1. Origins and Values of the Universe
Popular scientific theory = Big Band theory
Around 13.7 billion years ago
Matter started to expand and still does today
Evidence:
Background radiation
Galaxies moving away from us, expanding from a central point
Does this mean the universe was not created by a divine being like Allah? Some atheists would use this as a reason not to believe in God.
Muslim responses:
Allah is the creator of everything ‘your Lord is God who created the heavens and earth in six Days’ Qur’an
Allah’s creation of the universe is a work of perfection ‘Look again! Can you see any cracks?’
Creationist – Someone who believes in the literal truth of the description of creation given in Scripture i.e. it actually only took 6 days not billions of years.
Can you be a Muslim and accept the Big Bang theory?
YES. For example – Professor Abdus Salam who claims the Qur’an inspired his scientific research into the creation of the universe
The universe is valued in Islam and seen as a commodity which is for humans to use and look after with purpose.
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

2. Sanctity of Life
Sanctity of Life = the belief that life is holy because it is God-given
Why is life holy?
Human life should reflect the uniqueness of Allah
Humans are trustees (khalifahs) of the earth therefore all life is holy
One life is as valuable as the whole human race
‘Do not kill each other, for God is merciful to you.’ Qur’an
3 reasons why the sanctity of life is important for Muslims today…
The Qur’an’s message is eternal so it is always important to value life
You need to treat others with respect as you will be judged in the next life
The sanctity of life makes everyone equal
“All humankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab… also a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good action” Qur’an
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

3. Origins and Value of Human Life
How did human life begin and develop?
Charles Darwin  Changes within in species to fit in with habitat  Animals adapt over long period of time to survive to changing environments  Those that adapt the best flourish and the others die  Survival of the fittest (the idea that members of a species that are best suited to an environment survive)
Muslims believe Humans were created by Allah. But how?
Creationists – Adam first human on earth created directly by Allah from ‘dust’. Evolution is not true.
Evolutionist – Allah created humans but through stages. Evolution is part of his plan.
‘What is the matter with you? Why will you not fear God’s majesty, when he has created you stage by stage?’ – Qur’an
Three Muslim beliefs about the origins of human life:
Allah created humans
Allah had a plan for everything made
Allah could have created the world in stages
Evidence for evolution:
Darwin’s example of the finches’ beak variation
Discovery of fossils around 540 million years old in Canada
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

4. Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life
Abortion
LEGAL ABORTION FACTS
It is legal in the UK – 1967 Abortion Act
Has to be within first 24 weeks of pregnancy
If there is evidence of severe disability
Physical or mental risk to mother’s health
Existing children be put at risk
Two doctors need to agree
KEY TERMS Abortion – ending a pregnancy by deliberately removing a foetus by surgical means Conception – when the sperm and egg fertilize (the first stage of human life) Ensoulment – when the soul enters a foetus Pro-choice – people who believe the mother should be able to choose whether to have an abortion Pro-life – people who believe the unborn child has a right to life
Muslims believe that life begins when one of Allah’s angels blows the breath of life into the foetus 120 days after conception.
Muslims would allow an abortion if the mother’s life is in danger but not for financial reasons – ‘Do not kill your children for fear of poverty’ Qur’an
Pro-Choice (For)
Pro-Life (Against)
A foetus is not a human life until it can survive outside womb
Every embryo has the potential for life, it has a right to be born
It is a woman’s body, she should have the right to choose what to do
Just because a baby is disabled does not mean it should die
If a baby will not be wanted it is better for it not to be born
A baby can be given up for adoption as an alternative
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

5. Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death
Life after Death
Muslim teachings about life after death:
Muslims believe that on Judgement Day, Allah will judge them based on their actions in life
He will either send them to Paradise or Jahannam
Belief in afterlife is one of the six Beliefs of Sunni Muslims and one of the five roots of ‘Usul al-Din for Shi’a Muslims
“On that Day He will call them, saying “How did you respond to My messengers?” – Qur’an
Other arguments for life after death
Muslim Response
Remembered lives (reincarnation)
Muslims don’t believe in reincarnation (no evidence)
Paranormal (ghosts, visions of dead relatives, mediums etc.)
Paranormal beliefs go against Islam’s teachings
Logic (idea of afterlife is logical – supported by near-death experiences)
Afterlife reassures Muslims of purpose of life
Reward (it is just that we should be rewarded)
Muslims believe they will be rewarded but Paradise is not the only reason they should do good deeds
Comfort (idea of afterlife makes people feel better about dying)
Muslims would say Judgment Day should be feared
Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death

6. Responses to arguments against life after death
Arguments against life after death: Comfort – The idea of life after death is made up to make us feel better about dying Lack of evidence – life after death cannot be scientifically proven Fraudulent claims – mediums who claim to contact dead people have been proven to be frauds Social control – religions use the idea of heaven and hell to control people’s behaviour
How do Muslims respond?
Allah is not something made up – He exists and Muslims have faith in Him
Muslims say they have personal experiences with Allah, they do not need scientific proof
Muslims agree that mediums are unreliable
Muslims reject the idea of social control because Allah gave us free will
The Qur’an explains that “most people do not comprehend” the reality of the afterlife and warns of the dangers of not believing: “When the Hour comes, those who follow falsehood will be the losers on that Day.”
Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death

7. Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death
Euthanasia
Types of euthanasia:
Voluntary = a person requests for their life to be ended painlessly
Non-voluntary = a person’s life is ended painlessly when they have been unable to ask but there are reasonable grounds for doing so
Ways of performing euthanasia:
Active – a deliberate action by a third party to kill the person e.g. lethal injection – ILLEGAL in UK
Non Treatment Decision (Passive) – doctors withhold/withdraw medical treatment because its been decided that the patient will not recover
ARGUMENTS FOR:
Allows person to die with dignity
Free will – we should have choice about our death
Save medical costs
Takes burden away from relatives
ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
X Muslims believe life is a test – we should remain strong in our faith
X Sanctity of life
X God decides when to end life, not us
X Pressures patients into this option
X Muslims have a duty to care for relatives
X Muslims support hospice care
Situation Ethics – what is the most loving thing to do?
Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death

8. Issues in the natural world
“Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger…God will hold him accountable…”Qur’an
Threats to the natural world:
Pollution
Global warming
Use of natural resources
Animal experimentation
“It is Allah who made you khalifahs on the earth” Qur’an
“It is He who made the sea of benefit to you: you eat fresh fish from it.” Qur’an
Muslim response:
Allah made us khalifahs - we must act as stewards
The world is a gift that we must look after – God will judge us on this
Some Muslims say experiments on animals for a good purpose are acceptable e.g. finding cures. Animals must still be treated humanely
Muslims believe that some animals have been created for humans to eat and divide food into 3 categories: halal, tayyab and haram
Halal meat is killed quickly to reduce pain, the name of Allah is recited and animals are not shown the knife or slaughtered in front of other animals
Religion and Ethics: Islam: Matters of Life and Death