The Ummah (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: 0490
What does the Ummah refer to?
The Ummah is the global community of Muslims who share the same faith
It represents all Muslims worldwide, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or culture
The Ummah is united by belief in Allah and adherence to the teachings of Islam
The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is a powerful example of the Ummah united by belief: Millions of Muslims gather in unity, wearing similar clothing and performing the same rituals
It is seen as one big spiritual family, with its members supporting each other in faith and practice
The concept of the Ummah encourages solidarity, cooperation and mutual responsibility among Muslims
The Ummah also offers practical help and support
For example, giving zakah (charity) to support fellow Muslims in need
Muslims are taught to care for one another and work together to promote justice and peace within the Ummah
This may take the form of prayer, charity or activism
The Ummah reflects the idea of brotherhood and unity as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) helped establish the idea of the Ummah in Madinah, uniting different tribes under one religious community
The Ummah represents the equality of all believers in the eyes of Allah—as the Hadith states:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve … no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab” (Last Sermon of the Prophet)
Worked Example
State two reasons why the Ummah is important in Islam
[2 marks]
Answer:
It brings Muslims together as one global family [1 mark]
The Ummah helps Muslims to support each other in faith and daily life [1 mark]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The Ummah is a key part of understanding Islamic identity. Therefore, when answering a six-mark or eight-mark question on the Ummah, try to make links to other areas of the course.
For example:
Explain the importance of the Ummah for Muslims [6 marks]
You could mention how the Ummah supports families by helping raise children in the faith, linking to the topic of Islam and the importance of the family
You could show how the Ummah comes together during religious festivals like Eid or in collective acts like Zakah, connecting to topics on worship and charity
You can explain that Muslims in the Ummah share common moral values, which relates to topics such as halal rules and preserving traditional roles
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