GCSE RE

Muslim Practices Revision BookletKnowledge and Understanding

This booklet is designed to help you with your preparation for the GCSE exam. In the booklet is information on the topic of Crime and Punishment.

How to answer the question?

Knowledge and understanding on its own will not ensure that you get a good GCSE grade. The most important thing to learn is how to structure your answers to the questions I the exam. Within the booklet, you will find possible exam questions. You should complete these questions’ exams practise is VERY IMPORTANT!!

What is in the Folder?

The folder will cover the following topics:

1. Sunni and Shi’a Muslims2. Five Pillars3. Salah4. Salah5. Sawm6. Zakah7. Hajj8. Jihad9. Eid ul-Fitr10.Eid ul-Adha11.Glossary12.Quotes13.Exam Techniques14.WAWOS – 12 Mark Question15.Practice Questions

Muslim

Practices

1.Sunni and Shi’a Muslim

s

Sunni Muslims also live in most of these countries, generally without problems. There is trouble between Sunni and Shi’a worldwide as well as Muslim nations versus other non-Muslims nations.

The beliefs of the two groups are essentially the same, but their interpretation of some historical events differs, and their religious practice has some difference.

Some facts…

Approximately 23 percent of the world’s population is Muslim, around 1.57 billion in number

Only 10-15 per cent of that number is Shi’a

Islam is the main religion in over 50 countries.

Indonesia has the largest Muslim group.

Iran is the Shi’a country and leads Shi’a Islam in the world.

Shi’a Islam constitutes the majority of the population: in Iran it is 90% Azerbaijan 75% Bahrain 70% Lebanon 65%, Iraq 66% and Yemen 45% (Percentages are approximate.)

Other countries with a high proportion of Shi’a are Syria 15%, Kuwait 35%, Pakistan 20%, India 23%, Afghanistan 15%, Saudi Arabia 18%, Turkey 20% UAE 16%, Qatar 15%, Albania 25%

2. Five Pillars

There are five key practices or duties for Muslims. Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj.

Both Sunni and Shi’a keep these, though the Shi’a have them as part of the Ten Obligations.

Every Muslim knows the words of the Shahadah in the Arabic, but not all can

translate a meaning. The words are whispered into the ears of a newborn baby; they are a section of the ADHAN (call to prayer), heard five times every day; repeated each night before sleep

and Muhammad (pbuh) suggested they should be the last words a person

speaks before death.

As the first pillars or the central one, many think it must be the most

important

All the pillars have to be equal or the roof would not fit. At the same time without this belief, the other

pillars would not happen, so Shahadah has to be the first or

central pillar. However, it is important to treat all five as

important or else the building would collapse. Setting a good example encourages others to

become Muslims, Muslims mist live in a way so as to be able to

return to Allah, people who fully follow the Shahadah are called ‘Ibad Allah” (servants of Allah)

2. Five Pillars3. Salah

The call to prayer – the Adhan

Allah is the Greatest (x4)

I declare that there is no God but Allah (x2)

I declare that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah(x2)

(I testify that Ali is the wali (close friend) of God – said by some Shi’a groups at this point)

Come to prayer (x2)

Come to success (x2)

(Come to the best actions – said twice by Shi’a Muslims)

Allah is Greatest (x2)

There is no God but Allah (said twice by Shi’a Muslims)

The Mu’adhin (caller to prayer) speaks these words by loudspeakers so that people will not is prayer.

Once these words are heard men will make their way to the Mosque. Some women do as well, but they pray separately from the men. Most women will pray at home.

Is tradition in most Eastern countries that shoes are taken off before entering a house. As the Mosque is, the House of Allah shoes are removed; symbolizing respect, but also practically, to keep the place clean.

WHY PRAY?

