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Islam: Ethics Revision Booklet 1 Useful Quotes Quran-Abortion 2 Section one: Life and Death Faith and Ethics Sanctitiy of Life Ethics: Relating to what is right and what is wrong. Sanctity of Life: The holiness or sacredness of Life Quality of Life: A measure of how good or bad life is in all its aspects. Main goal of a Muslim is to earn a place in Paradise after death. This can be achieved by religious observance (fulfilling the five pillars) and a righteous living (a moral life that pleases Allah). Human life is more special than any other species however, guidelines are in place to ensure Muslims only use other species if it is necessary to advance human life. Islamic ethics are guided by the Quran and Hadith. Islamic counties are ruled by Shariah law and crimes usually carry severe punishments(death for crimes such as murder, drugs and adultery). However, British Muslims must incorporate self control and resistance as many things that are legal under British law are forbidden under Islamic Law e.g.) alcohol , interest and dressing immodestly. Quotes-Abortion ‘God gives your life and causes you to die’(Quran) ‘Kill not your offspring for fear of poverty; is we who provide for them and for you surely killing them is a great sin” (Surah 17) Human life is special as Allah is responsible for creating the original life forms. Therefore, no person has the right to destroy or damage life. The Quran is clear on Allah’s role as the giver and taker of life: Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed in writing’ (Quran) Therefore to take life(murder/ abortion/ euthanasia) is regarded as a sin. Quality of life is measured against how comfortable and pain free a person’s life is or how dignified it is. Muslims believe that Allah allows people to suffer as a test of their faith but he will not allow them to suffer more than they can bear. If a life threatening operation has left an individual in extreme pain or with a life long disability then they should cope and not consider death as an option. The nature of abortion and abortion legislation Abortion: The deliberate termination of a pregnancy before the foetus is 24 weeks. Two doctors must authorise the abortion if they are convinced by reasons put forward by mother e.g.) mentally unstable Life is sacred & it is a gift from Allah = sanctity of life. Life begins when soul has entered foetus at 120 days , some Muslims claim it enters at 40 days (ensoulment ) Views on abortion For(pro-choice) - - - UK law has allowed abortion up till first 24 weeks of pregnancy so not breaking any laws. Some women believe they should choose what happens to their baby as it is their right and their life. Before24 weeks if the baby is affected by a defect or blood disorder it can be aborted. It’s a greater good as the baby may have a poor quality life anyway. Some say it is permitted in case of rape or if the mother’s life is in danger. Against (pro-life) -Sanctity of life -Abortion is like murder -Not permissible to seek abortion if parents are worried they will not be able to care for their child as fostering/ adoption is an option. -Muslims argue that Allah has stated He sustains all life and provides for his creation so the above reason is invalid. -You should not seek abortion if pregnancy is a result of adultery. -Unplanned pregnancy is also not a strong reason for abortion. - Who has given us the right to prevent life from 3 entering this world? Section one: Life and Death Contraception: methods used to prevent pregnancy e.g. condoms Fertility: Ability to produce children. Why do people use contraception? Couple /partners don’t want children Too young / old Worried that they will not be good parents Finance Lifestyle – jobs that require ravelling Pregnancy harmful to mother’s health Protection against STDs (sexually transmitted disease) Muslim Attitudes to contraception Islam teaches that life is a gift from Allah “To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and earth .He creates what He pleases...”(Surah 42) Children are a precious gift. Some Muslims oppose the use of contraception as the purpose of marriage is procreation. Some argue that it is acceptable if the mother’s life is at risk Also, many Muslim s ague that the prophet was aware of birth control and approved of it. Not-acceptable –contraception Acceptable –contraception When mother’s life /health is at risk Some believe Muhammad (pbuh) supported withdrawal method of contraception Non-permanent methods of contraception are acceptable for married couples. Permanent methods of contraception(vasectomy or sterilisation ) are forbidden as having children is important is Islam (ummah expands) Methods that cause earl y abortion are also forbidden e.g. Morning After Pill Euthanasia (Illegal in UK) Euthanasia- painless killing of a person who is suffering. Voluntary = life ended with patient’s consent Non-voluntary = ending someone’s life when they can’t ask but it is believed to be in the person’s best interest. Involuntary= Disabled, sick or elderly people, for whom life is seen to have no point, are killed without consultation. Active euthanasia = carried out by doctor performing