You have learnt about different important personalities of Islam and their great work. Choose two personalities (other than from book) from Important personalities of Islam and write about their role in Islam. Provide a clear reason for choosing your personalities.
Answers
Answer:
Islam is estimated to be the second largest religion, representing
approximately 20 per cent of the world’s population. It is also the fastest
growing. It originated in Saudi Arabia in the 7th century CE. The word ‘Islam’
means ‘voluntary submission to God’, and followers are called Muslims,
which means ‘someone who surrenders themselves to the will of God’. It
is a monotheistic religion, accepting belief in one God, who Muslims call
Allah. Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad, their prophet. He was
born in Makkah in 570 CE and was a messenger of Allah, who brought the
Qur’an, the Islamic holy book.
There are two main branches, or denominations, within Islam: the Sunnis
and the Shi’as. Sunni Islam represents approximately 90 per cent of the
world’s Muslims, and Shi’a Islam about 10 per cent. While the two groups
share many beliefs and practices, they differ in their ideas on leadership,
their interpretation of the Qur’an and some ritual practices.
A third group is Sufism. This is a small group of Muslims who believe it is
important to learn about Islam from teachers rather than holy books. Sufis
have helped to shape Islamic thought.
DRAFT
3
In this chapter you will find out about:
• the Six Beliefs of Islam
• the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam
• the nature of Allah
• Risalah (prophethood)
• Muslim holy books
• Malaikah (angels)
• al-Qadr (predestination)
• Akhirah (life after death).
Learning objectives:
Check point
Recall
Before starting this chapter, you should remember:
• Islam is a major world religion which is continuing to grow
• there are two main branches in Islam – Sunni Islam and Shi’a Islam
• different Muslims may practise and interpret their faith differently
• all Muslims are united by shared beliefs such as the acceptance of
Muhammad as the final prophet, the Qur’an as their holy book and the
importance of Islam being a ‘way of life’.
Look ahead
In future chapters you will find out about:
• what it means to live a Muslim life
• about Islamic beliefs and attitudes towards marriage and the family
• about Islamic beliefs and attitudes towards matters of life and death.
Use the information on this page as well as any prior knowledge you may
have of Islam to start a fact file about the religion. Use different colours
and pictures where appropriate. As you continue to study the religion, add
ideas to your fact file so that when you have completed your studies, you
will have a detailed guide to the key elements of Islam