniscient: Beneficient: kind and decision- maker,
beyond all things all-knowing always loving forgiving making, fair designer
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▶ God: One, eternal and absolute God
God: One, eternal and absolute God

One God (Tawhid)
Islam is a monotheistic faith; it teaches that there is only one God.
There are no other divine beings and it is a sin to compare God to
Monotheism belief in one true God. other ‘false’ gods. Muslims reject the Christian belief that Jesus is
the Son of God. The passage ‘He begetteth not, nor is he begotten’
Beget to bring a child into
(Qur’an 112:3) makes it clear that God has no children and he is
existence, or to create offspring.
not the child of anyone.
Task
Surah a chapter from the Qur’an. This mind map shows Surah 112–4 from the Qur’an, with notes around
it to explain some of its meaning. This passage sums up the nature of God
and is one that many Muslims will learn by heart.
God is personal,
but he is not
a person. God
There is only cannot be pictured
one God in human form. He is
(monotheism). ‘eternal’,
Belief in without
many gods beginning
(polytheism) or end.
is false. In the name of God,
Most Gracious, Most
Merciful say, ‘He is
God the One and Only,
God the Eternal, ‘He begetteth
Absolute. He begetteth not’ means that
God is perfect
not nor is He begotten; he has no children.
and unchanging.
and there is none This challenges
There is no
like unto him.’ the Christian
greater being.
belief that Jesus is
the ‘Son of God’.
Nothing compares
to God; he is ‘nor is He
incomparable. begotten’
He is the creator, means he was
everything else is not born.
part of his creation.
1 Make a list of the qualities and attributes of God mentioned in

Surah 112.
2 Using the information in Source A, write a paragraph to explain what
Muslims believe about God. Include two quotations from Surah 112.
‘There’s nobody and there’s nothing like Allah. I love him. I can’t see him,
but I know he’s beneficent, merciful, master of the Day of Judgement.’
K Farzana (From Committed to Islam by Silvia Sutcliffe)
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▶ The sin of shirk
Islam warns of the sin of shirk. This is when a person worships
Shirk associating other beings or
something else other than God. There is one God and there can be
things with God.
no pictures to represent him. Muslims must worship the true God,
not the image of him, created by human hands.
The prophets bring the word of God, but they are only human;
God is divine.
For most Muslims, it is a sin of ‘shirk’ to show a picture of the
Prophet Muhammad.
This text means Allah in Arabic. To worship

anything other than Allah is to commit the sin
of Shirk.
▶ Revelation: God reveals his truth
Bringing God’s message
Islam teaches that, God does not communicate directly with
humans, but instead he uses special beings (humans and angels) to
‘We believe in God, and the
carry his message to us.
revelation given to us, and to
Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob . . . God’s duty to guide us
Moses and Jesus, and that given
to all prophets from their Lord: Muslims believe that, because all humans have a duty to serve
We make no difference between God, he must have shown us what his will is. As humans, we can
one and another.’ only know what is truly right and wrong by understanding God’s
laws. Since God is just, it makes sense to believe that he must have
Qur’an 2:136
shown us the right path to follow.
▶ Revelation of God’s inspired truth

Revelation is the idea that God has made known his special truth
Revelation a message sent by
to humans. Islam teaches that the prophets received God’s divinely
God and ‘revealed’ or ‘shown’ to the
inspired message, instructing humans how to live. God’s final and
human mind.
perfect message was given to the Prophet Muhammad, sent down
to him over the last 23 years of his life. Each passage was
memorised and recorded by his followers and then later written
down to form the Qur’an, the final revelation.
‘This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those
conscious of God.’
Qur’an 2:2
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Fitrah, the need for God
Revelation of God’s inspired truth

Fitrah the natural instinct all
humans have, from birth, to know Islam teaches that we are all born with an instinctive need for God.
and worship God. This is called fitrah. It is the natural spirituality that connects us to
Taqwa having an awareness of God our creator, making Muslims aware of God’s presence and drawing
in every aspect of life. them to worship him. This is where our conscience comes from,
Hanifs people who lived in Arabia helping us discern right from wrong.
before the Prophet Muhammad
and who believed in one God. Taqwa, awareness of God
Taqwa is the desire for a personal connection with God. Muslims
try to live in a state of taqwa, the awareness of God. The Qur’an
Task refers to taqwa as the highest quality of a Muslim, leading them to
Create your own word file. show worship and submission to God. Taqwa is often understood
as a shield against wrongdoing; it allows Muslims to live as God
Make a list of the following would want, protecting them from evil.
terms, adding a definition for
each in your own words: ‘O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and
made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed,
• shirk
the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you.
• revelation
Indeed, God is Knowing and Acquainted.’
• fitrah
• taqwa Qur’an 49:13
• hanif
• rasul Hanifs, the devout people
• risalah Islam teaches that, long before the birth of the Prophet
Muhammad, in pre-Islamic Arabia, there were groups of
people known as hanifs. The hanifs rejected idol worship;
they believed in one Supreme God, creator of the universe,
the God of Ibrahim who had sent revelations to the
prophets through the ages. It is said by some Muslims that
Muhammad’s grandfather was a hanif and through him
Muhammad learnt the practice of spending time alone in the
desert to fast and pray.
Fitrah is the natural instinct that all people are born with to worship God
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■ Risalah: prophethood
Key Concept
Prophethood or ‘risalah’ The term used of the messengers of God,
A ‘rasal’ a prophet. ‘Risalah’ means
beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad.
bringing prophecy from God.
The channel of communication between God and humanity is

