New
New
Year 11
Edexcel B

Muslim teachings about forgiveness:

I can explain Muslim beliefs about forgiveness and how they are shown through repentance and restorative justice.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel B

Muslim teachings about forgiveness:

I can explain Muslim beliefs about forgiveness and how they are shown through repentance and restorative justice.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Forgiveness involves releasing feelings of blame or resentment towards those who have caused harm.
  2. Some say forgiveness avoids responsibility; others see it as key to healing.
  3. Forgiveness is a key Islamic principle, taught in both the Qur’an and Hadith, and closely connected to Allah’s mercy.
  4. Muslim prison chaplains guide offenders in reflecting on their actions and give spiritual support.
  5. Islam supports restorative justice, when victims and offenders communicate, as it helps offenders take responsibility.

Keywords

  • Forgiveness - to grant pardon for a wrongdoing; to give up resentment and the desire to seek revenge against a wrongdoer

  • Repentance - the act of recognising that something you have done is wrong and choosing to turn away from it

  • Restorative justice - an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing through dialogue and understanding

Common misconception

Forgiveness in Islam means the offender is not punished.

Islam allows for both justice and forgiveness. An offender may still face consequences, but forgiveness is encouraged when there is sincere taubah and efforts to make amends.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Muslim teachings about forgiveness:, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage discussion about why forgiveness might be difficult, even when Islamic teachings emphasise it.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Punishment can focus on the offender or aim to help others, such as victims and the wider .

Correct Answer: community, Community

Q2.
Retribution ensures the offender is punished fairly, while tries to improve their behaviour.

Correct Answer: reformation, Reformation

Q3.
Which punishment aim is most linked to fairness and moral order?

Correct answer: justice
protection
deterrence

Q4.
Which value is most likely to be promoted by non-religious views on punishment?

divine forgiveness
Correct answer: human dignity
religious obedience

Q5.
What is the main goal of justice in Islam?

revenge
Correct answer: social order and fairness
fear

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Match each key word to its meaning:

Correct Answer:forgiveness,is to grant pardon for a wrongdoing

is to grant pardon for a wrongdoing

Correct Answer:repentance,is recognising you are wrong and choosing to turn away from it

is recognising you are wrong and choosing to turn away from it

Correct Answer:restorative justice,is repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing through dialogue

is repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing through dialogue

Q2.
Why do some people criticise forgiveness?

It causes mental illness.
They think it’s too popular.
Correct answer: They say it avoids holding offenders accountable.

Q3.
What is the relationship between forgiveness and mercy in Islam?

Forgiveness is discouraged.
Correct answer: Forgiveness reflects Allah’s mercy.
Mercy replaces all punishment.

Q4.
Muslim prison chaplains help inmates by providing spiritual and guidance.

Correct Answer: support, Support

Q5.
Islam encourages forgiveness when there is sincere and effort to make amends.

Correct Answer: taubah, Taubah

Additional material

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