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2 The existence of God (a) List three significant figures from the history of Islam - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 The existence of God (a) List three significant figures from the history of Islam. (b) Outline Muslim beliefs about reversion to Islam. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 The existence of God (a) List three significant figures from the history of Islam - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
List three significant figures from the history of Islam.
Answer
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Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - The final prophet of Islam, known for delivering the message of the Quran.
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Abu Bakr - The first caliph after Muhammad's death, known for his leadership in unifying the Muslim community.
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Ali ibn Abi Talib - Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, notable for his leadership during the early caliphate.
Step 2
Outline Muslim beliefs about reversion to Islam.
Answer
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Acceptance of Faith - Muslims believe that reversion to Islam involves a sincere acceptance of the core tenets of faith, including the belief in one God (Allah) and Muhammad as His prophet.
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Forgiveness and Mercy - It is widely held that Allah is merciful and forgiving, and anyone who genuinely repents and seeks guidance can revert, regardless of their past actions.
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Community Support - The Muslim community plays a vital role in supporting converts to Islam, welcoming them and providing the necessary guidance and education.
Step 3
Explain different Muslim beliefs about Allah's relationship with the world.
Answer
Muslims generally believe that Allah is transcendent but also immanent, meaning He exists beyond creation yet is also involved in the world.
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Creation: Allah created the universe and everything within it. This belief is rooted in the Quran, where it states that Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days.
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Sustenance: Allah is seen as the sustainer of all life, providing for the needs of all creation, which includes not only physical sustenance but also spiritual guidance.
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Guidance through Prophets: Muslims hold that Allah communicates with humanity through prophets, who teach the message of Islam, thus maintaining a direct relationship with His creations.
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Judgment: Lastly, Muslims believe that Allah will judge humanity on the Day of Resurrection, determining their ultimate fate based on their faith and actions in life.
Step 4
Discuss this statement. 'Miracles prove the existence of Allah.'
Answer
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Definition of Miracles: Miracles in Islam are seen as extraordinary events that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws, often performed by prophets to demonstrate their divine favor and message.
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Historical Context: The Quran cites numerous miracles performed by prophets such as Muhammad and Moses, which are considered evidence of Allah’s power and existence. For instance, the splitting of the sea by Moses is seen as a testament to God's omnipotence.
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Faith Perspective: Many Muslims argue that while miracles serve as signs of Allah's existence, the true test of faith lies in belief without witnessing such events. This view underscores the importance of inner conviction over physical proof.
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Counterarguments: Critics might argue that not all people believe in miracles due to differing worldviews. They may emphasize that faith should not rely solely on miraculous occurrences.
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Conclusion: Ultimately, Muslims believe that while miracles serve to confirm faith, Allah’s existence is supported by personal conviction, the teachings of the Quran, and the integrity of the Prophet Muhammad's message.