Edexcel A-level Religious Studies (9RS0) · Study of Religion: Islam (Paper 4D Option)
Mini-Lesson
Study of Religion: Islam
This overview covers core Islamic beliefs, sources of authority and practices: the oneness of God, the Six Beliefs, the Qur’an and Sunnah, and the Five Pillars.
Islam is a strictly monotheistic faith; the largest traditions are Sunni and Shia. Answer the questions and collect ⭐.
Tawhid
Tawhid: the oneness of God
Tawhid is the absolute oneness and unity of God (Allah) — the foundational belief of Islam. To associate any partner with God is shirk, regarded as the gravest sin. God is the transcendent creator and sustainer of all things.
Check
Tawhid
1Tawhid is the belief in:
Six Beliefs
The Six Beliefs (Sunni)
Sunni Islam sets out six articles of faith: belief in
Allah (one God);
angels (malaikah);
holy books (including the Qur’an);
prophets (from Adam to Muhammad);
the Day of Judgement;
predestination (al-Qadr).
Check
The Six Beliefs
2Which is one of the Sunni Six Beliefs?
Sources
The Qur’an and Sunnah
The Qur’an is believed to be the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel).
The Sunnah (the Prophet’s example) and Hadith (reports of his sayings and actions) are the second source of authority.
Muhammad is the final prophet (the Seal of the Prophets).
Check
The Qur’an
3Muslims believe the Qur’an is:
Five Pillars
The Five Pillars
The Five Pillars are the core practices of Sunni Islam:
Shahadah — declaration of faith;
Salah — five daily prayers;
Zakah — almsgiving;
Sawm — fasting during Ramadan;
Hajj — pilgrimage to Mecca.
Check
The Pillars
4Which pillar is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca?
Sunni & Shia
Sunni and Shia
After Muhammad’s death, Muslims divided over succession. Sunnis accepted the elected caliphs (beginning with Abu Bakr). Shia Muslims held that leadership belonged to Ali and his descendants, the Imams. Both share the core beliefs and the Qur’an.
Sort it
Belief, pillar or source?
Sort each item into the correct category.
💠 A Six Belief
🕌 A Five Pillar
📕 Source of authority
Match
Term to meaning
Match each term to its meaning.
Statement
Answer
Recap
The big ideas to know
Tawhid: The absolute oneness of God; shirk is the gravest sin
Six Beliefs: Allah, angels, books, prophets, Day of Judgement, predestination
Sources: The Qur’an (word of God) and the Sunnah/Hadith; Muhammad the final prophet
Five Pillars: Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj; Sunni and Shia traditions