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Outline three Muslim beliefs about forgiveness - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Outline three Muslim beliefs about forgiveness. Explain two Muslim beliefs about protection as an aim of punishment. 'Punishing those who do wrong is the only way ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three Muslim beliefs about forgiveness - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Muslim beliefs about forgiveness.
Answer
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Allah’s Mercy: Muslims believe that Allah is forgiving and merciful, meaning that He allows believers to seek His forgiveness and is willing to forgive their sins.
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Prophet Muhammad’s Example: Prophet Muhammad forgave those who mistreated him, demonstrating that forgiveness is a virtue and an important practice in Islam.
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Divine Control: Forgiveness lies in Allah's hands, indicating that humans should seek forgiveness sincerely and understand that judgment ultimately rests with Him.
Step 2
Explain two Muslim beliefs about protection as an aim of punishment.
Answer
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Sanctity of Life: Some Muslims believe that protection is crucial as life is sacred. Punishments serve to safeguard human life and ensure that individuals respect this value in society.
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Prevention of Further Wrongdoing: Wrongdoing disrupts societal harmony. Punishments aim to deter individuals from committing further offenses, thus maintaining order and adherence to Islamic principles.
Step 3
'Punishing those who do wrong is the only way to achieve justice.' Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For:
- Upholding Justice: Punishment is necessary to uphold justice and ensure that wrongdoers face consequences, which can restore a sense of balance in society.
- Deterrence: By enforcing strict penalties, potential offenders may be deterred from committing crimes, thus contributing to a safer community.
Arguments Against:
- Forgiveness and Rehabilitation: Islam emphasizes mercy and forgiveness. Alternatives to punishment, such as rehabilitation, align with the teachings of compassion found in the Quran.
- Limits of Punishment: Solely relying on punishment may not address the underlying causes of wrongdoing. A focus on education and reform might yield better long-term results.
Conclusion:
While punishment can serve as a tool for achieving justice, it is important to consider the broader Islamic principles of mercy and rehabilitation. A balanced approach, incorporating both justice and forgiveness, may be more effective in promoting a just society.