capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state

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)

fairness; working to fix an unfair situation

Muslim attitudes towards the death penalty

Religious education

Muslim attitudes towards justice

Muslim attitudes towards crime

The Muslim Chaplains Association and Mosaic

Muslim teachings about good, evil and suffering

Islam and the aims of punishment

Muslim attitudes towards punishment

Muslim teachings about forgiveness:

Islam and the treatment of criminals

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.

Crime and punishment

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which type of crime is most often punished by the death penalty?

It could result in the execution of innocent people.

Which argument is often used by non-religious opponents of the death penalty?

If there is any {{}} in an Islamic legal case, the death penalty should not be carried out.

What does the Qur'an recommend instead of the death penalty in some cases?

Islamic law limits the death penalty through strict evidence requirements and the value of {{}}.

Forgiveness means releasing feelings of {{}} or resentment towards someone who caused harm.

It helps emotional and spiritual healing.

What do supporters of forgiveness often claim?

Forgiveness in Islam is closely connected to Allah’s {{}}.

What spiritual value do Muslim chaplains often encourage in prisoners?

Restorative justice allows offenders to take {{}} for their actions and repair harm.

Muslim attitudes towards the death penalty

Lesson outcome

Content guidance