Divine wisdom called risalah; the prophets are our guides. They are human beings
Muslims are clear that the Prophet chosen to carry guidance from God to people, but their wisdom
Muhammad did not write the Qur’an does not come from within themselves; it comes from God.
from his own words; he was the
‘And We have already sent messengers before you and assigned to
channel through which God spoke.
them wives and descendants. And it was not for a messenger to come
Islam makes a clear distinction
with a sign except by permission of God . For every term is a decree.’
between the divine revelation of
Qur’an 13:38
the Qur’an and the human words of
the Prophet Muhammad, which are The Qur’an teaches that every generation has been given its own
preserved in the Hadith. prophet, bringing God’s message in a book. The message brought
by the Prophet Muhammad is essentially the same message as
had been preached by all the prophets back to Adam: the need to
worship the one, true God, who will be the judge of all.
‘And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings
and warners.’
Qur’an 6:48
‘People, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no
new faith will emerge.’
Muhammad’s last sermon (Hadith)
Adam (Adam)
Idris (Enoch)
▶ Muhammad is the last and greatest

Nuh (Noah)
Hud (Hud)
Saleh (Salih)
Ibrahim (Abraham) prophet
Lut (Lot)
Ishma’il (Ishmael) Muslims believe that through history, God has
Ishaq (Isaac) communicated to humans through revelations and the
Yaqub (Jacob) last and greatest of these revelations was given to the
Yusuf (Joseph)
Ayub (Job)
Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad did not come from a
Shoaib (Jethro) rich family and it is likely that he could not read or write.
Musa (Moses) He was not a learned man or a scholar, but he was very
Harun (Aaron)
Dhul-Kifl (Ezekiel)
devout. He would take himself off for days to meditate
Dawud (David) in a cave in the desert, seeking God. Muslims believe that
Sulaiman (Soloman) God chose Muhammad as a prophet because he was a
Ilyas (Elijah) humble, honest man; a man he could trust with such a
Al-Yasa (Elisha)
Yunus (Jonah) special message.
Zakariya (Zachariah)
Yahya (John the Baptist)
Isa (Jesus)
Muhammad
‘God chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself
whoever turns back [to Him].’
Qur’an 42:13
Devout devoted to God.

Names of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur'an
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▶ Bringing God’s message
Ibrahim
Key figures in the Qur’an
Islam teaches that God has sent many prophets throughout
history; 25 of them are mentioned by name in the Qur’an, going
right back to the creation of the world. Many of these prophets
are characters from the Jewish and Christian scriptures (what
Christians refer to as the Bible). However, Islam teaches that,
over the centuries, the messages from these prophets have either
been lost or become corrupted, so there was a need for a final
revelation. Muhammad is known as the Seal of the Prophets,
because his revelation of the Qur’an was God’s final and
absolute word.
‘To every people was sent an
Muslim tradition says that, in total, there have been around 124,000
apostle.’
prophets and that, once a prophet had been called by God, he lived a
Qur’an 10:47 sinless life. Muslim authors put PBUH (peace and blessings be upon
him) after a prophet’s name to show them a deep level of respect.
In Islam the major prophets (apart from Muhammad) are:
Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Dawud, and Isa.
▶ Adam
Adam is said to be the father of the human race. According to the
Muhammad is the Seal of the Qur’an, God formed Adam from a handful of soil of many colours.
Prophets, because, when you put This represents the diversity of people on earth. Eve was created
a seal on something you close it from Adam’s rib and they lived together in paradise. They were
up. It is the final act, showing that commanded not to eat from a particular tree, but the devil was able
nothing more can be added. to convince them to taste its fruit. As a result, they were banished
to earth. However, Adam confessed his sin and was forgiven,
becoming the first prophet.
Muslims believe that Adam was created as God’s ‘khalifah’ (his
representative on earth). It was to be his job to rule in the place of
God. Tradition says that he built the first Ka’ba in Makkah.
▶ Ibrahim
Ibrahim (Abraham) is regarded as a hanif. This means that he had
Ka’ba known as the House of God, an inner knowledge that there is really only one true God. For this
the black covered, cube-shaped reason, he is seen as the greatest of the prophets before Isa (Jesus).
building at the centre of Islam’s He was born into a family of polytheists, but he rejected these
holiest mosque in Makkah. beliefs in favour of monotheism and became a Muslim (one who
Polytheism belief in many gods. bows down to God).
Monotheism belief in one true God. ‘Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward
truth, a Muslim [submitting to God ]. And he was not of the polytheists.’
Qur’an 3:67
Ibrahim had two sons who were both prophets: Ishma’il (the
prophet to the Arabs) and Ishaq (the prophet to the Jews). For
Muslims, Ishma’il is the more important, because he is an ancestor
to Muhammad.
When Muslims go on Hajj they remember the distress of Hajar
(Ishma’il’s mother) as she ran between the hills of Al-Safa and
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Al-Marwah in search of water. They also remember how God
instructed Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishma’il. When Satan tried to
tempt Ibrahim to disobey God, telling him to refuse to sacrifice
his son, Ibrahim drove the evil one away by throwing stones
at him.
There is a tradition that God revealed a holy book to Ibrahim,
known as ‘the scrolls of Ibrahim’ or the ‘Sahifah’. The Qur’an
mentions this book, but no record remains of it today.
▶ Musa
Musa (Moses) is remembered by Muslims as one of the most
significant prophets. The teachings of Ibrahim had been forgotten
and his book lost, so a new prophet had to be sent. Musa led the
Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Islam
teaches that he was given the word of God, known as the Tawrat
(Torah), but the people were disobedient and the message became
distorted.
▶ Dawud
Dawud (David) was Israel’s greatest king, who made Jerusalem a
holy place for Muslims. He received the word of God in the Zabur
(Psalms), beautiful hymns of praise to God.
▶ Isa
Isa is the Islamic name for Jesus. Apart from Muhammad, Isa
(Jesus) and his mother Maryam (Mary) are the most prominent
figures in the Qur’an. It recognises Isa as a prophet and as a
successor to Moses. He was given the Injil (Gospel) and he
performed miracles. However, Muslims deny the Christian teaching
of the Trinity (page xx) and reject the belief that Isa is God. They say
God is ‘one’ not ‘three’.
‘We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of
apostles; We gave Jesus … signs (miracles) and strengthened him
with the holy spirit.’
Qur’an 3:87
The Qur’an teaches that, although it appeared as if Isa (Jesus) had

