Religious Beliefs and Unity in Diversity
Senior 2 · Religion and Ethics
Religious Beliefs and Unity in Diversity
Lesson 3 of 5
22 min
Imagine a Christian student and a Muslim student sharing a desk for three years in a boarding school in Huye. They will get on much better if each knows what the other truly believes, rather than what rumours say. This lesson sets out the core beliefs of the two largest religions in Rwanda, as their own followers state them.
The main Christian beliefs are summed up in ancient statements of faith called creeds, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. They include:
"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Muslims call faith iman. It has six articles, listed in the Qur'an:
"Whoso disbelieveth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers and the Last Day, he verily hath wandered far astray." (Qur'an 4:136)
| Pillar | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shahada | the declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." |
| Salah | the five daily prayers |
| Zakat | obligatory yearly charity, usually 2.5% of savings above a minimum amount |
| Sawm | fasting from dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan |
| Hajj | pilgrimage to Mecca, once in a lifetime for those who are able |
The Qur'an commands several pillars directly: "Establish worship, pay the poor-due" (Qur'an 2:43); "Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you" (Qur'an 2:183); "pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither" (Qur'an 3:97). The House is the Ka'bah in Mecca.
Question: Explain how two of the five pillars show a Muslim's faith in daily life. (4 marks)
Model answer: Salah: a Muslim stops work five times a day to pray, which shows that Allah comes before business or study (2 marks). Zakat: each year a Muslim gives a share of savings to the poor, which shows faith that wealth belongs to Allah and must be shared (2 marks).
Tip
Memory hooks. Five pillars: S-S-Z-S-H, "Some Students Zealously Study Hard" (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj). Six articles of faith: "All Angels Bring Prophets' Day Decrees" (Allah, Angels, Books, Prophets, Last Day, Decree). Keep the two lists apart: articles are what Muslims believe; pillars are what Muslims do.
What is a creed? Name one Christian creed.
Answer: a short official statement of the main beliefs of a faith. Examples: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed.
Which Bible passage summarises the death and resurrection of Jesus?
Answer: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: "Christ died for our sins… he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures".
List the six articles of faith in Islam.
Answer: belief in Allah, the angels, the revealed books, the prophets and messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree (qadar).
Which pillar of Islam is described in Qur'an 2:183, and when is it practised?
Answer: sawm (fasting), practised from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Name the four revealed books in which Muslims believe, with the prophet who received each.
Answer: the Torah (Moses), the Psalms or Zabur (David), the Gospel or Injil (Jesus), the Qur'an (Muhammad).
Remember
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