Position, status or function of a person in society, as well as the characteristics and social behaviour expected of them
Many sacred texts forbid adultery e. g. Ten Commandments, Qur’an 17.32, Third Precept, Guru Granth Sahib 274.
Some religions consider adultery as a sin. The Qur’an 17:32 describe adultery as evil.
Many believe adultery can destroy a special relationship between a husband and wife. • Many believe adultery can harm the family unit.
Many believers consider adultery goes against the belief that marriage is a special spiritual union.
As adultery causes harm it is considered unskilful in Buddhism.
Breaks vows made in marriage ceremonies such as Christian wedding services.
Adultery shows a lack of self-control and is therefore considered manmukh in Sikhism. • Goes against social decency
The focus of the question is on same-sex relationships although relevant reference might be made to same-sex marriage ceremonies.
There may be different views within the same religious tradition depending upon personal interpretations of sacred texts and conscience.
Christianity
Diversity of beliefs within Christianity about same- sex relationships.
Different attitudes are often related to interpretation of holy texts/sources of authority. Some form their beliefs from a literal reading of sources of authority while others place them in the context of the times they were written in.
Traditionally Christianity has taught that same- sex relationships are wrong. This belief reflected interpretations of sacred texts such as Leviticus 20:13 which refers to punishment for same-sex relationships.
Some Christians consider same-sex relationships as a sin so reflecting the teaching from 1 Timothy 1:8-10.
Some Christians, e.g. many Roman Catholics, believe that same- sex relationships are contrary to ‘natural law’ and that sex should only take place within marriage and when there is a possibility of having children. This belief is reflected in the teachings of Pope Francis.
Some Christians, e.g. Society of Friends, believe that same- sex relationships should be accepted if they are within a loving relationship.
Many Christians believe that there is a distinction between the orientation and the act. This is reflected in the teachings of Pope Francis.
Some denominations e.g. Society of Friends and United Reform Church allow same sex-ceremonies in their churches believing God loves all.
Islam
Different attitudes within Islam.
Many Muslims believe that same sex relationships should not happen following the teachings of the Qur’an e.g. Surah 7:80-81; 26:165-166.
Reference might be made to the cultural context reflecting on attitude.
For many Muslims relationships between a man and a woman are considered as the ideal state.
Responses might refer to the actual marriage ceremony as well as the state of being married.
Statistics show that fewer people are entering marriage than in previous generations so therefore isn’t perceived as important in society.
Many people consider they don’t need to enter something legally binding to prove the depth of their relationship.
Marriages can be costly and many people feel their money is better spent.
If a marriage breaks down it is a legal and expensive process in gaining a divorce.
In some circumstances it is impossible to be married e.g.in some countries same sex marriages are not recognised or considered legally binding.
In some religions marriage is a duty e.g. the second stage in Hinduism.
The vows made in a wedding ceremony reflect the commitment that is expected throughout a marriage and so builds a stable framework for family life.
In many religions marriage is seen as the ideal state e.g. as expressed in the Lavan and Qur’an 30:21.
There are many sacred texts which teach the importance of marriage e.g. Mark 10:6-8.
Marriage is often considered a model for other relationships as a
sustained relationship in which people learn and grow together. In some religions this is reflected by the vows in the wedding ceremony.
Many religions consider that through marriage there is a spiritual bond e.g. in Judaism.
Some Christians regard marriage as a sacrament
The process by which different living creatures are believed to have developed from earlier, less complex forms during the history of the Earth.
Through acts of stewardship or being khalifahs and living in harmony with nature.
By taking responsibility towards the care for the environment and treating the environment with respect.
To act as global citizens and reduce energy consumption.
Leading campaigns for recycling within their communities. • By looking after the planet’s resources and not wasting them.
By promoting awareness and actions at places of worship such as ecomosques. • By respecting animals e.g. Qur’an 30:30.
By actively keeping the balance or fitr (fitrah) and not destroying the natural world (bal tashchit).