been crucified, in fact he did not die. God could not allow evil men
to triumph over his prophet in such a way. Instead, Isa was taken up
to heaven and will reappear in the second coming when God judges
the world.
‘And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was
made to resemble him to them.’
Qur’an 4:157
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Task
The Prophet Muhammad: his early life in Makkah

Write out the name of five of these key figures in Islam and make a
list of the things Muslims believe are special about each one.
1. Adam
2. Nuh (Noah)
3. Ibrahim (Abraham)
Ishma’il (Ishmael) Ishaq (Isaac)
Abdul Muttalib Yaqub (Jacob)
Abadullah Maryam (Mary)
6. Muhammad 4. Musa (Moses) 5. Isa (Jesus)
■ The Tree of Prophets: Islam teaches that Ibrahim (Abraham) was father to Ishaq
(Isaac) and Ishma'il (Ishmael). Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) are descendants of
Ishaq. Muhammad is the descendent of Ishma'il.
▶ The Prophet Muhammad: his early life in Makkah

What makes Muhammad so important?
The Sunnah is the record of all Islam teaches that Muhammad is the last and the greatest prophet,
that Muhammad said and did and sent by God. He is a role model for Muslims because of the moral
this helps guide Muslims today, to and prayerful way he lived his life. Unlike Jesus he performed
live a life that is pleasing to God. no miracles; he was born, lived and died an ordinary man, but
Muslims see him as the perfect example of a human being.
Who was Muhammad?

As a young man Muhammad was Muhammad was born in Makkah (in Arabia) in 570 CE, but by
known as al-amin, meaning the the age of six he had become an orphan. As he grew up he gained a
trustworthy one. reputation for truthfulness and intelligence, working as a shepherd
for his uncle. In his twenties he entered the service of a wealthy
merchant named Khadijah and he so impressed her with his honesty
and character that Khadijah proposed marriage. They married and
had four daughters, and two sons (who sadly died in infancy).
Life in Makkah
As he grew older, Muhammad began to feel troubled by the
corruption and cruelty he saw in Makkah. He believed that the
worship of idols by the people of Makkah was wrong and that there
was really only one true God.
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Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power
He started to spend more time alone in prayer and solitude and
one night, in the year 610 CE, while he was praying in a cave near
Makkah he had an experience that would change his life. As he sat
meditating, the Angel Jibril appeared before him and ordered him
to recite the words that had miraculously appeared before him.
Muslims call this event Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power and they
remember it today on the 27th day of Ramadan. It is one of the
holiest days of the Muslim year.
Pilgrims at the Cave of Hira’ where the Qur’an was first revealed to the
Prophet Mohamed on Laylat-ul-Qadr, in 610 CE
‘Surely We revealed it (Quran) on The revelation of the holy Qur’an

the Night of Qadr – And what do These revelations were to continue for the next 23 years, until
you know about what Night of Muhammad’s death. He did not always see the Angel Jibril;
Qadr is – The Night of Qadr sometimes he heard a voice speaking to him; sometimes these
is better than a thousand revelations took place while he was in prayer, at other times when
months – The angels and the he was going about his everyday life.
Spirit descend in it by the ‘Not once did I receive a revelation without thinking that my soul had
permission of their Lord every been torn away.’
command – It is peace till the
Hadith
break of the morning.’
Qur’an 97:1–5 Prophet Muhammad’s message
The message Prophet Muhammad brought to the people of
Makkah was:
▶ There is one true God, Lord of goodness and power.
▶ We need to show thanks to God through worship.
▶ There will be a judgement day where God will judge our lives.
Many in Makkah did not receive this message well; he was ridiculed
and insulted. However, some did follow him and they became
known as ‘Muslims’.
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Task
The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim community in Madinah

