ISLAM

REVISION
PAPER 1

Islam: Marriage and the Family

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Purpose of Marriage

 Being a man and women together to have children.

 Share love, companionship and sex.
 Create family, strengthen society.

Beliefs about marriage.

This is intended to be for life.

Many help children find right partner in an arranged marriage.

Women expected to marry within faith, raise children to be Muslim.

Men can marry e.g. Christian and raise children Muslim.

This is a Legal Contract.

Men can have up to 4 wives; women can only have one husband.

Cohabitation

Living together without being married – not acceptable.

No sex before marriage – should be chaperoned by a member of the family.

Non-religious attitudes towards marriage

 Have non-religious ceremony.

 Happy to live together, not married.

Sexual Relationships

Only in a marriage, important part of married relationship, bond between couple, can start a family.

 Act of worship- purpose of procreation (having children) is what Allah intended.

 Fulfils physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
 Gift from Allah, so he can have children.
 Can only occur in marriage, must fulfil each other’s sexual needs.
 Adultery not acceptable, punishments for adulterers.
 Homosexuality forbidden, in some countries punished by death.

Families

 Where many religious activities take place. E.g. prayer, festivals.

 Mother/Father has responsibility to raise children as Muslims.
 Family is foundation of Muslim community.
 Children taught to show love, kindness, mercy and compassion to one another in the family.
 Provides healthy and loving environment for children.
 First level of community in Islam.
 Important to marry and have sexual relations to have children.

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Different types of family

Nuclear – 2 parents and children.

Single – one parent and children.

Same sex parents – 2 parents of the same sex and children.

Extended – parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles etc.

Blended – Step families’ who have joined together.

Muslim Families

Traditional families are often extended.

Family in the Ummah

Ummah is worldwide family of Islam’s, showing unity between all Muslims.

Supporting the family

 Worship – families attend prayer at Mosque together as family, or pray together at home
 Rites of passage – celebrate events such as weddings and funerals as family together with
other Muslims from the community.
 Classes for parents - help parents prepare for birth of child, or share issues bringing up
children – advice and support.
 Groups for children – local Muslim community run Madrasah – Mosque school, Children
learn about faith and Arabic.
 Counselling provides support if family is struggling; also get support from extended family.
 Supporting each other – give physical and spiritual support.

Contraception – prevention of pregnancy

Hadith – no single approach, suggests Prophet did not support use of natural forms of
contraception, such a withdrawal method. But there are some contradictions, say it was common
place.

Some may accept contraception to

 Save life of mother if under threat.

 Protect present family, as another child cannot be cared for.
 Use non-permanent methods, have children in the future

Contraception Cont…

May not accept contraception if;

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  Only natural methods are allowed.
 No possibility of children.
 Considered an early abortion.
 If having children is prevented.

Divorce

Ending of marriage, in Islam, allowed, but should be last resort as marriage is a contract.

Teachings – to be the last resort.

 Husband announces intention to divorce wife 3 month waiting period- live together/no sex.
 Try reconciliation / no sex.
 Make sure woman not pregnant.
 After 4 months can divorce.

Beliefs and Attitude:

Divorce is hated by Allah and disrespectful to him and gift of marriage. Divorce recognised, must
follow guidelines. Marriage should be for life and is a contract. Reconciliation should be tried.

Accepts Divorce

 Last resort.
 Is contract so can be dissolved?
 Allowed on Qur’an – gives guidelines.
 Could be better for children.
 Shari’ah law permits divorce.

No Divorce

 Muhammed did not divorce.

 Copy Muhammad.
 Damages family.
 Makes society stable.
 Marriage contract should not be broken.

It is easier for men to obtain divorce. If a woman wishes to divorce, they usually needs consent of
husband.

Men and Women in the family

Humans are equal, but not the same.

Men

 Protectors of women.
 Provide for family.

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  Help raise children as good Muslims.

Women

 Help raise children as good Muslims.

 Free to work and have a career, if wish to.
 Required to have children.
 Expected to look after the home.

Muhammad

Brought improvement in conditions for women,

 Women could own property.

 Women could divorce husbands.
 Women to be educated.

Today

Some quotes in Qur’an say men/women created equally from one soul or created to be together
and support each other, complimenting each other. Other quotes suggest inequality, men having
power over women within the family and women have to obey husband in the family.

Gender prejudice and discrimination.

Prejudice – person judged on gender to be superior or inferior. This is an opinion.

Discrimination – treated differently as a result of gender. This is an action.

Muslim Attitudes

Muslims believe prejudice and discrimination is wrong because:

1. Islam teaches everyone created by Allah so equal.

2. Men/Women treated equally and judged in the same way.
3. Men/Women expected to marry/have some rights in religion and education.

*but some Muslims hold above, accept men and women are physically and psychologically different
and suited to different roles and responsibilities.

