Matters of Life and Death

Question 1

What are the scientific explanations for the origins of the universe and Muslim responses to them?

Answer 1

-The most widely accepted scientific explanation for the origins of the universe is the Big Bang Theory
-This is the idea the the Universe began as just a single point billions of years ago, and then it expanded
-In response, most Muslims would accept the Big Bang Theory as it does not go against the Qur’an teaches about the origins of the Universe
-They would believe that Allah caused the Big Bang rather than it happening by itself

Question 2

Is the Qur’an and science compatible according to Muslims?

Answer 2

-Even though most Muslims believe the Qur’an has no error, they would not consider it a science book
-If the Qur’an is read non-literally in some parts, then it would be compatible with science
-If the whole Qur’an is understood literally, then it would not be fully compatible with science

Question 3

What are the different Muslim teachings about the value of the Universe in Islam?

Answer 3

-Islam teaches the whole universe belongs to Allah since he created
-Most Muslims will value it by ensuring that they show respect to the universe since it does not belong to them
-Some Muslims may view the universe as a commodity, this means they can use it as they wish since Allah placed humans on the universe and can use it to their advantage

Question 4

What are Muslim teachings about why human life is holy and the sanctity of life?

Answer 4

-Islam teaches that all human life belongs to Allah since he created it
-Muslims are expected to value all human life, including their own
-The human body is from Allah and should be treated in a way that is respectful
-That is why a characteristic of human life is its sanctity

Question 5

What are the different understandings of the importance of sanctity of life for Muslims today?

Answer 5

-Muslims consider the taking of an innocent life as forbidden as it violates the sanctity of life
-Many Muslims would consider the act of suicide as going against the sanctity of life
-Most Muslims would consider human life as having a higher value than other life forms
-Other Muslims believe the sanctity of life also extends to the natural world such as animals, since they are also creations of Allah

Question 6

What are the scientific explanations for the origins and value of human life and Muslim responses to them?

Answer 6

-The most widely accepted scientific explanation for the origins of human life is evolution
-This is the idea that all species are related and gradually change over millions of years through natural selection and survival of the fittest
-Many Muslims would find it difficult to accept that human are a product of evolution
-This is because Allah created the first human in a special way, in its final form, according to the Qur’an
-Other Muslims may understand the Qur’an non-literally and accept evolution as part of Allah’s creation process of human life

Question 7

What is the significance of the responses to scientific and non-religious explanations for Muslims today?

Answer 7

-For many Muslims, evolution challenges the idea that human life originated from Allah and that humans are a special creation
-Some Muslims may reject evolution, regardless of the scientific evidence, since they would look to the Qur’an for truth first
-Other Muslims may try to find a way to see if evolution and the Qur’an can be compatible
-They may try to interpret Qur’an verses about human life in a way that fits with the scientific evidence

Question 8

What are the different Muslim teachings about the nature and use of abortion?

Answer 8

-Muslims believe in the sanctity of life and the Muslim teachings around abortion centre around when life begins
-Muslims generally believe in ‘ensoulment’, which is when Allah introduces the soul into the foetus
-There are different opinion when this takes place, some say conception, some say 40 days and some 120 days

Question 9

What are the Muslim responses to non-religious attitudes to abortion?

Answer 9

-Some non-religious people may argue that abortion is completely up to the mother since the foetus comes from her body
-They wouldn’t believe in ‘ensoulment’ as they don’t believe there is a soul and may not consider a foetus a human life
-Most Muslims would respond by saying that Allah is the creator of humans, from conception until birth
-Abortion isn’t a decision solely up to the mother since the foetus has a soul and therefore abortion can be considered taking the life of an innocent soul

Question 10

What are the Muslim responses to the application of ethical theories to abortion?

Answer 10

-The theory of situation ethics suggests we should do the most loving thing in each situation
-When applied to abortion, if having an abortion is the most loving thing to do, it can be performed
-If a female became pregnant through force, an abortion my be the most loving thing to do as it wouldn’t be loving to bring an unwanted child into the world
-Muslims would not use this to guide their decision on abortion
-They would try to follow Islamic law that comes from the Qur’an and Sunnah when deciding on a abortion
-The mother is mainly considered if her life is in danger

Question 11

What are Muslim teachings and beliefs that support the existence of a life after death?

Answer 11

-Muslims support belief in life after death by the Islamic teaching that all humans are made up of body and soul
-The body is something temporary which will die, but the should will live forever
-Muslims also support belief in the life after death through the Qur’an and Sunnah which has several teachings about the different stages of life

Question 12

What are the different Muslim responses to arguments for life after death?

Answer 12

-Remembered lives: Most Muslims wouldn’t sue this to support an afterlife as they do not believe in the idea of past lives or reincarnation
-Paranormal- Although the soul lives on, most Muslims believe that the should goes to another realm after death so wouldn’t use paranormal activity to support the afterlife
-Logic: Most Muslims would use logic to justify an afterlife
-Reward: Most Muslims would use the idea of reward to justify an afterlife since they believe those who live righteously will be rewarded with paradise by Allah
-Comfort: Although Muslims believe paradise will be a place of peace and comfort, they wouldn’t use this as an argument to support an afterlife
-Meeting Loved Ones: Most Muslims wouldn’t use this to support an afterlife, this is because they believe every person is judged individually and it is not a guarantee one may meet their loved ones

Question 13

What is the significance of arguments for belief in life after death by Muslims?

