Diversity in Islam | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

In Islamic tradition, the period before Islam in Arabia is known as the Age of Jahiliyyah, often described as a time of ignorance regarding key Islamic concepts such as Tawhid (the oneness of God), Risalah (prophethood), and Akhirah (the afterlife).
Muslims believe:

• Arabia before Islam was a turbulent and perilous society, marked by frequent tribal conflicts and the mistreatment of women.
• The people of Arabia had strayed from the divine messages previously delivered by Allah through the Prophet Ibrahim.
• Ibrahim introduced Islam to Arabia and restored the Ka’aba, which is believed to have been originally constructed by Adam.
• Islam was established as a religion in the 7th century.
• Adherents of Islam are referred to as Muslims.
• Islam is a monotheistic faith, with Muslims worshipping only one God, Allah.
• The Qur’an serves as the sacred text of Islam.
• Muslims also adhere to the teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which are recorded in the hadiths.
• Muhammad (peace be upon him) founded Islam, receiving divine revelations of the Qur’an from Allah.
• Islam shares certain principles with other Abrahamic faiths, namely Judaism and Christianity.

The Two Main Traditions

• Islam is divided into two major branches: Sunni and Shi’a.
• Approximately 85-90% of Muslims worldwide are Sunni, with the majority of the remainder being Shi’a.
• While the core beliefs, or Articles of Faith, differ slightly between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims, there is significant overlap in their fundamental principles.
• Both sects share the following beliefs:
  • Allah is the one true God.
  • The Qur’an is the ultimate source of religious authority.
  • The primary prophets are the same in both traditions.
  • Both believe in the Day of Judgment.
• A key point of divergence lies in the historical leadership of the Muslim community following Muhammad’s death.
• Some Muslims supported Ali as the rightful first Caliph, believing the first three Caliphs were unjustly appointed.
• Others believed Ali should not have been considered for the role at all.