Teachings

Equality between men and women in Islam

*inspirational Muslims – Nadiya Hussain won ‘Bake Off’.

Malala Yousafzai – stood up to Taliban to achieve equality in education in Pakistan.

Sisters in Islam – empower women with voice to challenge mistreatment and gender discrimination
– challenge laws.

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 Living the Muslim Life
Ten Obligatory Acts of Islam

Provides duties that Shia Muslims must perform, the purpose is to:

 Guide them in how they should live their lives.

 Allow them to get closer to Allah.
 Help them to achieve reward of paradise after death.
 Helps them focus actions in lives towards Allah.
 Unites all Shia Muslims.

Ten Acts

 Salah – Pray five times a day, some combined to three times.

 Sawm – fasting during day light hours/Ramadan.
 Zakah – giving 2.5% of wealth to needy.
 Hajj – pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime.
 Khums – taxation of 20% - was spoils of war, todays wealth used to help the needy and
Islamic leaders.
 Jihad – overcoming evil – defending person, holy war, personal.
 Amr-bil-Maroof – commandment on how to act and behave.
 Nahi Anil Munkar – for bidding what is evil, resist temptation.
 Tawalla – expressing love towards what is good.
 Tabarra – moving away from evil.

Shahadah – Statement of belief. ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammed is his messenger’.

 Summarises basic beliefs/centre of Islamic faith.

 Recites daily before prayer /salah.
 Recited when a child is born into ear and last thing they hear before death.
 Recited out loud in front of witnesses to profess faith.

Salah- Compulsory prayer five times a day.

 Perform wudu before prayer – washing, so spiritually and physically clean for Allah.
 In Qur’an says to prostrate themselves, submit Allah.
 Men usually go the Mosque, not women
 Friday – Jummah prayers at Mosque. Women can also go.


Shia Sunni

5 prayers into 3 5 daily prayers

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Raise hands 3 times at end of prayers Move head from right to left

Touches forehead to floor when prostrating May rest head on piece of wood when
prostrating

Both face Makkah

Follow set of movements called Rakah.

Sawm

Fasting during Ramadan, no eating or drinking during daylight hours, and avoid evil thoughts and
deeds.

Why?

Quran revealed to Muhammed.

Duty to Islam.

Helps develop discipline.

Helps understand problems people may face.

Shows Muslim is obeying god.

Brings Muslim community together and strengthens unity.

No

Food

Smoking

Sexual activity

Bad thoughts or deeds

Exemptions

Elderly

Young children } CARRY OUT AT ANOTHER DATE OR MAKE A DONATION TO POOR

Pregnant women

Travelling distances

Physically/mentally unwell

Night of Power (Laylat –al- Qadr)

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Night Muhammed received Qur’an from Angel Jibril (Gabriel)

 Remember gift of Qur’an.

 Ask for forgiveness for things done wrong.
 Remember Muhammed receiving revelation.

Zakah and Khums

Zakah Khums

Obligatory giving Shia Islam – one of ten obligatory Acts

2 ½% of wealth to poor 20 % of surplus income/half to Ummah and

the poor

Duty stated in Qur’an Mentioned in Qur’an

To obey Allah Descendants of Muhammed and Shia faith,

share out money.

Idea of Sharing

Sunni Muslims – Zakah Shia Muslims – Khums

One of five pillars Special recognition to Muhammed and

descendants

Wealth is a gift from Allah Used to build schools and Islamic projects

Wealth to be shared Helps poor or those suffering

Sign of unity and supports Ummah Promotes religion through education

Helps them grow spiritually One of the Ten Obligatory Acts

Helps those in need

Hajj – annual pilgrimage, to be made at least once in lifetime if physically fit and can afford it.

 Put on Ihram – white, seamless robes.

 Perform Tawaf – circle Ka’aba seven times.
 Complete sa’y – run between two hills, remembering search for water.
 Stand on Mount Arafat and pray, read Qur’an.
 Throw stones at three pillars to remember rejecting devil.
 Celebrate Id-Ul—Adha, sacrifice of Ibrahim (Abraham) was going to make him his son.
 Perform Tawaf, circle Ka’aba seven times again.

Benefits

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Shows commitment to Allah.

Strengthens Ummah – community of Muslims.

Strengthens individual faith.

Can focus on Allah, ask for forgiveness.

Difficulties

Have to be physically fit and financially able.

Many people are on pilgrimage at same time.

There are accidents due to large numbers.

Jihad

Means ‘struggle’. Personal struggle of every Muslim to follow teachings of Islam.

Greater Jihad

This is an inner struggle to defend Islam

 Study the Qur’an

 Do good deeds
 Attend the mosque regularly
 Resist temptation, greed and envy

Lesser Jihad

This is an outer struggle to defend Islam.

