Candidates do not need to give examples in order to be awarded 2 marks
A sense of dedication and obligation to something or someone.
Candidates might respond from one particular religious tradition or refer to general principles across traditions. Either should be credited.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
If it is God’s will for a couple to pro-create then there should be no artificial methods to stop it.
If only one of the partners wishes to use contraception.
God created all life and it is not up to humans to decide when they procreate e.g. Genesis 1.
Religious teachings and sources of authority e.g. Catholicism teaches that artificial contraceptives are wrong
Some religions, such as Judaism, do not allow contraceptives if the sperm is destroyed. • In some religions procreation is important and contraception would prevent that aim.
Many religions consider it a duty to create a family.
Interpretation of religious scriptures, e.g. in Genesis 1 God ordered ‘be fruitful and multiply.’
Natural Law states a primary precept in the continuation of species is through reproduction.
There may be different views within the same religious tradition depending upon personal interpretations of sacred texts and sources of authority.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christianity
There are different attitudes depending upon the teachings and practices of different denominations.
There may be different attitudes within the same tradition depending upon the reason for the divorce e.g. if cruelty has been involved.
Some Christians do not recognise divorce as they believe marriage is a life-long commitment.
Some Christians, especially Catholic and Orthodox, believe separation or annulment is permissible but divorce goes against the vows made in the marriage ceremony • Some Christians interpret Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 19 v.8-9 to mean that divorce and then remarriage can be classed as adultery. • Some Christians interpret Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 19:9 to mean that divorce and then remarriage in a case or sexual immorality is not adultery.
Some Christians believe that God has entered into the married relationship and therefore divorce should not happen (Mark 10:9)
Some Christians believe that marriage is a sacrament that can only be dissolved for special reasons such as forced marriage.
Some Christians, e.g. Church of England and non-conformists, believe divorce is best avoided but acceptable.
Many Christian communities will actively support reconciliation between a couple rather than a divorce.
Many Christians would agree that divorce should only happen after speaking to faith leaders.
Must comply with the law of the land.
Islam
Accepted by most Muslims but not considered as ideal
Prophet Muhammed said divorce was the most hated practice by Allah.
Should try to reconcile the couple with the help of the imam
The Religious community and extended family should also help reconciliation. The role of an ‘arbitrator’ is mentioned in the Qur’an 4:35.
When divorce happens then remarriage is allowed.
As well as ending through the civil courts divorce must also be ratified through the Shariah council.
It is important that the process of divorce is followed by the three month iddah period during which there are opportunities for reconciliation.
Must comply with the law of the land
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar are allocated to this question. [6]
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited
It depends what is meant by ‘equal’. Roles can have equal importance but just not be the same. For example, many Jews would say the woman’s role of bringing in Shabbat is very important even if in some Orthodox traditions they can’t be rabbis.
Some religious believers state that roles are laid down in the scriptures which cannot and should not change over time e.g. reference might be made to the original disciples of Jesus being male.
The roles of men and women in worship often reflect traditional teachings and practices that many worshippers don’t want to change.
Most sources of authority detailing roles in worship were written by men at a time of a patriarchal society. Times have changed now and worshippers are questioning traditional roles.
Some sources of authority indicate different roles to men and to women. It is not a case they ignore the role of women e.g. the Talmud refers to equal but different roles for men and women
In some religious traditions there are active campaigns to have equal roles e.g. Catholic Ordination of Women
There have been changes in some religious traditions in the UK e.g. Reform Judaism and women rabbis and the Church of England women have been ordained.
There are changes happening, particularly in countries such as the United States e.g. female imams and Orthodox women rabbis
Many believers refer to sources of authority to campaign against changed gender roles in worship and authority e.g. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and therefore these interpretations must be put into practice.
Many religious believers refer to the importance of faith regarding roles of authority not gender e.g. Galatians 3:27-29
Women can take up active roles in worship and authority and take vows to devote their life to the service of God
Even when change happens there can be different gender requirements, e.g. in Buddhism, men and women monks in Buddhism have to follow different vows.
Hinduism has female and male deities. Both are considered as important but have different roles.
