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EnglandReligious Studies

Islam: Practices

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is Hajj, and why do Muslims make the pilgrimage to Makkah?

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, including its origins, the main rituals (ihram, tawaf, Arafat, stoning the pillars) and its importance for Muslims.
A focused answer on Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering its origins with Ibrahim, the main rituals (ihram, tawaf, Arafat, stoning the pillars), and why it matters to Muslims, with sources of wisdom and authority.
14 min answer →

What do Muslims mean by jihad, and how do they celebrate their festivals?

The meaning of jihad (greater and lesser), and the celebration and significance of the festivals Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Adha and Ashura.
A focused answer on jihad and Muslim festivals for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering greater and lesser jihad, the rules of lesser jihad, and the festivals Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Adha and Ashura, with sources of wisdom and authority.
14 min answer →

Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan and give Zakah?

Sawm (fasting in Ramadan) and its purpose, and Zakah and khums (giving to charity) and their importance in Muslim life.
A focused answer on Sawm (fasting in Ramadan) and Zakah (almsgiving) for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering how and why Muslims fast, the Night of Power, Zakah and khums, and the importance of charity, with sources of wisdom and authority.
14 min answer →

What are the Shahadah and Salah, and why do Muslims perform them?

The Shahadah (declaration of faith) as the first pillar, and Salah (prayer five times a day), including wudu, the rak'ah and Jummah prayer.
A focused answer on the Shahadah and Salah for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering the declaration of faith, the five daily prayers, wudu, the rak'ah, prayer in the mosque and at home, and Jummah, with sources of wisdom and authority.
14 min answer →

What are the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts?

The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam, the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shia Islam, and their importance as the foundation of Muslim practice.
A focused answer on the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shia Islam for OCR GCSE Religious Studies (J625), covering each pillar, the Shia obligatory acts, and why they are the foundation of Muslim life, with sources of wisdom and authority.
14 min answer →