Tawhid
‘Oneness’ in reference to God. The basic Muslim belief in the oneness of God
Prophethood
The term used of the messengers of God, beginning with Adam and ending with the prophet Muhammad.
halal
actions or things which are permitted within Islam, such as eating permitted foods
Haram
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
A ‘place of prostration’ for Muslims, it is a communal place of worship for a Muslim community.
Ummah
Means ‘community’. Refers to the worldwide community of Muslims who share a common religious identity
Describe how Muslims might celebrate id-ul-Adha (5)
Muslims celebrate id ul adha by sacrificing an animal, often a sheep and they divide the portions and hand it to family, friends and relatives and the poor. They do this to commemorate prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Men also cut their hair and women trim it. This shows a sign of renewal and following the prophet. It also symbolises them getting rid of their pride
Describe how Muslims might celebrate id-ul-Fitr (5)
Marking the end of Ramadan, when the Quran stated, ‘the month of Ramadan is which was revealed the Qur’an’. Muslims celebrate by beginning the day with a congregational prayer. This shows Muslims gratitude to Allah for the strength to get through Ramadan. They also wear their finest clothes to symbolise renewal and joy. With the festivities going on, they ensure those less fortunate can take part in them
Explain the importance of the Shahadah for Muslims (8)
The Shahadah is significant because it bookmarks a Muslim’s life; it is the first thing whispered to a new-born baby (the Adhan) and ideally the last words a person speaks before death. Furthermore, its importance is reinforced through daily practice, as it is recited multiple times during Salah (the five daily prayers), ensuring the believer remains focused on God’s oneness throughout the day.
It serves as the ultimate declaration of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and the rejection of Shirk (associating partners with God). By stating “there is no God but Allah,” a Muslim acknowledges that nothing is worthy of worship or ultimate priority other than the Creator, which directly impacts their actions and moral choices in hopes of attaining paradise in the afterlife.
The second part of the declaration, “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah,” is vital because it establishes the Sunnah (the example of the Prophet) as the guide for living. It confirms that the Qur’an, as revealed through Muhammad, is the final and perfect word of God.
The Shahadah is the sole requirement for entering the faith. When a person recites it three times with Niyyah (sincere intention) in front of witnesses, they are officially recognized as part of the Ummah (the global community). This simplicity demonstrates that Islam is based primarily on a direct, personal relationship and commitment to God.
Going on pilgrimage is the best way for Muslims to show their faith (15)
Muslims can agree with this as hajj is a powerful way to show their faith from walking around the kaba 14 times in total anticlockwise during tawaf and in the hot sun. This is difficult and doing this shows commitment and faith to Allah.
Additionally, Some Muslims may agree with this statement as going on Hajj is a powerful way to seek forgiveness of sins and spiritual growth. This is clear when Muslims walk and stand at afrat under the sun all day standing and praying. The heat is meant to represent fires from day of judgment, ‘there is no day in which Allah saves more people from the fire than the day of afrat’ as stated in the hadith. This shows the dedication to be a goof Muslim and have no sins.
In my judgement, this is a weak argument. The Quran also says that all sins are forgiven if you fast and pray all nigh on Laylat ul qadr. This commemorates the night of power during Ramadan. Therefore, you can be a good Muslim in different ways
However, some might disagree as there are other ways to show dedication and faith to Allah. One of them is by salah – it is carried out 5 times a day and is one of the pillars which Islam is built on. Doing salah is difficult as you need to perform it on specific times and it can be challenging to be free on those times. Doing this proves the dedication to Allah as you are making time for him daily.
You could also follow Shahadah. This is the central pillar and is arguably the most important. This is because it follows tawhid – the oneness of god and rejects shirk. This shows faith by only following one god – Allah and not believing in other gods as the declaration says, ‘there is not god but Allah and the prophet it his messenger. To believe there are other gods is shirk – only unforgivable sin – (Quran)
In my judgment , the most compelling argument is that all Muslims should try to go on hajj since it is one of the 5 pillars as stated in the hadith, ‘Islam is built upon five’. However is a Muslim cannot then there are other ways to show your faith to Allah.
