Diversity in Islam (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Sunni & Shi'a Islam The Historical Context
Introduction to Islam
Pre-Islamic Arabia is referred to as the Age of Jahiliyyah in Islam
Jahiliyyah may be understood to mean ignorance of Tawhid, Risalah, and Akhirah
Muslims believe:
That Arabia prior to Islam was a hostile and dangerous society, including regular tribal warfare and the poor treatment of women
The people of Arabia had forgotten the previous messages sent down by Allah to the Prophet Ibrahim
Ibrahim brought Islam to Arabia and rebuilt the Ka’aba which was originally believed to have been built by Adam in Arabia
The religion of Islam was founded in the 7th century
People who follow the religion of Islam are called Muslims
Muslims believe in only one God, Allah. This means that the religion is monotheistic
The holy book for Islam is the Qur’an
Muslims also follow the teachings and sayings of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which can be found in the hadiths
Muhammad (pbuh) was the founder of Islam. Allah revealed the Qur’an to him
Islam shares some ideas with the other Abrahamic Religions, Judaism and Christianity
The Two Main Traditions
Islam is divided into two main traditions, Sunni and Shi’a
Between 85-90% of Muslims are Sunni Muslims, most of the rest are Shi’a Muslims
Their basic beliefs or Articles of Faith are slightly different for Sunni’s and Shi’as but there is a lot in common with their beliefs
Both traditions believe in Allah as the one true God
They both use the Qur’an as the source of authority
The main prophets are the same for both traditions
Both believe in the Day of Judgement
One of the differences relates to the historical leadership of the religion when Muhammad died
Some Muslims wanted Ali to be the first Caliph and believed that the first three Caliphs should not have been given the role
Other Muslims believe that Ali should not have been given the role at all
Sunni Muslims | Shi’a Muslims |
|---|---|
The majority of Muslims thought that only the Qur’an and the Sunnah had the authority | Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad had named his cousin Ali as his successor |
These Muslims are called Sunni Muslims – followers of the Sunnah
| Today the Shi’a has their own interpretation of Islamic laws and only accepts sayings of Muhammad that have been passed down through Ali or his followers |
They elected Abu Bakr to be their Caliph and to act upon behalf of Muhammad and Allah | Ali and his supporters believed that the true Imam had to be a descendent of Muhammad and chosen by Allah |
Imams are not holy figures appointed by Allah. They are good teachers and leaders chosen by the community | Imams are divinely appointed successors of Muhammad |
Sunni’s focus on the life of the Prophet Muhammad | Shi’as focus on the family lineage through Imams |
Muslims should be guided by the consensus of the community | Muslims should be guided by the Imams who have authority |
Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam | Five articles of faith in Shi’a Islam |
Sunni’s follow the Five Pillars of Islam | Shi’as follow the Ten Obligatory Acts |
Pray five separate times a day | Pray three separate times a day but do five prayers |
Worked Example
Which one of the following is the name of a prophet in Islam?
[1 mark]
A. Arafat
B. Ibrahim
C. Mina
D. Sadaqah
Answer:
B. Ibrahim
All of the words relate to something that is significant within Islam but only Ibrahim is the name of an important prophet
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important to know and understand the historical context that has led to a division within the two traditions. This will enable you to answer questions relating to authority and differing practices within Islam
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