Welcome to Sacred Writings in Islam
Welcome to your study guide on Sacred Writings for CCEA GCSE Religious Studies (Unit 8: Islam). Whether you feel completely confident or find Religious Studies a bit challenging at times, do not worry! This guide breaks down everything you need to know into clear, manageable steps.
In this unit, we explore the texts and sources of authority that guide Muslims in every aspect of their lives: the Qur’an (the primary holy book), previous holy books (Kutub), and supplementary guidance like the Sunnah and Hadith.
---1. The Qur’an: The Primary Holy Book
What is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the supreme source of authority in Islam. Muslims believe it is the direct, literal, and eternal word of Allah (God). It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a period of 23 years.
Structure of the Qur’an
Understanding how the Qur’an is organized is very straightforward:
• Surahs: The Qur’an is divided into 114 chapters, which are called Surahs.
• Ayahs: Each Surah is further divided into individual verses, known as Ayahs.
• The Bismillah: Every single Surah (except one) begins with the phrase known as the Bismillah: "In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful."
The Importance of Classical Arabic
The Qur’an was revealed in Classical Arabic. Muslims believe that the text is only the true, unchanged word of Allah in this original language. While the Qur’an has been translated into English and many other languages so people can understand its meaning, Muslims regard these versions as interpretations of the meaning, rather than the actual Qur'an itself.
How the Qur’an is Used
The Qur'an is not just a book on a shelf; it is at the center of Muslim life:
• Daily Prayers (Salah): Verses from the Qur'an are recited in Arabic during the five daily prayers.
• Moral Guidance: It teaches Muslims how to live good, moral lives.
• Ultimate Legal Authority: It forms the foundation of Sharia (Islamic Law).
Showing Respect and Etiquette
Because the Qur'an is the literal word of Allah, Muslims treat the physical book with the highest level of reverence:
• Wudu (Ritual Purity): Muslims must perform ritual washing (Wudu) to ensure they are physically and spiritually clean before touching the Qur'an.
• High Placement: The Qur’an is kept in a clean place, often on a high shelf so that nothing is placed above it.
• The Rehal (Stand): When being read, the Qur'an is placed on a special wooden stand called a Rehal to keep it off the floor.
Key Takeaway: The Qur'an has 114 Surahs, was revealed over 23 years via Angel Jibril, is the literal word of Allah in Classical Arabic, and requires special respect such as performing Wudu and using a Rehal.
---2. Other Holy Books (Kutub)
Belief in holy books is a core part of Islamic faith. Muslims believe that before the Qur’an was revealed, Allah sent messages to earlier prophets. These are known collectively as Kutub (Holy Books).
The Previous Revelations
• Sahifah (The Scrolls): Revealed to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
• Tawrat (The Torah): Revealed to the Prophet Musa (Moses).
• Zabur (The Psalms): Revealed to the Prophet Dawud (David).
• Injil (The Gospel): Revealed to the Prophet Isa (Jesus).
The Muslim View on Previous Books
Muslims believe that these earlier books were originally genuine divine revelations from Allah. However, Islam teaches that over time, these original texts were lost or corrupted (changed by human error or alteration). Because of this, Muslims believe that Allah sent the Qur'an to Muhammad as the final, complete, and unalterable revelation for all of humanity.
Memory Trick: Match the Book with the Prophet:
• Sahifah \(\rightarrow\) Ibrahim (Scrolls / Ibrahim)
• Tawrat \(\rightarrow\) Musa (Torah / Moses)
• Zabur \(\rightarrow\) Dawud (Psalms / David)
• Injil \(\rightarrow\) Isa (Gospel / Jesus)
Key Takeaway: Muslims respect the Sahifah, Tawrat, Zabur, and Injil as original revelations from Allah, but believe the Qur'an was sent as the final revelation because earlier texts became altered or lost.
---3. Supplementary Authorities: Sunnah and Hadith
While the Qur’an is the supreme authority, it does not provide every single practical detail for daily life. To understand how to put the Qur'an into practice, Muslims look to the life and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Sunnah (The Prophet’s Example)
The Sunnah refers to the "path" or way of life of the Prophet Muhammad. It describes his actions, habits, and personal character. Muslims view Muhammad as the perfect role model, so following the Sunnah provides a practical guide on how to live in obedience to the Qur'an.
The Hadith (Recorded Sayings and Actions)
The Hadith are the written records and collections of what the Prophet Muhammad said and did. The Hadith provides detailed instructions on practical matters not explicitly detailed in the Qur'an. For example, while the Qur'an commands Muslims to pray, the Hadith explains the exact, step-by-step movements and recitations needed to perform Salah.
Authoritative Hadith Collections
In Sunni Islam, the two most respected and authoritative collections of Hadith are:
• Sahih Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
Key Takeaway: The Sunnah is the Prophet's living example; the Hadith is the recorded text of his words and deeds. They explain practical duties (like the steps of Salah) that are commanded in the Qur'an.
---4. Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
Examiners frequently point out common mistakes made by students. Keep these in mind to ensure you gain maximum marks:
Pitfall 1: Confusing the Qur’an with the Hadith
The Fix: Remember that the Qur'an is the direct, infallible word of God (Allah). The Hadith is the collection of the words and deeds of Muhammad (a human prophet).
Pitfall 2: Claiming Muslims reject the Bible or Torah
The Fix: Muslims do not reject them outright; they accept that the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injil (Gospel) were originally divine books from Allah, but believe modern versions have been altered over time.
Pitfall 3: Calling an English translation "The Qur’an"
The Fix: In Islamic theology, only the Classical Arabic text is the true Qur’an. Any translation into English or another language is regarded as an interpretation.
Pitfall 4: Giving vague answers about "showing respect"
The Fix: Use specific technical terms and practices. Mention performing Wudu (ritual washing) before touching the text, keeping it on a high shelf, and resting it on a Rehal (wooden stand) when reading.
Quick Summary Checklist
Before moving on, check that you can explain:
• The revelation of the Qur’an (to Muhammad, via Jibril, over 23 years).
• Key terms: Surah (chapter), Ayah (verse), Bismillah (opening phrase).
• Rules of respect: Wudu and the Rehal.
• The 4 previous holy books: Sahifah (Ibrahim), Tawrat (Musa), Zabur (Dawud), Injil (Isa).
• The roles of the Sunnah and Hadith (including collections like Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).