RE - C&P

• Muslim attitudes to suffering

  • Muslims believe God is aware of all types of suffering and allows it to happen, usually for a reason that humans cannot understand
  • Muslims believe sometimes it is a test from God, or the result of giving into temptation of the devil
  • It teaches that hope and faith can help believers to endure suffering
  • Muslims believe it is wrong to blame God for the suffering in the world. They believe God gave free will and therefore can make their own choices
  • The teachings in the Qur'an, of Muhammad and advice from religious leader teaches Muslims how to use their free will responsibly
• Christian attitudes to suffering

  • Christians believe they should try to help others who are suffering
  • The Bible explains how good can come out of suffering
  • They believe they should follow the example of Jesus, who helped many whom he saw suffering, and taught those who believe in God should help those that suffer
  • Christians believe it is wrong to blame God for the suffering in the world. They believe God gave free will and therefore can make their own choices
  • The teachings of the Jesus give guidance to help Christians to use their free will responsibly
• Bible: 'We also glory in our sufferings; because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.'
• Muslim attitudes to causing suffering to others

  • It is against the teachings of Islam. They are opposed to causing others to suffer
  • They share the belief of caring for their brothers and sisters in need
  • Muslims believe it is inevitable to sometimes cause suffering to others. They believe it is important to be honest with themselves, and to repair the damage they have done
  • They believe God will forgive anyone who sincerely repents
• Hadith: 'Be compassionate towards the destitute'
• Christian attitudes to causing suffer to others

  • Christians are generally opposed to causing others to suffer. Jesus taught humans should love each other and take care of those in need
  • Christians believe it is inevitable to sometimes cause suffering to others. They believe it is important to be honest with themselves, and to repair the damage they have done
  • Christians believe they should heal the wrong that has been done and the suffering that has been caused in whatever way they can
• Christian beliefs about forgiveness


  • A core belief in Christianity and one that Jesus emphasised in his teachings
  • Christians are expected to forgive others, regardless of what they have done, and Christians believe that in turn, God will forgive them
  • Many Christians argue that forgiveness is not a replacement for punishment
  • They believe in both forgiving the offender and justice for the crime that they committed
  • There is no maximum number of times a person should be forgiven. They believe this as there is no limit on the amount of love God shows them, therefore there can be no limit on forgiveness
  • They believe they should follow the example of Jesus, which includes forgiving those who do wrong things
  • They believe reformation should be the primary aim of punishment as it helps forgiveness and the moving on from the crime
• The Lord's Prayer: 'Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us'
• Bible: 'Forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times'
• Bible: 'Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'
• Muslim beliefs about forgiveness

  • Muslims believe that punishment satisfies the demands of society. It reinforces the requirements Islam lays down about how to behave in a way that is pleasing to God
  • Forgiveness serves no part in the punishment process
  • Forgiveness, however, plays an important part in Islam
  • Muslims believe in two categories of forgiveness; forgiveness from God and forgiveness from humans
  • Forgiveness from God – only God can truly forgive and will only forgive those who are truly sorry
  • Forgiveness from humans – Humans should forgive those who ask for forgiveness, and once that has happened, the person who has committed the wrong should then ask for forgiveness from God. If they offend again, they should repeat the process again
• Qur'an: 'Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you? God is most forgiving and merciful'
• Hadith: 'Pardon each other's faults and [God] will grant you honour'
• Prison


  • Prison is reserved for those who commit a serious crime
  • Conditions in many UK prisons have been criticised
• Islam - Muslims agree with the use of prison


  But under Shari'ah law prisons have less of a role in reforming the criminal and are only normally used while the offender is awaiting trial or punishment. The punishment they usual receive is corporal but some argue that imprisonment may be a far greater punishment than the infliction of pain
• Christianity - Christians agree that prison should be used for serious crimes


  Many strongly support trying to help prisoners while in prison and are keen to see education and training facilities well used
• Corporal punishment


  Punishing an offender by causing them physical pain
• Corporal punishment is illegal in the UK but allowed in some other parts of the world
• Islam - Public caning is used in some Muslim countries


  Corporal punishment is regarded as a violation of human rights but some Muslims argue that imprisonment is far less humane than corporal punishment. Under Shari'ah law punishments are harsh. Whilst some believe that they are too harsh, they are only used under strict regulations and are often not used at all. Where Shari'ah law is used, there is significantly less crime than in the UK
• Qur'an: 'Cut of the hands of thieves, whether they are man or woman, as punishment for what they have done – a deterrent from God'
• Christianity - Christians do not disagree with discipline


  They see a positive need for it. However, they may question the method use as Jesus taught to love and care for people. Christians focus on positive sanctions that help offenders
• Proverbs 13:24: 'He who spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them'
• Community service


  Offers the offender a chance to make up for what they have done and to receive help in reforming their character
• Islam - These sentences are rarely used in Shari'ah law


  As they are not considered enough of a deterrent to protect society
• Christianity - Christians generally agree that community service is a suitable punishment for minor offences


  The Church of England condemned programmes for offenders which required unpaid work
• The death penalty is illegal in the UK since 1969. Three people have been pardoned since its abolition because evidence has shown they were innocent
• Christian beliefs about the death penalty

  • Some Christians agree with the death penalty as they use Old Testament teachings to support their views. They believe people should have the same punishment as the crime committed
  • Christians who oppose the death penalty do so mainly because they do not believe that taking another life is right. They believe only God has the right to take life
  • Jesus taught about the importance of forgiveness and warned people not to judge each other harshly
• Bible: 'Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed'
• Bible: 'Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth'
• Bible: 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn away from their ways and live'
• Islam beliefs about the death penalty

  • Shari'ah law allows for the death penalty to be carried out
  • The victim's family has to decide whether to show mercy and allow the offender to be spared. If they do not the offender will be executed
  • The Qur'an can be interpreted to justify the death penalty
  • In countries that operate Shari'ah law, methods of execution can include beheading, firing squad, hanging and stoning
  • There must be very strict evidence before a conviction of the death penalty will be made
• Qur'an: 'Do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by right. This is what He commands you to do: so that you may use your reason'
• Some Muslims do not agree with the death penalty. They believe supporting passages in the Qur'an have been misinterpreted
• Crime


  Any action which is against the law that has been put in place by the rulers of any state
• Offenders


  Those who have been found guilty of a crime and face legal punishment
• Good and evil intentions and actions

  • Good actions that follow the law
  • Generosity
  • Love
  • Wrong actions that are legal (e.g. adultery)
  • Evil actions that cause suffering, injury or death (even if not against the law)
• Christians believe there is no such thing as an evil person, but all humans have a tendency to do evil things due to original sin
• Muslims believe that even thoughts of committing crime are considered as serious as committing the crime itself, due to Shari'ah law
• Christian attitudes to law breakers

  • Generally against people breaking the law
  • Some believe punishment should be as severe as the crime, others believe they should be helped to not reoffend
  • Law breakers' rights should be protected and they should be treated humanely
  • Most believe offenders should be helped to change their ways so they don't reoffend
• Muslim attitudes to law breakers

  • Against people committing crimes, as Shari'ah law must be obeyed
  • Generally, laws should be respected to promote order in society
  • Some believe punishment should be as severe as the crime, others believe they should be helped to not reoffend
  • Law breakers' rights should be protected and they should be treated humanely