‘Say, “I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know
what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed
Copy out the timeline in to me, and I am not but a clear warner.”’
Diagram A and add your own
Qur’an 46:9
information to it from these pages.
Diagram A
Timeline: Life of Prophet Muhammad
At the age of six Laylat-ul-Qadr: The year of sorrows: Muhammad leads
Muhammad’s mother, the first Qur’anic his wife (Khadijah) the Muslim army to
Amina, dies. He becomes an revelation, received and his uncle (Abu recapture Makkah.
orphan, to be cared for by from God. Angel Talib) both die, He destroys the 360
his grandfather and later Jibril instructs leaving him without idols in the Ka’ba
his uncle, Abu Talib Muhammad to ‘recite’ a protector
570CE 595CE 613–622CE 622CE 632CE
576CE 610CE 619CE 630CE
Muhammad is Muhammad Muhammad The Hijrah: Muhammad dies

born in Makkah marries Khadijah teaches in Makkah, Muhammad and his aged 62
but is met with followers escape
opposition from Makkah to the
City of Yathrib (later
known as Madinah)
Muhammad’s life
▶ The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim

community in Madinah
Opposition in Makkah
In the years following his first revelation, Prophet Muhammad
gained some followers in Makkah, but his ideas also angered
Prophet Muhammad and the
many. Makkah was a centre for pagan pilgrims who came to
‘Muslims’ faced fierce opposition
worship the idols in the Ka’ba, bringing great wealth to the city.
and persecution from many in
Muhammad began preaching openly that the worship of idols
Makkah. One of his followers, Bilal,
offends God and that these idols were no more than useless bits of
a black slave, was taken and left
wood and stone.
to die in the hot desert sun, with a
His message, that God is merciful, but that there will also be a
huge rock placed on his chest.
Day of Judgement caused many to turn against him and threaten
violence. For nearly ten years Prophet Muhammad struggled to
gain converts in Makkah, with little success and then tragedy
struck: two of his closest supporters, his uncle and his wife
Khadijah, died. This was a devastating blow.
Ali was Prophet Muhammad’s The Hijrah: migration from Makkah to Madinah
cousin and son-in-law. Shi’a Not long after, while teaching in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad
Muslims refer to him as the was approached by some pilgrims from Yathrib, a city some
first Imam and look to Ali as distance to the north. They were impressed with his message and
Muhammad’s rightful successor. invited him to visit, to judge their community disputes. He agreed
and sent some of his followers ahead of him.
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Now, as he planned to leave, it became clear that his life was
There is a story that tells how, as in danger; there were people plotting to kill him. Ali insisted on
he fled from Makkah, Muhammad staying behind in Makkah, to act as a decoy, while Muhammad
had to hide for his life in a cave. made the treacherous journey. This migration of Muhammad from
Soldiers hunting him came Makkah to Yathrib is known as the Hijrah. It marks the start of the
upon the cave, but a spider had Muslim calendar.
miraculously woven a web over the
entrance which convinced them The first Islamic community is established
that no one had entered recently. Prophet Muhammad was welcomed into Yathrib, where he came to
be seen not just as a prophet communicating with God, but also as a
political leader and military commander. He became the town’s ruler
Muslims follow a lunar calendar and it was renamed Madinah (City of the Prophet). For the next ten
which is 11 days shorter than years he worked to unite the different communities. There were many
the Western calendar. Each year Jewish people in Madinah and Prophet Muhammad had expected
consists of 12 ‘lunar’ months them to become Muslims. However, some questioned whether the
(cycles of the moon) lasting a voice that spoke to him was the voice of their God. Many refused to
total 354 days. believe that they should now turn towards Makkah to pray (instead of
Jerusalem) and that they should fast during Ramadan.
Muhammad returns to Makkah triumphant