Answer 13

-The arguments for belief in life after death are significant since they support the Six Beliefs of Islam for Sunni Muslims as well as the fire roots of Usual ad-Din in Shi’a Islam
-They are also significant so that Muslims live a life according to how Allah expects, and they see this life as temporary and a step to be prepared for life after death
-Most Muslims place emphasis on the arguments the Qur’an gives for an existence in the afterlife rather than those arguments outside of Islam
-They may accept opinions that fit with the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad

Question 14

What are Muslim responses to non-religious arguments against life after death?

Answer 14

-The Qur’an responds to people who deny the existence of an afterlife
-The Qur’an teaches that the afterlife will be a way for Allah to reward and punish people as a form of Justice for the way they lived on this earth
-Since Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the direct word of Allah and contain no errors, they may accept the Qur’an as the best proof of the afterlife

Question 15

Why do Muslims reject arguments against belief in life after death?

Answer 15

-A source of comfort: Although Muslims believe paradise will be a place of peace and comfort, it won’t be for all people, hence, they would reject this argument
-Just because a belief can be a source of comfort does not make it untrue
-Lack of Evidence: Muslims may accept the Qur’an as the best evidence of the afterlife since they believe it is the direct words of Allah
-Fraudulent Accounts: Muslims would verify any accounts of the afterlife with the Qur’an, they would also believe the accounts mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah since they should be deemed as reliable
-Social Control: Muslims would respond that Allah has given free will to all humans so the afterlife cannot be used for social control as people can choose to follow Islamic teachings or not, if something is used for social control that doesn’t make it untrue

Question 16

What are the Muslim teachings about the nature of Euthanasia?

Answer 16

-For most Muslims, euthanasia may be considered as a form of murder since life is being taken before it naturally ends
-Many Muslims also recognise that a situation where euthanasia is considered extremely difficult for all those involved, be it the person suffering, the family and the medical professionals

Question 17

What are the Muslim teachings about the use of euthanasia?

Answer 17

-Muslims believe in the sanctity of life and the Muslim teachings around euthanasia centre around this
-Muslims generally believe that euthanasia is not permissible, this is because only Allah decides when life ends, and life is sacred
-The suffering someone may experience during an illness is viewed as a test, for both the patient and the family, where patience and prayer should be used
-Many Muslims would accept turning off life support systems if brain function stops and expert doctors judge this situation is irreversible

Question 18

What are the Muslim responses to non-religious attitudes to euthanasia?

Answer 18

-Some non-religious people may argue that euthanasia is completely up to the patient as it is their life
-They would consider the quality of life rather than the sanctity of life as they wouldn’t accept that life is created by Allah
-Most Muslims would respond by saying that only Allah takes life, and we have no right to decide this
-A life of quality isn’t just about pain and pleasure, but it is about being close to Allah, however, a Muslim may accept turning off a life support machine if the patient has no brain function

Question 19

What are the Muslim responses to the applications of ethical theories to euthanasia?

Answer 19

-The theory of situation ethics suggests we should do the most loving thing in each situation, when applied to euthanasia, if it is the most loving thing to do, it can be performed
-If someones illness is causing unbearable suffering, euthanasia may be the most loving thing to do as it wouldn’t be loving to live in such pain
-Muslims would not use this to guide their decision on euthanasia, they would try to follow Islamic law that comes from the Qur’an and Sunnah when deciding on Euthanasia
-Terminal illness and pain are not valid reasons to request or perform euthanasia

Question 20

What are Muslim teaching and responses to threats to the world?

Answer 20

-Muslims believe Allah is the creator of the universe and this means the Earth belongs to him
Natural Resources:
-Muslims would say that Allah gave the natural resources to help us, but we shouldn’t exploit this since dominion belongs to Allah
Pollution:
-Since this affects others in a negative way, Muslims would avoid activities which cause pollution as it affects the ummah as well as the natural world
Global Warming:
-Since this affects others in a negative way, Muslims would avoid activities that cause global warming as it affects the ummah as well as the natural world
-They would promote sustainability

Question 21

What is stewardship and humanity’s role as khalifa?

Answer 21

-Most Muslims understand from the Qur’an that Allah has given them the special role of being a khalifah
-This is to be a steward who looks after or manages the world for Allah
-Being a khalifa means that Muslims should be mindful of reducing pollution, global warming and be mindful of how they use natural resources
-This is because the world belongs to Allah, so Muslims have a duty to take care of it

Question 22

What are different Muslim responses to animal rights?

Answer 22

-Many Muslims believe that animal experiments are acceptable if they result in benefits for human beings
-However, animals should be treated humanely, and their suffering minimised since humans should be stewards
-Most Muslims believe that only certain animals can be used for food
-For these animals to be halal to eat, they must be slaughtered in a certain way with many conditions
-This can be a part of their practice such as in Hajj

Question 23

What are the Muslim responses to the application of ethical theories to animal rights?

Answer 23

-The theory of utilitarianism suggests a decision should be dependent on whether it is useful or for the benefit of the majority
-When applied to the use of animals, if using animals is useful for the majority of humans, then it is allowed
-Animal experimentation helps cure diseases and create vaccines, it would be allowed as many humans would benefit from it
-Muslims would not use this to guide their decisions on using animals
-Instead they would try to follow Islamic law that comes from the Qur’an and Sunnah
-However, Islamic law seems to agree that animals can be used to help humans