Matters of Life and Death

Question 1

What is the main scientific explanation for the origin of the universe?

Answer 1

-Big Bang Theory

Question 2

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 2

-the Big Bang Theory is the belief that the universe started 14 billion years ago when matter was concentrated into a great mass and began to expand.
-This expansion continues today, but at a slower rate, with everything moving away from everything else.

Question 3

What are three Muslim beliefs about creation?

Answer 3

-everything was created by Allah, he is known as Al-Khaliq (the creator).
-he created balance in the universe (night and day, sea and land).
-after creating the Earth, Allah created all living things, including humans.

Question 4

What are three similarities between Big Bang and the Qur’an account of creation?

Answer 4

-The Qur’an indicates creation was an expansion. The Qur’an states, ‘we are expanding it’
-Nothing existed before the Big Bang which is what Muslims believe. The Qur’an states, ‘created the night and day’ implying nothing existed before creation.
-6 Ayyams could be translated as 6 stages which could be compatible with creation over billions of years.

Question 5

What are three differences between Big Bang and the Qur’an account of creation?

Answer 5

-Allah as the omnipotent creator, ‘built them with power’
-Creation was not by chance but was by design caused by an omniscient creator.
-The Qur’an states the world came together in ‘willing obedience’
-6 Ayyams might be six days which conflicts with scientific accounts.

Question 6

What are Muslim responses to scientific explanations?

Answer 6

-most Muslims believe science does not affect their beliefs in Allah’s creation of the universe because:
-the explanation of the Big Bang helps to fill in gaps of what is not explained in the Qur’an.
-they believe scientific explanations give them a better understanding of Allah and his creation.
-they believe the Qur’an has an account of the creation of the universe similar to that offered by science.

Question 7

What is the Theory of Evolution (non-religious)?

Answer 7

-Charles Darwin put forward a scientific and non-religious theory of evolution.
-he argued that the origin of human life was a gradual development of the species over millions of years from simple life forms to more complicated life forms.
-the characteristics or features that are the strongest survive, while weaker ones die out and disappear, this is known as natural selection.

Question 8

What are the similarities between evolution and the Qur’an account of creation of man?

Answer 8

-6 ayyams might be six stages which could be compatible with evolution over billions of years.
-‘we are expanding it’ could refer to the idea evolution is helping the population to expand and develop.

Question 9

What are the differences between evolution and the Qur’an account of creation of man?

Answer 9

-an omniscient God is behind evolution according to Islam as He would be the only one with the intelligence to design in this way. Darwin’s theory suggests instead it is survival of the fittest.
-Adam and Eve seen as the first humans whereas evolution sees species evolve into humans.

Question 10

What are the overral Muslim responses to the theory of evolution?

Answer 10

-the majority of Muslims and other religious people, as well as non-religious, in today’s world hold that science offers more believable explanations for the world than religion.
-Therefore, it is important for religious believers such as Muslims to try and adapt their beliefs to be able to accept both what religion and science tell them.

Question 11

What are overral Muslim responses to issues in the natural world?

Answer 11

-Most muslims believe they have a responsibility to look after the environment and be Khalifahs (stewards of the Earth) as it is a gift from Allah.
-However, there are some arguments, teachings encouraging Muslims to be dominions (having authority over the Earth) but this is not as popular.

Question 12

What are three arguments suggesting Muslims should be Khalifahs?

Answer 12

-The Qur’an states, ‘the servants of Allah are those who walk on the Earth’, all humans should respect Allah and his creation.
-The Qur’an states, ‘I am going to place on the earth a Khalifah’, Prophet Adam was created to look after the earth and therefore we should follow his example.
-The Qur’an states, ‘if any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats it, he will be rewarded’, by performing actions that will help the planet, you will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement.

Question 13

What are three arguments suggesting Muslims should be dominions?

Answer 13

-‘therefore eat of what Allah has given you’, we are commanded to be dominions and use animals/plants for our gain.
-The Qur’an states, ‘and he gives you of all that you ask for’, this illustrates that God has given earth as a gift and therefore we should be allowed to do whatever we want with it and have authority.

Question 14

What is vivisection?

Answer 14

-animal testing

Question 15

What is an argument as to why vivisection should not be done in Islam/secular view?

Answer 15

-Some Muslims may support animal testing because the Prophet said that killing animals must be for a ‘just cause’. This good reason might be to test on animals to develop a cancer drug that will benefit the Ummah.
-secular people would agree with this statement because of the ethical theory: Utilitarianism (doing the action that brings the greatest happiness to the greatest amount of people)

Question 16

What is an argument as to why vivisection should be done in Islam?

Answer 16

-Some Muslims may reject animal testing because the Prophet taught animals should be taken care of. The Hadith states animals are ‘communities like you’. This illustrates that as animals have feelings, communicate with eachother and are creations of Allah, we should be Khalifah (stewards) and look after them, not test on them.

Question 17

What is the sanctity of life?

Answer 17

-sanctity of life is the idea that all life is sacred and only Allah can give/take life.

