Islam: Practices

What you'll learn

This guide covers all testable content on Islamic practices for WJEC GCSE Religious Studies. You'll master the Five Pillars of Islam, including prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage, alongside key festivals and the concept of jihad. These practices demonstrate how Muslims live out their faith daily and throughout their lives.

Key terms and definitions

Shahadah — The Muslim declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah"

Salah — The five daily prayers Muslims perform facing Makkah (Mecca), one of the Five Pillars

Zakah — Compulsory charitable giving of 2.5% of wealth above a certain threshold to help those in need

Sawm — Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs

Hajj — The annual pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must undertake at least once if physically and financially able

Wudu — Ritual washing performed before prayer to ensure spiritual and physical cleanliness

Jihad — Struggle or effort in the way of Allah; can mean personal spiritual struggle (greater jihad) or physical defence of Islam (lesser jihad)

Id-ul-Fitr — Festival celebrating the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting and charity

Core concepts

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars form the foundation of Muslim worship and practice. They unite Muslims worldwide through shared obligations and demonstrate submission to Allah.

1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)

The Shahadah is the first pillar and the foundation of Islamic belief. Muslims recite it in Arabic: "La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah."

Key points about Shahadah:

• Must be spoken with sincere belief and understanding
• Whispered into a newborn baby's ear
• Recited during daily prayers
• Ideally the last words a Muslim speaks before death
• Publicly declaring the Shahadah makes someone a Muslim
• Affirms both tawhid (oneness of Allah) and Muhammad's role as final prophet

2. Salah (Prayer)

Muslims pray five times daily at set times: Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).

Importance of Salah:

• Direct communication with Allah
• Demonstrates discipline and submission
• Unites Muslims globally as they pray at the same times
• Reminds Muslims that Allah is the priority throughout the day
• Performed in Arabic, facing the Kaaba in Makkah

Preparation and performance:

• Wudu (ritual washing) cleanses hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head and feet
• Prayer mat provides clean space
• Men should attend Jummah (Friday congregational prayer) at the mosque
• Prayers involve standing, bowing (ruku), and prostration (sujud)
• Each prayer includes recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah from the Qur'an

3. Zakah (Charitable Giving)

Zakah purifies wealth by redistributing it to those in need. Muslims give 2.5% of savings held for one year above the nisab (minimum threshold).

Significance of Zakah:

• Recognises all wealth belongs to Allah
• Creates a fairer society by reducing inequality
• Purifies the giver from greed and selfishness
• Helps the poor, orphans, widows and refugees
• Different from Sadaqah (voluntary charity)

Who receives Zakah:

• The poor and needy
• Those in debt
• Travellers in difficulty
• Those working to collect and distribute Zakah
• New Muslims who need support

4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).

Rules of fasting:

• No food, drink, smoking or sexual relations during daylight hours
• Pre-dawn meal called suhur
• Fast broken at sunset with iftar, traditionally beginning with dates and water
• Children, pregnant women, elderly, ill and travellers are exempt
• Missed fasts should be made up later if possible

Purpose and benefits:

• Commemorates revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad
• Develops self-discipline and willpower
• Increases empathy for those who go hungry
• Strengthens community bonds through shared experience
• Encourages spiritual reflection and closeness to Allah
• Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) occurs during last ten days, when the Qur'an was first revealed

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj occurs annually during Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth Islamic month. It commemorates events in the lives of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar and son Ismail.

Rituals of Hajj:

• Enter state of ihram (purity) wearing simple white garments showing equality before Allah
• Perform tawaf — circling the Kaaba seven times anticlockwise
• Walk/run between hills of Safa and Marwa seven times (sa'i), recalling Hajar's search for water
• Stand on Mount Arafat from noon to sunset on 9th Dhul-Hijjah — the most important Hajj ritual
• Collect pebbles at Muzdalifah
• Throw stones at pillars in Mina representing rejection of Satan's temptations
• Sacrifice an animal, remembering Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son
• Men shave heads; women cut a small section of hair

Importance of Hajj:

• Demonstrates submission to Allah
• Unites Muslims from all backgrounds in equality
• Seeking forgiveness for sins
• Strengthens ummah (global Muslim community)
• Fulfils command from Allah in the Qur'an
• Those who complete Hajj may use the title Hajji (men) or Hajjah (women)

Islamic Festivals

Id-ul-Fitr

This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on 1st Shawwal.

Celebrations include:

• Special morning prayers at the mosque
• Wearing new or best clothes
• Giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity) before prayers so all can celebrate
• Visiting family and friends
• Sharing festive meals and sweets
• Giving gifts, especially to children
• Thanking Allah for strength to complete the fast

Id-ul-Adha

The Festival of Sacrifice occurs during Hajj on 10th Dhul-Hijjah and commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Celebrations include:

• Special prayers at the mosque
• Sacrificing an animal (sheep, goat, cow or camel)
• Dividing meat into three parts: one-third for family, one-third for friends/neighbours, one-third for the poor
• Wearing best clothes
• Visiting relatives
• Giving to charity

Jihad

Jihad means "struggle" or "striving" in the way of Allah. Muslims distinguish between two types:

Greater Jihad (Spiritual Struggle)

The internal, personal struggle against sin and temptation:

• Overcoming selfishness, greed and pride
• Resisting peer pressure to do wrong
• Following Islamic teachings in daily life
• Improving oneself spiritually
• Maintaining faith in difficult circumstances
• Most Muslims consider this the more important form of jihad

Lesser Jihad (Physical Struggle)

Physical defence of Islam and the Muslim community:

• Only permissible in self-defence or to protect the oppressed
• Must be declared by proper religious authority
• Rules include: no harm to civilians, women, children, elderly or religious leaders
• Cannot destroy crops or homes unnecessarily
• Must stop when enemy seeks peace
• Controversial interpretations by extremist groups contradict mainstream Islamic teaching

Importance of understanding jihad:

• Shows Islam promotes peace while allowing self-defence
• Emphasises that personal spiritual development is paramount
• Misuse of the term by extremists does not represent authentic Islamic teaching
• The Qur'an states "there is no compulsion in religion" (2:256)

The Mosque

While not a "practice" itself, the mosque (masjid) is central to Muslim worship and community life.

