GCSE Islam – Practices revision notes

Key concepts:
(A questions – you must have definition & example)
Tawhid: ‘Oneness’ in reference to God. The basic Muslim belief in the oneness of God.
Prophethood or ‘risalah’: The term used of the messengers of God, beginning with Adam and ending with the
Prophet Muhammad.
Halal (permitted): Actions or things which are permitted within Islam, such as eating permitted foods.
Haram (forbidden): Any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam, such as eating forbidden foods.
Jihad: Means ‘to strive’. There are two forms of jihad. The greater jihad is the daily struggle and inner spiritual
striving to live as a Muslim. The lesser jihad is a physical struggle or ‘holy war’ in defence of Islam.
Mosque or ‘masjid’: A ‘place of prostration’ for Muslims, it is a communal place of worship for a Muslim
community.
Shari’ah (straight path): A way of life; Muslims believe God has set out a clear path for how Muslims should
live. Shari'ah law is the set of moral and religious rules that put the principles set out by the Qur'an and the
Hadith into practice.
Ummah: Means ‘community’. Refers to the worldwide community of Muslims who share a common religious
identity.
The Five Pillars
For Muslims actions speak louder than words and therefore every action is a form of worship which they call
IBADAH. Muslims are clear that worship is a complete way of life which is reflected in the obligation to follow
the five pillars of Islam.
Shahadah: the declaration of faith is the first pillar of Islam. This is when a Muslim states ‘There is no God but
Allah and the prophet Muhammed is his messenger.’ This should be the first and last thing a Muslim hears
when they are born and die.
SIGNIFICANCE: This declares a Muslims belief in tawhid (the oneness of God) and Risalah (prophethood). It
also reflects teachings in the Qur’an such as ‘there is no deity except him’. Recitation of the Shahadah, rather
than an elaborate ritual, marks a conversion from one faith or no faith into the religion of Islam. It also reflects
the denial in Islam of the Christian belief in the Trinity.
SHIA DIVERSITY: Shi’a do not have this as one of their obligatory acts but still recite the shahadah with the
addition of ‘and I bear witness that Ali was the friend of God’.

Salah: Prayer is the second pillar of Islam and is considered to be the most important way of worshiping God. It
occurs five times daily; just after dawn, just after midday, late afternoon, just after sunset and after dark. All
Muslims pray towards Mecca and perform Rakah (actions) during the prayers such as prostration (bowing)
before God to show submission. Muslims must prepare themselves for prayer by spending a few moments
reflecting on their niyyah (intentions). They must also ritually cleanse themselves before prayer (Wudu).
SIGNIFICANCE: Prayer can bring the ummah together especially during Jumu’ah (congregational prayers). It
can also help Muslims in non-Muslim countries not to feel isolated from the wider ummah as they pray in the
same direction as their Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world. Prayer was also commanded by
Allah is Muhammed’s night journey. It allows Muslims to build a personal relationship with God particularly
through Du’a; a Muslims personal prayer to God which is on top of the five daily prayers. It follows the
command in the Qur’an to ‘exalt (god) with praise of your Lord and be those who prostrate to him’.
SHIA DIVERSITY: Many Shia’s pray 3 times a day.

Zakah: The third pillar of Islam, Zakah, is that of giving to charity. Musims give 2.5% of their wealth ever year
as they believe that it is a duty to be charitable and that God will reward them for their acts of giving. Sadaqah
are extra payment soften in the form of charitable deeds.
SIGNIFICANCE: This is significant because Muslims are commanded in the Qur’an to give to those in need;
widows, orphans and travellers. It is also a sign of purity as money is believed to have a corrupting influence.
Muslims believe that wealth does not belong to them but is a gift from Allah as the Qur’an says: ‘Spend form
that which we have provided for you’. Therefore money should be shared. Muhammed himself practised
Zakah and said that ‘The one who looks after and works for a widow or poor person is like a warrior fighting for
God’s cause’.
SHIA DIVERSITY: Sunnis often pay Zakah to the government whereas Shias pay their Zakah to the religious
leaders as well as an additional Khum tax.

