Islam: Beliefs is a core part of GCSE Religious Studies. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Qur'anFinal revealed book of Islam, given to Muhammad ﷺ
HadithRecorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
JibrilAngel Gabriel — brought revelation to Muhammad ﷺ
Seal of the ProphetsMuhammad ﷺ — final and last of all prophets
Yawm al-QiyamahThe Day of Judgement / Resurrection
Jannah / JahannamParadise / Hellfire in Islamic teaching
Sunni IslamLargest branch — around 85-90% of Muslims worldwide
Shi'a IslamSecond-largest branch — around 10-15% of Muslims
ImamahShi'a belief in divinely appointed Imams
CaliphateSuccessorship to lead the Muslim community
Free willHuman ability to choose actions
IsaJesus — a great prophet in Islam, not divine
TawhidThe oneness and unity of Allah
ShirkAssociating partners with Allah — the gravest sin
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Is Islam a race or ethnicity?✗ Yes, Islam is a race. ✓ No — it is a religion; Muslims come from many ethnic backgrounds worldwide.
Whom do Muslims worship?✗ They worship Muhammad. ✓ God (Allah) alone; Muhammad is revered as the final prophet, not worshipped.
What does 'jihad' mean?✗ Simply 'holy war' against others. ✓ 'Struggle' — the 'greater jihad' is the inner struggle to live well; armed struggle has strict conditions.
Practise Islam: Beliefs — free games
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