By acting as global citizens and living sustainable lifestyles.
By not destroying the natural world (bal taschit) but support the planting of trees as in the story of Honi
There may be different views within the same religious tradition depending upon personal interpretations of sacred texts and conscience. Christianity
Death is not the end but a gateway to a perfect existence. References may be made to John 11:24-27.
Eternal life after death for believers in either spiritual or bodily form at a time of resurrection. Reference may be made to differences between dualists and non-dualists and to 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.
Entrance to heaven depends upon responses to Jesus and his teachings. Reference may be made to the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats.
Entrance to heaven depends upon how a person responds to those in need on Earth. • Belief in some form of Hell or distance from God. Evangelical Christians refer to heaven and hell as if they are actual places. Liberal Christians often consider the places as symbolic.
Some Roman Catholics believe that at death those who have not sinned since last confession go to heaven, the souls of those who have sinned will go to purgatory to be cleansed and those who have committed mortal sins or refused to believe in God will go to some form of hell. • Many members of the Eastern Orthodox Church believe in a heaven and hell but don’t believe in a state of Purgatory.
Many Jehovah Witnesses take a literal interpretation of biblical passages and believe the majority of those who have died in the past will be resurrected to life on earth, joining those who survive the battle of Armageddon. They believe the wicked and unrepentant will be destroyed eternally at Armageddon. Those not resurrected by God will simply remain dead. They completely reject the concept that God punishes humans with eternal torment in a fiery hell.
Society of Friends (Quakers) have different beliefs with some believing in an afterlife and some not.
Islam
Islam teaches that there is one life on earth followed by an eternal world to come. The life on earth is to prepare for akhirah.
Many Muslims consider that after death they will rise from the grave and be judged by God. • Islam teaches that the soul is separate to the body.
Many Muslims believe that at the end of the world there will be a Day of Judgement. They believe that Azrail will take the souls to barzakh to await the Judgement Day.
Some believe non-Muslims will go to Hell and some believe Allah will forgive non-Muslims who have lived a good life.
Many Muslims consider the afterlife in a literal way with references to Janna and Jahannan as described in the Qur’an.
Accept all appropriate references to the taking of life.
Reference might be made to different judgements depending upon type of euthanasia referred to (voluntary, active, passive, involuntary).
For many religious believers life is a divine gift and therefore not ours to take away (e.g. Genesis Ch:1).
Many religious believers refer to sacred texts or principles which forbid the taking of human life, (e.g. The Ten Commandments; The First Precept of Buddhism).
Many religious believers refer to religious principles forbidding the taking of human life, e.g. Pikuach Nefesh; Sanctity of Life; Ahimsa, metta.
Some people, e.g. Singer, argue that the quality of life is more important than the length of life. • For some people being in a vegetative state means that their life has no quality.
Atheists and Humanists would argue that people have free will to end their lives when and how they want.
Many religious and non-religious believers consider that euthanasia can be right if a ‘living will’ has been completed with a request for no resuscitation.
Some people consider that euthanasia is right to maintain their own personal dignity, e.g. Daniel Jones or to ease chronic suffering.
Attitudes towards the ‘Dignity in Dying Movement’.
Many people argue that hospices can ease chronic pain and care for the dying, terminally ill. • Many religious believers argue that there is a fixed time for life and only the Creator knows when that is, e.g. The Ethics of the Fathers.
Consideration of sanctity of life. Life is considered by many as God given and therefore only God can take it away. Reference might be made to Genesis 1:31 and Psalm 8:6
In Judaism pikuach nefesh (saving of a life) is so important other mitzvot can be broken. • Some would say that it depends upon quality of life and that it might be the right thing to do to stop pain.
It depends upon the circumstances e.g. utilitarian reasons or in selfdefence.
There is a difference between taking the life of a human being and the life of an animal. Reference might be made to Singer’s arguments of speciesism.
That which is considered morally right, beneficial and to our advantage.