MUSLIM AID: Muslims may donate Zakah or Sadaqah to a charity such as this. Muslim aid work to provide emergency relief
to those suffering from natural disasters such as the recent Iran/Iraq earthquake. They also have helped support those
suffering after the Grenfell tower fire in London by providing donations to those left homeless after the fire.
 NOTE: Some Muslims argue that fasting should be standardised as
Muslims in the middle east at most tend to fast for 15 hours during
daylight hours whereas when fasting falls in the British
summertime daylight can last up to 19 hours each day!
Sawm: The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.
During this time Muslims are expected to refrain from eating food, drinking (including water), smoking and sex
from dawn to dusk. They should also avoid evil thoughts and unkind speech.
SIGNIFICANCE; This is significant because it develops spiritual discipline and self control. It falls on the same
month Muhammed is believed to have received the first revelation of the Qur’an and so Muslims use this time
to focus upon the word of God rather than bodily desires. It also builds the ummah as Muslim families share
food together at suhur, the meal just before dawn, and iftar, the meal which breaks the fast after sundown.
Muslims also use this time to focus on prayer with any Muslims gathering for night prayers at the mosque.
Furthermore, it helps Muslims identify with the poor. God instructs Muslims to fast in the Qur’an which says
‘’decreed upon you is fasting…that you may become righteous’.
SHIA DIVERSITY: Shia’s fast in the same way but also spend three days during Ramadan mourning the death of
Ali.

Hajj: The fifth pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Makkah. The Qur’an only commands it as a duty for those
who: have enough money to leave their homes for a lengthy period and are mentally and physically fit enough
to carry out this demanding ritual. Those who have succeeded in completing it often count it as the greatest
achievement of their lives. Hajji (male) or Hajjah (female) is the special title given to someone who has
successfully completed the Hajj - a great honour.
SIGNIFICANCE OF MAKKAH: Makkah is considered significant as the place for Hajj because it is seen to be the
holiest city. Muslims believe that it is here that: Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by God, in a
dream, to sacrifice his son, Isma’il. Also, Ibrahim overcame a test when the devil appeared, trying to trick him
into denying God’s word. Ibrahim threw stones to drive the devil away. Ibrahim’s wife, Hajar, searched
frantically for water in the desert. Miraculously an angel showed her the Zamzam well. Ibrahim built the Ka’ba
as a place of worship to the one, true God. Prophet Muhammad was born. Prophet Muhammad received the
first revelations from God. Prophet Muhammad returned before his death to reclaim the city for God.
Therefore, the route of the Hajj pilgrimage takes believers to the sacred sites where many of these events are
said to have taken place.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJJ: Hajj brings the Muslim ummah together for all over the world and emphasizes the
equality between all Muslims through the wearing of the Ihram (white garments). It is also an opportunity for
Muslims to remember the history of their faith by following the rituals carried out by the prophet Ibrahim and
his wife Hajar. Muslims ask from mercy and forgiveness on mount Arafat and symbolise their own turning
away from the temptations of the devil by throwing the stones at the pillars representing the devil; an event
known as Jamarat. Furthermore, Muslims focus on the teaching of Tawhid by circling the Kaaba where
Muhammad destroyed the idols of God. Muslims celebrate together all over the world by performing the
festival at the end of Hajj; Eid Ul Adha where an animal is sacrificed and its meat often distributed to the poor.
SHIA DIVERSITY: Although Shi’a also perform the Hajj they may also perform pilgrimage to other Shi’a shrines
at different times of the year such as to the grave of Ali.

Lesser Jihad: This is holy war which allows force but only Greater Jihad: This is a struggle to: perform the five
for self defence. ‘To those against whom war is made, pillars with devotion, practise the path set by
permission is given to fight’ (Qur’an). Muhammed, seek justice and fairness for all, to rise
above greed and selfishness.
Muhammad allowed his followers to fight in response
to the Makkans who planned to wipe out all Muslims. Muslims must therefore: control their own desires,
The Qur’an also states that a Muslim can ‘fight in the battle against laziness, encourage what is right and
way of God those who fight against you’. respect the beliefs of others.
Jihad must never be aggressive and therefore Muslims ‘If anyone kills a person…it would be as if they have
cannot be the first to attack. Also, the attack can only killed the whole of mankind’ (Qur’an)
be against those who are attacking you and therefore
not against civilians. ‘To you be your religion and to me be mine’ (Qur’an)