a deliberate action –giving a drug which will end life. Passive euthanasia = medical treatment/ life support is withdrawn or severely ill person is not given treatment. For euthanasia -Painless death -Patient dies with dignity -Saves medical costs -Medical staff can focus on patients more likely to recover -Relieves family of burden Against euthanasia -Sanity of life -If euthanasia is legalised the value of life will be reduced. -Some elderly/sick patients are pressurised into euthanasia. -Doctors can be wrong at diagnosing and patient may recover. -Doctors swear by the Hippocratic Oath to preserve, care and protect life so will 4 be going against their duty. Section one: Life and Death Artificial Insemination Muslim attitude to Artificial Insemination Artificial Insemination: Sperm is medically inserted into the vagina to assist pregnancy. Allah bestow children to married couples as a gift and not all couples receive this gift. Artificial Insemination by Husband (AIH)-Woman is made pregnant by the sperm of her husband Should accept this as fate and not go against what Allah has written for them. Artificial Insemination by Donor(AID)- Woman is made pregnant by the sperm of a man other then her partner. Other Muslims believe that Allah is happy for us to use technology positively. IVF- In Vitro Fertilisation However, artificial insemination involves masturbation and many Muslims disapprove of this. IVF- A scientific method of making a woman pregnant which does not involve sex. The sperm and egg are fertilised in a petri-dish. Muslims accept AIH as even though it involves masturbation it was done with the intent to have children and not seek sexual pleasure. How does it work? -Eggs are removed from body of mother and fertilised with the sperm of the father. AID is forbidden in Islam -Embryos(fertilised eggs) are inserted into the mother. -Hope that one successfully attaches itself to the uterus wall. Muslim attitude to IVF -Islam allows it if natural conception not possible. -Only the sperm of the husband and egg of the wife is allowed. -No third party involved. -Child will not doubt its parentage. -Donor is a stranger Inserting a strangers sperm can be regarded as adultery. -Child will be negatively impacted when it matures as it will not know of true identity of biological father. -AID allows homosexual couples to have a child and bring them up in a same-sex home. Homosexuality is forbidden in Islam. Surrogacy Surrogacy: Carrying a baby which is artificially conceived for another woman Surrogate Mother: A woman who has a baby for another woman. How does it work? -Fertility treatment used to impregnate surrogate. -Gives birth to child -Hands it over -Intended parents apply for Parental Order after 6 weeks. This gives them rights over child and surrogate loses all hers. Usually the surrogate mother’s eggs are used and intended fathers sperm BUT if the intended mother has working ovaries her eggs are used. UK law says surrogate mother can be helped with expenses during pregnancy but not a fee. Muslim Attitudes -Classed as adultery as a second woman is involved. -Child will be affected when it grows up particularly if surrogate mother is biological mum. -Couple should accept childlessness and not interfere with Allah’s plan. Designer Babies Designer Babies: Babies characteristics may be selected by parents to avoid inherited disease or to choose desired features. What it would involve: Selecting genes specifying gender, height, intelligence, hair colour, eye colour etc. -Scientists involved in human genetic engineering(modifying gene make-up to change features of a human) claim that the purpose of their work is to find cures to disease. Muslim View -Allah is the perfect creator we are challenging his creative powers -We would all aim to create ‘perfection’…shallow -what about those who do not live up to the ‘perfect‘ expectation? 5 Section one: Life and Death Somatic Cell Therapy Reproductive Cloning Somatic Cell Therapy: The repair or replacement of a defective gene within the body. Reproductive Cloning: To make a completely genetically identical animal, plant and possibly a human. -New genetic material added to cells to correct them. -Muslims believe that such advances are good as they aim to improve human life. However, there are some who argue that humans should not interfere with the genetic make-up of humans as it is determined by Allah. Saviour Siblings Saviour Sibling: Baby conceived to provide genetically compatible material for seriously ill sibling. Muslim View -What happens to all the embryos that were not compatible? You are ending life when disposing of them! -It’s wrong to have a child with the intention to use them to help cure a sibling. -Can it be guaranteed that no harm and suffering shall be afflicted on the baby. -Will psychologically affect the child (parents only had me for ulterior motive) -Child may feel neglected as parents always busy with sick child. Interfering with Allah’s plan. Allah only places burden on us to test us. Why do Muslims believe in life after death? “Do you think you are created for nothing and that you would not be returned to us?” (Surah 23 -No human has ever been cloned although some