The RE Podcast

Louisa Jane Smith

The RE podcast for students and teachers.

  1. DEC 16

    S16 E18 The One About GCSE RE Islam practices Jihad and festivals

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! Explain two ways Muslims practice jihad.  One way is though lesser Jihad which is the military struggle to defend Islam.  This must be carried out according to strict and clear cut rules, for example you can’t harm children Another way is greater jihad, which is the personal struggle of every Muslim to live by the teachings of their faith  For example pray every day. Explain two different ways Eid Ul Fitr is celebrated by Muslims. One way is by performing the Eid prayer - a special prayer in the morning - at the mosque Muslim will perform that prayer to thank Allah for Ramadan's blessings. Another way is by paying Zakhar which is giving charity. This so that everyone is able to celebrate Eid. Explain two different ways Ashura is celebrated by Muslims. One way Sunni Muslims commemorate is by fasting This is to remember how Allah saved prophet Musa from the Pharaoh who fasted to thank Allah Another way Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura is by mourning the killing of Hussain. They will express sadness in different ways e.g. wearing black Explain two reasons why Jihad is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it involves all 5 pillars of Sunni Islam. For example, the greater jihad involved in Salah is to pray on time. Prophet Muhammad says, 'the greatest jihad is to struggle to fight the evil within you'. This shows that Muslims have a daily struggle to follow the teachings of Islam. Another reason is that it ensures the Muslim community is protected. Lesser jihad allows Muslims to physically defend themselves against attack. Explain two reasons why Id Ul Adha is importance to Muslims.  Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it remembers the sacrifice of Ibrahim. Muslims are reminded of the strong faith he showed in being willing to sacrifice his son, which was replaced by a lamb. Prophet Muhammad said, This is why on this day, Muslims slaughter sacrifices. This is why Muslims sacrifice a lamb on this day, to show Ibrahim’s faith. Another reason is that it brings the Muslim community together as they celebrate together. This means they will become more united towards Allah. Explain two reasons why Ashura is importance to Muslims.  Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer.  One reason is because it remembers an important person to Shia Muslims. Hussein is one of their imams and they are able to show love towards him by honouring his death. Prophet Muhammad says Allah loves the one who loves Hussein. This shows that remembering Hussein on Ashura please Allah. Another reason is that it is the day sins are forgiven by Allah. Sunni Muslims believe it is the day of repentance and blessings. Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    28 min
  2. DEC 8

    S16 E17: The One About GCSE RE Islam practices Zakah and Hajj

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! Explain two ways Muslims give alms One way is through Zakah,which is 2.5% of wealth  This money is given to those in need. Another way is through khums which involves Shia Muslims giving 20% of their savings  This is given to those in need and charitable causes  Explain two ways Muslims give Zakah One way is by giving 2.5% of their wealth. This goes to people in need, particularly vulnerable members of society. Another way is by giving Zakah during Ramadan. This is the time that many Muslims fast so are more aware of those in need. Explain two ways a Muslims performs Hajj One way is by circling the Kaaba 7 times together. This symbolises unity. Another way is by going to Mount Arafa for the whole day. This is where Muslims ask Allah to forgive their sins. Explain two reasons why almsgiving is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of authority in your answer One reason is because Zakhar is a pillar in Sunni Islam It reminds Muslims that everyone in the Muslim community needs to be taken care of. For example, the Quran says that Zakhar is for the poor and needy. This shows that Zakhar is a requirement for those who can afford it. Another reason is that it purifies your wealth by giving money to those in need. It reminds Muslims that Allah is the provider and all wealth belongs to Him. Explain two reasons why Hajj is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because Hajj is a pillar of Islam and one of the ten obligatory acts. Therefore most Muslims are expected to go to it once in their lifetime if they can financially and physically. The Quran says tell the people shall observe the Hajj pilgrimage. This shows that Hajj is compulsory for Muslims Another reason is that it is a spiritual journey to the House of Allah.  By travelling there, Muslims will feel connected to their religion. Explain two reasons why Mecca is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because the Kaaba is there which is the House of Allah. Muslims will circle the Kaaba 7 times which is a number which symbolises completion. The Quran says, 'Allah has made the Kaaba the sacred house.' This shows that the Kaaba is the holiest building in Islam, which makes Mecca important Another reason is that the birth place of Islam This is because it is where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation and began the religion. Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    23 min
  3. DEC 5