Surah 96:19 say to ‘Prostrate and draw near to Allah’ Muslims

believe a person is closest to Allah when praying. Five prayers

were instructed by Allah, so whoever does them will be admitted into paradise. It is believed that prayer brings

knowledge because by praying sincerely a person’s heart is

opened to Allah and helps them become more aware of Allah,

and so more faithful. Muhammad (pbuh) considered anyone not praying five times a day to be bit a good Muslim or

counted as an unbeliever. People who pray properly will

benefit on Judgement Day.

WHY PRAY SO OFTEN?

Prayer is spread throughout the day so that Allah is the focus of a Muslim’s mind all the time. From waking to the evening, a Muslim

is wither going to prayer or returning from it. They should have said sorry for their actions, and be mindful of Allah, and their

dependency on Him. Muslims are taught that this life is very hard, almost impossible without Allah and so their prayer gives them

support. If they did not pray throughout the day their sins would build up, they could be tempted by Shaytan (the Devil) and be overcome by bad emotions such as arrogance, immodesty and pride. If prayers are accepted, then all other actions will be too.

Prayer at the Mosque is congregational (with others) and Muslims believe the rewards are far (27 times) greater than from praying

alone, so Muslims try to attend Mosque as often as possible.

BENEFITS

Prayer with others in the atmosphere of the Mosque is a reminder of the greatness of Allah. It also reminds Muslims that everything

comes from and belongs to Allah. It encourages positive and respectful behaviour, as it reminds Muslims of good qualities such as modesty, humility, kindness and peace. The process to prepare for prayer reminds Muslims of cleanliness, purity and determination. Standing with others reminds Muslims of the need to work with

others as a community and the equality of all. So the benefits are to the character of a person, and eventually to their judgement in the

afterlife.

PRAYER AT HOME

Women mostly do their prayers at home. They carry them out in

the same way as men, using a prayer mat and facing Mecca. Woman are required to pray

just as much as the men and get just as much reward for doing

so. Prayers are also said before mealtimes to thank Allah for

the blessings of food, to break fasts on each day of Ramadan

and on occasion like Eid.

WUZU is the washing process designed to purify the mind and body for prayer. Muhammad (pbuh) said the key to Salah is cleanliness. Sins are said to be forgiven also. The niyyah (intention) is made clearing the mind, then the wash begins:

Right hand/left hand three times each; the mouth then nose three times each; water over the face; right and left arm up to elbow three times; wet hands are run over the head to the back of the neck; the ears follow; and finally both feet washed up to ankle.

4. Salah

Shi’a perspective

Regarding wuzu – the fifth Imam, Imam Baqir said ‘the wuzu is a divine order (hadd) from among the divine orders of Allah so that he may know who obeys and who disobeys Him’ Imam al Ridha, the eight Imam, built on this by saying ‘so that the servant is pure…purified of filths and impurities

and also because it does away with laziness and repels drowsiness and purifies the heart before standing before Allah. This means the wuzu takes on even greater importance for Shi’a.

The hands places on the chest with the right on top of the left. The fatiha is recited. This includes the words: “You alone we worship, and to you alone we turn for help”

Any other passage from the Qur’an can be recited.

Bending from the hips, keeping the back straight and spreading the fingers on the knees. Muslims are showing that they respect and love God.

These words are said three times: “Glory be to my Great Lord and praise be to Him.”

Muslims stand upright and say: “God listen to those who thank Him. O Lord, thanks be to you.”

They are showing that they are aware of God’s presence with them.

Muslims go down on their knees, bend forward and with their forehead, nose and both hands to the ground say: “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High, God is greater than all else”.

This position is called prostration and shows their love of God above all others.

They then kneel up again with the palms on the hands resting on their knees.

They rest for a moment before saying these words three times: “O my Master, forgive me”

Muslims go down on their knees, bend forward and with their forehead, nose and both hands to the ground say: “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High, God is greater than all else”.

This position is called prostration and shows their love of God above all others.

This is the end of the rak’ah or it is repeated.

The final movement is for each worshipper to look to the right and to the left.

This shows respect for the other members of the congregation and for their guardian angels.

These words are said: “Peace be with you and the mercy of Allah”.