Protection. To try to prevent people being victims of crime criminals may be imprisoned. This removes them from society and the opportunity to commit further crime.
Retribution. To get revenge and feel justice has been done.
Deterrence. By punishing criminals other members of society realise they will be punished if they commit the same crimes.
Reformation. To try and address the reasons for the criminal acting in that way. This might include education, therapy and counselling.
Vindication. Through punishment the law can prove that it deserves respect and should be followed.
Reparation. Repairing the damage done through crime such as through unpaid community work.
Christianity
The giving of forgiveness and asking for forgiveness are central to Christianity as shown in the Lord’s Prayer ‘forgive their sins, as they forgive those who have sinned against them’.
The teachings of Jesus show the importance of being forgiven e.g. Luke 6:37; The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant and the Parable of the Prodigal Son/Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-24).
The actions of Jesus show the importance of forgiveness. When dying on the cross he said ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Luke 23:35.
The importance of forgiving to allow changes in lifestyle is shown through Jesus’s actions e.g. Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and the adulterous woman (John 8).
Some Christian traditions e.g. Catholics have acts of atonement such as confession and special prayers.
Many Christian role models have shown the importance of forgiveness e.g. Martin Luther King and Gee Walker.
Candidates may refer to Matthew 18:21-22
Candidates may refer to Matthew 6:14-15
Islam
Humans are not perfect and will sin and therefore it is important that forgiveness is given for reparation.
Forgiveness can be given by God and by humans.
The Quran states that those who forgive will be rewarded by God.
One of the 99 attributes of God is as the ‘merciful’. There is no intermediary involved in Allah’s forgiveness.
The actions of the Prophet Muhammad show the importance of forgiveness e.g. the old woman who swept dust.
Even in punishment the Qur’an teaches that forgiveness should be given. Qur’an 64:14.
For people who don’t believe in a God then they would disagree that any form of divine intervention exists.
Even for religious believers many would say it has to be themselves rather than God that supports them in making the right decisions.
The laws of a country are there to help people know right from wrong.
A liberal education might help people to understand right from wrong.
Parents/carers and peers would influence whether someone knows right from wrong. This would be considered a religious duty in many religions e.g. in the married/householder ashrama in Hinduism.
It is the teachings in sacred texts that helps believers know the difference between right and wrong e.g. the Ten Commandments; Shariah law; the 613 mitzvot. Some texts such as the teachings of Maimonides are believed to be divinely inspired and others such as the Qur’an are believed to be a revelation direct from God.
Most religions believe that people were given free will and that it up to people’s conscience to do right from wrong.
Many believers pray to a divine being to ask for assistance in making the right actions or choices.
Sometimes there are tensions between whether actions reflect absolute or relative morality.
Believing in and supporting ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable.
Through activism such as writing letters of protest or leading campaigns within their communities.
Lobbying governments for social change.
Support refugee twinning schemes.
Give money to human rights charities.
Pray for those who actively support those working for human rights.
Provide sanctuary in places of worship for those in need.
Examples of dharma/dhamma in action.
Examples of agape in action e.g. education programmes such as those organised by Christian Aid and Cafod.
Examples of tzedakah in action e.g. Mitzvah Day.
Examples of ummah in action e.g. support Islamic Relief; activities of the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
Organise non-violent protests e.g. Martin Luther King.
Examples of dharma in action e.g. activities of the Network of engaged Buddhists; the work of the Karuna Trust.; campaigns to support the Dalits.
Examples of khalsa in action e.g. activities of the Sikh Human Rights Group.
Make a stand for a particular human right at the expense of their own safety e.g. Malala Yousafzai and the education of girls; Oscar Romero; Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Volunteer to help at hostels for the homeless or food banks.
Christianity
Diversity of beliefs and interpretations of teachings in Christianity.
Genesis teaches that God made all human life. Therefore it is taught that each person is equal and sacred.
