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Question 4: Matters of Life and Death (a) Outline three Muslim teachings that show the afterlife is real - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 4
Question 4: Matters of Life and Death (a) Outline three Muslim teachings that show the afterlife is real. (3) (b) Explain two ways Muslims respond to the theory of... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 4: Matters of Life and Death (a) Outline three Muslim teachings that show the afterlife is real - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Muslim teachings that show the afterlife is real.
Answer
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The belief in resurrection is central in Islam. The Qur'an states that everyone will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment, where each individual's deeds will be assessed.
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Muslims believe in Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam), as mentioned in the Qur'an. Jannah is the reward for believers who lead a righteous life, while Jahannam is for those who reject faith.
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The concept of accountability is emphasized in Islamic teachings. Muslims are taught that their actions in this life will determine their fate in the afterlife, reinforcing the belief in an existence beyond death.
Step 2
Explain two ways Muslims respond to the theory of evolution.
Answer
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Some Muslims fully accept the theory of evolution, viewing it as a means through which Allah created life. They believe that evolution does not contradict the teachings of Islam as long as God's role in the creation of life is acknowledged.
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Other Muslims reject the theory of evolution, believing that Allah created all species in their current forms. They may argue that the complexity of life cannot be explained by random processes, asserting that the creation narrative in the Qur'an should be taken literally.
Step 3
Explain two different Muslim attitudes to abortion. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.
Answer
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One attitude is that abortion is generally considered impermissible in Islam, as life is sacred. This view is supported by various hadith, such as the saying of the Prophet Muhammad that 'the soul is breathed into the fetus after 120 days,' meaning that life is present from this point.
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Another perspective allows abortion under specific circumstances, such as when the mother's life is in danger or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. This is often justified through the principle of preserving the life of the mother, supported by Qur'anic teachings on compassion and mercy.
Step 4
Evaluate the statement: "Pollution is the biggest threat to the world today."
Answer
Arguments for the statement include:
- Pollution has severe impacts on human health and ecosystems. The Qur'an teaches the importance of caring for the Earth, and pollution contradicts this responsibility.
- It poses a threat to future generations, as the environmental decline can lead to food and water shortages, undermining the principle of stewardship (Khilafah) found in Islamic teachings.
Arguments against the statement could include:
- While pollution is a significant issue, others might argue that poverty and inequality are greater threats, as they directly affect millions of lives.
- Furthermore, some may argue that conflict and war lead to more immediate and severe consequences than pollution.
In conclusion, while pollution is indeed a critical threat, it may be more prudent to view it as part of a broader spectrum of global challenges, including socio-economic issues and conflicts.