5. Sawm

‘Oh believers! Fasting us prescribed for you as it was for those before you that you may

learn self-restraint’ (Qur’an 2:183)

‘Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide to

mundanity; and to provide clear guidance and judgement. So everyone who is

present during that month should spend it fasting (Qur’an 2:185)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It was in this month that the Night of Power took place. Muslims do not consume any food or drink between sunrise and sunset.

Fasting links to the spiritual side of religion throughout history, as it symbolises that craving and desires have to be overcome. There is no bigger craving than food. Prophets before Muhammad (pbuh) told their people to fast. Successful fasting is about mind over matter, the spiritual over the material.

Ramadan give Muslims a chance to redress their lives, be better Muslims in all aspects of life and then hopefully continue this for the rest of the year. However, humans are vulnerable and it is easy to slip off the correct path, so Muslims are reminded each year in Ramadan

Benefits of fasting

It brings Muslims closer to Allah They rediscover religion as the

focus of their lives. It is the month of forgiveness.

Muhammad (pbuh) said all sins are forgiven for those who fast.

It serves as a reminder of the plight of the poor; Zakah (welfare

tax) is given in Ramadan. It builds personal qualities like

self-determination, piety, humility and courage.

Who is exempt from fasting and why?

The young (under 12) and the elderly do not fast, as they need nourishment.

The ill do not fast, as they need medication and pregnant women, as both need food for health reasons.

Travellers do not fast (but days can be made up later) as can women who are menstruating.

Fasting for most people is simply about not eating; in Islam, the idea is much more than that. They give up eating and drinking from dawn to dusk so that they never forget that some of the ummah (the whole community of Muslims) in the world live like this all the time. They should also refrain from sexual relations during these hours. They should consider their behaviour towards others, making it always friendly and helpful. They should spend time in the Mosque praying and it is recommended that they read the whole of the Qur’an. Time should not be wasted on the material things in life; it should be purposely used. Watching TV, playing video games and idle chat can all be considered a waste of time as they serve no real purpose in life and are often done thoughtlessly.

Ramadan should not be used as an excuse to avoid things they know they should do. They get up early and eat before the fajr prayer and then at dusk they eat iftar (usually something sweet) before going to Maghrib prayer. After this, Muslims will eat dinner before spending the evening reading the Qur’an or praying. Often there are later prayers in the Mosque called tarawih prayers with twenty rak’ahs behind the Imam.

t

6. Zakah

From the Qur’an this is a directive to pay Zakah and for those who do not it says:

‘And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fore of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (It will be said), this is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard’ (9:34-35)

What is Zakah?

It is the giving of alms in order to cleanse or make pure ‘Be steadfast in prayer and

giving’ (2:10)

Muslims are expected to be kind, compassionate and help others. After all,

their wealth is on loan from Allah. Muslims are encouraged to give to charity as the need arises. This is called sadaqah it is a voluntary giving. Zakah is one of the five

pillars. It is a payment given once a year of 2.5% paid on income and savings. If is paid by an adult after all debt and expenses are

paid and a certain amount is leftover.

How is it given?

In Islamic countries, Zakah is given to an Islamic government who distributes it to those who need it. In

non-Muslim countries, it is either collected by the Mosque during Ramadan, or given directly to specific organisations or individuals. The first use should be locally to benefit the

Islamic community. It is given anonymously so that the money remains pure and so there is no pride, arrogance or

smugness in the amount given.

Those who receive Zakah should not be made to feel embarrassed. No one actually owns anything, so in fact people are receiving a blessing from what is Allah’s anyway. If a person is, poor it is a test that Allah has given them and so to receive from the rich is the will of Allah. The rich have a duty to help, and someone who accepts Zakah should be paid with good grace.

All Muslims are expected to pay Zakah, but from the Shi’a perspective the kind of things that it is

payable on are outdated, e.g. wheat, barley, dates, raisins, camels and sheep, none of which

fits modern life in the developed world. They recognise that lifestyles have changed and money is made differently, so use the idea of khums. This

tax is set at 20% of any yearly surplus (money after all expenses and bills paid).