Leviticus 19:33-34 teaches that strangers must be accepted.
Deuteronomy 24:17 teaches that everyone deserves human rights ‘Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge’.
The actions of Jesus, e.g. he healed women and lepers and befriended Zacchaeus, a tax collector, showed that there should be no prejudice towards anybody. • Specific teachings of Jesus, e.g. Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan.
Martin Luther King taught the importance of equality, e.g. ‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by their colour’.
St Paul wrote that in Galatians 3:27-29 that ‘there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female for you are all one in Christ’.
Many Christians believe it is important to challenge prejudice and discrimination through participating in projects to raise awareness of cultural diversity, e.g. Catholic Association for Racial Justice and Church of England’s Committee for Minority and Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC).
Islam
Diversity of beliefs and interpretations of teachings in Islam.
Islam teaches that all are created equally by God.
Qur’an 49: 13 teaches that the ummah crosses all gender, race and wealth boundaries.
Qur’an 5:8 teaches that men and women have equal religious and ethical rights. ‘O you who have believed be persistently standing firm for God, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just.’
The Qur’an teaches that different types of soil were used to create Adam. For many Muslims this is interpreted as showing all races are equal.
The actions of the Prophet Muhammad such as selecting Bilal a former black slave to take on the important role as the first muezzin. The sayings of Muhammad such as in his last sermon ‘a white person is not better than a black person’.
Many Muslims believe it is important to challenge prejudice and discrimination through participating in projects to raise awareness of cultural diversity, e.g. Christian/Muslim forum.
Disobedience to the law of a country can create social unrest and suffering. This would not be supported by religious authorities.
For most religious believers there is a higher authority in God rather than human made laws.
Religious teachings and practices might conflict with the law of a country. For example the wearing of the kirpan, wearing of the hijab in some countries, euthanasia etc.
Case studies might be referred to such as Malala Yousafzai, Oscar Romero, Raheel Raza etc.
Martin Luther King disobeyed the law of the country regarding segregation. He used the teachings from the Bible to justify his actions.
For some believers state punishment is preferable to punishment on Judgement Day.
Some countries do not allow freedom of religious expression which conflicts with some religious traditions which encourage mission and evangelism.
The belief that Jesus’ death on the cross healed the rift between humans and God.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Most Christians believe the reference to the ‘Word’ in John’s gospel is a reference to Jesus. • Some Christians believe the reference to the ‘Word’ is a reference to the creative plans and purpose of God in his creation of the universe.
All Christians believe God is the creator of the world and universe as stated in the creeds; ‘creator of heaven and earth’.
As part of the Trinity, Jesus is involved in creation and pre-exists creation of the world and universe.
Jesus (the Word) is present at the beginning of creation and before the incarnation.
Credit reference to Word and Spirit in Genesis 1 – 3.
John 1vs 1-5 ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Fundamentalist Christians adopt a literal approach to interpretation of the Bible and believe the Bible is literally true.
Liberal Christians interpret the Bible in a non-literal way; this approach may regard some details in the Bible as being symbolic or metaphorical rather than being literally true. • Credit examples used to demonstrate diversity in approach, e.g., use of the term ‘day’ in the creation story.
Christians have diverse beliefs about how the Bible should be interpreted because Christians interpret the Bible in different ways; one reason for this is because there are a variety of translations of the Bible.
Christians have diverse beliefs about how the Bible should be interpreted because the Bible is an ancient text, written over 2,000 years ago and understanding of the Bible needs interpretation.
Most Christians would agree that the Bible is the Word of God though they may differ in their interpretation of that.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
For Christians the most important belief is belief in God, stated as the first belief in the Apostles’ Creed, ‘I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.’
The resurrection of Jesus is the most important Christian belief because Christians believe the resurrection of Jesus is evidence Jesus is the Son of God.
The resurrection of Jesus is evidence death has been defeated and is the basis of the Christian belief in resurrection and eschatological beliefs.
