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Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

The six beliefs of – Sunni believe that these are the articles of , that a Sayings of the Prohet (pbuh) Muslim must believe, to be accepted as a Muslim: in Allah’s Unity 1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid) 2. Belief in His (Risalah) Risalah Belief in Allah’s angels, prophets and holy books 3. Belief in His holy books (Risalah) 4. Belief in His messengers (Risalah) Akirah Belief in the Last Day and life after death 5. Belief in the Last Day (Akirah) 6. Belief in life after death (Akirah) Shari’ah The holy law of Islam which covers all aspects of life Sources of Wisdom and Authority – The first five beliefs are based on Qur’anic verses such as “Whoever disbelieveth in God and His angels and His Scriptures and His Imamah/ Belief in the successors of Muhammad (pbuh) messengers and the Last Day, he verily wandered far stray.” (4:136) imam Prayer leader for Sunni Muslims “It is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers.” (2:177) “The man of faith. Each one believeth in God and His angels, His books and His apostles.” The five roots in Shi’a Islam (Usul ad-) – The bases of Shi’a faith are: 1. Belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) (2:285) 2. Belief in Allah’s justice (Adalat) The full six beliefs are based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): 3. Belief in Allah’s prophets from Adam to Muhammad (pbuh) (Nubuwwah) “A man came up to Muhammad and said: ‘Prophet of Allah tell me what is (faith)?’ 4. Belief in the successors of Muhammad (imamah) Upon this the Holy Prophet replied, ‘You must believe on Allah, his angels, his holy books, 5. Belief in the Day of Judgement, with judgement being based on believing his Messengers, in the Last Day and life after death.’” (Kitab al-iman 1:4) in the five roots and following the Shi’a Shari’ah (law) Importance - very important to Sunni Muslims because: Sources of Wisdom and Authority – • Tawhid shows that Muslims believe that there is one God who is creator, all-powerful Qur’anic quote: “Say, ‘He is God, the One and Only, God the Eternal , the and all-present who is the same God that Jews and Christians worship. Absolute; He begetteth not nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto • Believing in angels shows that Muslims believe that God can communicate with Him.’” (Surah 112) Shi’a Hadith quote: “whoever knows not the Imam of his age dies the death of a humans using His special beings. heathen.” • Believing in the prophets of God shows Muslims believe that Islam is the first and final Importance - very important to Shi’a Muslims because: religion (Adam to Muhammad (pbuh)). • They are the basis for Shi’a faith. • Believing in the holy books shows that Muslims believe God sent books to show • They show what a person must believe in order to be consider a Muslim by humans what to believe and how to live. Muslims believe the Qur’an is the final and Shi’a Muslims. correct word of God. • Based on Qur’an and the teachings of the Twelve . • Believing in Akirah is important for Muslims because believing Allah will judge them • Shi’a Muslims believe that if they are not believed and understood then on the Last Day effects how a Muslim lives their life – heaven or hell are believed to they are not able to perform acts of worship necessary to live the Muslim be a result of this judgement. life and ensure they go to heaven. The five roots for Shi’a Muslim communities today – The six beliefs for Muslim communities today – • There are different sects within Shi’a Islam which interpret the five roots in • Most Sunni Muslims believe all people are created equal in the sight of Allah, which different ways. In particular root 4 has different levels of importance for means that humanity should be respected and no one should be judged. different Shi’a sects • There are no priests or holy people with special authority for Sunni Muslims. – believe in 12 Imams and all five roots • Sunni Muslims believe that they are born without sin. It is only after the age of Ismaili Shi’as – believe in first 7 Imams (seveners) puberty that Sunni Muslims believe that they can be held responsible for knowingly Nizari Khoja – believe in a line of Imams continued from 7th committing sins. Salvation in Islam comes from believing in the six beliefs and living Imam the way set out by Islam. Druze – believe in reincarnation and different Imams • Sunni Muslims accept four of the five roots of Shi’a Islam (1, 2, 3 & 5) – accept the Sunni six beliefs and that their founder, Mirza Ahmad, received a special message

Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