Khums

This is unique to the Shi’a. The payment should be split six ways,

Allah, Muhammad (pbuh), relatives of Muhammad (pbuh), orphans, the needy, and anyone who is away from home and has no money to return. A Muslim cannot pay directly to Allah so

this portion went to Muhammad (Pbuh) to be spent for good. After Muhammad (pbuh) died, and the

time of the first 11 Imams the first three portions used to go to the Imam of Muhammad (pbuh)

family. Now is can be paid to religious teachers.

7. Hajj

Hajj is pilgrimage to Makkah. It takes place in the last month of the Muslim calendar. All Muslims should go at least once in their life time or every time they can afford it.

1. Ihram – Muslim dress in two pieces of white cloth(ihram), one around the waist, the other over the shoulder. Women also wear white (optional). All Muslims stand equal before Allah and dressing so simply shows that. Muslims bathe, put on ihram clothing, pray two rak’ahs and recite the Talbiyah Du’a ‘Here I am O God, here I am…’

2. Muslims then go to the Great Mosque in Makkah to perform ‘Tawaf’ (seven times circling of the Ka’aba anticlockwise) the Ka’aba is covered with a black cloth. They say ‘At your command Lord, at your command’ Muslims raise their hands toward the black stone. If close enough they touch it.

3. Muslims then drink water from the Zamzam well, take some home and dip their garments in it to be used at their burial.

4.Al-Safa and Al-Marwa – two small hills joined by a walkway. Muslims walk between them seven times, and activity called ‘sa’y’. there is a section in the walkway for those who are old or disabled.

5. Mount Arafat is the Mount of Mercy. Muslims perform ‘Wuquf’ here. They stand from noon to sunset meditating, praying and asking for forgiveness. In the evening they listen to a sermon from the top of Arafat and spend the night in the open thankful for forgiveness from Allah.

6. Muslims move to Muzdalifah (to camp with two million other Muslims). They collect pebbles here for the next day; seven are needed to hit each of the three jamarat (stone pillars)

7. At Mina, Muslims throw pebbles at the three jamarat which represent Shaytan. A sacrifice is also made here called Qurbani. Men also shave their heads and women cut a lock of hair.

8.Eid ul Adha is celebrated here. It is a serious rather than celebratory festival. Sheep and goats are sacrificed as |Ibrahim did, the meat being distributed to the poor.

9. some Muslims take the option to travel to Madinah at this point to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and burial place.

10. the journey is completed by returning to Makkah, carrying out Tawaf and sa’y again. After every Tawaf they perform two rak’ahs. There is then a farewell Tawaf before leaving.

8. Jihad

This is one of the Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam. It is important to all Muslims, especially in its sense as trying to follow Allah’s teachings in the world. Actually every religious person might say they have a similar duty in their own faith: to keep their laws and beliefs in the best way possible.

Prophet Muhammad(pbuh)

‘The person who struggles so that Allah’s Word is

supreme is the one serving Allah’s cause.’

The word jihad means to struggle or to strive. It comes from the word ‘juhd’ which means to ‘make

effort’. Muslims today us jihad in two contexts.

First.

Jihad is a Muslim’s internal struggle to serve Allah as best they can. It is the spiritual struggle a

person needs to make to conquer their own selfishness, lust or greed to stay on the right

path.

The first is commonly known as the ‘greater jihad’

Secondly,

Jihad can mean to struggle to defend Islam. The second is commonly known as the

‘lesser jihad’

The greater jihad

Firstly, many Muslims do not accept this term at all. Those that do, claim that it applies to the everyday life of a Muslim. It is simply following a moral and virtuous life. A person engaged in jihad is called a mujahi. Examples of jihad are:

Following the Pillars; striving to do them properly

Those who are hafiz, as they have made the effort to learn the Qur’an

Forgiving someone who had insulted you

Giving up things for the poor or working for social justice.

