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2 The existence of God (a) Describe one Muslim belief about the nature of Allah - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 The existence of God (a) Describe one Muslim belief about the nature of Allah. ..................................................................................... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 The existence of God (a) Describe one Muslim belief about the nature of Allah - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one Muslim belief about the nature of Allah.
Answer
One prominent belief about Allah in Islam is that He is absolutely merciful and compassionate. This belief is rooted in various verses of the Qur'an, such as in Surah Al-Fatiha, where Allah is referred to as 'The Most Merciful' (Ar-Rahman) and 'The Most Compassionate' (Ar-Rahim). Muslims hold that Allah's mercy encompasses all of creation, granting forgiveness and guidance to those who seek it sincerely.
Step 2
Outline mystical religious experiences for Muslims.
Answer
Mystical religious experiences for Muslims often include practices such as Dhikr (remembrance of God) and Sufism. Sufis may engage in repetitive chants or phrases that foster deep spiritual connections with Allah. Additionally, the Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj), when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is believed to have been taken to the heavens, serves as a model of mystical experience, demonstrating a direct encounter with the divine.
Step 3
Explain why Muslims believe the world was formed for humanity.
Answer
Muslims believe that the world was created for humanity based on teachings from the Qur'an. For example, Quran 2:29 states that Allah created everything on earth for humans, making them stewards of His creation. This stewardship emphasizes gratitude and responsibility, as humans are seen as caretakers responsible for the well-being of the earth. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) often reminded believers of their duty to appreciate and protect God's creation, reinforcing the belief that the world exists to serve humanity within the framework of divine purpose.
Step 4
'Daily worship is the best form of religious experience for Muslims.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
Daily worship, especially the five daily prayers (Salah), is considered by many Muslims as the foundation of their religious experience. It fosters a continuous connection with Allah and reinforces community bonds. Critics, however, may argue that personal and mystical experiences outside of formal worship can be equally fulfilling. Exploring both perspectives reveals that while daily worship provides structure and communal involvement, personal experiences can offer deep spiritual insights, suggesting that the 'best' experience may vary for individuals.