Features of a mosque:

• Mihrab — niche in the wall indicating the qibla (direction of Makkah)
• Minbar — raised platform where the imam gives the sermon
• Minaret — tower from which the call to prayer (adhan) is traditionally made
• Washing facilities for wudu
• Open prayer hall with no furniture (Muslims pray on the floor)
• Often decorated with geometric patterns and calligraphy (no images of people or animals)
• Separate areas for men and women
• Dome symbolising universe under Allah's power

Functions beyond prayer:

• Community gathering place
• Education and Qur'an classes for children and adults
• Celebrating births, marriages and mourning deaths
• Hosting community events
• Providing support to those in need

Worked examples

Example 1: 2-mark question

"What is meant by Zakah?" (2 marks)

Model answer: Zakah is the compulsory charitable giving of 2.5% of a Muslim's wealth (1 mark). It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is given to help those in need, such as the poor and orphans (1 mark).

Examiner note: This answer defines the term clearly and provides relevant detail. Each distinct point earns one mark.

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Example 2: 5-mark question

"Describe the main features of Hajj." (5 marks)

Model answer: Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are able (1 mark). Pilgrims enter a state of ihram, wearing simple white garments to show equality (1 mark). They perform tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times (1 mark). Pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat from noon to sunset, which is the most important ritual (1 mark). They also throw stones at pillars representing Satan and sacrifice an animal, remembering Ibrahim's obedience to Allah (1 mark).

Examiner note: Five distinct features are identified. Each could be developed further, but for 5 marks, clear identification of five different aspects is sufficient.

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Example 3: 15-mark extended response

"Salah is the most important of the Five Pillars." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)" (15 marks)

Model answer structure:

Introduction: Muslims might disagree on which pillar is most important as all are essential commands from Allah.

Arguments supporting the statement:

• Salah is performed five times daily, making it the most frequent pillar and constant reminder of Allah
• The Qur'an emphasises prayer repeatedly: "maintain the prayer" (2:43)
• Prayer provides direct communication with Allah, strengthening personal relationship
• Muhammad said prayer is "the pillar of religion" in hadith
• Missing prayers is considered a serious sin

Arguments against the statement:

• Shahadah is the foundation — without belief, other pillars are meaningless
• Zakah demonstrates faith through action, helping create a just society
• Hajj unites the entire ummah physically in Makkah, strengthening community
• Sawm develops essential qualities like self-discipline and empathy
• All Five Pillars work together as a complete system of worship

Conclusion: While Salah is crucial for maintaining daily connection with Allah, most Muslims would argue that all Five Pillars are equally important as they are all commanded by Allah and each serves a different purpose in Muslim life.

Examiner note: Top-level answers present well-developed arguments on both sides, use religious concepts and terminology accurately, and reach a reasoned conclusion. Include specific references to scripture or teachings.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Confusing Zakah with Sadaqah — Remember Zakah is obligatory (2.5% of savings), while Sadaqah is voluntary charity given at any time
• Mixing up the two festivals — Id-ul-Fitr ends Ramadan; Id-ul-Adha occurs during Hajj and involves animal sacrifice
• Describing jihad only as "holy war" — Always explain greater jihad (spiritual struggle) as most important, and clarify lesser jihad has strict rules and is defensive only
• Forgetting to explain why practices are important — Don't just describe what Muslims do; explain the spiritual significance and how practices strengthen faith
• Using vague language — Replace "Muslims believe it's important" with specific reasons: "strengthens ummah" or "demonstrates submission to Allah"
• Omitting Qur'anic references in extended answers — Top marks require supporting points with scripture or hadith where appropriate

Exam technique for "Islam: Practices"

• Command words matter — "Describe" requires factual detail; "Explain" needs reasons/causes; "Discuss" demands arguments from multiple viewpoints with evaluation
• Two-mark questions — Make two distinct points or one developed point (definition plus example/explanation)
• Five-mark questions — Identify five separate features or explain fewer points in more depth; examiners mark until you reach 5 marks
• Fifteen-mark questions — Structure using PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain) for each argument; present at least two perspectives; include specific religious teachings; write a conclusion showing judgement

Quick revision summary

The Five Pillars — Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj — structure Muslim worship and demonstrate submission to Allah. Salah connects Muslims to Allah five times daily after wudu. Zakah redistributes 2.5% of wealth to those in need. Sawm during Ramadan develops self-discipline and empathy. Hajj unites Muslims in Makkah through rituals commemorating Ibrahim. Id-ul-Fitr celebrates Ramadan's end; Id-ul-Adha commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice. Greater jihad focuses on spiritual struggle against sin; lesser jihad permits defensive action only under strict conditions.