scientists claim they are able to. -cloning humans could lead to many problems; armies of identical clones. -cloned people would lack two parents…Family unit very important in Islam. -However some Muslims do allow animal cloning as they claim that we are simply using the knowledge that Allah has bestowed us with. -Most Muslims oppose animal cloning as it is interfering with Allah’s creative power. Therapeutic Cloning Therapeutic Cloning: Removing cells from a patient and treating them in a lab in order to produce stem cells which may be used to treat disorders e.g. Alzheimer's disease. Muslims are concerned about creating and modifying embryos for this purpose. Therefore, they disapprove of creating embryos especially for this purpose but will allow embryos not to be used in IVF treatments to be used. Muslim Beliefs About Life After Death -All Muslims believe in akhirah -Muslims also believe in resurrection(coming back to life) body stays in grave after death until judgement day. -Individuals will either find selves in heaven(Jannah) or hell(Jahannam) for eternity. “in paradise Allah prepares for righteous believers what no eye has seen ...” (Hadith Belief in life after death and how it affects Muslim “...your good actions will benefit you...” (surah 41) -Muslims believe they will be judged so they try to live within the guidelines of the Qur’an and Hadith -Muhammad (pbuh)though that there is life after death -The Quran teaches about life after death -Life is a test so it makes them want to do well. -Earthly life is given a purpose. 6 Section two: Wealth and Poverty Ummah Ummah: All Muslims are regarded as part of a brotherhood; the nation of Islam. Muslims have a duty to care for the community, but care must be shown towards less wealthy family members first. The prophet condemned the person who eats and drinks whilst his brother goes hungry. Ummah(brotherhood/sisterhood) offers Muslims around the world a feeling of unity and support Muslims make up much of the population in LEDCS such as Somalia and Niger, despite the support that is given by the brotherhood of Muslims the world is still unable to cope with the scale of the problem. How can poverty be removed? Less Economically Developed Countries(LEDC)- a country lacking the economic development to help people out of poverty. More economically developed country (MEDC)- a country where economic development allows people to enjoy a comfortable standard of living -Rich countries charging less debt, less interests or removing it completely. -Helping countries by providing a means of education and skills so people can get jobs and become self-sufficient -Help to establish health care so to reduce risk of HIV/AIDS -Help in emergency situations such as earthquakes. Emergency Aid: Giving needy people short term aid as a response to a crisis or disaster e.g. food in times of famine or war. Once immediate needs have been met long term aid begins. When a disaster occurs the aim is to rescue as many people, save lives and provide medical help. -Homes are rebuilt -Roads and railways are repaired to enable transport -Clean water supplies needed. -Crops needs to be grown for food. -Food, shelter, water and medical supplies are then provided Could take years for community to rebuild itself with the help of aid workers. Case Study: Pakistan Earthquake 2008600 dead 2000 homes destroyed Within 24 hrs international and Pakistani agencies provided survivors with blankets, tents, food and safety. World Health Organisation(WHO) provided medical aid to assist 50,000 people. 7 Many organisations teach people about healthcare so to reduce spread of life threatening disease such as HIV/AIDS. 20% of adults in some African counties who have HIV have no knowledge about the disease or how it can be prevented. -Help may be provided by members from other parts of the country or other countries.. Section two: Wealth and Poverty Muslim Agencies(Charities) Islamic Relief: Establishes offices in 13 countries. Offers both emergency and long term aid. -First ever donation was 20p - Wishes to empower the poor so they can lift selves out of poverty - Runs many projects that offer the poor skills and training for becoming self sufficient. Muslim Aid-Provides relief in 70 countries. -Offers emergency relief to LEDCs -Long term aid involves offering education, skills, clean water and healthcare so people have basic necessities and can become independent. -Helps people of all races, faiths and opinions. -One of its largest projects was the appeal of £2million pounds for Gaza. Muslim Aids Work in the UK WARM HEARTS WINTER PROJECT 2013/14Offered blankets, heathers and flasks to the elderly as respect and care for elders is an important Islamic principle. Muslim Attitudes to Money Gaining Money -Muslims are allowed to establish businesses and own properties -However, striving to earn money should not divert one from the remembrance of Allah -Allah is the one who bestows us with money and riches are a test for the wealthy. -Money cannot be earnt through interest as the rich are exploiting the poor -Gambling is forbidden as it is an addictive pastime and can lead to many problems e.g. bankruptcy -All money must be earnt through halal means. Using Money ‘Waste not…for Allah loveth not the wasters’(Quran) Money should not be hoarded as it is suggests a deep love and attachment for wealth. ‘There are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah, on them is a penalty.’