Islam: Beliefs and sacred writings

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• The Six Articles of Faith: Understand the Six Articles of Faith in Islam, which include: (a) Tawhid (the oneness of God), (b) Risalah (the role of prophets), (c) Akhirah (belief in life after death), (d) Malaʾikah (the existence of angels), (e) Qadar (the concept of predestination), and (f) Kutub (the holy books). Discuss various perspectives on the significance of these beliefs and how they influence the everyday lives of Muslims.
• The five roots of Usul ad-Din: Understand the five fundamental principles of Usul ad-Din: (a) Tawhid (the oneness of God), (b) ʿAdl (divine justice), (c) Risalah (the role of prophets), (d) Imamah (the authority of the imams), (e) Miʿad (the Day of Resurrection). Discuss various perspectives on the significance of these beliefs and how they influence the everyday lives of Muslims.
• The Five Pillars of Islam: Understand the Five Pillars of Islam, which include: (a) Shahadah (the declaration of faith), (b) Salah (performing prayers five times daily), (c) Sawm (observing fasting during Ramadan), (d) Zakah (giving obligatory charity), (e) Hajj (undertaking the pilgrimage to Makkah). Discuss various perspectives on the significance of these beliefs and practices, as well as their influence on the everyday lives of Muslims.
• Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): Discuss the early life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his reputation for trustworthiness, the importance of his first revelation in the cave of Hiraʾ, the reasons behind his persecution in Makkah, the significance of the hijrah (migration to Madinah) for contemporary Islam, and the role of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the final messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets.
• The development of Islam; origins of Sunni and Shiʿah: Examine the evolution of Islam and the origins of Sunni and Shiʿah sects, including (a) Sunni perspectives on Caliph Abu Bakr as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, (b) Sunni perspectives on Caliphs ʿUmar and ʿUthman as successors following Abu Bakr, (c) Shiʿah perspectives on Caliph ʿAli as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, and (d) Shiʿah beliefs regarding the Twelve Imams.
• The Qurʾan; different ways in which Muslims understand and interpret it: Explore the Qurʾan and the various interpretations Muslims have of it, including: (a) its role as an authoritative text, (b) its nature as a divine revelation, (c) its function as a guide for moral conduct, detailing obligations and prohibitions found in Surah Al-Anʿam 6 (151-153) and Surah Israʾ 17 (23-39), and (d) the significance of these interpretations in the lives of Muslims.