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2 (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about capital punishment - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about capital punishment. (b) Explain two ways Muslims believe good actions are rewarded. (c) Explain two Muslim teachings abou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) Outline three Muslim beliefs about capital punishment - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Muslim beliefs about capital punishment.
Answer
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Sanctity of Life: Muslims believe that life is sacred and should be protected. This belief is rooted in the Quran, where Allah states that killing a soul without just cause is akin to killing all of humanity (Quran 5:32).
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Divine Justice: Many Muslims believe that capital punishment is a form of divine justice for crimes such as murder or terrorism, essential for maintaining social order and justice.
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Deterrence: Muslims may believe that capital punishment serves as a deterrent against serious crimes, helping to preserve societal values and morality.
Step 2
Explain two ways Muslims believe good actions are rewarded.
Answer
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Eternal Reward in Paradise: Muslims believe that those who perform good actions will be rewarded in the afterlife with entry into Jannah (Paradise). This belief is supported by multiple Hadiths that emphasize the reward for good deeds.
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Blessings in This Life: Good actions are believed to attract Allah's blessings in this life as well, such as increased happiness, success in endeavors, and favorable conditions.
Step 3
Explain two Muslim teachings about the treatment of criminals.
Answer
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Repentance and Forgiveness: Islam emphasizes the importance of repentance (Tawbah). A criminal who sincerely repents for their actions is believed to be forgiven by Allah, as stated in the Quran (Quran 25:70).
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Justice over Retribution: Islamic teachings advocate for justice over retribution. The Quran encourages fair trials and due process, emphasizing that punishment should not be excessive and should consider the circumstances surrounding the crime (Quran 2:178).
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For Retribution as the Most Important Aim of Punishment: Many Sunni Muslims believe that retribution is crucial as it fulfills a sense of justice, reflecting the severity of the crime committed and providing closure to victims or their families. The concept that Allah oversees all actions gives moral weight to the idea of retribution as divine justice.
Arguments Against Retribution as the Most Important Aim of Punishment: Some Muslims argue that the greater aim should be rehabilitation rather than retribution. Alternatives such as restorative justice allow for the potential for a changed life and community healing. Other perspectives argue for mercy and compassion, as highlighted in many Hadiths that emphasize forgiveness over punishment.
Conclusion: While retribution serves a significant purpose in upholding justice, it is essential to evaluate the broader implications of punishment, considering both societal needs and the potential for personal reform.