 Can be non-violent or violent in some cases.

 Fight for a just cause.
 Fight as a last resort.
 Authorised and accepted by Muslim community.
 Minimum amount of suffering.
 Ends when enemy surrenders.
 Innocent civilians not attacked.
 Aims to restore peace and freedom.

Most Muslims agree Greater Jihad is most important.

Greater Jihad is personal.

Muhammed fought battle, but supported Greater Jihad as more important.

Celebrations and Commemorations

Why?

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  Remembering past events and important people in Islam.
 Strengthen Ummah and unite Muslims together.
 Share beliefs that ate common between Muslims.
 To have a cycle of special days and events marked throughout the year.

Id-ul-Adha – Sunni and Shia

 Festival of Sacrifice.
 Remembers Abraham willing to sacrifice his son when God asked him to. Test of faith should
be applied to their lives.
 End of Hajj.
 Sacrifice an animal, shared with family, friends and the poor.
 Prayers, cards and presents.

Id-ul-Fitr; Sunni and Shia

 Time to celebrate getting through Ramadan.

 Begins when new moon is seen.
 Homes decorated, special services and celebration meal.

Ashura

Tenth day of Muharran, first of month of Islamic calendar.

Sunni – Day of fasting and mourning, remembering how Noah left the Ark and Moses and Israelites
were saved from Egyptians. Wear black, no music.

Shia- As above also remembers martyrdom of Hussain, grandson of Muhammad at Karbala.

Id-ul-Ghadeer – eight days after Id-ul-Adha.

Sunni – do not celebrate this festival as do not recognise Ali as a successor to Muhammed.

Shia – Celebrate appointment of Ali as successor to Muhammed

Islam – Belief in Allah

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Six beliefs of Islam – accepted by Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims accept many ideas, but refer to them
differently.

1. Tawhid – belief in oneness of Allah – only one God.

2. Malaikah – belief in Angels – obedient to commands of Allah.
3. Holy Books – (kutub)Qur’an ultimate authority.
4. Prophets – (Risalah) messengers of Allah.
5. Al-Qadr – Allah knows everything, and there is predestination.
6. Akhirah – Life after Death/Day of Judgement.

Purpose

 Unites Sunni Muslims.

 Helps understand religion better.
 Supports Sunni Muslims and how to live lives.
 Supports beliefs they should have.

5 Roots of Usul Ad-Din – Shia Islam

1. Tawhid – oneness of Allah/one God.

2. Adl – divine justice/ God is fair and just.
3. Nubuwwah – prophets chosen by God to pass on a message.
4. Imamah – Imams appointed as leaders to give guidance.
5. Day of Judgement – Judged on actions after death.

Nature of Allah

 Tawhid – only one God.

 Immanence – God is close and involved beyond human understanding.
 Transcendence – God is above and beyond human understanding.
 Omnipotent – God is more powerful than anything.
 Beneficence – God is caring.
 Mercy – God forgives people for doing wrong things.
 Fairness and justice – God Judges people in a fair/unbiased way.
 Adalat – God created the world in a far way.

Risalah
 There have been many prophets, acting as messengers of God.
 Adam – first prophet.
 Ibrahim – Faith tested by God, would he sacrifice his son?(Abraham).
 Ismail – Son of Ibrahim.
 Musa – (Moses) led Israelites from Egypt.
 Isa – (Jesus) received the Gospels.
 Muhammad – last prophet.

Holy Books (Kutab)

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  Qur’an is most important. Other books have been altered; Qur’an is same as first given.
Written in Arabic over 23 years, means recitation, divided into Surah (chapters).
 Malaikah – angels are messages from Allah. Do not have free will or human bodies, but can
take on human shape when needed, part of 6 beliefs for Sunni Muslims.
 Gabriel (Jibril) Known in Christianity, Islam Judaism – give Qur’an to Muhammad, without
him no message.
 Izrae’il – Angel of Death indicates when Day of Judgement is coming. Help Muslims know
how to live their lives.
 Mikael – Angel of Mercy. Controls the Earth/ plants. Reassures Muslims that an afterlife is
possible.
Al-Qadr –predestination / fate or destiny
 Sunni Muslims – part of 6 beliefs.
 Shia Muslims – do not fully accept it.
 On Day of Judgement, be judged on how they lived their lives. Too late to beg for
forgiveness for wrong doing, everything is the will of Allah. They should have been aware of
their thoughts and actions to make sure they behave how Allah wants them to.

Akhirah – Life after Death

 After death, angel of death takes soul to Barzakh, place between death and judgement.
 Allah judges every individual on their life.
 Day of Judgement – body will be resurrected.
 Two angels open book with record of actions in.
 More good - go to al-Jannah/paradise.
 More bad – go to Jahannam/hell.

Why Important?

 Makes them aware Allah is watching them.

