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Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 3
Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another. Sometimes these differences are major and have even led to religi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Within most religions, interpretations of beliefs may differ from one school of thought to another - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
With reference to any ONE religion, name TWO of its branches and discuss the differences between them under the following headings: Teachings
Answer
For this question, I will refer to Islam, which has two prominent branches: Sunni and Shia.
Teachings:
- Sunni Islam: Sunnis believe that the teachings contained in the Hadith are equally important as those in the Quran. They follow a collective understanding based on various scholars, emphasizing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded by his companions.
- Shia Islam: Shias place significant emphasis on the interpretations and teachings of Muhammad's family, particularly his descendants. They believe that the role of the imams, who are divinely appointed leaders, is critical in interpreting the Quran and Hadith.
Step 2
3.1.2 Governance
Answer
Governance:
- Sunni Islam: There is no formal clergy in Sunni Islam. Governance is generally community-based, relying on the leadership of respected scholars who guide the community in religious and social matters. Decisions are decentralized, and local mosque leaders often take initiative in governance.
- Shia Islam: Shia governance is more hierarchical. The imams play a crucial role in religious and civil matters, as they are believed to have divine right and authority. Shia Islam’s governance structure is more centralized compared to Sunni Islam, with religious leaders exerting considerable influence over community and political affairs.
Step 3
Briefly discuss what led to the formation of the two branches you named in QUESTION 3.1 above.
Answer
The division between Sunni and Shia Islam arose primarily from a disagreement over the rightful succession of leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Sunnis believed that the community should elect the leader, which led to Abu Bakr being chosen as the first caliph.
- Conversely, Shias believed that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family, specifically through Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law. This fundamental disagreement on authority and leadership has led to the establishment of distinct theological beliefs and practices within each branch.
Step 4
Critically discuss the role of inspiration in religion.
Answer
Inspiration plays a pivotal role in religion as it forms the foundation of beliefs, practices, and the moral framework that guides adherents. Different religions perceive inspiration in varied ways:
- In Islam, inspiration is viewed as divine guidance received through the Quran and Hadith, wherein Muhammad is seen as the final prophet receiving revelations from Allah.
- In Christianity, inspiration refers to the belief that the scripture is divinely inspired, allowing individuals to seek understanding and connection with God.
The role of inspiration not only shapes individual faith but also influences community practices and interfaith dialogue, impacting religious discourse and the evolution of beliefs over time.