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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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Value of Human Life: An absolute pacifist believes that all human life is sacred and should be protected. This viewpoint is often supported by various religious teachings that emphasize the inherent worth of individuals.
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Moral Obligation: They feel a moral obligation to refrain from violence and conflict. Many philosophies promote non-violence as a means to achieve peace, indicating that engaging in violence ultimately perpetuates suffering.
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Alternative Conflict Resolution: Absolute pacifists advocate for dialogue and mediation as the primary means of resolving disputes, rejecting violent methods as ineffective and harmful.
Step 2
Describe Muslim teachings about the conditions for lesser Jihad.
Answer
Muslim teachings regarding lesser Jihad are rooted in the Qur'an and Hadiths, and generally include:
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Just Cause: A valid reason must exist for engaging in Jihad, such as defending one's faith, community, or nation from oppression.
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Right Intention: The intention behind Jihad should be to restore peace and justice, not for personal gain or revenge.
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Proportionality: Any action taken during Jihad must be proportional to the assault faced, avoiding unnecessary harm to civilians and property.
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Authority: Only legitimate leaders should declare Jihad, ensuring it aligns with Islamic principles and the greater good.
Step 3
Explain why Muslims might work for peace.
Answer
Muslims are often motivated to work for peace due to several reasons:
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Religious Teachings: Islam emphasizes peace as part of its core values. The concept of 'Salaam' (peace) is a fundamental element of Islamic greetings, indicating its importance.
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Moral Responsibility: Many Muslims believe they have a moral obligation to promote harmony and understanding within and between communities.
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Role Models: The Prophet Muhammad is viewed as a model for peace and reconciliation, encouraging followers to engage in peaceful dialogue and resolution of conflicts.
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Community Engagement: Many Islamic organizations work to foster interfaith dialogue and community outreach, aiming to reduce tensions and promote understanding.
Step 4
“It is not essential for Muslims to promote social justice.” Discuss this statement.
Answer
This statement invites critical evaluation and can be approached by considering the following points:
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Islamic Teachings: Many Islamic texts emphasize the importance of justice as a fundamental aspect of faith, with the Qur'an stating that 'God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice' (Qur'an 4:58).
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Role of Justice in Society: Social justice is essential in Islam to ensure fairness and equity within society. The teachings advocate for the welfare of the poor and marginalized, which is often seen as a collective responsibility in the Muslim community.
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Diverse Interpretations: Different Muslim scholars may interpret the necessity of promoting social justice variably, leading to various practices across cultures.
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Personal vs. Collective Responsibility: While some might argue that it is not individually essential, the communal aspect of promoting social justice remains a pivotal element of Islamic practice. Engaging in social justice can act as a form of living one’s faith.
In conclusion, while some might contend that individual promotion is not essential, the overarching message of justice within Islam strongly advocates that working towards social equity is indeed a significant aspect of being a faithful Muslim.