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Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three teachings an absolute pacifist might give to support their views - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three teachings an absolute pacifist might give to support their views. (b) Describe Muslim teachings about the conditions f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three teachings an absolute pacifist might give to support their views - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three teachings an absolute pacifist might give to support their views.
Answer
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Nonviolence: Absolute pacifists believe in the sanctity of all human life and reject the use of violence under any circumstances.
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Forgiveness: They advocate for forgiveness and reconciliation instead of retaliation, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
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Moral Responsibility: Pacifists argue that individuals have a moral obligation to oppose violence and promote peace, believing that societal change should come through peaceful means.
Step 2
Describe Muslim teachings about the conditions for lesser Jihad.
Answer
Lesser Jihad refers to the physical struggle or fight in defense of Islam. Key teachings include:
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Just Cause: Jihad must only be declared in response to oppression or aggression against Muslims or to protect the faith.
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Authority: Only a legitimate leader or caliph has the authority to call for Jihad, ensuring it is conducted under proper guidance.
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Ethical Conduct: Muslims must adhere to ethical guidelines, such as avoiding harm to civilians, respecting women and children, and not destroying property unnecessarily during conflict.
Step 3
Explain why Muslims might work for peace.
Answer
Muslims may work for peace due to:
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Religious Teachings: Islam emphasizes peace, as the term 'Islam' itself is rooted in the word ‘peace’. Many verses in the Quran encourage peaceful coexistence.
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Role of Prophets: Muslims look to the examples set by prophets like Muhammad, who advocated for compassion and peaceful resolution of disputes.
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Community Responsibility: Muslims often feel a sense of duty to promote peace within their communities, aligning with the belief that they should contribute positively to society and reflect Islamic values.
Step 4
'It is not essential for Muslims to promote social justice.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
To address this statement:
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Importance of Social Justice: Many Islamic teachings emphasize the significance of social justice. Key concepts include the obligation to care for the poor, support those in need, and foster equality among individuals.
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Quranic Teachings: The Quran explicitly advocates for justice, urging Muslims to stand for equity and fairness in society. Surah An-Nisa (4:135) stresses the importance of justice even against oneself or family.
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Community Focus: Muslims are often encouraged to engage in actions that promote justice and welfare, as community well-being is a reflection of an individual’s faith.
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Contrasting Views: However, some might argue that the individual’s focus should be on personal faith and spirituality rather than social activism. Yet, this view may neglect the comprehensive ethical framework provided by Islam regarding societal responsibilities.
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Conclusion: In conclusion, while some may argue that promoting social justice is not essential, Islamic teachings and the expectations of the community suggest otherwise. Engaging in social justice is generally regarded as integral to practicing Islam in a broader sense.