Question 18

Why deo Muslims believe in the sanctity of life?

Answer 18

-Allah created life as a gift. Therefore, we should appreciate and respect it.
-You will be rewarded for saving a life. The Qur’an indicates that if you save one life, it’s as good as saving the whole of humanity. This demonstrates that you should preserve life.
-Murder is haram(forbidden). The Qur’an states, ‘take not life’. This exemplifies has the power to give/take life.
-Only Allah has the omnipotence to decide who lives/dies. The Qur’an states, ‘he creates what he wills’. This exemplifies that fate is predetermined and only Allah has the power to take someone’s life.

Question 19

What are divergent understandings of the importance of the sanctity of life for Muslims?

Answer 19

-some would say it should be protected at all costs.
-however, if Shariah Law/Lesser Jihad conditions mean that violence is just/fair, the Sanctity of Life does not have to be preserved.

Question 20

What is abortion?

Answer 20

-ending a pregancy by deliberately removing a foetus by surgical/medical means.

Question 21

What is pro-life and pro-choice?

Answer 21

-pro-life is against abortion.
-pro-choice is supporting women’s rights to have an abortion if they choose.

Question 22

What does ensoulment (Islamic term),conception and viability mean?

Answer 22

-ensoulment: when the soul enters the fetus (120 days after conception).
-conception; the first stage of human life.
-viability: the point where the foetus is able to survive outside the uterus.

Question 23

Why might someone choose to have an abortion (3)?

Answer 23

-unplanned pregnancy.
-lack of financial support.
-insecure relationship.
-foetus displays signs of disability.

Question 24

What are the current laws on abortion?

Answer 24

-two doctors must agree.
-it must take place in a government recognised medical facility.
-it must take place before the pregnancy in 24 weeks.

Question 25

Where is abortion legal apart from UK?

Answer 25

-Canada
-Australia
-Northern Ireland (up to 12 weeks)

Question 26

What are three facts about abortion?

Answer 26

-worlwide, about 1/4 of pregnancies end up in abortion, over half are illegal.
-abortion was legalised in the UK in 1967 (Abortion Act).
-1/3 of women have an abortion in their lifetime.

Question 27

What are two arguments for pro-life (secular)?

Answer 27

-doctors should protect life, not end it. Before they begin practising, they sign the Hippocratic Oath which declares this.
-life starts at conception so should be protected , they have a chance at life.

Question 28

What are two arguments for pro-choice (secular)?

Answer 28

-Utilitarianism believe that we should do the greater good, this may be a termination.
-people will have illegal abortions if they cannot meet the legal conditions for an abortion. e.g. many women in Norther Ireland travel to the UK to get an abortion-illegal.

Question 29

What is the Hippocratic Oath?

Answer 29

-the idea that all doctors have to save/preserve life.

Question 30

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 30

-is a secular ethical theory.
-doing the action that brings the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.

Question 31

What do humanists believe about abortion?

Answer 31

-they believe it is morally acceptable. The humanist movement fought for the legalisation of abortion in the 1960s and they don’t believe that all life is sacred.

Question 32

Are Muslims pro-life or pro-choice?

Answer 32

-Muslims are mostly pro-life as they believe in the sanctity of life and the idea that life is sacred.
-However, there are some arguments to say that abortion should sometimes be allowed.

Question 33

What are three arguments saying that abortion should sometimes be allowed in Islam?

Answer 33

-abortion is allowed in Shariah Law if it is the lesser of two evils. This means that if the pregnancy continuing may risk the life of the mother, such as with an ectopic pregnancy, abortion may be allowed.
-Muslims may understand when a person may need an abortion if they are struggling. An Iranian scholar argues, ‘Islam is also a religion of compassion’. This demonstrates that since Allah is benevolant (all-loving) and would therefore permit abortions if it affects the health of the mother.
-life starts at ensoulment, therefore abortion before this point is permissible.

Question 34

What are three arguments saying that abortion should not be allowed in Islam?

Answer 34

-All life is sacred in Islam. The Qur’an states, ‘and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden’, should try and preserve life as Allah has created us.
-Muslims believe not having enough money is not an acceptable reason for an abortion. The Qur’an states, ‘do not kill your children out of poverty’, even if the woman is financially stable, she should keep the baby as the Ummah will provide for you.
-Prophet Muhammed taught life is sacred after ensoulment. After the 120 days of pregnancy, the baby begins to develop more and therefore, we shouldn’t take away their life at this stage.

Question 35

What is Euthanasia and what are Muslims views on it?

Answer 35

-the painless killing of a person.
-Muslims view euthanasia as always wrong and offer no reasons to support it.

Question 36

What is assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia and non-voluntary euthanasia?

Answer 36

-Assisted suicide: providing a seriously ill person with the means to commit suicide.
-Voluntary Euthanasia: ending life painlessly when someone in pain asks for death.
-Non-voluntary Euthanasia; ending life painlessly when someone is unable to ask but you have good reason for thinking they would want you to do so.