In Sikhism all men and women can be priests and granthis however in reality, there are fewer female priests or granthis.
Gender roles in worship and authority often reflect the culture of the country.
Soul: The spiritual aspect of a being; that which connects someone to God. The soul is often regarded as non-physical and as living on after physical death, in an afterlife
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Living creatures evolve.
The evolution process (creatures adapting from earlier less developed forms) is gradual and over millions of years
Animals with certain characteristics have more chance of survival and pass these characteristics to their offspring.
The concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ results in species flourishing which are best suited to their environment
Over very long periods species adapt and this leads to new species emerging
There may be differences of opinion and practice within the tradition.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christianity
Diversity of beliefs based on interpretations of teachings and sources of authority • As God created the world (Genesis 1) it is important to look after it. • Many Christians believe God has given humans the role of stewards to look after the world.
As a part of the responsibility, some Christians consider it important to ‘heal the world’ rather than just look after it or be stewards.
Some Christians interpret texts in the Bible to mean that humans have a responsibility to have dominion over the environment. Genesis 1.28 is interpreted by some Christians to mean that humans should ‘rule over’ nature and therefore have a right over resources.
Psalm 8:5-6 ‘You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet’ is interpreted sometimes literally by Evangelical Christians that humans have a responsibility to rule over the earth.
Most Christians believe they have a responsibility to care for the environment as it is a gift from God.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis has highlighted practical ways people can exercise their responsibility by reducing water consumption, planting of trees, avoiding plastic, car-pooling and turning off lights
Islam
As Allah is the Creator of all so all of creation including the environment should be actively respected.
Respect for the environment is a way of showing respect to Allah.
In the Qur’an 7.54 the interconnection between Allah and the creation of the world is shown ‘Allah who created the heavens and the earth’.
God has made humans khalifahs or trustees to care for the world.
There is a pattern and balance in nature known as fitrah which Muslims have a duty to maintain.
Environmental responsibility teaches that it is the balance of khalifahs and their use of the earth’s resources which helps the planet survive.
Increase of Eco Mosques which model environmental responsibility.
Refer to the specific marking band for the Life and Death (d) Question.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
There is plenty of room for debate about how much weight each should have. There are differences of opinion between believers of the same religious and non-religious traditions.
For many religious believers, life is a divine gift and therefore it is never right to take the life away (e.g. Genesis Ch:1).
Many religious believers refer to sacred texts or principles to make their choice (e.g. The Ten Commandments; The First Precept of Buddhism).
Many religious believers refer to religious principles forbidding the taking of human life, e.g. pikuach nefesh; Sanctity of Life; Ahimsa, metta.
Many atheists and humanists would argue that people have free will to act upon their moral reasoning and conscience
Consideration of sanctity of life. Life is considered by many as God given and therefore only God can take it away. Reference might be made to Genesis 1:31 and Psalm 8:6
In Judaism pikuach nefesh (saving of a life) is so important other mitzvot can be broken. The life of the mother would normally be chosen over the life of an unborn child.
Some would say that it depends upon the views of the father as well.
Some would say it depends upon the way that conception took place e.g. rape.
Many humanists would say that the woman’s health and well -being must be taken into consideration. The law in England, Scotland, and Wales permits an abortion before the 24th week of pregnancy.
Many humanists would argue that the potential happiness and suffering of both the woman and the foetus, as well as the wider family and the interests of the woman would be put first as she would be the one who would have to complete the pregnancy and likely care for the baby, whose happiness would largely depend on hers.
Some religious people accept the Doctrine of ‘Double Effect’ where the Mother’s life should be saved even when the unintended consequence is the death of the unborn child
Sin: deliberate immoral action, breaking a religious or moral law
Candidates do not need to give examples in order to be awarded 2 marks
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Crime can be caused because of poverty when people need more money and goods, or their lack of income makes them feel different to the rest of society.
Crime can be caused because of addictions which requires money to pay for those addictions (e.g. gambling, alcohol, illegal drugs)
Crime can be caused because of poor education which inhibits social mobility.
Crime can be caused because of peer pressure to join others in criminal activity
Crime can be caused because of the impact of the media which might glorify certain crimes.