Many would argue that it was Jihad when Muslims ‘God, I seek your protection against…laziness’
fought against the Christians in the Crusades. (Muhammad)

Moderate Islam rejects the Jihad claimed by ISIS. These

Islam believes in practicing moderation and therefore religious festivals are not about excess and partying but
community, thanksgiving, remembrance and celebration. They are occasions to worship and remember the
presence of God.
MINOR FESTIVALS Laylut ul Qadr: The night of power
Laylut ul Miraj: The night journey
Mawlid an-Nabi: The birth of the This holy day remembers the night in
prophet This event remembers when
which Muhammed first received the
Muhammad ascended to Jerusalem to
This is a public holiday in many Qur’an during the month of Ramadan.
meet with Allah and the prophets. This
countries with joyful procession through During this time Muslims stay up all
is celebrated by events at the mosque,
the streets and chanting of stories in night reciting the Qur’an, praying and
special prayers and telling the story to
praise of Muhammad’s life. remembering God’s mercy and
children.
forgiveness.
MAJOR FESTIVALS
1. Eid-Ul-Adha: The festival of sacrifice and the most important event in the Muslim calendar. It marks the end
of Hajj and is a chance for all Muslims across the world to worship and celebrate together especially as in
many countries it is a public holiday. For the Hajjis/Hajjahs who have just completed their pilgrimage it is a
celebration of five days of intense worship but is also special for those who have not attended the Hajj.
At the time Muslims remember the story of Ibrahim who was commanded to sacrifice his son Ishmael to god.
Ibrahim was obedient despite temptation from the devil but prevented from the sacrifice at the last moment
when God called out to him and offered a sheep for the sacrifice instead. Today a sheep or goat is killed and
the meat shared among family and friends as well as distributed to the poor. In Britain it is illegal to sacrifice an
animal so a Muslim may ask a butcher to do this on their behalf.
The Qur’an is clear that the sacrifice of the animal is not in itself pleasing to God but a symbol of a Muslim
sacrificing himself to the will of God. The Qur’an says ‘Their meat will not reach God…but what reaches him is
piety from you’. To celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha Muslims may also buy/make new clothes, visit friends and family go
to the mosque buy gifts, prepare special food.

2. Eid-Ul-Fitr: Id-ul-Fitr is a joyful three day celebration at the end of Ramadan where Muslims enjoy breaking
their fast. It is seen as a reward for the completion of a month of fasting and for showing self control during
this time. The festival begins with the sight of the new moon, however, in Britain where it is cloudy, Muslims
rely on other countries for knowing when the fast can begin.
On the day Muslims will decorate their homes, dress in their finest new clothes, gather early in the mosques
for communal prayers, send greeting cards, visit family and friends, give gifts visit the cemetery to remember
loved ones, give generously to the poor, share a meal with loved ones .
During this time Muslims also pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, an additional tax to the poor to allow those, even in poverty, a
generous meal during the festival.

3. Ashura: This is a Muslim day of sorrow and is most significant in Shi’a Islam although important for all
Muslims.
SUNNI: It is a day of fasting established by the prophet Muhammad and an occasion to thank God for saving
the Israelites from Pharaoh (ie. the story of Moses). They remember the fast that Moses made in gratitude for
God parting the red sea allowing the Israelites to escape from pharaoh.
SHIA: It is a day of mourning over the death of Husayn, the grandson of Muhammad, in battle. This event
triggered the split between Shia and Sunni Muslims that remains to this day. Shi’a believe that after Ali and his
oldest son Hasan, Husayn was the rightful successor to be Caliph (leader) of Islam yet he and his followers
were betrayed and massacred in battle.
It is celebrated by Shi’a Muslims dressing in black and marching through the streets slapping their chests and
chanting. Sometimes plays re-enact the death of Husayn. In some circumstances men may beat themselves
with chains or cut their heads with swords. Most Muslims will fast and pray during this day and in some British
cities Shi’as gather in large crowds and take part in marches, sometimes slapping their chests violently and
chanting.

NOTE: please make sure you also revise the ten obligatory acts of shi’a Islam