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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 fo... 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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Non-Violence as a Principle: An absolute pacifist believes that all forms of violence are morally wrong and that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means. This belief is often grounded in moral or ethical teachings that emphasize compassion and empathy toward others.
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Influence of Religious Teachings: Many religious traditions advocate for peace and reconciliation. For example, teachings from Buddhism and Christianity stress the importance of loving one’s neighbor and refraining from harm.
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Historical Examples of Pacifism: Pacifists may cite successful historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. who promoted social change through non-violent resistance, illustrating the effectiveness of peaceful approaches.
Step 2
Describe Muslim teachings about the conditions for lesser Jihad.
Answer
In Islam, lesser Jihad refers to the struggle or warfare that is permitted under specific conditions:
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Just Cause: Muslims are taught that Jihad can only be declared in response to oppression or injustice and must aim to restore peace and order.
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Declaration by Authority: Lesser Jihad must be declared by a legitimate authority, usually the caliph or a recognized leader within the Muslim community, ensuring that it aligns with Islamic law.
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Proportionality and Minimization of Harm: Combatants must follow the principle of proportionality, ensure that the fight is necessary, and minimize harm to civilians and non-combatants.
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Intention of Peace: The ultimate goal of lesser Jihad is to achieve a just peace and protect the community, emphasizing that fighting should not be for personal gain or revenge.
Step 3
Explain why Muslims might work for peace.
Answer
Muslims might work for peace for several reasons:
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Religious Obligations: The Quran emphasizes justice, compassion, and creating harmony within the community. This motivates many Muslims to actively seek out solutions to conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
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Social Harmony: Peace is essential for social stability and development. By working for peace, Muslims contribute to a more secure environment conducive to cooperation and flourishing of society.
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Role Models in Islamic History: Historical figures such as the Prophet Muhammad encouraged peace and resolved conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, setting a precedent for contemporary Muslims to emulate.
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Community Responsibility: Muslims believe in collective responsibility towards the community or Ummah. Striving for peace is seen as a communal duty to ensure the welfare of others.
Step 4
'It is not essential for Muslims to promote social justice.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
To discuss the statement regarding the necessity of promoting social justice in Islam, one should consider the following points:
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Religious Teachings on Justice: Islam places a strong emphasis on justice as a fundamental principle. The Quran and Hadith contain numerous references that highlight the importance of fairness, equity, and lifting the oppressed.
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Social Justice as a Collective Duty: Many Muslims view working towards social justice as a communal responsibility, as illustrated by the concept of Zakat (almsgiving) and the encouragement of charity and support for the less fortunate.
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Diverse Perspectives: While some may argue that social justice is not essential, many Islamic scholars assert that promoting justice is an inherent part of Islamic ethics, thereby insisting on its significance for a just society.
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Evaluation of the Statement: The validity of the statement depends on interpretations of Islamic texts and varying perspectives within the Muslim community. While some may stress the spiritual aspects over societal ones, others firmly believe that justice is crucial to fulfilling the faith.