(Quran) Why do Muslim agencies try to end world poverty Hadith : “...he is not a believer who eats his fill while is neighbour remains hungry by his side “(Hadith) Care and compassion for others is showing your love for Allah Sadaqah is voluntary and is encouraged. “...an ignorant person who is generous is nearer to Allah than a person full of prayer”(Hadith) Zakah: Almsgiving( Charity) of 2.5% per year WHY IS ZAKAH IMPORTANT? -Muslims have a duty to help others and those in need. -Zakah reminds one that both the rich and poor are part of the Ummah. -Sharing resources helps gain spiritual riches -Purifies possessions -Acknowledges greatness of Allah -Supports the Ummah -Removes selfishness -Creates equality -Commanded in the Quran -Show submission to the will of Allah WHAT CAN ZAKAH BE USED FOR? Muslims Only Helping the poor, people in need, freeing prisoners, helping people out of debt, widows, orphans, new Muslims(converts) and to spread Islam. Sadaqah: Voluntary almsgiving in addition to zakah -God has commanded for Muslims to ‘give regular charity’. -Saaqah can be in the form of money or time. - Should not offer charity so to attain praise from the people of the world nor boast about how much was given. - Sadaqh can be given to non- Muslims too 8 Section two: Wealth and Poverty Organisations in the UK How do organisations aim to relieve poverty in the UK? Ways in which the mosque can help people who are suffering: Birmingham Central Mosque offers the following services: •Family counselling •Library services •Evening school for children •Community classes for adults •Help and support to the sick •Help and support to the bereaved •Help and support to the poor 9 Section Three: Conflict and Suffering Purpose of Justice Justice: Bringing about what is right, fair according to the law or making up for a wrong that has been committed. -Justice is very important in Islam and Allah expects Muslims to treat each other with respect, compassion and justice - Justice is a duty - Allah has sent his prophets and laws to help people understand how to achieve justice. - E.g. how to treat poor, widows, criminals and foreigners. - Wrong to ignore the suffering of innocents - Shariah law helps Muslims determine what is right(halal) and wrong(haram) - Muslims believe if everyone followed the will of Allah justice would be achieved. Reconciliation and Peace Reconciliation: When two people or groups of people who have disagreed or fought with each other make up. Peace: The absence of conflict. -Disagreements are inevitable as not everyone will have the same opinion. -The Quran teaches that when a wrong has been done Muslims should work towards reconciliation not pursue revenge. -Reconciliation does involve compromise -Reconciliation should result in harmony and peace. -Sunnah of the prophet encourages achieving peace over grudges. Lesser Jihad Jihad: Struggle or to strive Greater Jihad: is a personal struggle to perfect their character. ‘God does not accept belief unless it is expressed in deeds’ Hadith -Duty to improve themselves and overcome temptations. -Live with taqwa, a feeling of God consciousness. -Committing to the five pillars is a Muslims Jihad (struggle) -Avoiding haram foods and actions is a form of greater jihad. Disarmament Disarmament: When a country gets rid of its weapons Multilateral Disarmament: Number of countries agree to reduce or abolish their weapons( usually in efforts to achieve reconciliation) Unilateral Disarmament: When a particular country decides to abolish its weapons by own choice. Muslims Views on Disarmament -If everyone lived as Allah willed then weapons would not be needed. -Necessary to use weapons in self defence -It is a duty to defend Islam against aggressors Lesser Jihad : Holy war, physical struggle to defend the religion of Islam. -Involves armed combat against non-Muslim aggressors - Lesser jihad is the only form of war Islam permits. - -Must be led by a an imam - Cannot be for personal gain (conquering land) - Must be to defend the rights of Muslims to practice their faith - To correct an injustice. - Holy war should not be embarked upon to force people to convert to Islam. - -Innocents, non-participants, crops and animals must not be harmed. Pacifism Pacifism: The belief that it is unacceptable to take part in war and any other form of violence. -Pacifists believe killing people in war is wrong and that there are better ways of resolving conflict. -it links to concept of sanctity of life -War encourages brutality and destruction and so pacifists are opposed to war. -Muslims believe it is ok to resort to violence in defence -Lesser Jihad is s duty therefore pacifism does 10 not fit in with theses beliefs. Section Three: Conflict and Suffering Nuclear War and Proliferation Terrorism Terrorism: When groups use violence, or threat of violence to achieve their aims. Violence is often indiscriminate and intended to create fear. -Acts of terrorism are criminal activities