Crime can be caused because some people don’t seem to know the difference between right and wrong.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christianity
There are different beliefs within the same traditions dependent upon interpretation of religious texts and moral reasoning e.g. distinctions between liberal and conservative Christians.
Reference to beliefs and sacred texts about the sanctity of life, e.g. Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:38-39, 43-47.
Only God has the right to take life. • Reference to beliefs about the aims of punishment. • References to interpretations of Exodus 20:13.
Belief that only God can punish and that will happen at the end of life.
Some denominations e.g. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints refers to the importance of keeping to the prescribed law.
Some denominations e.g. Society of Friends (Quakers) considers the death penalty shows a lack of respect for human life.
Some denominations e.g. Methodists consider that the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem.
The Evangelium Vitae 1995 contains a statement saying the death penalty was acceptable under specific conditions. Pope Francis has recently stated the death penalty is inadmissible in all cases.
Islam
There are different beliefs within the same traditions dependent upon interpretation of religious texts and moral reasoning.
Can depend upon the circumstances in the country.
Only Allah can decide the time when someone dies.
Many Muslims accept the death penalty believing that Allah decides on the Day of Judgement but people can be punished on earth.
References to sacred texts e.g. Qur'an 16.90.
Shariah Law regulations.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
There are many different causes of suffering – some human made and some natural disasters.
Suffering questions God as being omniscient (all knowing) – references to the inconsistent triad.
Suffering questions God’s omnipotence (all powerful) – references to the inconsistent triad
Suffering questions God’s omnibenevolence (all loving) – references to the inconsistent triad
Sometimes suffering is for a purpose, e.g. as a test or to strengthen faith in God, as in the story of Job.
Through suffering faith is proven, resulting in a reward in the afterlife.
Some see suffering as a punishment, e.g. references to Original Sin.
Some see suffering as part of God’s plan but we might not be aware of what the plan is, e.g. al-Qadr.
Teachings about evil e.g. role of attachment; belief in yetzer ha-ra; etc.
Role of free will and fate.
References to external forces, e.g. Shaytan.
Humanists though not referring to suffering as any part of a divine plan
consider suffering can be sheer bad luck or due to human actions, e.g. famine and war.
Suffering can lead to people denying the existence of God, e.g. The Shoah/Holocaust.
Belief in a God can alleviate suffering through reading of sacred texts, prayer, being a part of a worshipping community.
Discrimination: acts of treating groups of people, or individuals differently, based on prejudice
Candidates do not need to give examples in order to be awarded 2 marks.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Religious extremism might offend people with different views, beliefs or practices.
Actions of religious extremists might go against the human rights of other people. • Religious extremism goes against important religious teachings like agape or ahimsa
Religious extremism can result in violence to others.
Religious extremism can be a misinterpretation of sources of authority
Religious extremism can destroy harmony in a society.
Candidates might include a range of explanations or just focus in on how one particular activity promotes human rights in each religion/tradition. They might also refer to through daily life interaction with others through campaigning and protesting, through work of charities or through individual case studies with relevant examples for each.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christianity
Human rights are promoted by showing dignity to other human beings. Many Christians will try to reflect the actions and teachings of Jesus which support the marginalised. They will consider the importance of the teachings of the story of The Good Samaritan Zaccheus and the teachings of the Beatitudes, for example. As Christians believe God created each person, they will treat each as worthy of respect with unconditional love - agape.
Human rights are promoted through prayer and acts of worship. Many Christian denominations have services to promote human rights e.g. Sunday for Racial Justice.
Some ministers and priests are actively engaged in action to promote human rights. Martin Luther King and Oscar Romero promoted human rights though their actions and speeches.
Human rights are promoted by faith leaders through important declarations. For example, in Evangelii Gaudium Pope Francis expresses concern for those who are homeless or oppressed.
Many Christians will promote human rights through acts of agape. Christians promote human rights by speaking up about the wrongs of oppression and inequality. Liberation theology seeks to liberate people from unjust political conditions. This means that actions might be taken by Christians against governments through petitions, media campaigns or protest marches. Active lobbying of governments for change.