It is not possible to say which belief is the most important belief, as a number of Christian beliefs are recorded in the Christian creeds.
Of all the miracles recorded in the gospels the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is the greatest.
The incarnation is the most important belief because Christians believe God becomes Man, ‘God made flesh’ in the person of Jesus Christ. • The most important belief is belief in the Christian belief of the Trinity; Jesus’ resurrection is only one aspect of this belief.
It could be argued that the most important belief is to love one’s neighbour • It could be argued that the most important belief is in humans as stewards of God’s creation
Preaching of the gospel to others with the intention of converting others to the Christian faith.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
During advent Christians may attend carol concerts and attend nativity plays as part of the celebration of Christmas.
Christians sing Christmas carols in church services.
Christians may decorate their homes, and may include a crib or nativity scene.
Christians may exchange Christmas gifts.
Christians may exchange Christmas cards, especially with cards which have religious images and messages.
Christians attend additional church services on Christmas Eve, such as ‘Midnight Mass’, and on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day).
Christians may make a donation to charity.
Churches may provide practical support for those in need, such as individuals and families living in poverty and the homeless.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christians have different beliefs about Baptism because different Christian traditions have a different view of how many sacraments there should be.
Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions believe Baptism is one of seven sacraments. Each sacrament is regarded as a central aspect of the Christian journey through life.
Many Protestant churches, such as the Church of England, and the Catholic Church use infant baptism, which is followed with confirmation. Baptism is regarded as entry into the Christian community.
Christian denominations, such as the Salvation Army and the Quakers (Society of Friends) do not regard Baptism as a sacrament. Members of the Salvation Army, for example, practice inward baptism.
Most Protestant denominations accept Baptism as a sacrament because it is associated with the life of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament.
Many evangelical churches use the ritual of total immersion but do not believe baptism is a sacrament.
In the Baptist tradition, ‘believers’ baptism’ takes place when a Christian is able to declare their personal faith. As Jesus was baptised as an adult, Baptists believe they are following the example of Jesus.
Some Christians believe that infant baptism is important because it washes away Original Sin.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
The persecution of Christians has taken place since the beginning of Christianity and Christians are still martyred for their faith.
If Christians were not persecuted today there would be no need for Christian evangelical organisations, such as Open Doors and Christian Freedom International. These organisations are a source of practical assistance for Christians; working to support the human rights of persecuted Christians and supplying Bibles.
Christians may not be persecuted in the UK but are persecuted in other countries, especially where Christianity is a minority religion.
Examples of persecution today include martyrdom, attack or closure of church buildings, unjust imprisonment, and torture.
Christians are not persecuted in the UK; laws to protect religious freedom, such as the Equality Act, state it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their religious beliefs. • Some Christians believe although they are not persecuted they suffer intolerance and discrimination in the media.
‘Christianophobia’ is a new term used by some Christians for ‘intolerance of, hostility towards or discrimination against Christians’ which takes place today.
The term used of the messengers of Allah, beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
In Sunni Islam the six articles of faith are Allah, Malaikah, Holy Books, Risalah, Akhirah and Al-Qadr.
Allah is the Arabic word for God and Muslims believe in one God. • Malaikah or angels is an important belief in Islam; angels are God’s messengers.
Holy Books are a source of information about God; the Qur’an is believed to be the revealed word of God. Muslims also believe there are other inspired holy books, the Torah (Tawrat of Moses), the Psalms (Zahur of David) and the Gospels (Injil of Isa).
Risalah are the line of prophets sent from God, beginning with Adam and ending with the Prophet Muhammad.
Akhirah is the Muslims term for the afterlife, where Muslims believe in the Day of Judgement and in heaven and hell.
Al-Qadr or pre-destination is the belief Allah is responsible for everything and has set out a divine plan for all things.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Ibrahim (Abraham) is one of the most important prophets and one of the named prophets in the Qur’an. Prophethood or risalah is the term used for the messengers of God.