    S16 E16: The One About GCSE RE Islam Practices: Salah, Saum, Night of power

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! Explain two ways Muslims perform Salah. One way is when performing ablution. This is known as wudu, which involves washing specific body parts before praying. Another way is by completing the rakkah which are prayer movements. These involve standing, reciting, bowing, prostrating and kneeling Explain two ways Muslims perform Friday prayer One way is with others at the Mosque Jummah prayer must be performed with a group of Muslims and not alone. Another way is listening to the sermon. Jummah prayer involves the Imam giving a speech about current Islamic issues. Explain two ways Muslims practice saum One way is by not eating, drinking and sexual relations. This is done from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Another way is by staying away from sin because fasting allows Muslims more time to focus on Allah. This means a Muslim tries to be the best Muslim they can. Explain two ways Muslims practice the Night of Power One way is by staying up at night. Muslims may spend the night in prayer asking Allah to forgive their sins. Another way is reading the Quran as Ramadan was when the Quran was revealed Muslims would read it all to receive blessings. Explain two reasons why Salah is important to Muslims.  You must refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it is one of the five pillars of Sunni Islam and 10 obligatory acts in Shia Islam. This means it is one of the main ways Muslims worship Allah. Another reason is that it keeps Muslims away from sin. When Muslims pray their five daily prayers, they are constantly reminded of Allah so would be aware of their actions. The Quran says Salah keeps you away from immorality and wrongdoing. This shows how prayer is important to help you be a good Muslim. Explain two reasons why Jummah prayer is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it is done on a holy day which is Friday. The Quran says, ‘when you are called to Jummah prayer, hasten to the remembrance of Allah.' This shows that Muslims are expected to attend Jummah. Another reason is that it brings the Muslim community together as Friday prayer must be done in congregation As it is believed it is 27 times more powerful Explain two reasons why fasting is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason fasting is important to Muslims is because it's a pillar of Islam. It is done in the holiest month, Ramadan, and it's seen as an important act of worship. Another reason is that it makes Muslims more aware of Allah. When fasting, they are constantly aware that Allah is watching them, so they would improve their behaviour. The Quran says 'fasting makes you God conscious.' This shows the main purpose of fasting is to build a strong connection with Allah. Explain two reasons why the night of power important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it is the night the Quran is revealed. The Quran says read in the name of your Lord. These were the first words revealed to Prophet Mohammed on this night. This shows why the Quran is recited a lot on thi Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    28 min
  4. DEC 1

    S16 E15 The One About GCSE RE Islam Practices: Five Pillars, Ten Obligatory Acts, Shahadah

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! 4-markers Explain two ways the shahada is used by Muslims.  One way is to recite it if someone wishes to become a Muslim                              They are expected to verbally say the Shahada to declare their faith.              Another way is to try to make the shahada their final words before death.           This is so that their faith is strong before they die 6 markers Explain two reasons why the five pillars of Islam are important to Muslims. You must refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because the five pillars express Muslim beliefs. The pillars of Islam express the belief in tawhid since they are acts of worship towards Allah. Prophet Muhammad says Islam is built upon 5 things. This shows that without the pillars the beliefs would be weak. Another reason is that they give Muslim structure. The pillars of Islam clearly guide Muslims on the duties they have to perform. Explain two reasons why the shahada is important to Muslims. Refer to sacred writing or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One reason is because it is the first pillar of Islam and all the other pillars come from the Shahadah Therefore, without believing in it a Muslim wouldn't perform the other pillars. Another reason is that it emphasises two key Islamic beliefs.                                   The Shahada says there is no God except Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. This shows that the Shahadah includes belief in tawhid and prophethood which is the foundation of Islam because all other beliefs come from these. Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    21 min
  5. NOV 24