Islam
Human rights are promoted in everyday life by showing dignity to other human beings. Quran 5:32. Muslims believe that God created all humans so all should be respected.
Many Muslims model their daily life on the actions of the Prophet Muhammad who spoke out against oppression and actively supported the orphans and rights of women.
Following the teaching of the Quran that teaches the special duties humans have in creating a just and fair society. • Human rights are promoted through Ummah in action which supports the world wide community of Muslims.
Human rights are promoted through the giving of Zakat to help the oppressed. As a pillar of Islam, it is a duty to give to charity.
Muslims might become members of the Islamic Human Rights Commission and lobby parliament and politicians. • Some Muslims have actively engaged in discussions with world leaders to campaign for human rights.
Human rights are promoted through ummah in action.
Some Muslims have spoken out publicly against human riots being violated even at risk to their lives. Malala Yousafzai led a campaign to get education for girls.
Muslim chaplaincy in prisons seek to support the human rights of prisoners and their families.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
People should have free will to decide whether they want to give money.
Some religious believers can’t afford to give money to charity.
Maimonides recognised the importance of giving money to charity but said there were better ways of supporting the needy such as giving them employment.
Religious believers shouldn’t give money to charity just because they think they are going to be rewarded in the after-life.
Some religious believers take vows of poverty.
It depends how the money has been acquired. For example, in some Christian denominations and in Islam, money gained from gambling shouldn’t be given.
References to specific religious practices e.g. sadaqah, zakah, tithing, artha, dhana, sewa.
Some religious believers consider humans are custodians of wealth for God and therefore money should be given in accordance with sources of authority.
If people have earned their money through legal practices, then they can do what they want with their money
Regular giving of money helps the bond of a religious community e.g. through tithing or strengthening the ummah
Wealth should not be the priority of life. Jesus in Matthew 6 warns that money should not take the place of God in their lives.
Jesus taught in Luke 16 that God will judge people not on how much money they have, but how they treat the poor.
Many people, religious or not, believe it is a moral responsibility to support others and this includes sharing wealth. • Many religious believers donate to charity as a religious duty e.g. tithing; zakat; pushke boxes.
Trinity: The three persons of God: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Candidates do not need to give examples (e.g. Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in order to be awarded the 2 marks.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Christian belief in hell is a part of their beliefs about the afterlife
Christians believe hell is a place for those who have rejected God
Christians believe that to be in hell is to be separated from the presence of God
Christians believe hell is a place of agony and punishment
Christians believe hell is a place of suffering
Some Christians believe hell is a physical place
Some Christians believe hell exists in a spiritual dimension
Some Christians believe hell is place of eternal punishment and suffering
Hell is the domain of the devil
Some Christians adopt a contemporary approach to hell which rejects its existence
Sources of Wisdom and Authority may include the references below, but other relevant sources must also be credited:
Matthew 25vs 41 ‘Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”.
Matthew 25vs 46 ‘Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.’
Luke 16vs 24-26 ‘So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Human beings are the high point of God’s creation
Christians believe humans were given dominion over the Earth by God but must also exercise stewardship
God instructed humans to populate the earth
Human beings are made in the image of God
Human beings have a conscience from which to decide right from wrong
Because human beings have a spiritual part to their nature, they are able to possess some understanding of God
Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, human beings are sinful in nature and need to seek the forgiveness of God
Christians believe human beings have souls
Christians believe this life is a preparation for the afterlife and ultimately heaven
Christians believe in love of God and love of neighbour, to follow Jesus’ great commandments and live a Christian lifestyle
Christians believe God made the first humans, beginning with Adam and Eve in the Genesis creation story Sources of Wisdom and Authority may include the reference below, but other relevant sources must also be credited: Genesis 1 vs 26 ‘Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our Likeness.’
