GCSE RS: Islam Beliefs and Teachings Guide

The nature of Allah

Muslims believe Allah is one (Tawhid), eternal and all-powerful. Shirk — associating anything else with Allah’s divinity — is considered the gravest sin in Islam.

Prophethood and holy books

Muslims believe in a line of prophets including Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses), with Muhammad as the final prophet (the "Seal of the Prophets"). The Qur'an is believed to be Allah's final, unaltered revelation.

Sunni and Shi'a Islam

The two main branches of Islam, Sunni and Shi'a, share core beliefs but differ historically over who should have succeeded Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community, and this shapes some differences in practice today.

The Five Pillars and Six Beliefs

Alongside the Five Pillars (practice), GCSE specifications often cover the Six Beliefs of Sunni Islam: belief in Allah, angels, holy books, prophets, the Day of Judgement, and predestination.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the Five Pillars (practice) with the Six Beliefs (faith).
• Treating Sunni and Shi'a Islam as entirely separate religions rather than branches sharing core beliefs.
• Forgetting to explain the significance of a belief, not just state it.