What is Barzakh
In between an individuals actual death and the day of judgement there is a period of waiting in which some believe the souls experience will be affected by the life they lead, others believe the soul is given a temporary body during this time and the body could be light or dark to reflect the good or bad in their life and the soul would know its final judgement by this
What is the day of judgement
There will be signs that it is approaching by either Isa (Sunni) or 12th Hidden imam (shi’a) Allah Will display perfect justice and people who are Muslim and believe there is no true God but Allah and Mohammed is the prophet will go to heaven and everyone else will go to hell but will go to heaven eventually, it’s described as passing over a narrow bridge.
What is heaven
(Al-Jannah) is described as a beautiful garden where people are young again.
Believers will be welcomed by angels saying a message of peace.
No nastiness or sin, ‘Beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss.’ [9:72]
8 gates.
Warriors who die fighting in the course of God are sent here upon death
What are the 3 gates
- Jahannam
-Baab As-Sadqah, for those who have given to charity - Baab Al-Hajj, for those who completed the hajj pilgrimage
- Baab Al-Imam,
For those who have constantly worked hard to be obedient to Allah
What is hell
- enemies of Islam sent here upon death
- place of punishment and eternal suffering
- for sinful believers, it is a place of purification
- for unbelievers, it is the place of eternal punishment
- Beyond human understanding
What is jihad
- 2 different types
- “Jihad means to ‘strive’ or ‘struggle’ in the way of God.”
What is greater Jihad
The duty of all Muslims, as individuals and as a community, to exert themselves to realise gods will, to lead good lives, and to extend the Islamic community to such things as preaching and education
What is Lesser jihad
‘Holy war’ for, or in defence of, Islam.
What can justify holy war
- self defence
- strengthening Islam
- protecting the freedom of Muslims to practice their faith
- protecting Muslims against oppression, which could include overthrowing a tyrannical ruler
- punishing an enemy who breaks an oath
- putting right a wrong
Quote from the Qur’an about Jihad
‘Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not go beyond the limits…. for tyranny and oppression are worse than murder.’
