Islam: Sacred places, the family system, Sharia, Sunni and Shia
Sacred places
Makkah
The most sacred place in Islam is the Ka’ba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Ka’ba is a mosque (built by Abraham according to Muslim tradition) built around a black stone. The Prophet Muhammad designated Makkah as the holy city of Islam and the direction (qibla) in which all Muslims should offer their prayers. The Ka’ba is believed to be the first place that was created on earth and the place at which heavenly bliss and power touches the earth directly. Makkah is located in the Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia.
Madina
Muhammad moved his ministry to Madina soon after his revelations began in 610 CE. The principle revelations were conveyed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. These visions continued with him until his death in madina in 632 A.D. . By that time Islam had swept aside all other religions on the Arabian peninsular. In the 100 years after the prophet’s death the Arabs ruled a vast empire stretching from Spain to India and north into Russia. Madina became the centre for the expanding empire. As the adopted capital and city where Allah’s word spread through Muhammad Madina is second only to Makkah as a pilgrimage city. Muhammad is buried in Madina’s mosque of the prophet.
Jerusalem
Jerusalam is considered the third Holiest City in Islam. Allah himself blessed the city in the Qur’an and appointed her as the first qibla of Islam, meaning that it was Jerusalem, and not Mecca, that served as the spiritual as well as geographical focus for Muslims’ prayers during the early years of Islam. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “There are only three mosques to which you should embark on a journey: the sacred mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this mosque of mine (Madinah, Saudi Arabia), and the mosque of Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).
The family system in Islam
The family, which is the basic unit of civilization, is now disintegrating. Islam’s family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the framework of a well-organized family system. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual Growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.
Sharia
Sharia is an Islamic religious law that governs not only religious rituals, but aspects of day-to-day life in Islam. Sharia, literally translated, means “the way.”
Traditional theory of Islamic jurisprudence recognizes four sources of sharia: the Quran, sunnah (authentic hadith), qiyas (analogical reasoning), and ijma (juridical consensus). Different legal schools—of which the most prominent are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali and Jafari—developed methodologies for deriving sharia rulings from scriptural sources using a process known as ijtihad. Traditional jurisprudence distinguishes two principal branches of law, ʿibādāt (rituals) and muʿāmalāt (social relations), which together comprise a wide range of topics. Its rulings assign actions to one of five categories: mandatory, recommended, neutral, abhorred, and prohibited. Thus, some areas of sharia overlap with the Western notion of law while others correspond more broadly to living life in accordance with God’s will.
Sects : Sunni vs Shia
Sunni Islam
Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination of Islam and are known as Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘h or simply as Ahl as-Sunnah. The word Sunni comes from the word sunnah, which means the teachings and actions or examples of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Therefore, “Sunni” refers to those who follow or maintain the sunnah of Muhammad. In many countries, overwhelming majorities of Muslims are Sunnis, so that they simply refer to themselves as “Muslims” and do not use the Sunni label. The Sunnis believe that Muhammad did not specifically appoint a successor to lead the Muslim ummah (community) before his death, and after an initial period of confusion, a group of his most prominent companions gathered and elected Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend and a father-in-law, as the first caliph of Islam. Sunni Muslims regard the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, `Umar ibn al-Khattāb, Uthman Ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abu Talib) as “al-Khulafā’ur-Rāshidūn” or “The Rightly Guided Caliphs.” Sunnis also believe that the position of caliph may be attained democratically, on gaining a majority of the votes, but after the Rashidun, the position turned into a hereditary dynastic rule because of the divisions started by the Umayyads and others. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, there has never been another caliph as widely recognized in the Muslim world.
Shia islam
Shia Islam is the second-largest denomination of Islam, comprising 10–13% of the total Muslim Population in the world. Shia Muslims, though a minority in the Muslim world, constitute the majority of the populations in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Azerbaijan as well as a plurality in Kuwait, Yemen and Lebanon. In addition to believing in the authority of the Qur’an and teachings of Muhammad, Shia believe that Muhammad’s family, the Ahl al-Bayt (the “People of the House”), including his descendants known as Imams, have special spiritual and political authority over the community and believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the rightful successor to Muhammad, and thus reject the legitimacy of the first three Rashidun caliphs.
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Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 1.8 billion followers. It is a monotheistic religion that teaches that there is only one God, Allah, and that Muhammad is his prophet. Islam has five pillars, or obligations, that all Muslims must follow: Shahadah (the declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
Islam has a rich history and culture, and its sacred places are some of the most important in the world. The three most sacred places in Islam are Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the holiest city in Islam. Muslims all over the world face Mecca when they pray. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and the place where Muhammad lived and died. Jerusalem is the third holiest city in Islam and is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the most important mosques in the world.
The family system in Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, the teachings and practices of Muhammad. The Quran states that marriage is a sacred contract between a man and a woman, and that it should be based on love, respect, and mutual understanding. The Sunnah provides guidance on how to treat one’s spouse, children, and other family members.
In Islam, marriage is a lifelong commitment. Divorce is allowed, but it is discouraged. If a couple does divorce, they are expected to remain on good terms and to raise their children together.
Polygamy is allowed in Islam, but it is not encouraged. A man can have up to four wives, but he must treat them all equally.
Sharia is the Islamic law that governs all aspects of life, including religious practice, family law, criminal law, and social interactions. Sharia is based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of Muslim scholars.
Sharia law can be divided into two categories: public law and private law. Public law deals with matters such as criminal law, political law, and international law. Private law deals with matters such as family law, contract law, and property law.
