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2. Crime and Punishment (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about the importance of justice for the victims of crime - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
2. Crime and Punishment (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about the importance of justice for the victims of crime. (b) Explain two Muslim attitudes towards the tre... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. Crime and Punishment (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about the importance of justice for the victims of crime - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Muslim beliefs about the importance of justice for the victims of crime.
Answer
- Muslims believe that justice is a divine principle, as emphasized in the Qur'an. It is essential for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that victims feel that their rights are protected.
- The victims are seen as deserving reparation for their suffering, which means that justice serves to restore their dignity and rights.
- Justice acts as a deterrent against crime, ensuring that potential offenders recognize the consequences of their actions, thereby fostering a safer community.
Step 2
Explain two Muslim attitudes towards the treatment of criminals.
Answer
- In Islam, there is an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Muslims are taught to treat criminals with compassion, allowing them opportunities to reform and reintegrate into society.
- However, there is a strong belief in upholding justice; criminals must be held accountable for their actions. This means that while rehabilitation is preferred, justice must also be served, ensuring that victims' rights are acknowledged.
Step 3
Explain two teachings from the Qur'an about punishment.
Answer
- The Qur'an instructs Muslims that punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed, as highlighted in Surah 2:178, which emphasizes the idea of 'Qisas' or retribution. This provides the legal framework within which justice must operate, balancing compassion with the need for societal order.
- Another teaching is found in Surah 5:38, which states that thieves must face a punishment that reflects the severity of their crime, thus reinforcing the Qur'an's stance on ensuring justice and protecting society.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement include the idea that capital punishment serves as a deterrent against serious crimes, reflecting the Qur'an's teachings on retribution. It aims to protect society by ensuring that dangerous individuals cannot re-offend. Furthermore, proponents argue that it seeks justice for victims who suffered immeasurably due to heinous acts.
Conversely, arguments against capital punishment highlight its irreversibility; wrongful executions cannot be rectified. Additionally, many non-religious viewpoints advocate for life imprisonment as a more humane and rehabilitative approach, suggesting that society benefits from reformation rather than retribution. Ultimately, a balanced approach considering the necessary protections for society and the potential for redemption may lead to a more just conclusion.