Shahadah

The most basic belief for Muslims is about the oneness of God and that Muhammad is His prophet. This is expressed in the Shahadah.

Sunnism

'There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.’
This identifies Islam as a monotheistic faith alongside Judaism and Christianity.

Shi'ism

‘There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger, and ‘Ali is his friend.'
For Shi’a Muslims, the Shahadah is slightly different. They include an extra phrase about Ali, whom they believe was the legitimate divinely appointed leader after Muhammad. So they will add the words ‘and Ali is his friend’.

Saying the Shahadah

If a person wishes to become a Muslim they must recite this phrase three times in front of witnesses. This is included in a Muslim’s daily prayers.
Muslim parents will say this prayer to a newborn baby, so the first thing they hear is the important teachings of their faith.
Before a person dies they will try and say the Shahadah one final time.

Actions

The actions that make up a Muslim lifestyle are all based on the beliefs expressed in the Shahadah.
It is these beliefs expressed in the Shahadah that give actions ultimate spiritual significance.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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