Sharia law is often misunderstood in the West. Some people believe that it is a barbaric and oppressive system, but this is not true. Sharia law is a complex and nuanced system that has been developed over centuries to meet the needs of Muslim societies.
Sunni and Shia are the two main branches of Islam. Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims, while Shias make up about 10-15% of the world’s Muslim population.
The Sunni-Shia split began after the death of Muhammad in 632 CE. There was a dispute over who should succeed Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community. The Sunnis supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend and confidante, while the Shias supported Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law.
The Sunni-Shia split has had a profound impact on the history of Islam. It has led to centuries of conflict and bloodshed, and it continues to be a source of tension and division in the Muslim world today.
Despite their differences, Sunnis and Shias share many core beliefs and practices. They both believe in the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the Day of Judgment. They also both pray five times a day, fast during Ramadan, and give zakat (charity).
The main differences between Sunnis and Shias are in their beliefs about the SUCCESSION to Muhammad and the role of the Imam. Sunnis believe that the Imam is a religious and political leader who is chosen by the community. Shias believe that the Imam is a divinely appointed leader who is descended from Muhammad.
Sunni and Shia Muslims also have different interpretations of the Quran and the Sunnah. Sunnis follow the four Sunni schools of law, while Shias follow the Ja’fari school of law.
Despite their differences, Sunnis and Shias have a long history of cooperation and coexistence. They have worked together to build mosques, schools, and hospitals. They have also fought side-by-side against common enemies.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards Sunni-Shia dialogue and reconciliation. This is due in part to the rise of sectarian violence in the Middle East. Sunni and Shia Muslims have realized that they must work together to defeat extremism and build a more peaceful future.
Islam Sacred Places
What are the three most sacred places in Islam?
The three most sacred places in Islam are the Kaaba, the Prophet’s Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims face the Kaaba during prayer five times a day. The Prophet’s Mosque is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, that was built by the Prophet Muhammad. It is the second most sacred site in Islam. The Dome of the Rock is a shrine in Jerusalem that is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
What is the significance of the Kaaba?
The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims face the Kaaba during prayer five times a day. The Kaaba is also the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
What is the significance of the Prophet’s Mosque?
The Prophet’s Mosque is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, that was built by the Prophet Muhammad. It is the second most sacred site in Islam. The Prophet’s Mosque is also the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
What is the significance of the Dome of the Rock?
The Dome of the Rock is a shrine in Jerusalem that is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It is one of the most important religious sites in Islam.
The Family System
What is the role of the family in Islam?
The family is the basic unit of Society in Islam. It is the foundation on which all other relationships are built. The family is responsible for teaching children about Islam and providing them with a loving and supportive Environment.
What are the rights and responsibilities of husbands and wives in Islam?
Husbands and wives have equal rights and responsibilities in Islam. Husbands are responsible for providing for their wives and children, while wives are responsible for taking care of the home and raising the children. Both husbands and wives are expected to be kind and loving to each other.
What are the rights and responsibilities of children in Islam?
Children have the right to be loved and cared for by their parents. They also have the right to an Education and to be raised in a Muslim environment. Children are expected to obey their parents and to respect their elders.
Sharia
What is Sharia?
Sharia is the Islamic law that governs all aspects of Muslim life. It is based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of Muslim scholars. Sharia law covers a wide range of topics, including religious practice, family law, criminal law, and economic law.
What are the sources of Sharia law?
The sources of Sharia law are the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of Muslim scholars. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe is the word of God. The Sunnah is the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which Muslims believe are an example for all Muslims to follow. The consensus of Muslim scholars is the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars on a particular issue.
How is Sharia law applied?
Sharia law is applied in different ways in different Muslim countries. In some countries, Sharia law is the official law of the land and is applied by the courts. In other countries, Sharia law is not the official law of the land, but it is still applied by some courts and by religious authorities.
Sunni and Shia
What are the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Sunni and Shia Islam are the two main branches of Islam. Sunni Islam is the largest branch, followed by about 85% of Muslims. Shia Islam is the second largest branch, followed by about 15% of Muslims.
The main difference between Sunni and Shia Islam is their view of the succession to the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad’s close friend and confidante Abu Bakr was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
Sunni and Shia Muslims also have different views on some other issues, such as the role of the Imam and the interpretation of the Quran.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Islam without mentioning the topics Islam Sacred Places, The Family System, Sharia, Sunni And Shia:
What is the name of the holy book of Islam? (A) The Quran (B) The Bible (C) The Torah (D) The Vedas
Who is the founder of Islam? (A) Jesus Christ (B) Muhammad (C) Buddha (D) Confucius
What is the main belief of Islam? (A) There is only one God, and Muhammad is his prophet. (B) Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (C) There are many gods. (D) There is no God.
What are the five pillars of Islam? (A) Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj (B) Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Penance, and Eucharist (C) Birth, Marriage, Death, Rebirth, and Enlightenment (D) None of the above
What is the Islamic holy month of fasting? (A) Ramadan (B) Yom Kippur (C) Lent (D) Diwali
What is the Islamic holy city? (A) Mecca (B) Medina (C) Jerusalem (D) Rome
What is the Islamic greeting? (A) As-salamu alaykum (B) Namaste (C) Konnichiwa (D) Hola
What is the Islamic call to prayer? (A) Adhan (B) Bhakti (C) Dhyana (D) Mantra
What is the Islamic head covering for Women? (A) Hijab (B) Niqab (C) Burqa (D) Chador
What is the Islamic prayer rug? (A) Namaz (B) Mat (C) Sajadah (D) Tawaf