Muslims regard Prophet In 630 CE Muhammad and his followers were able to return to
Muhammad as the greatest of all Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam as
men: the Seal of the Prophets, the a permanent religion. Muhammad was now accepted as the final
servant and messenger of God. and true prophet of God. He continued to lead his community
until his death in 632 CE.
‘I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and the example of my life (the
Sunnah). If you follow these you will not fail.’
Muhammad’s final sermon in Makkah
Task
1 What was Muhammad’s message to the people of Makkah?
2 What roles did Muhammad take on when he arrived in Yathrib/Madinah?
3 Why do you think the migration from Makkah to Madinah marks the
start of the Muslim calendar?
4 Why is it significant to Muslims that the people of Makkah finally
welcomed Muhammad back in 630CE?
■ Malaikah (angels)
The Qur'an teaches that the angels Communicating God’s message
say to God: ‘Glory to thee, of Islam teaches that angels are heavenly, immortal beings, God’s first
knowledge we have none, save what creation. According to the Qur’an, humans were formed from clay,
Thou hast taught’. (2:32). Angels but angels were made out of light. They are God’s messengers, the
have no knowledge of their own; channels through which we can become aware of his laws and his
they are channels for God’s truth. purposes in our lives. They are God’s servants and they can take on
many forms to carry out his commands, but unlike humans they have
no free will. They are without sin and so they are able to enter into
God’s divine presence, but they can also communicate with humans.
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The nature of angels
The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim community in Madinah

Diversity in belief between Shi’a and Muslims believe that, although angels are invisible, they exist
Sunni Muslims regarding angels everywhere, throughout the whole universe. They are never far away
In general, Sunnis and Shi’as share and they are always in contact with humans, especially when someone
common beliefs about angels. prays or thinks about God. They have no physical bodies, but the Qur’an
According to the Qur’an, angels describes them as having wings and they are always described as male.
were God’s first creation, they are
immortal and they always obey Angels mentioned by name
the commandments of God. In the Islamic tradition there are countless angels, but the Qur’an
Sunnis believe that God created and the Hadith mention some by name:
the angels from light and they ‘The Qur’an says “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he
have no free will. who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by
Shi’as, however, accept that permission of God”, confirming that which was before it and as guid-
angels do have a limited free will, ance and good tidings for the believers.’
although this will never lead them Qur’an 2:97
to sin or act against the will of God. Task
Shi’as also believe that it was
through an angel that God made Create a table and write a summary of the roles or duties performed by
it clear to Prophet Muhammad these angels in the Islamic tradition.
that, following his death, Ali would Angel
be the next leader of the Muslim Role or duties
community. Further, they say Jibril (Gabriel)
that the angel Jibril visited Fatima Mika’il (Michael)
sharing divine wisdom with her, thus Israfi l (Raphael)
confirming the importance of Ahl al- Azrail
Bayt (Muhammad’s household). Raqib and Atid
Fatima was Muhammad’s daughter. Munkar and Nakir
She was married to Ali and was the
mother of Hasan and Husayn.
▶ Jibril (Gabriel) is the angel of revelation. He is the archangel who
is responsible for revealing the Qur’an to Muhammad and brings
messages to God’s chosen ones.
▶ Mika’il (Michael) is the archangel responsible for keeping the
devil out of heaven and protecting faithful worshippers. He
brings sustenance for the body and soul and rainfall for the
earth, to water the land.
▶ Israfi l (Raphael) is the archangel who will blow the trumpet on
the Day of Judgement to announce the resurrection of all from
the dead.
▶ Azrail is the archangel that takes souls at death.
▶ Raqib and Atid are the angels referred to in the Qur’an as the
‘noble recorders’. They sit, one on each shoulder, noting down our
good and bad deeds, to be read from the book on the last day.
▶ Munkar and Nakir are the two terrifying, judging angels who will
question each person after their death, testing their faith.
‘The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord,
and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels
and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinctions
between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. [We
seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”’
Islamic art depicting angels Qur’an 2:285
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▶ Islamic holy books
God’s message
Muslims believe that God has sent messages and messengers to set
Revelation: a message sent by out the laws and moral codes by which humanity should live. These
God and ‘revealed’ or shash to the communications are called revelations and the most significant
human mind. among them is the Qur’an, God’s final written word.
The Qur’an is believed to be a sacred text, perfectly inspired
by God and thus free from any mistakes or distortion. However,
Muslims do believe that God revealed his laws in stages, through
The Arabic word for book is ‘kitab’ his prophets. Muslims have respect for all previous scriptures from
(plural ‘kutub’). The Qur’an is the messengers of God, but they see the Qur’an as the completion
known as Umm-ul-Kitab, ‘Mother of these earlier books.
of Books’ (43:4).
God’s perfect revelation
Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the direct and perfect word
The Qur’an refers to Jews and
of God. Sunni Muslims say that it has always existed and is with
Christians as the ‘People of the
God in heaven, written in Arabic on a tablet of stone. The Qur’an
Book’ (29:46). It teaches that
introduces itself as being ‘the guidance for the worlds’ (3:96) and
Muslims should show particular
Muslims believe that God has sent down this guidance in the form
respect to them, because
of a book to give a solution to any human problem.
they too worship the one, true ‘We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as
(Abrahamic) God. guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.’
Qur’an 16:89
A guide to life
Muslims respect and honour the Qur’an and use it as a guide for
their lives. It teaches them how to worship, how to treat other
people and how to live good lives. They learn it by heart in Arabic,
reading and reciting it daily; they take immense care in writing it
out; they allow it to guide every action and thought.
Kutub: holy books

