Year 9 - Religious education
Muslims and Shariah Law
Religious law: What is the social context and relevance today?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils examine how religions have created rules to live by. They will investigate how the ethics of Jesus reframed the Jewish law of the time and how Muslims may use the concept of ijtjihad to make moral decisions.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe what is meant by Shariah and how many Muslims explain its origins.
Key Notes
- The word Shariah means path to a water source. This is interpreted by many Muslims as an attractive path to follow.
- Most Muslims have two main sources of authority; the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
- These two sources make up the Shariah.
- The Shariah came about at a time of Muslim migration as the first Muslim communities were being established.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Shariah: a set of moral and religious rules that guide Muslims
- Hadith: the recorded words of the Prophet Muhammad
- halal: actions or things which are permitted within Islam
- haram: any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam
- Hijra: refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Halal and haram just applies to food and dietary laws.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The word Shariah means path to a water source. This is interpreted by many Muslims as an attractive path to follow. Most Muslims have two main sources of authority; the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Shariah'
a set of moral and religious rules that guide Muslims.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Halal and haram just applies to food and dietary laws. Correction: Anything that is acceptable or forbidden in Islam is known as halal and haram.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 Religious education guide library.