The lesser jihad

The following teaching is attributed to Muhammed (pbuh)

‘The best jihad is the word of justice in front of an oppressive ruler.’

For a military jihad people should be fighting for their faith. This does not mean forcing others to accept Islam but rather to have a society where Muslims can worship Allah and others can worship in their own faith freely.

Rules – a lesser jihad/holy war

To defend Allah and not for conquest To gain freedom from tyranny and

restore peace Fought until the enemy lays down their

weapons Women and children should not be

harmed nor crops damaged; mosques should be protected absolutely

Mercy should be applied to enemy captives, soldiers treated, women left unharmed not abused or raped and the enemy should never be executed.

Border disputes, wars for personal power, and wad wars to exploit others are not jihad.

‘Repel evil with what is seen as better, then your enemy will become your friend’ (Surah 41:34)

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9. Eid – ul -Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr ends the fasting month of Ramadan. It is the festival most

celebrated and should set Muslims up for their life in the coming year.

It reminds them of what is important in life and Allah should

be at the forefront of that.

The Mosque is often decorated with bright lights for the Eid ul-Fitr festival. Moring Eid prayers are held before the celebrations of the day. Muslims thank Allah for the strength he gave them to

succeed in the month of Ramadan, many Muslims break their fast each

night at the Mosque.

The Eid festival is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is the start of the new month, Shawwal, brought in by the

sighting of the new Moon. As Ramadan has focused on spirituality and the aim

to renew faith, it has also been a challenge. All Muslims welcome Eid.

The importance of the Eid festival is the same for Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, but the

Eid prayers vary slightly. In the Sunni tradition, there are two rak’ahs – the

prayer starts with niyyah or intention to pray, ‘Allahu Akbar’ seven times, with the raising of the hands to the ears each time. The Shi’a have five raising of the hands in

Takbir with a small du’a being recited. Then the Imam reads the Surah Al-Faitha and Surah Al-‘Alá and the congregation performs ruku and sujud. For Sunni, in the nest reak’ah five Takbirs are said,

whereas the Shi’a just repeat what they did in the first rak’ah. In both traditions,

the prayer ends with a sermon.

Muslims have gone without food for the fast and glimpsed how hard life is for

fellow Muslims who regularly go hungry.

Therefore, their Zakah has to be given by the day of Eid. Mosque have boards up

in the Mosque of the families that attend and names are crossed off when it is given, though what they give is not written, there is a pressure therefore to

make Zakah is paid.

The importance of this festival is both in reflecting on what has gone before and

looking into the future for the next year. Reflecting on Ramadan. Muslims have had

many reminders about the role of religion in their lives.

1. Allah needs to be the focus of everything

2. Time should not be wasted on the material things in life – the Qur’an and prayer should dominate time.

3. Behaviour should be modest polite, peaceful, kind and generous to

others.4. Their wealth is not their own and it

should be used as Allah would want – to benefit the community,

10. Eid – ul - Adha

Eid-ul-Adha ends the period of hajj and is celebrated both on hajj and a home. It is well

celebrated, but also has more of a spiritual meaning, as it makes Muslims think about the

tests that Allah puts in front of them.

Eid-ul-Adha takes place on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah each year.

This day is within the period for hajj, and anyone

on hajj will celebrate the festival as part of that

Pillar. Eid ul-Adha is the Festival of the Sacrifice, so

is also called Bakr-Eid. (Sacrifice Feast).

Why is this festival celebrated?

It dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim, who dreamt he was told by Allah to sacrifice his

own son, Ishmael. Ibrahim spoke to Ishmael about the dream, and they both agreed that they had to do as Allah commanded, Ibrahim

showed his faithfulness to Allah by being prepared to carry out this terrible command.

Even when Shaytan (the devil) tried to persuade Ibrahim to protect not sacrifice his son, Ibrahim

kept to his orders. Ibrahim threw stones at Shaytan to make him leave (which is why

pilgrims throw pebbles during hajj). Muslims believe that Ibrahim did attempt to cut his son’s

throat, in the manner of ritual slaughter. However, when he looked down at what he had son, it was a ram which had been slaughtered, and his son was safe. He had passed the test.