The Qur’an is the perfect and direct word
of God as revealed to Muhammad
The Qur’an names four other holy books, known in Arabic as
kutub. These are from the Jewish and Christians traditions and,
according to Islam, in their original form, they were true revelations
Task from God. However, because they were not properly written down
or preserved they are now believed to be corrupted. So, unlike the
1 The Qur’an is a uniquely perfect Qur’an, they cannot be trusted as the true word of God.
holy book in Islam. What other
books that are sacred ▶ Sahifah: the Scrolls of Ibrahim, now lost
to Muslims? ▶ Tawrat (Torah): the revelation given to Musa (Moses)
2 Can you explain why do these ▶ Zabur (Psalms): given to Dawud (David)
books have special status? ▶ Injil (Gospel): the teaching given to Isa (Jesus)
3 Why do they have less
significance than the Qur’an? The Hadith: the sayings of Muhammad
There are collections of thousands of Muhammad’s sayings, called
hadiths, which form part of what Muslims called the Hadith. These are
not revelations, because they are the words of the prophet, not the words
Hadith: an account describing the of God. However, they have enormous significance for Muslims, because
words and actions of the Prophet the whole of Muhammad’s life is considered to be a ‘living Qur’an’. As
Muhammad. his third wife, Aisha, said of him: ‘His way of life is the Qur’an’.
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■ Akhirah, the afterlife
Day of Judgement: the test

For Muslims, this world, here on earth, is not all that there is. Our
human existence will continue after death; our earthly life is just a
preparation for the eternal life to come (Akhirah). Our mortal lives
are a test and we will be judged according to how we have lived.
As humans, we have been given free will, so we are able to make
choices about what to believe and how to treat others. We will be
held responsible for these thoughts and actions when God comes
to judge us on the last day.
‘Every soul shall have a taste of
death.’
The Angel Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce the Day of Judgement.
Qur’an 3:185 The trumpet is constantly on his lips, awaiting the command from God.
▶ Signs of the end of the world

Islam teaches that there will be many signs to mark the end of the
Mahdi: the long-awaited saviour
world, but the most important event will be the appearance of the
who will come to rescue the world.
man called the Mahdi. His return will coincide with the second
coming of Isa (Jesus). A false messiah will also attempt to deceive
the people. Other signs include: abundance of earthquakes, the
spreading of killing, rejection of Islam, increase in dishonesty,
drunkenness, obscenity, nakedness and fornication. Society will be
full of terrible corruption and chaos.
▶ Day of Judgement: the test

Islam teaches that, on the Day of Judgement, the dead will be
raised from their graves and all people will stand before God to be
sentenced according to the way they have lived their lives. A book
which represents everything an individual has done, is presented
to each of them. If the person’s good deeds outweigh the bad, then
they will receive the book in their right hand and pass into heaven.
If it is placed into their left hand, they will be among the damned.
On the Day of Judgement the Book of Deeds will be read, in which ‘every
small and great thing is recorded’ Qur’an 54:52.
How are people judged?

The Qur’an gives many warnings about the Day of Judgement and
Muslims are encouraged to question themselves: Am I ready to face
death? What have I done to prepare for that day?
‘The challenge for me is the future, really, because I don’t really know
what’s ahead for me and I can’t prepare for it. The only thing I can
prepare for is the Day of Judgement. No-one knows when the Day of
Judgement is going to come. At any moment, we could find ourselves in
front of Allah, answering for our actions, for what we’ve done. So I’ve
got to be prepared for that every minute of my life.’
Andleeb S
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▶ Judgement: heaven and hell
God weighs our deeds
God judges each person’s actions, but intentions (niyyah) are also
taken into consideration.
▶ If the person has the intention to do a good deed, but was unable
to carry it out, this is counted as a good deed.
▶ If they intended and carried out a good deed, this is counted as
ten good deeds.
▶ If the person intended a bad deed, but did not do it, that is
counted as a good deed.
Good Bad
▶ If they intended and carried out a bad deed, God records that as
deeds deeds
one bad deed.
God tests people’s faith

Muslim believe that God will weigh up The two terrifying judging angels, Munkar and Nakir, will
our good and bad deeds and this will question each person, testing their faith. In order to give the correct
determine what happens to us after death answer to their questions, it is not enough just to learn to recite the
Shahadah. If the person has not truly lived a life of submission to
God, following the Five Pillars, they will be incapable of giving the
right response on the day.
Barzakh
The three questions the angels
Only God knows when the Day of Judgement will come. Muslims
Munkar and Nakir will ask are:
believe that, for those who die before that day, the angel of death,
Who is your Lord? Who is your
Azrail, will come to take their souls to await the day. They will be
prophet? What is your religion?
kept in a state of barzakh (waiting) until the sound of the final
trumpet is heard.
Life beyond death

Shahadah: the declaration of Islam provides the most graphic descriptions of what awaits after
faith: ‘There is no god but God and death. Heaven and hell are described as very real places, but some
Muhammad is his prophet’. Muslims interpret these descriptions symbolically, since what exists
Barzakh a place of waiting, after beyond death must exist in a different dimension from our own
death until the Day of Judgement. world.
Heaven (Janna): a state of joy, happiness and peace

