The life of Muhammad up to the Hijra

Islam begins in the religious, cultural and social world of seventh-century Arabia. Candidates study the early life of the Prophet Muhammad and the influences on him, his call to prophethood, and his early preaching and persecution in Mecca.

A defining moment is the Hijra — the migration of the Prophet and the Ummah (community) from Mecca to Medina. Its importance is such that the Islamic calendar dates from this event.

Muhammad after the Hijra

In Medina the Prophet Muhammad became a community and military leader, responding to conflict with the Meccans. The specification follows:

• his leadership and military response;
• the victorious return to Mecca; and
• his final sermon and death.

Candidates evaluate his continuing significance — as prophet, leader, preacher, statesman and example to others — taking account of a range of viewpoints.

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The origins and form of the Qur'an

Muslims believe the Qur'an is God's revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. The specification highlights:

• the events of Laylat-ul-Qadr — the 'Night of Power' — on Mount Hira;
• the support of Khadijah and Waraqah at the start;
• the collection and compilation of the revelations under Muhammad and the Caliphs; and
• the structure of the Surahs, including differences in style and content between those revealed in Mecca and in Medina, and issues surrounding the Qur'an's language.

Qur'an, Sunnah and Hadith

Beyond the Qur'an, Muslims draw on other sources of authority:

• the Sunnah — the example and practice of the Prophet;
• the Hadith — recorded reports of his sayings and actions; and
• Sharia Law and the Law Schools.

Evaluate: the specification asks about the relationship of Sharia Law to democratic systems of government and the contemporary relevance of these sources.

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The Five Pillars of Islam

The core practices of Islam are the Five Pillars:

• Shahada — the declaration of faith;
• Salat — ritual prayer;
• Zakat — almsgiving;
• Sawm — fasting during Ramadan; and
• Hajj — pilgrimage to Mecca.

Candidates study their origins in the Qur'an and the life of Muhammad, how they are practised, and the beliefs they express — with reference to the festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

Pillar, source or festival?

Tap a term, then tap the group it belongs to in Islam.

Worship and the mosque

Worship in Islam is ibadah — service and devotion to God. The specification covers:

• the forms and preparation for prayer, and its significance in life;
• Salat-ul-Jumu'ah — the Friday congregational prayers; and
• the role of the Imam.

The mosque is studied through its features — the dome, prayer hall, washing facilities and minaret — and its wider role in the religious life of the community.

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Term and meaning

Match each of the Pillars to its correct meaning.

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The big ideas to know

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