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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: An absolute pacifist may teach that all conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means rather than violence, citing religious teachings that emphasize love and forgiveness.
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Turn the Other Cheek: They might refer to the principle of turning the other cheek, promoting the idea that responding to aggression with peace is a moral high ground.
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Respect for Life: They may advocate for the sanctity of all human life, arguing that engaging in violence goes against the fundamental value of preserving life.
Step 2
Describe Muslim teachings about the conditions for lesser Jihad.
Answer
In Islam, lesser Jihad refers to the physical struggle or effort in defense of the faith. The conditions include:
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Just Cause: Jihad must be waged for a just cause, specifically in response to oppression or aggression against Muslims.
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Declaration by Authority: Only a recognized Islamic authority can declare Jihad; individuals cannot take it upon themselves without proper guidance.
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Ethical Conduct: The conduct during warfare must adhere to Islamic principles, such as protecting non-combatants and ensuring that the Jihad is not driven by personal gain but by the intent to restore peace and justice.
Step 3
Explain why Muslims might work for peace.
Answer
Muslims may work for peace due to several key reasons:
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Religious Teachings: The teachings of Islam emphasize peace, with the greeting 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' (Peace be upon you) reflecting the core value of harmony in the community.
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Prophetic Examples: The Prophet Muhammad is often cited as an example of a peacebuilder, encouraging conflict resolution and forgiveness.
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Community Welfare: Working for peace aligns with the Islamic concept of Ummah, where the well-being of the broader community is a priority, fostering cooperation among diverse groups.
By referring to sources of wisdom such as the Qur'an and Hadith, Muslims can draw upon examples and teachings that reinforce their commitment to peace.
Step 4
"It is not essential for Muslims to promote social justice." Discuss this statement.
Answer
Debating the necessity for Muslims to promote social justice involves multiple perspectives:
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Religious Responsibility: Many teachings within Islam convey that promoting social justice is essential, as it aligns with the core tenet of caring for the marginalized and ensuring fairness. References include prophetic traditions that emphasize support for the needy.
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Community Impact: Engaging in social justice initiatives is often considered a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah), meaning that if enough members of the community work toward it, the entire community fulfills its responsibility.
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Diverse Perspectives: While some might argue that individual worship and personal religion are paramount, others stress that Islam calls for active engagement with societal issues, reflecting a holistic understanding of faith that addresses both spiritual and social dimensions.
In conclusion, the evaluation of this statement should consider the foundational Islamic beliefs that promote justice and equity as being intertwined with the faith itself.