After judgement, people will pass over the very narrow Bridge of
The Qur’an describes heaven as As-Sirat. Those who have been blessed by God will successfully cross
a place of contentment, using to heaven (Janna) on the other side. This will include those who
images of a green garden, full of have lived faithful and moral lives, those who have been persecuted
flowers, fruits and fountains. for their faith in God and those who have fought for God.
Muslims believe that heaven is a reward for living a good life, so
everything that one longs for on earth will be found in paradise:
‘In paradise, I prepare for the beautiful gardens, delicious food, gently flowing rivers, lovely
righteous believers what no eye serving maidens and reclining couches.
has ever seen, no ear has ever
Hell (Jahannam): a state of torment and suffering
heard, and what the deepest
mind could never imagine.’ The wicked, those whom God has damned, will fail to pass over
the As-Sirat Bridge. In trying to cross they will fall into hell. Hell
Hadith
(Jahannam) is a place of terror, where the damned will face boiling
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water, scorching fire and black smoke. As well as experiencing the
Task
Key questions about the afterlife

physical torment, those condemned to hell will suffer because they
Make a list of the following are separated from God, without hope of return.
terms, adding a definition for ‘These are two adversaries who have disputed over their Lord. But
each in your own words: those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire.
• akhirah Poured upon their heads will be scalding water’
• Mahdi Qur’an 22:19
• barzakh
• Janna
• Jahannam ▶ Key questions about the afterlife
• Bridge of As-Sirat Does hell last forever?
• Munkar and Nakir
• Day of Judgement Yes
Most Muslims believe that hell is forever. The Qur’an seems to
teach that after judgement, those sent to hell will stay there forever.
‘But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] – those are the
companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.’
Qur’an 2:275
No
Some Muslims today believe that for certain people hell may only
be temporary experience. Maybe bad Muslims only be sent to hell
for a short period and those who repent may be pardoned.
‘So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may
have what is past, and his affair rests with God.’
Qur’an 2:275
Can a god of mercy condemn people to hell?

Yes
Islam teaches that God has set fair rules to live by and the wicked
have been given many opportunities to repent. The Qur’an says that
God punishes those who are disobedient according to ‘what they
have earnt’ (so those who do good, earn a place in paradise; those
who cause harm to others earn a place in hell). Only the most wicked
and ruthless people will go to hell.
‘So I have warned you of a Fire which is blazing. None will [enter to] burn
therein except the most wretched one. Who had denied and turned
away.’
Qur’an 92:14–16
No
Some Muslims find it hard to believe that a god of mercy would
send people to an eternity of suffering. How can it be fair to give an
infinite punishment for a finite sin?
Do Muslims only follow Shari’ah rules because they

Islam teaches that heaven is are frightened of God’s judgement?
the reward Muslims will receive
for following the Qur’an and the Yes
Sunnah. Some might argue that Muslims are only obedient to God’s divine
laws because they are fearful of the threat of hell-fire.
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No
Faithful believers happily live according to the Qur’an and the
example set by Muhammad.
Is suffering really a test for the next life?

Yes
Many Muslims would agree that this life is just a test. If we pass the
Task test we will have shown that we are worthy of paradise, to live for
eternity in unimaginable splendour and luxury.
Give your own answers to
the questions on this page, No
commenting on what you think A person with a non-religious worldview would reject the existence
of the Muslim viewpoints. of an afterlife. They might also say that it is not fair to see this
world as a test, because some people are born better off than others.
Al-qadr ‘destiny’, nothing takes

place purely by chance. God knows
and wills all future events.
Muslims says one of God's great

names is ‘Al-Alim’ meaning
all-knowing one.
Predestination and free will:
diversity in belief in Islam.
Although both Sunnis and Shi’as
believe God is all-powerful and
has a masterplan for the universe,
there are differences in the way Some Muslims believe suffering is a test for the next life
they understand the extent to
which He controls the lives of
human beings. ▶ Al-qadr, God’s divine plan
Sunnis tend to put more God has eternal foreknowledge
emphasis on the fact that Islam teaches that God is responsible for all things and that he has
everything is ordained by God. a divine plan for all of us (al-qadr). God has a masterplan;
They believe that although everything that happens is predestined to take place; it is all part of
humans have free will, nothing his design. He is the cause of all things and the whole of creation is
can happen without the will and under his control. God knows all things in the greatest detail, with
knowledge of God. accuracy that we, as humans, could never imagine.
Shi’as, on the other hand, allow
more room for humans to use Everything is part of a larger plan
their own free will. Some Shi’as Muslims believe that we can never know the reasons behind the
actually reject the idea of universe, but that it is all part of a larger picture. God is the all-
predestination. They say that knowing one; his knowledge is complete and perfect. He even
God cannot be responsible for knows the secrets of our hearts.
evil; humans must have free
‘He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal
will to be independent of God’s
and what you declare. And God is Knowing of that within the breasts.’
authority.
Qur’an 64:4
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‘O God, who knows the inmost secrets of our hearts; lead us out of the
Free will
darkness into the light.’
A prayer of Muhammad
Insha’ Allah, if God is willing