 Shows importance for forgiveness.
 Actions are a way of worshipping Allah.
 Try to live life as good Muslims.

Similarities to Christianity/Islam

*Life is a test.

*Places of eternal rewards or punishments (heaven/hell).

*Resurrections.

Differences

*Christians believe in sacrifice of Jesus for their sins.*Catholics between purgatories.

*Christians do not have angels recording deeds.

Islam – Matters of life and Death

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Origins of Universe

Big Bang Theory

 Universe started 14 billion year ago, matter concentrated into great mas, begin to expand
and an explosion.

Muslim Belief

 World created by Allah.

 Created balance in the Universe.
 Took periods of time to create universe.
 Creation intended, planned & designed by Allah.
 Allah created all living things.

Muslims attitudes to scientific explanations

 Science does not affect Muslim beliefs.

 Big Bang Fill in gaps not explained by Qur’an.
 Scientific explanations give better understanding of Allah and creation.
 Qur’an account to similar to science account.

BUT some Muslims believe Big Bang Theory contradicts Islamic Creation Story – no mention of God.

Sanctity of Life – Life is Special and Holy

Affects issues and abortion, euthanasia, and murder.

 Respect all life and do not harm a living thing.

 Every human life is worth the same as another.
 Allah is the creation of life, only he can take it away.

Origins of Human Life

Theory of Evolution

 Charles Darwin, scientific and non-religious theory of evolution.

 Natural selection, survival of the fittest.

Muslims responses to evolution

Believe science offers more believable explanation. Muslims must adapt their beliefs to what science
and religion tells them.

Abortion

A deliberate termination of human pregnancy, preventing the birth of a baby.

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There is a division in Islam, some view allowing abortion as ‘lesser of two evils’. Some believe by
allowing it, it could go on to allow other bad things which have not accepted Islam. Other Muslims
believe in sanctity of life, all life is holy as created by Allah and should never be taken away.

Non-religious views

1. Personal decision – woman’s right to decide.

2. Same parents not ready to have a child, cannot afford it.
3. Abortion is always wrong as foetus is human life.
4. Individual circumstances should be taken into considerations and best decision is made.

Muslims Response

1. Abortion is wrong, all life created by Allah

2. Do not kill your child for fear of poverty – Qur’an
3. Unplanned pregnancy, worry about providing for a child from adultery not acceptable
reasons for abortion.
4. Some believe abortion is acceptable if life of mother is at risk, or case of rape.

Death and Afterlife

Teachings

1. Allah has full control over life and death.

2. World will end when Allah chooses, people face judgement.
3. Good deeds and bad deeds will be judged.
4. People sent to Al-Jannah-reward, Jahannam for a bad life.

Responses to non-religious arguments for life after death

1. Memories of previous lives – Muslims recognise afterlife, Islam does not accept people had
past lives.
2. Paranormal – ghost/spirits – Muslims do not accept the ideas.
3. Death not the end – having reward/punishment after death, gives life meaning and purpose.
4. Reward for living a good life – those who have lived a good life will be rewarded after death.
5. People less afraid of death – Ideas of afterlife give Muslims comfort.
6. Meeting loved ones who have passed on – Not of prime importance in Islam.

Life after Death

Non-religious argument against

 False sense of hope, no proof.

 No evidence of afterlife, no one has ever returned.

Muslim responses to non-religious arguments.

 Teaching in Qur’an give evidence after life.

 Faith means putting must on teachings.

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  Some people have been tricked into believing they can contact those that have died.
 Belief gives people control over fear.
 When a person dies their body decays and nothing else.

Recognises what can happen, but still believes in the afterlife

 Belief fives meaning and purpose to life and behaviour.

 Body in ground, but reunited with soul on judgement day.

Euthanasia
 Means, ‘good death’, painless killing of a person. Also called assisted dying.
 Types
 Voluntary – where person’s life ended deliberately and painlessly at their request.
 Assisted suicide – person given the means to end their life.
 Non- Voluntary euthanasia – ending a person’s life painlessly. When you think it is what they
want.
 Atheists
 Many argue the kindest thing to do if they are in pain and it is what they want.
 Humanists
 Support if person has made a decision themselves without persuasion.
 Islam
 Suffering is a test and a part of life, not a person’s decision to end their life.
 Hospices are an alternative to euthanasia. Can spend final days, there without pain.
 All life sacred.
 No one can die except by Allah’s leave.
 Always wrong as life is sacred and holy.

Issues in Natural World

World faces many threats, often from humans. Muslims have a responsibility to care for the world as
it was created by Allah.

World is damaged in many ways. Muslims should act as Khalifahs – stewards who care for the world.

Animals

 Created by Allah and given to humans so Muslims can eat meat.

 Created for benefit of humans, but should be treated with respect and kindness.
 Some Muslims choose to be vegetarian.

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