The Nature of Allah Allah for God There is no plural for Allah which highlights that Muslims believe in Allah’s oneness (Tawhid). Muslims believe the characteristics of Allah are found in the Qur’an (the direct Why the characteristics of Allah are important for Muslims word of Allah). The Qur’an includes 99 names for Allah, these include: the creator; the Tawhid Ever-providing; the Tremendous; the All-seeing; the Bestower; the Judge and the All- There is only one God who created everything. If God created everything knowing. Many Muslims remind themselves of the 99 names of Allah using a rosary of 33 Muslims must try to preserve the oneness of the world he has created. The or 99 beads. Muslim community must itself be one entity (ummah). There can only be one Oneness (Tawid) law for Muslims – Allah’s law (Shari’ah). Muslims must only worhsip Allah. This is the basis of Islam, as the first part of the Muslim (shahadah, the first pillar) Omnipotence states, “I bear witness that there is no god, but God/Allah.” Allah is believed to be the Allah is in complete control, a plan for the world and the power to make sure creator of everything since he is the only God. It also means that Allah must be all- that plan happens. A part of this plan is for the Last Day. powerful and in control of everything and that Allah must be present in the universe He Benevolence has created. If God is compassionate and forgiving then Muslims should act in the same way “And verily, We have sent among every nation a Messenger proclaiming: ‘Worship Allah and forgive others. Alone, and avoid all false deities.’” (Surah 16:36) Justice Omnipotence The Qur’an teaches that God is just and will reward the good and punish the Two of the 99 names of Allah are: ‘the Absolute’ and ‘the All-powerful’ and it is a bad so Muslims need to work for justice so that they are not punished on the fundamental belief that Allah has complete power. Islam means submission to God’s will Last Day. If Muslims want to be treated justly by Allah they must treat others and Muslims are those who have submitted to Allah because he is so great (all-powerful). fairly too. Muslims can do this by making sure that all people have equal rights Allah’s omnipotence also implies his omniscience as ‘the All-knowing’. and sharing the earth’s resources (zakah). Beneficence and mercy Transcendence Every surah except Surah 9 begins with the bismillah: “In the name of Allah, Most This shows Muslims that Allah should be worshipped, that Allah is greater than Gracious, Most Merciful,” This shows that Allah is good, king and loving to his creation. anything else and that Allah is not restricted by anything. Muslims believe that Allah sent prophets to show humans how to live their lives in the Immanence best way so that they would go to heaven. The Qur’an teaches that humans are not This shows that Allah is within the universe he has created and so science and perfect and will be forgiven by Allah when they make mistakes by doing things like learning can comprehend Allah. Allah can be contacted by humans. Allah is fasting in Ramadan and going on pilgrimage (). present for religious activities such as prayer (). Justice Allah is described in the Qur’an as ‘the All-just’. Justice means fairness and the maintenance of what is right. Muslims believe that Allah created the world in a just way. They believe that the universe works according to laws established by Allah and the way it operates is fair and just. Allah has designed the world to provide a fair life to people. ’ah law is also a means of justice to ensure that humans deal fairly and justly with each other. Also Muslims believe that at the end of the world Allah will judge everyone justly. The good will be rewarded and the evil punished. Transcendence Allah is totally beyond the material world and so beyond human experience as is shown in the names ‘the Greatest’, ‘the Highest’, ‘the Glorious’, ‘the Supreme One’, and ‘the Magnificent’. Immanence Allah is also immanent – he is close to humans and can be contacted. “We are nearer to man than his jugular vein.” (Surah 50:16). Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

