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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
Outline three Muslim beliefs about the importance of justice for the victims of crime. Explain two Muslim attitudes towards the treatment of criminals. Explain two... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer: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
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The Qur'an as Guidance: Muslims believe that the Qur'an emphasizes justice, stating that all individuals deserve to see the divine principles of fairness and justice upheld.
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Fulfillment of Shari'ah: The belief that implementing the Shari'ah ensures justice is fulfilled, allowing victims a sense of satisfaction that their grievances are acknowledged.
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Social Harmony: Justice is crucial for societal cohesion; without it, individuals may feel marginalized or unsafe, leading to overall societal discontent.
Step 2
Explain two Muslim attitudes towards the treatment of criminals.
Answer
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Judicial Accountability: Many Muslims believe that criminals should be judged according to the law, ensuring that no one is above the law. This belief reinforces the idea that justice helps maintain moral order in society.
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Mercy and Repentance: Another attitude is the belief in the potential for rehabilitation, adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an that encourage criminals to seek repentance and for society to facilitate their reintegration.
Step 3
Explain two teachings from the Qur'an about punishment.
Answer
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Guidance on Justice: Surah 4:26 outlines the distinction between lawful and unlawful acts, reminding Muslims that punishment should be meted out justly based on recognized transgressions.
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Consequences of Unjust Acts: Surah 4:29 instructs Muslims not to consume the wealth of others unjustly, reinforcing the idea that actions have consequences, and stressing the importance of justice in correction and societal order.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the Statement:
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Punishment as a Deterrent: The Qur'an indicates that severe crimes merit severe consequences, which may deter others from committing similar acts.
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Protection of Society: By removing dangerous criminals, capital punishment protects the community, enabling a safer environment for law-abiding citizens.
Arguments Against the Statement:
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Ethical Concerns: Some Muslims posit that capital punishment is only recommended under specific circumstances; it may not always be justifiable.
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Lack of Conclusive Evidence: Critics argue that there is no definitive proof that capital punishment effectively deters crime. Furthermore, it raises moral questions regarding the sanctity of life and the state's role in administering such irreversible penalties.