Key Beliefs Implications

Recap vid Recap on the six key beliefs (6 articles of faith)

Implications It’s not enough for Muslims to believe in the six key beliefs and their importance, but they must live their life according to them The implications of this information can affect the way a Muslim lives their life – the things they do/don’t do, actions, jobs, friends, family – everything!

Implications of Tawhid Humans are Allah’s representatives on Earth. We should follow His instructions. Shirk is unforgivable, anyone who commits shirk can no longer consider themselves a Muslim No pictures (certainly not of Allah) as this would be offensive – why? Capitalism is a problem because Muslims do not want to become involved with ‘worshipping’ material possessions, or giving them greater importance than Allah

Implications of Tawhid “When he surrenders himself to Allah alone, he can go forward in the affairs of this life without fear. But if he does not obey Allah, he has to obey false gods like the fear or losing his job, fear of danger, fear of hunger and the like” (Ghulam Sarwar) The Shahada is the Muslim declaration of faith and underlines belief in the oneness of God The Shahada should be the first thing a baby hears and the last thing a Muslim says/hears at death

Implications of Angels Actions are being recorded throughout this life, this may (should!) affect the way a Muslim behaves. Angels were not given free-will, but humans were – with this comes responsibility and consequences. Acknowledging the angles during prayer (turning to the right and to the left).

Implications of Prophets Allah’s message has been sent again and again, only to become corrupted (link to mercy/compassion). Examples for Muslims to follow – especially Muhammad. Links to Jews and Christians (‘people of the book’) – marriage and treatment of each other? Links to previous holy books

Implications of Prophets (Muhammad) No further prophets will be sent – Muhammad’s example is the final one to follow Anyone who claims to be a prophet is lying (problems for Shi’a Muslims – more to come) Qur’an is the final word of Allah for guidance, can it be re-interpreted for the modern world?

Implications of Prophets (Muhammad) Following Muhammad instead of the Qur’an is wrong – must be careful not to hold Muhammad up on par with Allah All prophets should ‘technically’ be regarded with equal respect as Muhammad – as messengers of Allah

Implications of Books Links to previous holy books (video) Qur’an as final word of Allah and ultimate guide to life for Muslims Qur’an must be followed Should be read in original Arabic to prevent corruption (as happened previously) Closest thing to speaking to Allah directly Treated with the utmost respect (how?)

Implications of Akirah Awareness of upcoming judgement and consequences of actions Following the rules and teachings of Allah in order to please him and reach Jannah A Muslim’s whole life should be about worshipping Allah Links to behaviour in this life – more concerned with immortal soul than with consequences in this world

Implications of Akirah “If you reflect still deeper, you will come to the conclusion that belief in life after death is the most decisive factor in the life of a man… A man who has in view success or failure in this world alone… will not be prepared to undertake any good act… nor will he be keen to avoid any wrong act… But a man who believes in the next world as well… will do the good… and he will avoid the wrong… He will judge things from the viewpoint of their eternal consequences” (Abul Ala Mawdudi)

Implications of Al Qad’r (predestination) We may not understand why things are happening, but they are part of Allah’s plan – we should trust in that If nothing happens without Allah’s permission, does this mean that Allah is responsible for evil? Allah knows what people will do before they do it, but we still have free will

Implications of Al Qad’r (predestination) Muslims in the Middle Ages used the concept of Insh’Allah (if Allah wills it) to mean that humans have no free will an dAllah controls everything directly Modern-day Muslims believe Allah has a plan; the power the make the plan happen and everything will work out as Allah wants it If we cannot understand that or how it links with free-will, this is because we are not Allah and therefor are not omnipotent (beyond our understanding) Trust in Allah

Analyse how following the six key beliefs affects a Muslim’s life (20)

Progress Check Plenary What have you learnt this lesson? Facts – e.g Ideas/viewpoints Similarities/differences - diversity Key words/concepts Examples of how religion affects the world around us – e.g. culture What contribution to your learning did you make? Contributed to class discussion Worked in a pair/group Organised my time well Found out information for myself Answered thoroughly and thoughtfully Completed extension task Monitored my progress Peer/ self assessed work How did you learn it? Research work Discussion Questioning Pairs/ group work - collaborative Independent learning Using technology e.g video/ internet What do you need to do in order to make further progress? Do further research Background reading Develop my writing technique Contribute more in class Proof read my work Give examples to back up my ideas Make connections between different beliefs and faiths