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.
,
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. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the prophet of Allah and that the Quran is the word of Allah.
Islam has five pillars, or obligations, that all Muslims must follow:
- Shahadah: The declaration of faith in one God and Muhammad as his prophet.
- Salat: The five daily prayers.
- Zakat: The giving of alms to the poor.
- Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, if one is able.
Islam also has a number of other beliefs and practices, such as the belief in angels, the Day of Judgment, and the afterlife.
Sacred places in Islam include Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, and it is the birthplace of Muhammad. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam, and it is where Muhammad lived and died. Jerusalem is the third holiest city in Islam, and it is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is one of the most important mosques in Islam.
The family system in Islam is based on the Quran and the Sunnah. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, and the Sunnah is the sayings and actions of Muhammad. The family system in Islam is patriarchal, and the father is the head of the household. Women are expected to obey their husbands, and children are expected to obey their parents.
Sharia is the Islamic law. It is based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of Muslim scholars. Sharia covers all aspects of life, including religious practice, social interactions, and criminal law.
Sunni and Shia are the two main branches of Islam. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of Muslims in the world, while Shia Muslims make up a minority. The two branches of Islam differ in their beliefs about the SUCCESSION to Muhammad. Sunni Muslims believe that Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend and confidant, was the rightful successor to Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor to Muhammad.
Islam has a rich history and culture. It has produced some of the world’s greatest scientists, philosophers, and artists. Islam has also been a major force in shaping the world’s political landscape.
Today, Islam is facing a number of challenges, including extremism, sectarianism, and Islamophobia. However, Islam remains a vibrant and dynamic religion that continues to shape the world.
Here are some additional facts about Islam:
- The word “Islam” means “submission to God.”
- The prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE.
- The Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years.
- The five pillars of Islam are the Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.
- The two main branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia.
- Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 1.8 billion followers.
- Islam has a rich history and culture.
- Islam is facing a number of challenges, including extremism, sectarianism, and Islamophobia.
- However, Islam remains a vibrant and dynamic religion that continues to shape the world.
Sacred places
- What are the most sacred places in Islam?
The two most sacred places in Islam are Mecca and Medina, both located in Saudi Arabia. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building that is Islam’s holiest site. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and the place where Muhammad established the first Muslim community.
- What are the rules for visiting sacred places in Islam?
Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the hajj, at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. The hajj takes place over five days in the last month of the Islamic calendar, and it involves a series of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to remind Muslims of their faith and their connection to God.
- What are some of the other important sacred places in Islam?
Other important sacred places in Islam include Jerusalem, the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is the third holiest site in Islam; and Karbala, Iraq, the site of the Battle of Karbala, which is one of the most important events in Shia Islam.
The family system
- What is the role of the family in Islam?
The family is the basic unit of Society in Islam, and it is considered to be a sacred institution. The father is the head of the household, and he is responsible for providing for and protecting his family. The mother is responsible for raising the children and taking care of the home.
- What are the rights and responsibilities of husbands and wives in Islam?
Husbands and wives have both rights and responsibilities in Islam. Husbands are responsible for providing for and protecting their wives, while wives are responsible for taking care of the home and raising the children. Both husbands and wives are expected to be faithful to each other and to treat each other with respect.
- What are the rights and responsibilities of children in Islam?
Children have both rights and responsibilities in Islam. Children are entitled to love, care, and Education from their parents. They are also expected to obey their parents and to respect them.
Sharia
- What is Sharia?
Sharia is the Islamic law that governs all aspects of Muslim life, including religious practice, social interactions, and criminal Justice. Sharia is based on the Quran, the Sunnah (the sayings and actions of Muhammad), and the consensus of Muslim scholars.
- What are some of the main principles of Sharia?
Some of the main principles of Sharia include justice, mercy, and Equality. Sharia also emphasizes the importance of protecting human life, property, and dignity.
- How is Sharia implemented in different Muslim countries?
Sharia is implemented in different ways in different Muslim countries. In some countries, Sharia is the official law of the land and is enforced by the government. In other countries, Sharia is not the official law of the land, but it may be used to resolve family disputes or to guide the government’s decision-making.
Sunni and Shia
- What are the main differences between Sunni and Shia Islam?
The main difference between Sunni and Shia Islam is the question of who should have succeeded Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims believe that Muhammad’s close friend and confidante Abu Bakr was the rightful successor, while Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali was the rightful successor.
- What are some of the other differences between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Other differences between Sunni and Shia Islam include the way they interpret the Quran, the way they perform religious rituals, and the way they organize their religious institutions.
- What is the relationship between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
The relationship between Sunni and Shia Muslims has been complex and often fraught with tension. There have been periods of peace and cooperation, but there have also been periods of violence and conflict. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve relations between Sunni and Shia Muslims, but there are still many challenges to overcome.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a sacred place in Islam?
(A) Mecca
(B) Medina
(C) Jerusalem
(D) Rome
Answer
(D) Rome is not a sacred place in Islam.
Question 2
The Kaaba is a sacred building in Mecca that is the most important site in Islam. What is the Kaaba made of?
(A) Stone
(B) Brick
(C) Wood
(D) Marble
Answer
(A) The Kaaba is made of stone.
Question 3
The Black Stone is a sacred stone that is embedded in the eastern wall of the Kaaba. What is the Black Stone made of?
(A) Obsidian
(B) Jade
(C) Onyx
(D) Turquoise
Answer
(A) The Black Stone is made of obsidian.
Question 4
The Grand Mosque is a mosque in Mecca that surrounds the Kaaba. What is the capacity of the Grand Mosque?
(A) 1 million
(B) 2 million
(C) 3 million
(D) 4 million
Answer
(C) The capacity of the Grand Mosque is 3 million.
Question 5
The Prophet’s Mosque is a mosque in Medina that is the second most important site in Islam. What is the capacity of the Prophet’s Mosque?
(A) 1 million
(B) 2 million
(C) 3 million
(D) 4 million
Answer
(A) The capacity of the Prophet’s Mosque is 1 million.
Question 6
The Dome of the Rock is a shrine in Jerusalem that is one of the most important sites in Islam. What is the Dome of the Rock made of?
(A) Stone
(B) Brick
(C) Wood
(D) Marble
Answer
(D) The Dome of the Rock is made of marble.
Question 7
The Dome of the Rock is a shrine that was built on the site of the Foundation Stone, which is the holiest site in Islam. What is the Foundation Stone?
(A) The stone that Abraham built the Kaaba on
(B) The stone that Muhammad ascended to heaven from
(C) The stone that Noah’s Ark landed on
(D) The stone that the Ark of the Covenant was built on
Answer
(B) The Foundation Stone is the stone that Muhammad ascended to heaven from.
Question 8
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a mosque in Jerusalem that is one of the most important sites in Islam. What is the Al-Aqsa Mosque made of?
(A) Stone
(B) Brick
(C) Wood
(D) Marble
Answer
(A) The Al-Aqsa Mosque is made of stone.
Question 9
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a mosque that is located on the Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism. What is the Temple Mount?
(A) The site of the First and Second Temples
(B) The site of the Dome of the Rock
(C) The site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque
(D) The site of the Western Wall
Answer
(A) The Temple Mount is the site of the First and Second Temples.
Question 10
The Western Wall is a retaining wall that was part of the Second Temple. What is the Western Wall also known as?
(A) The Wailing Wall
(B) The Dome of the Rock
(C) The Al-Aqsa Mosque
(D) The Foundation Stone
Answer
(A) The Western Wall is also known as the Wailing Wall.