Describe ONE significant practice within Islam drawn from the following: - Friday prayer at the mosque - Funeral ceremony - Hajj Explain how the ethical teachings of Islam apply in ONE of the following areas: - Hajj Explain how the ethical teachings of Islam apply in ONE of the following areas: - Bioethics - Environmental ethics - Sexual ethics Assess the contribution of ONE school of thought or significant person, other than Muhammad or the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, to the development and expression of Islamic beliefs. - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 4 - 2009 - Paper 1

The ethical teachings of Islam significantly influence the practice of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj instills principles such as equality, unity, and humility among all Muslims. During this pilgrimage, millions of believers from diverse backgrounds gather, wearing simple white garments (Ihram) to symbolize equality before God.

Moreover, the rituals of Hajj, including standing at Arafat and the Tawaf, emphasize self-reflection, repentance, and the importance of intention (niyyah). The experience encourages pilgrims to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and instills values of compassion, patience, and community support.

Islamic bioethics is grounded in the Qur'an and Hadith, providing a framework for moral decision-making regarding health, medicine, and life sciences. It emphasizes the sanctity of life and the belief that life is a gift from God, which mandates respect and protection for human life at all stages.

For instance, in matters of medical treatment, Islamic teachings advocate for seeking knowledge and utilizing medical advancements while aligning with ethical standards. Issues such as organ donation and end-of-life care are approached with the principles of preserving life, promoting human dignity, and considering the well-being of individuals, thereby guiding Muslims to make informed and ethical decisions in healthcare.

One significant school of thought in Islam is the Ash'ari school, founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari in the 10th century. This school plays a critical role in articulating theological doctrines that balance reason and revelation. Al-Ash'ari's efforts sought to defend Sunni orthodoxy against the rationalist Mu'tazila school, emphasizing that certain aspects of faith, including God's attributes, can be understood through divine revelation rather than solely through human reason.

The Ash'ari school has greatly influenced Islamic theology, particularly in addressing issues like the nature of God, predestination, and human free will. By reinforcing the importance of traditional teachings while accommodating a rational approach to faith, the Ash'ari school contributed to the intellectual and spiritual diversity within Islamic belief systems.