Photo AI
2(a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
2(a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed. (b) What does predestination (al Qadr) mean for Muslims? (c) Outline the importance of niyyah for M... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2(a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed.
Answer
Muslims believe in several holy books that were revealed by Allah to guide humanity. The three primary texts are:
- The Qur'an - Considered the final revelation, it is believed to be the literal word of God as conveyed to Prophet Muhammad.
- The Torah (Tawrat) - This is the holy book given to Moses (Musa) and is recognized in Islam as a sacred scripture.
- The Gospel (Injil) - The scripture revealed to Jesus (Isa), which contains teachings and messages of moral significance.
Step 2
What does predestination (al Qadr) mean for Muslims?
Answer
Predestination, or al Qadr, in Islam refers to the belief that everything that happens is predetermined by Allah's divine will. It encompasses the understanding that:
- Allah has knowledge of all events: Past, present, and future are known to Allah.
- Free will exists: Humans possess the ability to choose their actions, though these choices align with God's broader plan. It underscores the balance between divine decree and human agency, which informs a Muslim's faith and actions.
Step 3
Outline the importance of niyyah for Muslims.
Answer
Niyyah, or intention, plays a pivotal role in Islamic practice. Its importance can be summarized as follows:
- Spiritual Purity: The intention behind actions determines their value in the eyes of Allah. For example, prayers and fasting are only valid when performed with the right intention.
- Focus on Worship: Niyyah helps Muslims to direct their hearts and minds towards worship, enhancing their connection with Allah.
- Accountability: Actions are judged by intentions, thus emphasizing the need for sincerity in all acts of worship and daily life.
Step 4
Explain different Muslim attitudes to Divine Justice (Al-Adl).
Answer
Muslim attitudes to Divine Justice (Al-Adl) are varied and shaped by different theological interpretations:
- Sunni Perspective: Generally views Allah as inherently just, believing that God does not act unjustly and that His decrees are fair, even if they are beyond human comprehension.
- Shia Perspective: Emphasizes the concept of justice more deeply, arguing that unjust actions are incompatible with Allah's nature, and often refer to the rulings of Imams in matters of justice.
- Philosophical Views: Some scholars argue that Divine Justice must be understood philosophically, addressing the existence of suffering and evil in the world through the lens of God’s greater wisdom. These differing perspectives influence the way justice is understood and enacted in Muslim societies.
Step 5
‘It is as important to celebrate Id-ul-Fitr as it is to fast in Ramadan.’
Answer
In discussing this statement, it is essential to analyze and evaluate different perspectives:
- Importance of Fasting: Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, fostering spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy towards the less fortunate.
- Significance of Id-ul-Fitr: Celebrating Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a time for communal prayer, feasting, and giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr). It is a celebration of gratitude and community.
- Common Views: Many Muslims believe both fasting and celebrating Id-ul-Fitr are crucial for fulfilling their religious obligations and expressing gratitude.
- Divergent Views: Some may prioritize fasting as the act of worship, while others emphasize the community aspect of Id-ul-Fitr.
- Sources of Wisdom: References from the Qur'an and Hadith illustrate the importance of both practices, supporting a balanced view of spiritual duties.