How is the festival celebrated?

The central element of the festival is the sacrifice of a

lamb, called adhiya or qurbani. The meat from the lamb is split three ways – one-third for the family who have paid for the

sacrifice, one third to relatives, friends and neighbours and the

remaining third to the poor. Many families pay charity

money on place of having lamb sacrificed.

The Sunnah of Eid

The Sunnah are the practices of Muhammed; which Muslims are encouraged to follow, as

he is the perfect example. Muslims are encouraged to prepare themselves for Eid by completing the pre-sunrise prayer (Fajr), and dressing up in new clothes, Eid prayers have

to be offered at the mosque with other Muslims – congregational prayer is

important, there will always be a sermon at the Mosque for this festival and the theme

will be focused around Ibrahim, commitment, the poor and a Muslim’s responsibilities.

After the service is completed, people exchange greetings and gifts. Many Muslims

will visit relatives, and have special meals.

12. Quotes

11. Glossary

Adalat Justice in Shi’a IslamAdhan The call to prayer five times a dayAkhirah Belief in the life after deathAl-Kiswah The black cloth that covers the Ka’aba in MakkahAll-compassionate All-loving, benevolent, every forgiving and not vindictiveAl-Qadr Predestination of the will of Allah, the belief that Allah has decreed

everything that is to happen in the universeAmr-bil-Maroof Commanding what is justBeneficence An act of charity or kindness in an effort to do good for othersCaliph A successor of Muhammad (pbuh) as the spiritual leader of IslamHadith The teachings of Muhammad (pbuh)Hafiz A person who has memorised the Qur’an by heartHajj Pilgrimage to Makkah and the Fifth Pillar of IslamHaram Forbidden for Muslims (e.g. food, actions)Hijab Head scarf worn by some Muslim womenHijrah Muhammad (pbuh) escape journey from Makkah to MadinahIhram The white clothing worn by pilgrims on hajj in MakkahImamate LeadershipJihad The greater or lesser striving for the way of AllahJumu’ah(Jummah) Friday prayers where the khutbah is readJustice Fairness in society or the right thing to do Khums Tax in Shi’a IslamKhutbah The name for the sermon on Friday in the MosquesKhatib The person who delivers the sermon on Fridays – usually the ImamMadinah Holy city in Saudi Arabia as the place where Muhammad (pbuh) set up the

first Muslim community and the place where Muhammad (pbuh) is buriedMakkah Holy city if Islam in Saudi Arabia with the great Mosque housing the Ka’abaMerciful To show forgiveness and compassion to those who do wrongMihrab Indented archway in the Mosque showing the direction of the Ka’abaMinbar The raised platform used by the Imam to deliver the Friday prayer (Adhan)Minaret Tower on the outside of the Mosque used for the call to prayerMu’addhin The caller to prayerMubah An action which is neither forbidden nor recommendedMusrahab Favoured or recommended actionsNahi Anil Munkar Forbidding what is evilNight of Power The night Muhammad (pbuh) received the first revelations of the Qur’anOmnipotence The belief that Allah is all-powerfulPredestination The idea that everything that happens has been decided already by AllahPsalms The books written by David (Zabur)Qiblah The direction of MakkahQurbani The sacrifice of animals during Eid-ul-AdhaRak’ah A sequence of prayer containing actions and recitationsRamadan The holy month of fasting for 29/30 daysRisalah Communication between man and Allah in the form of books, angels and

prophetsSalah Compulsory prayer five times a day and the Second Pillar of IslamSawm Pillar of fastingSeal of the Prophets Muhammad (pbuh) the last prophet chosen by Allah and given the Qur’anShahadah Declaration of Faith – to believe in One God and Muhammad (pbuh) as the

Prophet of AllahShari’ah Law A legal system which comes from the religious rules of Islam

