Religious Studies - Crime and Punishment

• Can be used for: murder, adultery and apostasy
• It is set down in the Qur'an therefore Allah must allow it
• Muhammad* agreed with its use

• May be against due to the sanctity of life
• 'Take not life which God has made sacred' - Qur'an

• Against:
• Against illegal use - 'law of the land should be obeyed'
• Harms the body - a 'temple of God'
• May encourage sinful behaviour
• Alcohol is much stronger than it was in biblical times
• Encourages others the and so sets a bad example
• Drinking water was dangerous in biblical times

• For drinking in moderation:
• One of Jesus' miracles was turning water into wine
• Moderated drinking doesn't lead to sinful behaviour
• St Paul encouraged Timothy to drink for his health

• For:
• Bible sets it as a punishment
• Roman catholic leaders allow it
• 'an eye for an eye'
• It is a way of seeing justice is done
• A punishment for heresy

• Against:
• Sanctity of life
• Jesus banned retribution
• Jesus reformed people
• Jesus stopped and execution

• Reform
• Jesus said we shouldn't judge each other
• 'those without sin should throw the first stone'
• New testament is about forgiveness
• Jesus said we should settle disagreements without the courts

• Retribution and Deterrence
• St Paul said the authorities were to uphold the law
• Church leaders say - society should deter criminals
• Old testament - 'eye for an eye'
• In the Bible God punishes people

Deterrence - harsh punishment to put people off committing a crime e.g chopping off hands for stealing

Reform - changing a criminals behaviour

Retribution - Making a criminal pay for the damage of the crime e.g community service

Protection - removing criminals from society to protect the public

• Bible says 'let justice foll on like a river'
• Ultimate justice will be instigated by God on Judgement Day
• Churches encourage social justice as part of Christian aid and CAFOD
• Jesus said that the rich should share with the poor

• Allah is just and will reward the good on judgement day
• Shari'ah law brings justice about on earth
• Zakat is giving money to charity and aims to bring social justice
• The Hadith show that Muhammad* acted justly and we should follow his example

• Deterrence and Reform are the main punishments
• Specific punishments for some crimes are given in the Qur'an
• Shari'ah law is the law from Allah who is just and merciful
• Harsh punishments are a last resort and family circumstances are taken into account
• Criminals will be punished after death too

• We should not abuse our bodies with drugs and alcohol as it is disrespectful to Allah
• Qur'an forbids alcohol
• Muhammad* banned and didn't use drugs and alcohol
• Muslims should obey the law of the land
• Distracts from prayer and encourages sin

• Laws allow for justice so that punishments are fair on the criminals and the victims
• Helps allow for a friendly peaceful community
• Reduces friction in communities due to race of religion etc.
• Protects society and keeps people safe