    S16 E14 The One About GCSE RE Islam beliefs Predestination and Life After death

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! GCSE RE Islam beliefs Predestination and Life After death 4-markers Explain two ways that a belief in predestination influences Muslims. One influence is to trust Allah's plan. This is because Muslims believe that the Allah may have a better plan than one of the ones that made for themselves. Another influence is to remember that nothing can happen without Allah's permission. When they make a plan, they may use phrases like inshallah, if Allah wills, to show that Allah has ultimate control. Explain two ways that a belief in human freedom influences Muslims. One influence is to be accountable for the actions. This is because they'll be judged alone for their deeds in the Akirah. Another influence is to remember Judgement Day. This will make them feel responsible for their actions as they all know they'll need to answer for them. Explain two ways in which belief in Akirah influences Muslims.  One influence is to do good actions because Muslims believe their actions will be judged in the afterlife.. For example they will pray their daily prayers Another influence is to avoid sin because they would not want to be punished for going against Allah's teachings. For example they will try and avoid anything which is Haram Explain two ways in which a belief in human responsibility influences Muslims. One influence is to be accountable for their actions because they'll be judged alone for their deeds This will be written down in the book of deeds Another influence is to remember Judgement Day. This will make them feel responsible for their actions as they will know they need to answer for them. 6-markers Explain two Muslim teachings about predestination. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief is that everything happens that happens is decided by Allah already It's one of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam. Another belief is that Allah knows the future, but we have free will. Many Muslims believe that Allah does not force us to make any decision even though He knows what we will choose. The Quran says  “Indeed, all things We created with predestination". This shows Allah is all knowing and has a plan for everything Explain two Muslim teachings about human freedom. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief is that humans have control over their thoughts, feeling and actions. Muslims believe that Allah has given us this so that we can be free to make our choices. Another belief is that human freedom shows Allah's justice. The Quran says; 'let whoever wants to believe and let those who wants to disbelieve.' This shows a lot allows humans to believe or not because for a lot of judge humans fairly on judgement day there needs to be human freedom. Explain two Muslim teachings about the resurrection. Refer to sacred writing or another source of belief and teaching in your answer. One belief is that it is one of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam and five roots of a Usul Ad Din in Shia Islam. It is the belief that every human will be raised from the dead on judgement day Another belief is that Allah will raise the dead, all the dead. This will happen on Judgement day, which will be marked by angels blowing the trumpet. The Q Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    32 min
  6. NOV 17

    S16 E13: The One About GCSE RE Islam beliefs Angels and Holy books

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! This episode is going to cover Angels, their nature and role, including Jibril and Mika’il. The holy books: Qur’an: revelation and authority, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, the Scrolls of Abraham and their authority.  4-markers Explain two ways in which belief in angels influences Muslims today One influence is to understand Allah's imminence as Angels show that Allah is still involved in the universe. For example, they perform different duties for him. Another influence is to read the Quran because Angel Gibrel revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad This happened on the Night of Power Explain two ways in which the belief in Mikhail influences the Muslims today. One influence is to thank Allah because Mikhail provides rain and food. This allows humans to be nourished. Another influence is to have hope because Mikhail sends rewards on behalf of Allah. A Muslim would receive these rewards in this life or the next. Explain two ways in which belief in holy books influences Muslims. One influence is to follow the teachings of the Quran because the Quran teaches about Tawhid. This is the final book of Allah Another influence is to learn about previous prophets because books before the Quran may have lessons from other prophets Muslims can learn from. For example the gospels of Jesus Explain two ways in which the belief in the gospel influences a Muslim today. The first one I could say is that it helps a Muslim learn from the life of Jesus which is in the gospel. This is because the gospel may have lessons from prophet which we can learn from. Another influence you should believe in Tawheed, that's my third mark. This is because many Muslims would believe that believe about the Trinity was added to the gospel so they would reject this. 6-markers Explain two Muslim teachings about the nature of angels. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief is that angels do not sin because they're no free will. Therefore cannot disobey Allah. The Qur'an says,  They do not disobey the commands they receive from Allah. This shows that angels always obey whatever orders them, so they cannot sin. Another belief is that the angels are special beings. Muslims believe there are spiritual beings made from light who can come in different forms. Explain two Muslim teachings about the role of angels. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One role is to reveal messages to prophets. Angel Gibril is the Angel of revelation whose role is to communicate Allah's words to the prophets. For example, the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran says Gibril brings down the revelation. This shows that Gibril revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Another role is that angels distribute Allah's rewards to people. Angel Mikhail is the Angel of mercy, and his role is reward humans in this life or the next. Explain two Muslim teachings about Gibril. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief was that Gibral appeared to Mary as a human. He revealed to her that she was pregnant and will give birth to Isa Jesus. Another belief is that Gibril is the Angel of revelation. He communicates the words of Allah to the Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    38 min
  7. NOV 14

