Section I6

Topics

Choose a topic to revise

Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• The ummah: The significance and function of the ummah within various Muslim communities.
• Shariʿah (‘straight path’) as a code of behaviour and ethics for Muslims; as a legal system: Shariʿah, meaning 'straight path', serves as a guideline for Muslim behavior and ethics, functioning as a legal framework. It includes: (a) The sources of Shariʿah, which are the Qurʾan and the sunnah; (b) The purpose of fiqh, which is to comprehend God's law; (c) Ijtihad, representing the intellectual effort to make independent judgments; (d) Ijmaʿ, which refers to the consensus among qualified legal experts; (e) Qiyas, the process of reasoning by analogy to assess similar situations; (f) The principles of halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden), which dictate actions and thoughts based on Shariʿah.
• Islam as a religion that shows concern for others in the home and the community: Islam emphasizes the importance of caring for others within families and communities. Key teachings include the concepts of zakah (mandatory charity) and sadaqah (optional donations), detailing their permissible uses. Additionally, it acknowledges that wealth is a trust from God, and individuals will be held accountable for how they treat others.
• Khalifahs of the environment: The idea that humans are stewards (khalifahs) of the Earth on behalf of God, which includes the belief that God is the creator of all things and that humans have a duty to take care of the Earth. This objective emphasizes the Muslim perspective on environmental stewardship and does not cover ethical discussions regarding the treatment of animals.
• Muslim organisations that relieve poverty: Identify various Muslim organisations that work to alleviate poverty, including Muslim Aid and the Red Crescent, as well as local groups specific to any country. Discuss how different Muslim communities address both the spiritual and physical needs of individuals affected by poverty or natural disasters, and explore how Islamic teachings inspire charitable activities.