Risalah (Prophets) Hawwa The first woman, Adam’s wife (Eve) The Nature of Prophets Muslims believe that Allah created humans to look after the earth (Allah’s Khalifahs or vicegerents) Makkah The city on Arabia where Muhammad (pbuh) was born and humans need prophets to know how to do this. Muslims do not believe that Islam began with Muhammad (pbuh); rather, it began with the creation of humans and so it is the original religion Ka’aba The Shrine in Makkah which Muslims pray in the direction begun by Allah and his first prophet, Adam. In Islam, prophets are ordinary people (not divine) that of. were chosen to receive Allah’s messages. Most Muslims believe that the prophets were sinless after they had been called by Allah to be his messenger, hence they are blessed when their name Vicegerent A person exercising delegated power on behalf of a is mentioned (‘peace be upon him’ pbuh or for Muhammad ‘May Allah honour him and grant him sovereign or ruler. peace’ saw). The Qur’an says that each prophet was given Allah’s word for their generation, so each prophet brought Islam to its perfect form. However, this message became distorted so Allah the Apostle of God’; but they killed him not crucified him, but so it was made to had to keep sending new prophets until Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims believe that Muhammad appear to them.” (Surah). Muslims also believe that Allah took Isa to heaven 9pbuh) was given the Qur’an in a form that could never be distorted. from the cross so that Isa never died. Isa was given the holy book Injil (Gospel). Adam However, the Qur’an makes it plain that he was a prophet, an ordinary man, According to the Qur’an Adam was the first man and was created to be Allah’s vicegerent to look Not the Son of God. “Christ the son of Mary was no more than an Apostle: after the earth. Adam and his wife Hawwa lived in the garden but ate fruit that they had been told not to so were placed on earth to live. The couple realised they had done wrong so asked for many were the apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a Allah’s forgiveness. Allah forgave them and as a sign of his thanks Adam built a House for Allah in woman of truth. They both had to eat their daily bread.” (Surah 5:78) Makkah called the Ka’aba. Muhammad (pbuh) Ibrahim (Abraham) Muslims believe that Muhammad (pbuh) was called by Allah to bring his final Ibrahim was born into a polytheistic (worshipping many gods) family, he rejected polytheism and message to humanity. His message must be followed and those who follow his destroyed idols/statues of gods to show that this belief was wrong. “Abraham was not a Jew nor message will be rewarded, but those who reject it will be punished. His life was yet a Christian, but he was true in faith and bowed his will to God’s, which is Islam.” (surah 3:67). It the perfect example for people to follow. The message of the prophets was is said that Allah saved Ibrahim from being burnt to death. Ibrahim and his wife did not have distorted or forgotten so Allah sent Muhammad (pbuh) with a message that children but in their old age Allah granted them the gift of two sons – Isma’il and Ishaq. The Qur’an could not be distorted and a holy book (the Qur’an) which could never be says that Ibrahim had visions from Allah to sacrifice his son as a test, as the sacrifice was about to take place Allah stopped it and rewarded them for being obedient. Ibrahim and Isma’il are also distorted. However, there are only four references to Muhammad’s name in said to have restored the Ka’aba after it was destroyed in the follds of Noah’s time. Ibrahim was the Qur’an plus one that refers to Ahmad which is assumed to refer to given the holy book of Sahifah (The Scrolls of Ibrahim), the first books mentioned in the Qur’an. Muhammad: Muslims regard Ibrahim as a role model for how to live life. “Abraham was indeed a model devoutly obedient to God, true in faith, and he joined not gods with God.” (Surah 16:120) Isma’il Eldest son of Ibrahim who helped to rebuild the Ka’aba and establish it as a place of pilgrimage. Musa (Moses) Musa was born a Jew but raised by the Egyptian Pharaoh's wife and then led the Jews out of slavery. Musa was chosen to receive the holy book of Tawrat (), but the people rejected or distorted the message. Dawud (David) Dawud was chosen to receive the holy book of (Psalms) because of the distortion of the Tawrat. “Before this we wrote in the Psalms, after the message given to Moses: ‘My servants the righteous shall inherit the earth.” (Surah 21:105 and Psalm 37:29) Isa () Isa had a virgin birth because his mother conceived him by of Allah. The Qur’an records that Isa performed many miracles ,such as healing the sick. According to the Qur’an, the Jewish authorities wanted to have Isa executed and attempted to have him crucified, but Allah prevented this from happening. “They said in boast, ‘We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary,

Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

