Crime and Punishment:Islam

Question 1

How does Islam ensure children are brought up to respect the law?

Answer 1

It places a strong emphasis on the importance of extended family and raising children in the faith

Question 2

Name 5 causes of crime

Answer 2

Addiction, Mental Illness, Greed, Upbringing, Poverty

Question 3

Quote for greed, Quran 102:1-2

Answer 3

“Competing for more distracts until you go into your graves”

Question 4

Definition of Shariah Law

Answer 4

The Islamic Justice System seen to have been intended by God to be obeyed

Question 5

Quote for Crime, Quran 16:90

Answer 5

“God commands justice and prohibits wrongdoing and injustice”

Question 6

Definition of Shirk

Answer 6

Unforgivable sin in Islam, can include adultery, gambling or drinking

Question 7

Definition of Hate Crime

Answer 7

Crimes targeted at a specific person or group of people

Question 8

Muslim Response to Hate Crimes

Answer 8

Allah has created humans with equal value and no individual or group should be singled out as inferior

Question 9

Muslim Response to Theft

Answer 9

Theft is always wrong as the needy should receive Zakah and be cared for by the community

Question 10

Definition of Hadud

Answer 10

Unforgivable crimes which are prohibited in the Quran

Question 11

Definition of Al-Jynayaat

Answer 11

Crimes against the right of an individual for which the victim can gain credit by showing mercy

Question 12

Definition of Al-Ta’azir

Answer 12

Crimes that affect the community such as fraud and antisocial behaviour

Question 13

Definition of Al-Mukhalafat

Answer 13

Crimes against state law

Question 14

Which form of punishment is worst for the offender?

Answer 14

Retribution

Question 15

Definition of Retribution

Answer 15

An aim of punishment to get vengeance

Question 16

Quote for Retribution, Quran 5:45

Answer 16

“We prescribed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, an equal wound for a wound”

Question 17

What can a victim instead do rather than execution when life is taken in an Al-Jynayaat crime?

Answer 17

Grant mercy and receive compensation from the offender, an act of forgiveness which releases the offender from eternal punishment for that crime in the afterlife

Question 18

2 Reasons why Muslims favour severe punishments

Answer 18

Actions in breach of Shariah law are also seen as actions against God, Some things are seen as unforgivable in the faith

Question 19

Definition of deterrence

Answer 19

An aim of punishment to put people off committing crimes

Question 20

Definition of Reformation

Answer 20

An aim of punishment to change someone’s behaviour for the better

Question 21

UK Law and Reformation

Answer 21

If a prisoner is thought to have been reformed they can be releases early on parole, with the intention being that they do not reoffend

Question 22

The Islamic view on Reformation

Answer 22

It is necessary for offenders to seek God’s forgiveness and to become purified, which is more likely to happen if they reform

Question 23

2 Reasons deterrence may be unsuccessful

Answer 23

People may be influenced to commit crimes by more than a fear of punishment, Ineffective at controlling behaviour

Question 24

Definition of Free Will

Answer 24

The belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions for themselves in knowledge of the potential consequences

Question 25

Quote for Alleviating Suffering, Hadith

Answer 25

"Be compassionate towards the destitute"

Question 26

2 Muslim Beliefs about Suffering

Answer 26

God is aware of suffering and allows it to happen usually for a reason not apparent to humans but ultimately beneficial, Suffering can be a test from God, Other suffering comes from giving into temptation from Iblis

Question 27

Quote for Suffering, Quran 3:186

Answer 27

"You are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful...if you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course"

Question 28

How is suffering justified?

Answer 28

God gave humanity free will to do as they choose

Question 29

2 Reasons not to cause suffering to others

Answer 29

Must provide and care for other members of the community, Specific teachings of the Quran

Question 30

The Purpose of Repentance

Answer 30

God will forgive anyone who sincerely repents for their actions and show mercy towards them.

Question 31

Definition of Prison

Answer 31

A secure building where offenders are kept for a period of time set by a God

Question 32

Definition of Corporal Punishment

Answer 32

Punishment of an offender by causing them physical pain

Question 33

Definition of Community Service

Answer 33

A way of punishing offenders by making them do unpaid work in the community

Question 34

Role of Prisons in Shariah Law

Answer 34

Have less of a reforming role and should instead be used while awaiting trial or punishment

Question 35

Quote on Purpose of Islamic Law, Faysal Burhan

Answer 35

"The spirit and essence of Islamic law is to save lives, stop corruption, disallow mischief, serve justice, build a safer society and apply little or no death penalty"

Question 36

Quote for Punishment, Quran 5:38

Answer 36

"Cut off the hands of thieves, whether they are a man or a woman, as punishment for what they have done- a deterrent from God"

Question 37

Where is public caning or flogging used as a form of punishment for gambling and sexual promiscuity?

Answer 37

Islamic countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE

Question 38

Why is it difficult to administer the penalty of cutting off the hands of thieves?

Answer 38

In practice there must be very clear and sufficient evidence and all conditions must be fulfilled

Question 39

The aim of Community Service

Answer 39

To offer the offender a chance to reform and make amends for wrongdoing

Question 40

Definition of Forgiveness

Answer 40

Showing Grace and mercy by pardoning someone for what they have done wrong

Question 41

2 Categories of Forgiveness in Islam

Answer 41

Forgiveness from God, Forgiveness from Humans

Question 42

Quote for Forgiveness, Hadith

Answer 42

"Pardon each other's faults and God will grant you honour"

Question 43

Definition of Forgiveness from God

Answer 43

Only God can truly forgive and will only grant forgiveness to those who are sincerely regretful and intend to follow the faith in the future

Question 44

Definition of Forgiveness from Humans

Answer 44

Establishes goodness over evil. Muslims should forgive those who ask for forgiveness and the person who has done wrong should then ask for forgiveness from God

Question 45

Quote on God's Forgiveness, Quran 24:22

Answer 45

"God is most forgiving and merciful"

Question 46

Definition of Sanctity of Life

Answer 46

Idea that all life is holy as it is created and loved by God

Question 47

Definition of the Death Penalty

Answer 47

A capital form of punishment in which a prisoner is put to death for crimes committed

Question 48

3 Arguments against the Death Penalty

Answer 48

Innocent people could be killed as 3 people put to death in the 1950s have since been pardoned, only God has the right to take life, Passages in the Quran supporting the death penalty have been misinterpreted

Question 49

Quote for Death Penalty, Quran 6:151

Answer 49

"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"

Question 50

3 Arguments for the Death Penalty

Answer 50

Principle of utility, doesn't allow offender to reoffend, Shariah law allows it to be carried out for a series of offences, passages in Quran support it