The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs The Beliefs of Islam The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Sunni and Shi’a Islam Tawhid The One God A Belief in Angels The Books of Allah Rusul Akhira Predestination © Karen Devine 2008

The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Muhammad’s death meant a successor had to be found to keep Islam alive. Successors to Muhammad were called caliphs and were leaders of the Muslim world. Abu Bakr was elected as Muhammad’s successor, followed by Umar, thirdly Uthman and lastly was Muhammad’s cousin Ali. Yet, the Umayya family claimed succession instead of Ali and their armies met in battle. Ali was assassinated. After Ali’s death the caliphate passed to Mu’awiya who founded the Ummayad Sunni dynasty of caliphs. Shi’a Muslims consider Ali to be the first Imam of Islam.

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims Islam is essentially divided into 2 key groups: a) Sunni b) Shi’a The reason for the division dates back to the question of succession to the caliphate. Sunni’s see that no one could succeed Muhammad and the Qur’an is the final form of God’s revelation. Therefore, the Caliph was a guardian of the faith.

Sunni Muslims Sunni’s believe the first Caliphs were chosen via consensus because they had led an outstanding Muslim life. They were the best qualified Muslims. Sunni’s developed Shari’a Law which is based on the application of the Qur’an.

Shi’a Muslims The Shi’a’s are followers of Ali and they believe it is the caliph’s role to continue Muhammad’s revelation. Shi’a’s see that all caliphs should be blood relatives of Muhammad. Yet, even though there is a difference between Sunni’s and Shi’a’s, Islam is essentially a faith with a united belief system.

Tawhid The first article of faith of Islam is that Allah is the one God (Tawhid). This belief is uttered daily in the Shahada “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.” The first duty of a Muslim is to declare faith in Allah. The worshipping of idols is forbidden. Muslims believe the only sin not to be forgiven by God is polytheism.

The One God Allah: is unchanging will pass sentence at judgement day is eternal has 99 beautiful names is omnipotent declared that worshipping idols is banned has a oneness that is a unifying force is compassionate is merciful is given a historical location at Mecca. was not created is supreme is the sustainer of the universe

A Belief in Angels Belief in angels is central to Islam. In Islam there is a belief that the Qur’an was dictated to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel. Angels are said to be created from light and are obedient spirits to God. There are said to be 4 great angels: Jibrael,Mika’il, Israfil and Izra’il. Muslims also believe that each person has 2 guardian angels who record their good and bad deeds.

The Books of Allah The Qur’an is a focal point of the Islamic faith. Muslims see that it is the word of God revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over a 22 year period. The Qur’an contains: teachings stories of prophets consequences of good and bad behaviour. Details of the afterlife 114 chapters or suras. The Qur’an is recited and chanted during prayers.

Rusul The Qur’an states that God revealed himself to 25 prophets who became God’s messengers. 6 of these prophets received special revelations. They are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. If the prophets deliver a holy book they are known as Rusul. Muhammad is the last great prophet who brought Allah’s revelation to the people. Yet, Muslims see that the Hebrew and Christian scriptures are also holy books.

Akhira Muslims believe in an afterlife. Life on earth is preparation for it. On the day of reckoning: Izrail will sound the trumpet All people will be raised from the dead. The books of the recording angels will be opened. Allah will weigh up all person’s good and evil deeds The good will go to heaven and the evil will go to hell. In Islam, God is described as compassionate and merciful, not vengeful. Muslims see that only those who believe in the revelation of the prophet will go to heaven. Death begins a person’s eternal life.

Predestination Muslims believe that nothing happens unless it is the will of God. Islamic scholars identify the mystery of faith as: Humans are predestined to enter heaven or hell (divine control) yet, Humans are also responsible for the choices they make. With free will comes accountability to Allah. If we choose evil, Allah will impose an appropriate punishment.

Question Time In what ways is Islam different in its belief structure to Judaism and Christianity?