Muslims believe that things which some people might call
Insha’ Allah ‘if God allows it’. It coincidences are, in fact, part of God’s plan. The word Insha’ Allah
comes from joining the Arabic expresses the belief that all events are outside our own control; they
words: ‘Allah’ and ‘his will’. It is a very are in the hands of God. When a Muslim says ‘inshallah’, they are
common phrase, for example ‘I will acknowledging that they are in submission to God. They will only
get to school on time, Insha’ Allah! succeed in their own plans if God is also willing to make it happen.
‘And never say of anything, “Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,” except
[when adding], “If God wills.” And remember your Lord when you forget [it]
and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to
right conduct.”’
Qur’an 18:23–4
Can good come out of suffering?

If all things are part of the will of God, then that must include
suffering, pain, diseases and disasters. It is easy to see how good can
come out of things which cause us suffering, like training to run a
marathon, but harder to understand how hurricanes and wars can
be seen in a positive way. Islam teaches that painful experiences need
to be viewed as opportunities for our own growth as human beings.
▶ Free will
Islam teaches that we all have free will and God will hold us
accountable for our decisions on the Day of Judgement. Humans
are not puppets or robots; we have the ability to choose right from
wrong. God wants us to follow the ‘straight path’, but it is up to
us to make the right choices. Central to Islamic thought is the idea
that life is a test and we need to learn how to turn away from evil.
‘He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have
done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]’
Qur’an 30:41
Task
1 Explain what Muslims mean when they say that God has a Divine plan.
2 How do Sunni and Shi’a beliefs differ?
3 Do you think humans can have free will to make their own decisions if
God has a predestined plan for our lives?
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▶ End of section review
Stickability Knowledge check

Key Concepts: 1 Write a short paragraph (roughly three sentences) to explain what Muslims
• Halal believe about God (Allah).
• Haram 2 In your own words, explain the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Islam.
• Prophethood 3 How might Muslims differ in their views about prophethood?
• Shari'ah
• Tawhid
• Ummah
Key teachings about:
• the six articles of faith in Sunni
The Big Question
Islam ‘Belief in God is the most important Muslim belief.’
• the five roots in Usul ad-Din in
Your task
Shi’a Islam
Key skills Respond to the statement above, referring to both sides of the argument.
• Using WAWOS formula to answer Aim for at least one paragraph for each side of the debate. Conclude your
evaluation questions answer with a justification of your own viewpoint.
Agree (. . . submission to God lies at Disagree (. . . there are six articles of
the heart of what it means to be a faith for Sunni Muslims. No one of these
Muslim) is more important than any other)
Skills Link
1 Explain what is meant by Shari’ah law.
2 Explain why the Prophet Muhammad is important in Islam.
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What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?

What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?

What are the five roots of religion in Shi'a Islam?

What are the five roots of religion in Shi'a Islam?

DRAFT

7 Islam: Beliefs and teachings

■ The foundations of faith

▶ The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam

The five roots of religion in Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam

Belief in the Belief in the

▶ The five roots of religion in Usul ad-Din in

to reappear and rule on earth with justice. They sometimes refer

Al-Fatihah, the opening

The single most important belief in Islam is Tawhid, the oneness

▶ Al-Fatihah, the opening

Calligraphy showing the 99 names of God

Here are some of the 99 names of God:

God: One, eternal and absolute God

1 Make a list of the qualities and attributes of God mentioned in

This text means Allah in Arabic. To worship

▶ Revelation of God’s inspired truth

Revelation of God’s inspired truth

The channel of communication between God and humanity is

▶ Muhammad is the last and greatest

Devout devoted to God.

The Qur’an teaches that, although it appeared as if Isa (Jesus) had

The Prophet Muhammad: his early life in Makkah

Ishma’il (Ishmael) Ishaq (Isaac)

Abdul Muttalib Yaqub (Jacob)

Abadullah Maryam (Mary)

6. Muhammad 4. Musa (Moses) 5. Isa (Jesus)

▶ The Prophet Muhammad: his early life in Makkah

Who was Muhammad?

‘Surely We revealed it (Quran) on The revelation of the holy Qur’an

The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim community in Madinah

570CE 595CE 613–622CE 622CE 632CE

576CE 610CE 619CE 630CE

Muhammad is Muhammad Muhammad The Hijrah: Muhammad dies

▶ The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim

Muhammad returns to Makkah triumphant

The Prophet Muhammad: the Muslim community in Madinah

Kutub: holy books

Day of Judgement: the test

▶ Signs of the end of the world

▶ Day of Judgement: the test

How are people judged?

God tests people’s faith

Life beyond death

Heaven (Janna): a state of joy, happiness and peace

Key questions about the afterlife

Can a god of mercy condemn people to hell?

Do Muslims only follow Shari’ah rules because they

Is suffering really a test for the next life?

Al-qadr ‘destiny’, nothing takes

Muslims says one of God's great

Insha’ Allah, if God is willing

Can good come out of suffering?

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