Question 37

What are the laws on Euthanasia in the UK and other parts of the world?

Answer 37

-Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in the UK.
-In Switzerland, assisted suicide is legal.
-In Belgium, euthanasia is legal, even for non-terminal illnesses (e.g. mental health) and for children.

Question 38

What is a case study on Euthanasia?

Answer 38

-Tony Nicklinson suffered a stroke and was left paralysed and was willing to die however High Court Judges refused his right to die.
-He then died six days later after refusing food.

Question 39

What are three reasons why Euthanasia should be legal (secular)?

Answer 39

-if it would allow a person to stop suffering, this would cause less truama for the family.
-if someone doesn’t have a good quality of life, they should be able to die.
-everyone should have personal autonomy, therefore each person should be able to choose if they wish to die or not.

Question 40

What are three reasons why Euthanasia should not be legal?

Answer 40

-doctors should save lives, not end them, as they declare the Hippocratic Oath.
-if legalised, it could lead to a slippery slope. This means that more vulnerable people may feel pressured to die.
-medical resources/money spent on drugs to end someone’s life could be used better to help someone.

Question 41

What are the quality of life and slippery slope arguments?

Answer 41

-Quality of life: Peter Singer came up with the idea that if someone’s quality of life is really bad, forcing them to live would be uneccessary suffering.
-Slippery slope: an argument that suggests that allowing a relatively small thing to occur will start a chain of related events and will result in something negative.

Question 42

What is a humanist response to Euthanasia?

Answer 42

-a humanist may argue that if a person is of sound mind and wishes to end their life, we should reflect this personal descision.

Question 43

What is hospice care?

Answer 43

-hospice care are for the terminally ill, they offer palliative care which means they aim to make the patient comfortable + keep severe pain under control.
-they give pain relief,provide emotional support and give therapy.

Question 44

Why might Muslims support hospice care?

Answer 44

-the Qur’an teaches, ‘be a community’ and ‘hold fast to God’s rope all together’
-Allah is benevolant and would want people to die peacefully.
-Hospices uphold the sanctity of life.

Question 45

What are Muslim views against Euthanasia (4)?

Answer 45

-Only Allah can decide when a person’s life is over-this is because life is sacred and only Allah has the right to end life (Sanctity of Life).
-The Qur’an states, ‘those who patiently preserve will truly recieve a reward without measure’, if you endure all suffering and pain, Allah will give you access to Jannah (paradise).
-The Hadith states, ‘and do not kill yourselves’, this clearly shows Euthanasia and suicide is haram(forbidden).
-life is a test which should not ended prematurely. Islam is a religion of mercy and so Muslims should care for the sick, not kill them.

Question 46

What are three features of Akhirah?

Answer 46

-people who do good deeds will ber sent to Jannah and those who do bad deeds will be sent to Jahannum.
-at the end of the world, a trumpet will blow and all people will die.
-after being buried, there is a wait called Barzakh where the body and soul seperate.

Question 47

What are the similarities between Muslims and Christians on LAD(2)?

Answer 47

-they will both be judged, they believe God/Allah will look at their actions from this life+judge them.
-they both believe in heaven and hell, good actions will be rewarded and bad actions will be punished.

Question 48

What are the differences between Muslims and Christians on LAD(2)?

Answer 48

-Muslims believe a trumpet will blow at the end of the world, they believe all people will die when this happens, whereas Christians go straight to God.
-Muslims believe they will have to cross a bridge to access Jannah but for Christians they will not. For Muslims, they believe the more sins committed, the harder it will be to cross the bridge but for Christians, they cann access heaven with a belief in Jesus as their saviour.

Question 49

What are three Muslim teachings about afterlife(3)?

Answer 49

-The Hadith states, ‘enter paradise for what you’ve been doing’
-‘the Day of Judgement, of which there is no doubt’
-‘without Allah testing those of who fought hard’

Question 50

How do these beliefs about the afterlife affect Muslims(2)?

Answer 50

-it makes them more aware that Allah is watching them and view every action as a way of worshipping Allah.
-most will try to live their life as good Muslims such as carrying out worship.

Question 51

Why do Muslims believe in life after death(2)?

Answer 51

-the Prophet Muhammed taught that our actions determine our afterlife, ‘enter paradise for what you were doing’
-In order for Allah to be adalat (fair), there must be life after death, it is not fair for good action to be rewarded and bad actions to be punished.

Question 52

What does paranormal and NDE?

Answer 52

-paranormal: unexplained things which are thought to have spiritual causes.
-NDE: when someone about to die has an out-of-body experience.

Question 53

What are two secular arguments on LAD?

Answer 53

-people may have remembered past lives. This shows that life is not the only life we have so there is LAD.
-many people hav had NDE and so have seen heaven/afterlife, they can’t all be lying.

Question 54

What are two secular arguments against LAD?

Answer 54

-there is no empirical evidence that LAD exists. Once our brain dies, there is nothing to live on to the afterlife.
-LAD is just social construct + scares people into following rules.
-wishful thinking, makes them want to see loved ones.