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GCSE Religious Studies · key term
An Arabic word interpreted as ‘authority’ or ‘leader’ in the Shi’a understanding of Muhammad’s declaration about Ali, and as ‘friend’ in the Sunni understanding.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 2.8 · Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Id-ul-Ghadeer and AshuraThe key Arabic word is mawla. Shi’a Muslims interpret it as indicating authority: they believe Muhammad was announcing Allah’s decision that Ali should succeed him. Ali is therefore recognised as the first Imam in Shi’a Islam.
Specification 3.8 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
The word Muhammad used for Ali at Ghadeer Khumm, understood by Shi’a Muslims as indicating authority and by Sunni Muslims as meaning friend.
Explain the different interpretations of ‘mawla’: Shi’a Muslims understand it as authority, while Sunni Muslims understand it as friendship rather than the appointment of a successor.
Explain the different interpretations of ‘mawla’: Shi’a Muslims understand it as authority, while Sunni Muslims understand it as friend. Do not present the Shi’a interpretation as a belief shared by all Muslims.
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The central issue is the meaning of mawla, the word used for Ali. Shi’a Muslims understand it as indicating authority. They therefore believe Muhammad was announcing Allah’s decision that Ali should succeed him.
