Year 11 - Religious education
Muslim attitudes towards the death penalty
Crime and punishment
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will study ideas of crime and how different Muslims may view crime is caused. From that, they will examine different ideas of punishing crime and treating criminals looking at examples of Muslim work in prisons and attitudes to reconciliation.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain different Muslim and non-religious views on the death penalty.
Key Notes
- The death penalty is legal execution for serious crimes, varying globally.
- Non-religious views are varied, and ethical theories can be used to support or oppose the death penalty.
- In Islam, the death penalty is rarely applied due to strict conditions and should be avoided if there's any doubt.
- The Qur'an allows the death penalty (qisas) for murder but strongly encourages forgiveness and alternatives.
- Some Muslims are against the death penalty, encouraging forgiveness and alternatives based on Islamic principles.
Vocabulary To Learn
- death penalty: capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
- deterrence: aim of punishment; the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing crime (e.g. knowing they could go to prison if they steal)
- justice: fairness; working to fix an unfair situation
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The death penalty is widely used in Islam.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The death penalty is legal execution for serious crimes, varying globally. Non-religious views are varied, and ethical theories can be used to support or oppose the death penalty.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'death penalty'
capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The death penalty is widely used in Islam. Correction: While Islamic law does permit the death penalty for certain very serious offences, its application is extremely limited and rare due to strict conditions and a strong emphasis on mercy and forgiveness.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Islam and the aims of punishment Study Guide
- Islam and the treatment of criminals Study Guide
- Muslim attitudes towards crime Study Guide
- Muslim attitudes towards justice Study Guide
- Muslim attitudes towards punishment Study Guide
- Muslim teachings about forgiveness: Study Guide
- Muslim teachings about good, evil and suffering Study Guide
- The Muslim Chaplains Association and Mosaic Study Guide
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