Risalah (Prophets) The example and way of life of the Prophet Muhammad What the prophets teach Muslims (pbuh). Islam is the original religion as Allah taught Islam to his first prophet Adam through the prophets to the final prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Every prophet was given Allah’s true message so their Caliph Chief Muslim civil and religious ruler (Sunni). teachings should be followed. Prophets are ordinary people chosen to be messengers, they are not divine. The messages of the prophets are recorded in holy books which should be followed. In the past Allah’s message has been distorted, The Qur’an is Allah’s true message and should not be distorted. Muhammad (pbuh) is the final and most important prophet. Good Muslims should The Qur’an follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because his is the last example people have Muslims believe that God decided that his word needed revealing in a new way because of how to live their lives. it had been distorted 5 times, disobeyed, ignored or unknown. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was sent to a prophet that could not read or write so that it had to be recited and therefore preserved. Muslims believe that Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen for this Muslim Holy Books role because, whilst he could not read or write, he was highly intelligent and had a good The nature, history and purpose of Muslim holy books memory. Muhamad (pbuh) made sure his followers remembered sections of the Muslims believe that God sent prophets with his message and the mo0st important of these were given the message in the form of God’s holy book. There is some dispute about the exact nature of revelations, although later he had secretaries who wrote down the revelations. They the holy books: were later categorised into 114 surahs based on their being revealed at the same time • Most Muslims believe that God made one holy book , the Qur’an, which is his eternal word, or being on a common theme. and each holy book given to a prophet was simply a copy of that ‘heavenly original’. History Unfortunately over time these holy books became distorted by humans. Sometimes God sent a After Muhammad's (pbuh) death Abu Bak’r made an authorised version of the Qur’an. prophet to correct these distortions, but on four occasions he sent a new copy of the holy book The third Caliph, Uthman (644-56CE) decided to make an official version based on Abu until finally he sent the Qur’an to Muhammad (pbuh) in a form that could never be distorted. Bak’r’s authorised version. When this was completed all other written versions were • Some Muslims scholars believe that the earlier holy books were not the Qur’an as they only destroyed. Muslims believe that the way the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad contained certain parts of the Qur’an. They contained God’s message appropriate to the needs (pbuh) and then complied by the caliphs guarantees that the Arabic Qur’an, as used by of the prophet’s time. They believe that only Muhammad (pbuh) was given God’s full eternal word in the undistortable Qur’an. Muslims today, is the exact words of God revealed to Muhammad. In addition all old The purpose of holy books is so that Muslims know what to believe and how to live. The history of Qur’ans and Arabic Qur’ans today have the same surahs, words and letters. holy books begins with Adam. Muslims believe God gave the first holy book to Adam but that this Divergent views about the importance of holy books message was distorted so God had to send other messengers. Ibrahim was given the Sahifa Books before the Qur’an show that God has always communicated with humans but Ibrahim (the ) “But We have already given the family of Abraham the Book and these books are no longer important to some Muslims because they are believed to be Wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.” (Qur’an). However, Muslims believe that distorted. Other Muslims believe that since the Qur’an refers to these books they are this too was distorted. Musa was given the Tawrat, although Muslims believe Musa’s message was still holy and should still be followed if they fit with the teachings of the Qur’an. distorted, some parts remained in the Torah of the Old Testament, which is why many elements The importance of the Qur’an for Muslims today of Judaism (including the food laws) are still very similar to Islam. “It was We who revealed the to Muslims believe that the Qur’an used today is the exact Qur’an that was revealed to Moses: therein was guidance and light. By its standards have been judged the Jews by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to God’s will by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: for to them was Muhammad (pbuh) , which is important because Muslims believe that everything in the entrusted the