and go against human rights. -Terrorist attacks are usually targeted against innocent civilians. -Acts of terror involve bombing, suicide bombing, kidnapping, assassinations and hijacking. -Terrorist groups can be associated with political, ethical and religious beliefs. e.g. animal rights and anti abortion activists and religiously motivated groups such as ISIS. - Terrorists groups think they are freedom fighters and fighting for what is right. Muslims Views on Terrorism Nuclear War: A war in which the participants use nuclear weapons Nuclear Proliferation: The increase in the number of countries that have nuclear weapons. Why do countries have nuclear weapons? -Need nuclear weapons to use as deterrents so to stop other countries attacking. -This establishes peace -Makes nations feel secure and empowered. -Nuclear weapons are part of modern warfare. Problems with Nuclear Weapons Never been used since WWII due to the devastating effects, although Japan immediately surrendered. These weapons have the power to kill thousands of people with one warhead The radiation travels miles from site of attack and can affect human, animal and plant life for years to come. Terrorism is forbidden in Islam Islam and Nuclear Weapons In recent years the actions of extremists has resulted in misinterpretations of Islam. Modern day issue so nothing on it in the Quran War is only allowed in self defence and terrorism is not lesser jihad. Life is sacred and even in war the aim is defence and to achieve peace. Acts of terrorism are cowardly Muslims must establish peace on earth and actions that go against this are condemned. ‘Do not take life which Allah has made sacred’ Quran ‘Do not kill yourselves…’ Quran Protest Protest: An action to show disagreement with something for example, government policy. Muslims agree with protesting to overcome an injustice although peaceful protests are preferred. However, Allah created the earth and Muslims have a duty to preserve it and establish peace. Therefore, nuclear weapons would be wrong to use. They are far too destructive and not in line with the rules of lesser jihad ( protecting animals , crops and innocents) The after effects are horrific (deformity, disease and illness) and can be experienced decades later. However, Muslim nations have taken different positions Iran does not have it whilst Pakistan does. Case Study of Muslim Protest Danish newspaper printed offensive images of the prophet Muhammad in 2005. Caused global backlash from Muslims Protests turned violent (139 people died) Some called for the death of the cartoonists Danish embassies were firebombed. Danish products were boycotted (170 million dollar loss) 11 Petition was filed claiming the newspaper broke the blasphemy law. In 2006 the newspaper published an apology Section Four: The Environment The Created World Stewardship/ Khalifah Allah existed before all else. He created the universe with the command ‘Be’ and it was. Stewardship/ Khalifah : The belief that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God. ‘He created the heavens and the earth in six days’(Quran) He ordered the angels to bring Him seven handfuls of different coloured sand from the earth and from it moulded a man and breathed life into him. O mankind we created you from a single male and female and made you nations and tribes( Quran) -Allah created all life and Muslims should be grateful for this gift. -The earth and everything on it belongs to God and is entrusted to mankind until the Day of Judgement. - Allah has placed knowledge and wisdom in people so that they do not destroy its harmony and balance - Muslims shall be questioned about how well they fulfilled this duty. Causes of Pollution Pollution: The act of harming or contaminating the environment. Causes -Natural disasters (Volcanic eruptions) -Industry -Transportation (cars, buses planes) emit CO2 in atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels to generate energy -Millions of litres of liquid waste and sewage poured into rivers and seas. Consequences of Pollution -Global Warming- Climate change will result in damage to many of the earths fragile ecosystems (Antarctica) -Will also result in flooding, droughts and growth of desert areas -Some Animals may face extinction Types of Pollution: Land: Due to toxic waste being buried in the ground and composition of non biodegradable waste e.g. plastic does not rot away easily. Water: Liquid waste released into oceans which is harmful to sea life. Air: Result of harmful gases being released into the air we breathe. Islamic Attitudes to Pollution The Quran has made it clear that Muslims have a duty to care for the earth. -Avoid waste, buy eco-friendly products and recycle. -Community leaders can deliver sermons on stewardship. Leaders of Islamic nations can create conservation zones(banning fishing) and regulate industry. - Must not be selfish with the earths natural resources as Muslims must consider the future generations. Case Study: Muslim leaders of The Tower Hamlets community in London initiated a joint project between the council and the mosques this involved recycling. Conservation Conservation: Looking after the environment and protecting animals. What