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar are allocated to this question. [6]
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
The Incarnation is more important because it is God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ, made ‘flesh’
The incarnation is more important because without the Incarnation, Christianity would not exist
The Incarnation is a miracle and a demonstration of God’s power
The Incarnation makes reference to the three persons of the Trinity, God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit • The Ascension is more important because Jesus returns to heaven to be with God the Father
The Ascension marks the end of Jesus’ mission on earth
The Ascension follows the resurrection of Jesus
The Ascension makes reference to heaven and the Christian belief in the afterlife
The Ascension has a connection to the work of the disciples and the beginning of the Christian Church
The celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas is more widely celebrated than the celebration of Ascension
It is not possible to say which belief is the most important as both beliefs are stated in the Apostles’ Creed; ‘He was conceived by the Holy Spirt and born of the Virgin Mary’ and ‘He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father’
Sources of Wisdom and Authority may include the references below, but other relevant sources must also be credited:
John 1: 14 ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’
Luke 24: 51 ‘While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.’
Sacraments: An outward sign of an inward blessing by God, e.g. Baptism or the Eucharist
Candidates do not need to give examples in order to be awarded the 2 marks
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
N.B. In this question, the World Council of Churches is the source of authority and other sources are not necessary in order to gain full credit.
The practical goal of the World Council of Churches in working for reconciliation is unity and shared fellowship
The World Council of Churches holds an annual special week of prayer for all Christians
The week of prayer is specifically for Christian reconciliation and unity
Christians from all denominations are encouraged to join together in ecumenical services, during the special week of prayer and at other times
Christians from different denominations are encouraged to join together in their different church buildings for worship
The World Council of Churches works towards one faith and shared eucharistic fellowship through initiatives, such as youth events and shared mission and evangelism
The ‘Churches Together in England’ is a practical expression of reconciliation
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
The Eucharist is part of liturgical worship
Eucharist means ‘thanksgiving’ and it allows Christians to remember the life and death of Jesus
It also allows Christians to give thanks for the life of the Church
Many Christians take part in the Eucharist on a Sunday which has special significance for Christians and allows Christians to worship in fellowship with other Christians
Many Christians regard the Eucharist (also known as the Mass or Holy Communion) as a sacrament, with a specific rite, which enables blessing by God
Catholics believe during the Mass the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus and this belief is known as transubstantiation.
Some Protestants, such as Lutherans, believe in the concept of consubstantiation, which means the body and blood of Jesus are present in some way in the forms of bread and wine
Baptists do not believe Jesus is present in the bread and wine; it is an act of remembrance and known as memorialism
Christians are following Jesus’ instruction at the Last Supper to eat bread and wine, which represented his body and blood
Jesus told the disciples to share bread and wine in remembrance of his death.
Sources of Wisdom and Authority may include the references below, but other relevant sources must also be credited:
Luke 22:19-20 ‘Then he took some bread and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, given for you, do this in memory of me.’ Then he took the cup saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you.’
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
NB: Results from the 2021 census are due to be released in March 2022 so some reference may be made to these results in Summer scripts and can be credited (The specification makes explicit reference to the 2001 and 2011 census results)
The census results are not an accurate record of religious belief; the question about religious belief was the only voluntary question in the census
significant number of people did not answer the voluntary question and this makes it difficult to assess the census results
Between 2001 and 2011 the census results recorded indicated there was a decline in people who identified themselves as Christian
The number of people in Britain who identified themselves as having no religion rose to a quarter of the population and this is a significant development indicating a decline in Christian beliefs • Census results in 2011 indicated an increase in religious diversity
Census results in 2011 indicated an increase in non-religious beliefs and practices and consequently a decline in Christian beliefs • Christianity remained the largest religion in the 2011 census results
Census results alone may not be the best indication of whether Britain is a Christian country
There are many other ways of considering whether Britain is a Christian country, such as measuring church attendance on Sundays and looking at the significance of Christian festivals and how they are celebrated in Britain
It is very difficult to measure the Christian heritage of Britain and how far this may have changed
Al-Qadr is the Muslim belief that Allah has decided everything that will happen in the world and in people’s lives, which is also called predestination.
Most Muslims believe that humans cannot choose to do something if Allah has not already chosen that path for them.