protection of God’s Book.” (Surah 5:47) Dawud was given the holy books Zabur, some Qur’an is true because it is the word of God. Muslims must do everything in the Qur’an of which, Muslims believe, have survived undistorted in the Psalms of the Old Testament. The if the want to please God. Nothing in the Qur’an can be altered because it is the word of Qur’an has a direct quotation from the Psalms of the Old Testament in Surah 21:105 “Before this God. The Qur’an tells Muslims to believe in one God who is omnipotent, omniscient and We wrote in the Psalms, after the message given to Moses, ‘My servants the righteous shall inherit omnipresent. It also teaches Muslims to believe in angels, messengers, holy books, the the earth’.” which quotes Psalm 37:29 “We have sent thee inspiration as We sent it to Noah and Last Day and life after death. The Qur’an teaches Muslims to pray, visit the on a the Messengers after him…And to David We gave the Psalms. (Surah 4:163) Friday, fast during Ramadan, celebrate festivals (Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha), pay religious Injil tax to help the poor, go on pilgrimage to Makkah, not eat pork, drink alcohol, not take Muslims believe the final prophet before Muhammad (pbuh) was Isa (Jesus), who was given the drugs, not gamble or male money from interest (financial). holy books Injil (Gospel). Muslims do not believe this is the same as the four Gospels of the New Testament, instead it is believed to be the book given to Isa by God which Isa preached to the Jews. Muslims do not believe Isa was the Son of God or was crucified; Muslims do believe that Isa predicted the coming of Muhammad (pbuh): “Christ Jesus the son of Mary was no more than an Apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestoweth on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His apostles. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for God id One God. Glory be to Him far exalted is He above having a son.” (Surah 4:171)

Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

Malaikah (angels) Malaikah Angels Allah is so great that he does not communicate directly with humans. Angels act as go betweens between Allah and humans. Allah created them as immortal sinless creatures Shaytan The devil without freewill. It is because angels are sinless that they can communicate directly with Predestination The belief that everything that happens has already been Allah. The Qur’an teaches that when Adam was created Allah order the angels to bow down to him because Adam had been able to name Allah’s creations while the angels had not. decided. Muslims believe that (Shaytan) was an who refused to bow down to Adam and so Decree An official order from a high authority. was sent out of heaven and set up his own kingdom of hell. The Qur’an says that Iblis begged Allah to postpone his punishment for disobedience until the Last Day and this is why Iblis is able to tempt humans to go against Allah (Surah 7: 11-18). Al-Qadr (Fate) Muslims believe that angels have many roles: Al-Qadr means fate or predestination and is taken to mean that everything in the • They praise Allah in heaven. universe is following a divine plan. “The command of God is a decree determined.” • They are guardians of the gates of hell. (Surah 33:38) and “In all things the master-planning is God’s.” (Surah 13:42). There • They record good and bad deeds of humans to present to Allah on the Last Day. are many references in the Qur’an to events in the lives of the prophets that do not “Allah created angels from intellect without sensuality, the beasts from sensuality without make sense at the time but are later seen to be art of God’s plan. As Yusuf (Joseph) intellect, and mankind from both intellect and sensuality. So when a person’s intellect says “This is the fulfilment of my vision of old! God hath made it come true! He was overcomes his sensuality, he is better than the angels; but when his overcomes his intellect, he indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you out of the is worse than the beasts.” (Hadith recorded by Bukhari) desert, even after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Jibril () Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all He planneth to do.” (Surah 12:100) Jibril is the chief of the angels whose job is to deliver Allah’s message to the prophets. Muslims believe that Allah has a plan for universe he has created, he has the power Muslims believe that Jibril told the prophet Ibrahim about the birth of his sons; the prophet (omnipotence) to make it happen and the knowledge of what will happen Zechariah about the birth of Yahya (John the Baptist), and (Mary) about the birth of (omniscience) to that everything will work out as Allah wants – by his will. Many Isa (Jesus). Jibril’s most important role was to reveal the Qur’an to Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims use the phrase ‘insh Allah’ which means ‘if Allah wills’. Mika’il (Michael) Al-Qadr and the Day of Judgement Mika’il is the second most important angel who is believed to be the guardian of heaven, Muslims believe that on the Last Day everyone will be judged for their actions, protecting it from evil and the Devil. He also ensures that humans are nourished by sending however, surely people can only be judged for actions they did of their own rain to the earth. The Qur’an mentions Mika’il once: “Whoever is an enemy of God or his freewill? Can people have freewill if everything is predetermined? angels or his apostles or Jobril or Mika’il, verily God is an enemy of the unbelievers.” (Surah • Many Shi’a Muslims follow Mu’tazilite theological views which say that Allah 2:98) created humans with freewill and so humans are individually responsible if their Izra’il actions lead to them disobeying God. Therefore, they can be judged on the Last Izra’il is the angel of death. The Qur’an says that the angel of death takes the souls of people Day. at death and returns it to Allah: “ The Angel of Death put in charge of you, will take your souls: • Most Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the theologian al’Ashari who said then shall ye be brought back to your Lord.” (Surah 32:11). However, Izra’il only acts at Allah’s that Allah knows what people will do before they do it, since he as the attribute command because it is Allah alone who decides when a person will die: “Nor can a soul die of foreknowledge. Allah knows what people will do, but they do it of their own except by God’s leave.” Surah 3:145). There are hadith which record that the prophets met freewill . Izra’il during their lives and that Izra’il watches over them dying. The implications of belief in al-Qadr for Muslims today Why angels are important to Muslims • God has a long term plan for everyone. Angels communicated the Qur’an to Muhammad (pbuh), so without angels Muslims wouldn’t • Suffering is a part of Allah’s plan, it should be accepted and will have an know how to live their lives. Without angels there would be no prophets as Allah cannot eventual good outcome. communicate directly with humans, so without angels Muslims wouldn’t have the teachings • Muslims have freewill so have to take responsibility for their own actions. of the prophets. Muslims believe that angels will provide God with information on Judgement • Muslims need to work out what God wants them to do so they can be sure that Day and that heaven is safe from evil. their choices are what God wants them to do.

Year 9 RE Knowledge Organiser: Muslim Beliefs Key Terms Definitions

Akirah (life after death) Al- Heaven Muslims believe that after death the body stays in the grave until the Last Day. According to the Qur’an the world will be brought to an end on a day of God’s choosing (the Last Day). Before that Hell Isa will return, the angel will sound the trumpet and the dead will be raised. Everyone will stand before God on the plain of Arafat (near Makkah) to be judged by God and sent to either The period between death and the Last Day heaven of hell: “They say, ‘What when we are reduced to bones and dust should we really be raised up to be a new creation?’ Say, ‘Nay be ye stones or iron, or created matter which in your minds is the hardest to be raised up, yet shall ye be raised up’.” (surah 17:49-51) “That Day shall all men be Why life after death is important to Muslims sorted out. Then those who have believed and worked righteous deeds shall be made happy in a The Qur’an is the word of God and should be believed word for word. The Qur’an mead of delight. And those who have rejected faith and falsely denied Our signs and the meeting of teaches that there is life after death so these teachings should be believed. Muhammad the Hereafter, such shall be brought to punishment.” (Surah 30:14-16) Most Muslims believe that (pbuh) taught that there was life after death. Muhammad (pbuh) is the perfect role the judgement received on the Last Day will be based on a mixture of faith and action. The Qur’an suggests that those who do evil deeds and those that reject faith will be sent to hell, leading many model and his teachings should be believed. A belief in life after death is one of the 6 Muslims to believe that only good Muslims will pass the test of the final judgement. However, the beliefs of . verse “Whoever does evil will be requited accordingly, nor will he find, besides God any protector