11. Glossary

Shi’a A Muslim who adheres to the Shi’a branch of Islam; followed by about tenth of all Muslims

Sunnah The way of life of Muhammad (pbuh) as an example to followSunni Muslims who follow the Sunnah, the Way of the ProphetSurah The name for chapters in the Qur’anTabarra Expressing hatred towards evilTawalla Expressing love towards goodTawhid The belief in the Oneness of Allah and the unity of His beingTranscendence Allah is outside the world, beyond everything and outside timeTopi Prayer hat worn by MuslimsTorah The revelations given to Musa (Tawrat)Twelver Shi’a Part of the Shi’a sect of Islam who believe in the twelve Imams as leadersUmmah The brotherhood/community of IslamUsul ad-Din The foundations of faith in Shi’a IslamWajib Something that is an obligatory duty for a MuslimWuzu The symbolic washing and purification of the mind and body before SalahZakah Almsgiving to the poor which benefits the Muslim community

‘O believers! When the call is made for prayer on Friday,

hurry towards the remembrance of Allah, and leave all business. That is better for you, should you

know.’ (62:9)

‘Oh you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed

for those before you, so that you may be mindful of

God’ (2:183)

‘A kind word and forgiveness is better than

charity followed by hurtful (words). Allah is

Self Sufficient, forbearing.’ (2:263)

‘And We made them leaders guiding others by Our Command, and We

inspired them to do good works and to keep up Salah and the giving of Zakah,

and they were Our worshippers.’ (21:73)

‘O you who believe! When you rise up to

prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as

the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet

to the ankles’ (5:6)

‘There is no god except Him, the Almighty, the All Wise.’ (3:18)

‘In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (All) praise is (due) to Allah, Lord of the worlds – The Entirely Merciful, the

Especially Merciful, and 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.’ (Surah 1)

‘And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or (lying) on your sides. But

when you become secure, re-establish (regular) prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the

believers a decree of specified times.’ (4:103)

‘And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the

bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed.’ (62:10)

‘And establish Salah at the two ends of the day and during parts of the night. Indeed,

good deeds do away with bad deeds. That is a reminder for

those who remember.’ (11:114)

12. Quotes

12. Quotes

‘It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for people, clear message

giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month

should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other

days later. God wants ease for you, and does not want hardship for you. He wants you to complete the

prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.’ (7:52)

‘Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you and do not go

beyond the limits. Indeed, God does not love those who go beyond the

limits.’ (2:190)

‘But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou also incline towards peace, and trust in Allah; for He is One

that hears and knows all things.’ (8:61)

‘Do great jihad with the help of the Qur’an (25:52)

‘And when he goes away, he strives throughout

the land to cause corruption therein and

destroy crops and animals. And Allah does

not like corruption’ (2:205)

‘Let there be no compulsion in the religion (Islam)’ (2:256)

‘You are the best nation produced (as an example) for mankind. You

order what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah’

(3:110)

13. Exam Techniques

12. Quotes

One-mark questions You will have to choose the correct answer from the four offered. This is multiple choice. Just write down the correct answer. Two mark questions The two mark questions are asking you to give a brief response Name two….. Give two examples of… Do not waste time by writing too much, but write enough to answer the question. Four mark questions These questions are where you show your understanding of the religion you have studied, and how a person’s beliefs have an influence on their lives. It is clear that when people believe things, their thoughts, words and actions reflect this. Clearly state how a person is influenced by their beliefs and then explain how this influences/effects a believer.

Five Mark Questions These questions ask you to explain two beliefs or teachings from religion. You must also refer to the sacred writings in your answer. choose your two teachings and then explain each one. Develop your explanations fully. Include a relevant teaching from the Bible/Qur’an or any other book that believers see as holy.

Five Mark question

These questions ask you to explain two ways in which Muslims put their beliefs into practice, or two ways in which Muslims believe practices to be important.

The wording always begins: ‘Explain two ways in which…’

Finished off with this instruction; Refer to Muslim teaching in your answer.