Although Ibrahim lived in a polytheistic family and society, he rejected these beliefs as false. Muslims believe Ibrahim was hanif; this means he had an inner knowledge there was only one God.
Ibrahim is the father of Isaac and Ishma'il; Ishma’il was a prophet for the Arabs and the ancestor of Muhammad. Isaac or Ishaq was the prophet for the Jews.
On Hajj, the pilgrims commemorate the anguish and suffering of Ishma’il’s mother, Hajor, as she ran between the two hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah in her desperate search for water.
Ibrahim rejected Satan’s attempt to persuade him not to sacrifice his son Ishma’il when commanded to do so by Allah. Ishma’il actually threw stones to scare Satan away.
According to tradition, Allah revealed a sacred book to Ibrahim, the ‘scrolls of Ibrahim’, known as the ‘Sahifah’, although no copy of this book exists.
Al-Qadr (Predestination) has implications for Muslims because it may be seen as limiting human freedom and means that Muslims are not really free.
Belief in predestination means that Allah knows everything which will take place and it is part of his plan. All Muslims are required to live their lives in submission to the will of Allah, as all events are outside the control of Muslims, as expressed in the term ‘insh’a Allah’.
Belief in predestination mean that Muslims should not make choices in their lives. .
All Muslims have been given Free Will and this means that all Muslims must make their own choices as human life is seen as a test. • Muslims believe that jihad – the daily struggle to live as a good Muslim – means Muslims do have the freedom to choose to live as good Muslims.
All Muslims believe Allah is omnipotent and has a design for all things but Shi’a Muslims place more of an emphasis on the importance of free will whereas Sunni Muslims place more of an emphasis on predestination.
Some Shi’a Muslims do not believe Allah is responsible for evil. Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
Qur’an 30:41 ‘Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].’
Qur’an 18: 24 ‘Except [when adding], "If Allah wills." And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.’
Qur’an 64:4 ‘He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.’
Lesser jihad is a physical struggle or 'holy war' in defence of Islam.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan and is a three-day festival.
Muslims break the Ramadan fast with the sighting of the new moon (beginning the new month of Shawwal) and share a family meal.
Muslim children may stay away from school. • Muslim businesses may close for the celebration of the festival.
Muslims decorate their houses.
Muslims give gifts and money to children.
New clothes may be worn.
Muslims visit family and friends and share in communal meals and festivities. • Exchange ‘Id Mubarak’ cards.
Give money to the poor in the form of ‘zakat-ul-Fitr’.
Visit the cemetery to remember family and friends who have died
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Fasting during Ramadan is Sawm, the fourth Pillar of Faith and commanded by Allah.
It is an action performed with the intention to obey God, and is Ibadah.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is considered to be the most holy month of the Muslim calendar.
Muslims believe it is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad first received verses of the Qur’an from the Angel Jibril.
Muslims are following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah).
Muslims are united in their practice of fasting as members of the ummah, the worldwide community of Islam.
This period of fasting is an opportunity to identify with the poor.
It is an opportunity to demonstrate self-control and restraint.
It is a time of self-reflection where spiritual batteries are recharged.
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
Qur’an 2:184 ‘[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.’
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Prayer is only one of the Five Pillars of Faith; there are many other important practices.
Prayer is the most important Muslim practice as salah prayer allows Muslims to pray five times each day.
The Prophet Muhammad said that prayer was ‘the pillar of faith’.
All of the Pillars of Faith which are practices (Zakah, Sawm and Hajj) are equally important.
Prayer is more important than Hajj because Hajj is only a voluntary pillar.
Prayer is the most important practice because it is an activity which is physical, mental and spiritual in nature.
It is not possible to state which Muslim practice is the most important
Islam is a complete way of life and all actions are a form of worship, known as Ibadah.
Zakah is the most important practice because it is a practical way of helping those in need; it is an obligation and a form of worship. In addition, sadaqah, is any good action performed out of a feeling of compassion or generosity.