does the conservation movement do? -Protects fragile environments such as rainforests -protects animals and other species in danger of extinction Monitor use of timber and the fishing industry. Muslim Responses to Conservation Must maintain the balance in nature that Allah has created. The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences. IFEES is an organisation working with governments in establishing projects. Worked in Indonesia after the Tsunami in 2004. Helped reforest and protect Indonesian Rainforest 12 Section Four: The Environment Animal Rights Word ‘rights’ links with idea of fairness and justice. Islam teaches animals are a gift from God for humans to use not abuse. Humans have the ability to reason and animals are instinctive. Humans are more important than animals. Animals have the right to be treated with respect but humans can use them for their personal needs. Care of Animal in Islam -Humans have been given power over animals but not so that they can be abused. -All of creation is aware of Allah and animal too worship God in their own way. -They prophet forbade hunting and told a man off for sharpening his knife in front of the animal he was about to slaughter. - Animals should not be caged or taken out of their natural environment(Battery hens) - Battery hens are against principle of compassion in Islam. -Muslims would not approve of zoos and circuses Animal Experimentation Animals are experimented upon to further human knowledge and understanding Most of the animals that are experimented on are bred for that purpose only. Arguments for Animal Experimentation -Most experiments use anesthetic; any suffering is therefore minimal -Many drugs would not have been developed without this research. Medicine would not make progress without these experiments. Arguments against Animal Experimentation Muslim Views on Animal Experimentation If research is being conducted to develop medicine it is ok. Animals must be treated humanely Tests should not be unnecessarily repeated. Experimenting on animals for luxuries is wrong Experiments to find effects of smoking is forbidden as smoking is self inflicted -New technology means experiments can be done without animals. -Causing deliberate suffering is cruel and inhumane. -Animals react differently to humans; tests are unreliable. -Animals are experimented on to develop luxuries like cosmetics. 13 Section Five: Crime and Punishment Law and Punishment Law: Rules in a country that govern how people live. Crime: The breaking of a state law. If laws did not exist moral values may decline and society may experience anarchy(chaos) Islamic countries governed by shariah law have a lower crime rate People abide by laws either for the reward or due to fear of punishment Categories of Crime in Islam Hadud: Crimes which cannot be forgiven and are punishable to physical beating or death e.g. adultery, drugs, alcohol and rejection of Islam. Forgivable Crimes: Crimes against the right of an individual e.g. Murder Community Crimes: Anti-social behaviour Crimes against the state law: Breaking speed limit Death Penalty and Corporal Punishment Capital Punishment: This is a form of punishment in which a prisoner is put to death for crimes committed. It is otherwise known as the death penalty. Methods used -The lethal injection -Hanging -Electric chair. -Firing squad. Islam allows capital punishment as under shariah law, some crimes are punishable to death e.g. adultery. Corporal Punishment: This is a form of punishment in which pain is inflicted upon a person in order to punish that person for crimes or other offences committed. Causes of Crime Greed-Want something that they cannot afford so will steal to buy it. Peer pressure- So that they are accepted by gang members Addiction- To be able to meet and pay for their drug need an individual may steal. Hate: Could be a result of prejudice. Aims of punishment Protection – to stop the criminal hurting anybody in society. Deterrence – to put people off (or deter them from) committing crimes. Reformation – to change a criminal’s behaviour for the better. Retribution – to get your own back on the criminal – based on the teaching of ‘an eye for an eye’. Allah has allowed d retribution but reconciliation is preferred. ‘We ordained therein for them, life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth….’(Quran) but if a Muslim forgives then this is a deed more worthy. Allah as Judge There is only one true judge, Allah Offending against shariah law is like sinning against Allah Allah forgives any offender that returns to him in true repentance. Under shariah law corporal punishment is also permissible. Corporal punishment acts a deterrent to the rest of the population. -Public stoning, flogging and amputation of hands 14 Section Six: Relationships and Lifestyle The Family He who has no love for our little ones and does not recognise the honour due to our elders is not one of us. (hadith) Duties of Parents: Bring their children up as good Muslims. Keep a halal home. Give children a good education. Duties of Children: Follow the Islamic examples that parents have portrayed. Implement them in religious practice and social practice. Follow Halal