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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 about... 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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Belief in Divine Justice: Muslims believe that capital punishment is a form of divine justice ordained by Allah. It is seen as a necessary measure to maintain order and righteousness in society.
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Deterrence of Crime: Another belief is that capital punishment serves as a deterrent against serious crimes, such as murder, thereby protecting society as a whole. By enforcing strict penalties, it is believed that individuals will think twice before committing such offenses.
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Preservation of Moral Standards: Many Muslims believe that capital punishment helps in preserving moral standards within the community. It reinforces the idea that actions lead to consequences, thereby encouraging individuals to adhere to Islamic ethical teachings.
Step 2
Explain two ways Muslims believe good actions are rewarded.
Answer
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Earning Allah's Blessings: Muslims believe that performing good deeds leads to the earning of blessings from Allah. This can manifest in various forms, such as peace, happiness, and success in one's endeavors.
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Paradise in the Hereafter: There is a strong belief that good actions are rewarded with entry into Paradise (Jannah) after death. This belief motivates Muslims to engage in virtuous actions and live a life according to Islamic principles.
Step 3
Explain two Muslim teachings about the treatment of criminals.
Answer
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Repentance and Forgiveness: One of the key teachings is that criminals are encouraged to seek repentance (Tawbah) for their sins. Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah, who is merciful and compassionate, allowing individuals the opportunity for redemption.
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Community-Based Rehabilitation: Another teaching focuses on community involvement in the rehabilitation of criminals. Muslims believe in the importance of helping convicted individuals reintegrate into society, promoting compassion and understanding rather than merely punitive measures.
Step 4
'Retribution is the most important aim of punishment.' Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
The statement about retribution being the most important aim of punishment can be evaluated from various perspectives:
Arguments for the Statement:
- Many Sunni Muslims support the idea that retributive justice is essential for maintaining moral order. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, aligning with the notion that justice must be served.
- Retribution can be seen as a way to uphold victims' rights, ensuring that justice is served according to Islamic law, thus deterring potential offenders.
Arguments Against the Statement:
- Some argue that while retribution is important, rehabilitation should take precedence. Islamic teachings emphasize forgiveness, mercy, and the potential for reform, suggesting that punishing criminal acts should also involve helping individuals change their behavior.
- Additionally, different interpretations within Islam suggest that focusing solely on retribution ignores the broader aspects of justice, which includes compassion and the possibility of redemption. This perspective is prominent among Shi'a Muslims and advocates of restorative justice.
In conclusion, while retribution is a significant aspect of Islamic punishment, it must be balanced with principles of forgiveness and rehabilitation to create a just and fair system.