Topic 4 of 7 · Form 5
Islam: sources, beliefs and practices
The Qur'an (the word of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad), the Sunnah and Hadith (sayings and practices of the Prophet), ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy). Together they inform Shari'ah (Islamic law).
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Sources of authority
The Qur'an (the word of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad), the Sunnah and Hadith (sayings and practices of the Prophet), ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy). Together they inform Shari'ah (Islamic law).
Beliefs
Tawhid (oneness of God), prophethood (risalah), angels, revealed books, the Day of Judgement (akhirah), and divine decree.
Practices
The Five Pillars: Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm (Ramadan), Hajj. Other practices: halal and haram, modesty, festivals (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha), and life-cycle rites.
Branches
Sunni and Shi'a Islam, originating in disagreements over leadership after the Prophet's death; Sufism emphasises mystical devotion.
Islam in Africa and Zimbabwe
Spread through trade (East African coast, trans-Saharan routes) and later migration; Muslim communities in Zimbabwean towns run mosques, schools and charities.
Contemporary issues
Interpretations of Shari'ah, the status of women, jihad (primarily inner spiritual struggle; armed jihad under strict conditions) and misconceptions linking Islam with extremism.
Check yourself
- Name the four sources of Shari'ah.
- What is the origin of the Sunni–Shi'a division?
- What does "greater jihad" refer to?
Show answers
- Qur'an, Sunnah/Hadith, ijma and qiyas.
- Disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad's death.
- The inner spiritual struggle to live according to God's will.
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