Answers may include the following points but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Usul-ad-Din is the Shi’a term for the five fundamental principles or roots of the Muslim religion
Tawhid is the fundamental Muslim belief in the oneness of God
Adl or Adaah is the belief in the justice of God • Nubuwah is prophethood
Imamate is leadership; Shi’a Muslims believe God appointed twelve infallible Imams to guide the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
Qayamat is resurrection; Muslims believe the final Day of Judgement, when all human beings will be physically resurrected on this day and judged.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
The most important belief is stated in the Shahadah, ‘There is no God but Allah’ because Muslims are monotheistic and believe in only one God.
Tawhid means the belief in the oneness of God. It is the fundamental belief in Islam taught in the Qur’an
Creator of all things; Muslims believe Allah is the creator of all things because the Qur’an teaches this. • Allah is omniscient which means God is all-knowing. This belief allows for the belief in Al Qadr (predestination).
Allah is described as beneficent, which means Allah is kind.
Transcendent means Allah has no limits, and is constrained by neither time or space and stands outside of these
Merciful means Allah is just and merciful and will forgive
Judge means Allah is the final judge who will give final judgement on the Day of Judgement when all human beings are judged on the way they lived their lives
Allah has ninety-nine names
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Muslims believe prophets are sent by God and they have an important role in the revelation of God
The prophets show people what God expects of them in their daily lives
Muslims believe they should follow the practical example of the prophets in terms of their faith in God and their teachings and actions, beginning with Adam the first prophet and Muhammad, the seal of the prophets
Most Muslims honour and respect Muhammed especially because without him there would be no Qur'an or Hadith; Muslims are only able to believe in angels because of sacred texts
The prophets are more important because they have free will
Angels are more important because the angel Jibril revealed the Qur’an to Muhammad • Belief in angels is more important because angels were created before humans
Angels are divine messengers sent from God, created to interact with human lives • Angels are more important because each person has two angels appointed to watch over them and record their deeds • Angels are more important because the angels Munkar and Nakir will question each person to test their faith in God after death
Angels are more important because Israfil is the archangel who will signal the Day of Judgement
It is not possible to say which is more important because both are articles of faith in Islam for Sunni Muslims
Haram (forbidden): Any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam . For example eating pork or drinking alcohol.
Answers may include the following points but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited.
Usul-ad-Din is the Shi’a term for the five fundamental principles or roots of the Muslim religion
Tawhid is the fundamental Muslim belief in the oneness of God
Adl or Adaah is the belief in the justice of God
Nubuwah is prophethood
Imamate is leadership; Shi’a Muslims believe God appointed twelve infallible Imams to guide the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
Qayamat is resurrection; Muslims believe the final Day of Judgement, when all human beings will be physically resurrected on this day and judged.
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited
The Night of Power, or Laylat-ul-Qadr, commemorates the first revelation of the Qu’ran to Muhammad. The Qur’an is considered the divine Word of Allah
It is one of the most important and sacred Muslim festivals
The Night of Power is the first of the revelations to Muhammad which took place over the next twenty-three years and the beginning of the process of the revelation of the Qur’an • The Night of Power is commemorated on the 27th day of Ramadan; many Muslims may read the Qur’an throughout the night and stay awake reading the Qur’an and in prayer to show its significance.
Ramadan is the most important Muslim month of the year; it is a month of fasting and many Muslims pay charity tax during this month. Both of these practices are regarded as pillars (religious duties) in Islam
As the Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, the Qur’an is considered to be the last revelation from God, so the Night of Power has a special significance
The Qur’an teaches that, ‘This night is better than a thousand months
Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited
It is difficult to live as a Muslim in Britain today because Britain is an increasingly secular society • It is not difficult to live as a Muslim because Britain is now a religiously pluralist society
Many Muslims are able to worship in a mosque and be an active member of a Muslim community
Some Muslims do not have access to a local mosque, particularly in rural communities
Islam is taught in many schools as part of a religious education programme so many people have a much greater knowledge and understanding of Islam
Fasting may be an issue for Muslims, particularly during the summer months • Dress and diet customs may be misunderstood in society
There is much greater availability of halal food in Britain today
Islamophobia may be present in some communities and expressed in some aspects of the media
Inter-faith dialogue has promoted awareness and understanding of different religious traditions, including Islam • Muslims have a higher profile in many areas of public life, such as politics and sport