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2. (a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
2. (a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed. (b) What does predestination (al Qadr) mean for Muslims? (c) Outline the importance of niyyah for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. (a) Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name three holy books which Muslims believe were revealed.
Answer
Muslims believe that three holy books were revealed:
- Quran - The final and most important holy book, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
- Torah (Tawrat) - The holy scripture given to Prophet Moses (Musa).
- Psalms (Zabur) - The holy book revealed to Prophet David (Dawud).
Step 2
What does predestination (al Qadr) mean for Muslims?
Answer
Predestination (al Qadr) in Islam refers to the belief that Allah has predetermined everything in the universe, including the actions of human beings. Muslims believe that:
- Allah's knowledge encompasses all things.
- Human actions are part of Allah’s divine will, yet they have the freedom to choose.
- Understanding al Qadr helps Muslims accept life's challenges and remains a reminder of Allah's omnipotence.
Step 3
Outline the importance of niyyah for Muslims.
Answer
Niyyah, or intention, is crucial in Islam for several reasons:
- Sincerity - Actions are judged by intentions; a righteous intention enhances the value of deeds.
- Spiritual Awareness - Making an intention fosters mindfulness, reminding Muslims of their purpose and connection to Allah.
- Acceptance of Deeds - The sincerity of intention is a determining factor in whether Allah accepts a person's actions.
Step 4
Explain different Muslim attitudes to Divine Justice (Al-Adl).
Answer
Muslim attitudes towards Divine Justice (Al-Adl) can vary:
- The belief in Allah’s Justice - Many Muslims affirm that Allah is perfectly just in all his actions and decisions, ensuring fairness and equity in the universe.
- Different Interpretations - Some Muslims may disagree on the nature of justice when it comes to human suffering, pondering whether it reflects divine justice or a test from Allah.
- Shia vs. Sunni Views - While both groups believe in divine justice, Shia Muslims emphasize that justice is part of Allah’s nature and that Imams also embody this justice, whereas Sunni perspectives might stress human accountability.
- Historical Context - Historical injustices in the Muslim world provoke discussions on how divine justice applies in situations of oppression and inequality.
Step 5
"It is as important to celebrate Id-ul-Fitr as it is to fast in Ramadan."
Answer
Celebrating Id-ul-Fitr and fasting during Ramadan serve significant roles in Muslim life:
- Spiritual Growth through Fasting - Fasting during Ramadan cultivates discipline, empathy toward the less fortunate, and spiritual reflection.
- Community and Family - Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, emphasizing community ties and joy among families and friends, reflecting gratitude for Allah's blessings.
- Varied Perspectives - Some argue that fasting nurtures spiritual life, while others emphasize the importance of communal celebrations for reinforcing bonds and identity. Each perspective highlights crucial aspects of Muslim faith.
- Sources of Wisdom - Referencing hadiths and Quranic verses can help support arguments on the importance of both practices, depicting a holistic view of worship and community.