guidelines outside the home too whether it be at school, work or socialising. Why is family so important? -Provides security within the home and in society -Children can learn values and basic rules of good behaviour -Prophet said that the extended family is important & it is the duty of children to care for elders. ‘May his nose be rubbed in dust who found his parents approaching old age and did not enter paradise serving them’ Hadith Heterosexual Relationship: A sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex. Sexual Intercourse: The sexual act between two people. This relationship seen as following the normal pattern of behaviour. Only permissible between a man and woman who are married. Islam teaches celibacy(choosing not to marry) is wrong. Adultery: Sex outside of marriage, where one or both of the individuals are already married. -Forbidden in Islam -Punishable to death -Destroys family life -Destroys the loving bond between a husband and wife. - Could lead to unwanted pregnancy Islam regards sexual relationships between a husband and wife as healthy and a blessing. Islam does not forbid use of contraception as it recognises that sex has other purposes than reproduction. Sexual dissatisfaction is considered a valid reason for both men and women to seek divorce. Homosexuality: A sexual relationship with someone of the same sex Many Muslim’s believe that homosexuality is a grave sin and that homosexuality is a product of an individual’s environment, not as a result of their genetics. These Muslim’s believe that humans have a choice and that they must choose not to be homosexual, just as an alcoholic must choose not to drink. The Qur’an teaches “If two men among you commit indecency punish them both. If they repent and mend their ways, let them be. Allah is forgiving and merciful.” -Quran makes statements against homosexuality. -Prophet’s Hadith states ‘kill the one who is doing it and the one it is being done to.’ -Story of Prophet Lut in the Qur’an is evidence that homosexuality is forbidden in Islam. 15 Section Six: Relationships and Lifestyle Usury: The act of loaning money with excessive interest Gambling: Playing games of chance to win money The Qur’an bans Muslims from being involved in riba - the lending of money at interest. It states that those who lend or borrow at interest will go to hell. This is because interest takes money from the poor and gives it to the rich, whereas a Muslim should take money from the rich and give it to the poor. This causes problems for Muslims living in the United Kingdom because: they cannot have mortgages they cannot have savings accounts in banks or building societies they cannot have current accounts in banks which give interest they cannot have loans. To avoid these problems, many Muslims: only use Muslim banks which give a share of profits rather than charging or giving interest form savings groups so that houses can be bought one at a time without involving anyone in mortgages save for things so that they can pay cash. Why is gambling wrong? -Gambling wastes money that could be spent on the family or the poor -Allah has said that nobody should have what they have not earnt -‘Get rich quick’ is against the spirit of Islam -Gambling is addictive and cause many problems for families and society -Very few people win -It takes one away from the remembrance of Allah. Illegal Drugs: Drugs whose possession is against the law. Cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis etc. Reasons for taking illegal drugs: -Helps them to relax -Addiction -A way of escaping from problems -Peer pressure -For fun -Like the effects Muslim Attitudes to illegal drugs and alcohol Why do Muslims avoid drugs and alcohol? -It is healthier to avoid drugs and alcohol -Allah has lent us our earthly bodies , we must look after them. -Helps Muslims stay on the straight path to reach paradise -The Quran forbids Muslims from taking drugs or alcohol -Obeying Allah -Some drugs are against the law -They cause people to commit other sins -It is easy to become addicted this leads to problems -If a Muslim drinks or takes drugs their prayers will not be accepted for 40 days. Satan plans to excite…you with intoxicants and gambling. (Quran) Drugs: A drug is any substance that affects the mind or body Prescribed Drugs: Drugs which are legal, obtained on written instruction of a doctor. -Used for medical and social reasons -Drugs such as alcohol a tobacco are legal in the UK, taken socially for pleasure -Drugs prescribed by the doctor are intended to cure illness. Muslims told by Allah to respect their bodies as they are a gift and so they will use drugs (medicines)that cure illness and relieve pain. Islamic Schools -Many Muslims send their children to Islamic state schools. -They argue they have a right to choose an appropriate education for their child. -There are many Christian faith schools. -Current faith schools provide an excellent standard of education -A faith school provides more then just a secular education Problems with Faith Schools -Can lead to segregation from wider British community. Religious practices should be taught at home not in schools 16 Education funding should be used on more important needs.