    Curriculum And Assessment Review Special

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! On 5th November 2025, a landmark recommendation was revealed for RE as a result of the Curriculum and Assessment Review.  They proposed that RE become part of the National Curriculum for the first time in it's history.  Then one day later, the DfE announced it's plans to bring RE into the humanities alongside History and Geography in the newly named 'breadth' bucket. But what will this mean for the subject?  What question do we need to consider. To help us navigate this, I have invited Deborah Weston from NATRE, RECouncil and the RE Policy Unit. Katie Freeman - Chair of NATRE, and Sarah Lane Cawte from the RECouncil on to the podcast to answer some key questions. What is the CAR? Its purpose and what has the process been?What is the current status of RE?What are the current issues with RE?What were the findings in the interim report?What are the recommendations for RE in the final report?What is it NOT saying?How will this benefit RE?Why is high quality RE so important for young people in modern Britain?What happens next? Staged approach - Stage 1&2. Draft curriculum based on NCS. Consensus required.Recommendation for EBacc to be scrapped. How will this impact RE?Who will write it?What happens to SACRES?What about voluntary aided school’s with religious character? What will happen to the Right to withdraw?Should we change the name?What about Non statutory RE?What are the changes to GCSE? What about staffing, bursary, SKEs?Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    47 min
  8. NOV 10

    S16 E12: The One About GCSE RE Islam beliefs Prophethood and Imamate

    Please send The RE Podcast a Text Message! This episode is sponsored by Reimagining Education https://reimaginingeducation.uk/ Hope you all had a lovely half term! This episode is going to cover Prophethood, focussing on Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham) and Muhammad, plus the Imamate - an often weak area in the exam. 4 markers Explain two ways in which belief in holy books influences Muslims. One influence is to follow the teachings of the Quran because the Quran teaches about tawhid. This is the final book of Allah  Another influence is to learn about previous prophets because books before the Quran may have lessons from other prophets Muslims can learn from. For example the gospels of Jesus, called Injil Explain two ways in which the belief in the gospel influences a Muslim today. The first one I could say is that it helps a Muslim learn from the life of Jesus which is in the gospel. This is because the gospel may have lessons from prophet which we can learn from. Another influence you should believe in Tawheed, that's my third mark. This is because many Muslims would believe that believe about the Trinity was added to the gospel so they would reject this. 6 markers Explain two Muslim teachings about holy books. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief is that it is one of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam. It is the belief that Allah revealed books to different prophets before the Quran. Another believe that the Quran is the most important source of authority for Muslims. It is seen as the final book that Allah revealed which has never been changed. The Quran says ‘this is THE book of which there is no doubt’ This quote shows the Qur’an as THE most important reveletaion because there are no mistakes in it Explain two Muslim teachings about the Torah. Refer to sacred writings or another source of belief and teaching in your answer One belief is that the Torah was revealed to Prophet Musa. It contained the messages that Allah wanted to give to the Jewish people. The Quran says we sent down the Torah in which was guidance and light. This shows the Torah was used at the time to receive guidance by Prophet Musa's followers  Another belief is that the Torah is no longer the words of Allah. Muslims believe that some of the words and teachings were changed by humans Support the show Find out more; Twitter: @TheREPodcast1 Insta: @TheREPodcast Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

    24 min

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