What you'll learn
The six articles of faith (Sunni) and five roots of religion (Shia) and the key Islamic beliefs.
The nature of God
- Tawhid: the oneness of Allah — the central belief; shirk (associating partners) is the worst sin.
- Allah's characteristics: omnipotent, merciful, transcendent.
Prophets and revelation
- Risalah (prophethood): Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad (the final prophet).
- The Qur'an revealed via the angel Jibril; belief in angels and earlier scriptures.
Destiny and afterlife
- Al-Qadr (predestination) and human accountability.
- Akhirah: judgement, Paradise and Hell. Sunni/Shia differences (e.g. the Imamate).
Exam tips
- Use Arabic terms precisely (Tawhid, Risalah, Akhirah).
- Reference the Qur'an as a source of authority.
Common mistakes
- Confusing beliefs with the Five Pillars (practices).
- Treating Muhammad as divine.