Religion Assignment Task 1 Research Scaffold

Syllabus ‘learn to’ statements • Outline the implications of Tawhid for Muslim belief
• Outline the principal beliefs about Angels, life after death and fate/predestination
• Outline the principal ethical teachings within Islam
• Outline each of the Five Pillars

Define Tawhid Tawhid is the indivisible oneness of God in Islam (Allah) as our creator where he is the centre point of life.

Define Akhira Akhira is the belief in everlasting life after death where individuals will be judged based on their actions in the
present life on the ‘Day of Judgement’.

Describe Sharia Sharia, also known as Islamic law, is a set of moral and religious principles that guide Muslims in various aspects
of their lives, including human behaviour, morals, social issues, and relationships. It is derived from the Quran,
Hadith, Qiyas, and Ijma, and reflects the holistic nature of Islamic jurisprudence, which intertwines religious and
secular teachings. Sharia emphasises the absolute submission to the will of Allah, shaping all aspects of Muslim
life, from personal behaviours to social and political engagements. To make Sharia an easier concept in daily life
adherents must follow the five categories of behaviour: Mubah, Makruh, Haraam, Fard and Mustahab.

Describe TWO of the Five Pillars… Shahada - Shahada is the central tenet and profession of the Islamic faith that is the nature of the principle
belief of Islam that there is one God and that Prophet Muhammad has been given Allah’s revelation. It reads:
“There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. Muslims are constantly reminded of the
Shahada where its recital occurs during each of the five daily prayers as well as many pivotal moments in a
Muslim's life. Every Muslim must say this creed with conviction at least once in their lifetime.
Sawm - Sawm is an obligatory act of worship in which Muslims must refrain from food, drink and smoking from
dawn to sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar (Ramadan). During this month, Muslims
fast to purify their souls, increase discipline, empathise with the poor and increase their devotion to Allah.
Fostering a sense of unity and fraternity within the Umma, the world community of Islam as well as affirming
pivotal historic events that occurred during the ninth month.

Points for… Tawhid

- The belief in the unity and monotheistic oneness of Allah linking to Shahada, the declaration of faith
Provide an understanding and (No God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet).
explanation, with support from - The transcendence of Allah and his absolute sovereignty over all.
examples, of how Tawhid and - Informs morality in Muslims to live their lives in accordance with the Tawhid, a central concept in
Akhira inform the Ethical Teachings Islamic theology and jurisprudence that shapes Muslims' understanding of Allah’s will.
and Expressions of Faith of Islam. - An obligation for Muslims is that it’s a sin to compare anything to Allah and that all other deities and
objects of idolatry such as drugs, money etc must be dismissed.
- Shahada affirms Tawhid. The declaration of faith in Islam through the Shahada is an expression of the
Muslim adherent's belief in the Oneness of Allah.
- Tawhid teaches Muslim adherents that Allah is the only one worthy of worship, and the practice of
Sawm is an expression of this belief.
Akhira
- Emphasis on honesty and integrity in undertaking acts of worship that will be accounted for on the
‘Day of Judgement’.
- The belief in Akhira emphasises the importance of adherents’ behaviour in determining their position
in the afterlife, which in turn shapes the ethical conduct and expressions of faith of Muslims.
- The belief in Akhira reminds Muslims of Allah's mercy to all, which encourages them to be merciful,
compassionate, and forgiving to others.
- Akhira changes the perspective on material possessions, as Muslims are encouraged to prioritize
spiritual wealth, such as taking part in Salat five times a day over material possessions.
- The belief in Akhira reinforces the importance of the Shahada, as Muslim adherents believe that the
declaration of faith is necessary for achieving salvation in the afterlife.
- Akhira helps Muslims cope with difficulties and injustices in this world, as it reminds them of the
reward in the afterlife for those who endure hardships and remain steadfast in their faith.
- Akhira reinforces the importance of self-discipline and self-control during Sawm to be rewarded in the
afterlife.
Points for… - Akhira provides the framework for understanding the purpose of humane existence by worshipping
Allah and being rewarded with Jannah, the eternal abode of righteous believers. Hence providing
Provide an understanding and meaning for Muslim adherents.
explanation, with support from - Akhira encourages Muslims to focus on long-term consequences rather than immediate gratification to
examples, of how Tawhid and be rewarded in the afterlife.
Akhira. the Ethical Teachings and - Tawhid serves as a moral compass for Muslim adherents guiding them with a set of values and
Expressions of Faith of Islam, principles by which they must abide to lead a virtuous and ethical life to submit perfectly to the will of
provide meaning and purpose for a Allah.
Muslim Adherent. - Tawhid offers a sense of security and comfort to Muslim adherents, as they believe that Allah is the
only source of power and control in the universe and that he is always watching over them.
- The ethical system helps provide meaning for Muslim adherents and helps them to distinguish
between right and wrong in their daily conduct informing Sharia law.
- Jurisprudence provides a detailed framework for Muslim adherents to understand and apply the
ethical teachings of Islam in their daily lives.
- The declaration of Shahada provides a sense of identity and purpose for Muslim adherents, as it marks
them as members of the Muslim community and reminds them of their commitment to Allah.
- Sawm is a time of spiritual reflection and introspection, where Muslim adherents are encouraged to
reflect on their relationship with Allah, repent for their sins, and increase their devotion to Him.

How will you use the directive term I will use the directive term ‘demonstrate’ to show the interaction between the principal beliefs of Tawhid and
‘Demonstrate’ in your response? Akhira, the ethical system and the chosen pillars of Shahada and Sawm on how they provide meaning and
purpose for a Muslim adherent with the support of examples from sacred texts and writings.

Locate TWO quotes from the Quran - "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him… He who associates others with Allah has
and TWO quotes from the Hadith certainly fabricated a tremendous sin". (Quran 4:48)
that could be used to support your - "Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting, he should not use foul or foolish talk." (Sahih Bukhari,
response. Book 31, Hadith 118).
- “Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in
faith. But those who open their breasts to disbelief… for them is a great punishment."(Quran 16:106).
- "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed…" (Sahih al-
Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 123).

Explain the meaning of the This stimulus implies that the ultimate goal of human life is to worship one God to attain true happiness. It
stimulus: reveals that one’s entire life should be devoted to Allah not just in religious frames and circumstances, but in all
aspects of everyday life. In essence, it emphasises the centrality of a holistic life and that through submitting to
“The purpose of life is to achieve the will of Allah, true fulfilment and happiness will be unveiled providing meaning and purpose in life.
real happiness by worshipping the
one true God in everything we do”.

Dr Bilal Philips

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BBC. (2023). Akhirah - key beliefs in islam - gcse religious studies revision - eduqas - bbc bitesize. Retrieved April
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