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The existence of Allah (a) State three things that Muslims believe about the nature of Allah - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
The existence of Allah (a) State three things that Muslims believe about the nature of Allah. (b) Describe what Muslims believe about the origins of the world. (c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The existence of Allah (a) State three things that Muslims believe about the nature of Allah - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three things that Muslims believe about the nature of Allah.
Answer
- Oneness of Allah: Muslims believe that Allah is one and unique (Tawhid). He has no partners or equals.
- Merciful and Compassionate: Allah is known to be Merciful (Ar-Rahman) and Compassionate (Ar-Rahim), which is a fundamental aspect of His nature.
- All-Knowing and Omnipresent: Muslims believe that Allah is all-knowing (Al-‘Aleem) and present everywhere, meaning He is aware of everything that happens in the universe.
Step 2
Describe what Muslims believe about the origins of the world.
Answer
Muslims believe that Allah created the world from nothing (ex nihilo). According to the Quran, creation is a sign of Allah’s existence, demonstrating His power and wisdom. The universe is created in a systematic manner over six periods (days), as mentioned in Surah Al-A'raf. The creation includes everything from the heavens and the earth to all living beings, emphasizing that Allah is the ultimate creator and sustainer of life.
Step 3
Explain how inspirational people can help Muslims deepen their faith.
Answer
Inspirational figures in Islam, such as the Prophets, scholars, and revered community leaders, serve as role models for Muslims. They provide teachings and examples that can guide believers in their daily lives, reinforcing the values of compassion, honesty, and devotion. For instance, the sayings (Hadith) and life stories of the Prophet Muhammad encourage Muslims to practice their faith sincerely, while wisdom from scholars helps interpret religious texts and apply them to contemporary issues.
Step 4
‘Mystical experience is the best way to bring a Muslim closer to Allah.’
Answer
The statement suggests that personal spiritual experiences can lead to a deeper connection with Allah. Mystical experiences, such as moments of profound prayer or meditation, can evoke emotions and insights that enhance one’s faith. However, Islamic teachings emphasize a balance between mystical experiences and following the prescribed rituals (Ibadah) such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), and reading the Quran. While personal experiences are valuable, they should complement, rather than replace, the collective practices of the faith, as guided by the teachings of Islam and the consensus of the community.