or Muslims believe that life is a test from God. Judgement and reward follow on from this helper.” (Surah 4:123) leads many Muslims to believe that God will help Muslims that have belief. A belief in life after death gives life a meaning and purpose. committed sins because God is believed to be ‘the Merciful’ and ‘the Compassionate’. Some How Muslim beliefs about life after death affect the lives of Muslims Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) will help followers that have sinned. Muslims try to live a good life to go to paradise and avoid hell. Living a good Muslim life Paradise means following the so Muslims will pray five times a day, fast All Muslims believe that heaven is paradise. The Qur’an describes heaven as al’Jannah (the during Ramadan, pay zakah and go on hajj. Living a good Muslim life will also involve Garden): “Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their following the laws of Islam so Muslims will eat halal food, observe dress laws, not drink, fathers, their spouses, and their offspring. Angels shall enter from every gate (with the salutation): ‘Peace be with you, that you preserved in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!’” (Surah gamble or be involved in lending or receiving interest. Muslims believe that 13:23-24) The Qur’an also describes heaven as a place of delights: “They will not hear therein ill resurrection means that nothing should be removed from the body after death. This speech or commission id sin. But only the saying of: ‘Peace! Peace!’” .(Surah 56:25-26) “Allah hath means that funerals often take place within 48 hours. Due to this Muslims may try to promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein , and avoid autopsies and some may be against transplant surgery. A belief in life after death beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of gives life a purpose and meaning, this may be why in surveys Muslims suffer less Allah. That is the supreme felicity.” (Surah 9:72) depression and are less likely to commit suicide that atheists and agnostics. Hell Muslim and Christian beliefs about life after death Hell is Jahannam and is portrayed in the Qur’an as a place of fire and torture. Most Muslims believe that people that go to hell stay there forever. However, some believe that bad Muslims Similarities Similarities to Catholic Things Christians do not will only stay for a short time as a punishment for sins that have been committed. This belief is and Conservative believe based on Surah 15 which says that there are seven classes of hell and Surah 6 which says that Protestants people only stay in hell for as long as God wills. Some Muslims believe that this means that good followers of other religions will only stay in hell for a short time. Life after death, Dead raised on Last Day, Dead should be buried Between death and the Last Day Judgement, The world will end of the quickly, Some Muslims believe that the soul stays in the grave until the Last Day. Some Muslims believe Heaven a place of Last Day, Bodies cannot be that the is a spiritual place and that souls are judged immediately after death before going paradise with God, Judgement, cremated, either to heaven or hell. This belief comes from Qur’anic teachings which suggest that those that Good people go to Belief in heaven and Some believe in die on hajj (pilgrimage) or holy war go straight to heaven. heaven, hell, immortality of the Soul There are also different beliefs about what happens between death and the body being raised. This time period is known as Barzakh. Some Muslims say that after death the soul is visited by the Makes sense of this life, Bad people and people not Resurrection, angel of death and questioned about faith. If these questions are answered with true faith then Good is rewarded. with wrong beliefs will Some do not believe in the soul is shown its place in heaven where it will wait until the body is raised on the Last Day. If go to hell, the Last day and believe the questions are answered incorrectly then a beating with clubs will take place until the Last Day. However, Catholics that judgement happens Others believe that after death the soul hovers over the body until the Last Day. Others say that believe in purgatory and straight after death the soul simply sleeps until the Last Day: “One day He will gather them together: it will be as if Muslims and other instead, they had tarried but an hour of a day: they will recognise each other.” (Surah 10:45) Christians do not. Some don’t believe in Muslims insist on burial not cremation due to the importance of the body in the Last Day. hell because they

believe everyone goes

to heaven eventually.