Each question is different, but in this case, you would;

Choose your two ways and them explain each one Develop your explanations fully Include a relevant teaching ‘Refer to Muslim teaching’ means the Qur’an or any other book Muslims

believe to be holy.

Remember this is just one example to help you practice. In the exam, you will need to think carefully and respond to actual questions you are given.

The question wants you to explain the reasons why it is important. Do not get caught out in the pressure of an exam – practice a lot of examples, so you can work on auto-pilot, as it were.

Here is an example

Explain two ways in which Muslims think Zakah is important. Refer to Muslim teachings in your answer.

Looking at the sample answer:

1. It opens by saying where the belief comes from;2. This is what that says about Zakah, an answer which infers importance;3. This explains the importance because it is a decree of Allah;4. This further explains that importance by saying what happens if they give Zakah.

Sample answer

In the Hadith al-Bakhari1, it says a Muslim must not withhold their Zakah from Allah2. For this reason, many Muslims believe Zakah is very important to give because Allah has decreed they must give it so by giving they follow his commands3.

By following the commands of Allah, they will be rewarded in the afterlife4.

13. Exam Techniques

14. WAW

OS – 12 M

ark Question

Five Mark question

These questions ask you to explain two ways in which Muslims put their beliefs into practice, or two ways in which Muslims believe practices to be important.

The wording always begins: ‘Explain two ways in which…’

Finished off with this instruction; Refer to Muslim teaching in your answer.

Each question is different, but in this case, you would;

Choose your two ways and them explain each one Develop your explanations fully Include a relevant teaching ‘Refer to Muslim teaching’ means the Qur’an or any other book Muslims

believe to be holy.

Remember this is just one example to help you practice. In the exam, you will need to think carefully and respond to actual questions you are given.

The question wants you to explain the reasons why it is important. Do not get caught out in the pressure of an exam – practice a lot of examples, so you can work on auto-pilot, as it were.

Here is an example

Explain two ways in which Muslims think Zakah is important. Refer to Muslim teachings in your answer.

Looking at the sample answer:

1. It opens by saying where the belief comes from;2. This is what that says about Zakah, an answer which infers importance;3. This explains the importance because it is a decree of Allah;4. This further explains that importance by saying what happens if they give Zakah.

For GCSE RE you have to demonstrate you can react to a statement. This means that you can consider what the statement says, present arguments to agree and disagree and come to a conclusion of what you think of the statement. Use WAWOS to answer 12 mark questions: W: WHAT? I think that the statement is saying.............

A: AGREE I agree... I disagree... I can see both sides...

W: WHY ...because... Another reason I have... Some Christians/Muslims might think... In the Bible/Qur’an it says... Muhammad (pbuh)/ Jesus said that .....

O: ON THE OTHER HAND Some people might say... Some Muslims / Christians might think... In the Qur’an / Bible it says... Jesus / Muhammad (pbuh) said that...... Not everyone agrees because...

S: SUM UP/SO..... This is the conclusion bit. You must include one. In summary, I think that... In conclusion, it is clear that... At the end of the day my view is ...

Aim for at least two arguments on each side – well explained with evidence and examples.

0 2 .1 which one of the following is the religious tax paid by Shi’a Muslims? [1 mark]A Khums.B Zakah.C Sawm.D Mosque.

0 2 .2 Give two ways in which Shi’a Muslims celebrate the festival of Ashura. [2 marks]

0 2 .3 Explain two contrasting understandings of Jihad.[4 marks]

0 2 .4 Explain two ways in which the Ka’aba is important in the Muslim Hajj (pilgrimage).Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer. [5 marks]

0 2 .5 ‘The best way for Muslims to understand God is to practise Salah.’Evaluate this statement.In your answer, you should: refer to Muslim teaching give reasoned arguments to support this statement give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view reach a justified conclusion.

[12 marks]14. W

AWO

S – 12 Mark Q

uestion15. Practice Q

uestions