2024_OCR - GCSE Religious Studies
Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics in the
Modern World from a Muslim
Perspective
Merged Question Paper & Marking
Scheme
(Thursday 16 May 2024 – Afternoon)
Code: J625/07
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Thursday 16 May 2024 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies
J625/07 Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from
a Muslim perspective
Time allowed: 2 hours
* 1 3 9 6 3 1 9 8 9 6 *
No extra materials are needed.
* J 6 2 5 0 7 *
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INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use the
lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 126.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) and the use of specialist terminology will be
assessed in questions marked with a pencil ().
• This document has 20 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2024 [601/8594/6] OCR is an exempt Charity
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,GCSE (9–1) Religious Studies - J625/07: Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics in the Modern World
from a Muslim Perspective. Exam Overview.
The J625/07 exam explores the core themes of Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics from a Muslim
perspective. It examines key Islamic beliefs, practices, ethical teachings, and philosophical views
related to the modern world, addressing issues such as morality, social justice, human rights, and the
role of Islam in the contemporary world.
Key Topics and Themes:
1. Muslim Beliefs:
The Five Pillars of Islam:
o The Five Pillars are the core acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and
practice. They include:
Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, bearing witness that there is no god
but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet.
Salat (Prayer): The five daily prayers offered by Muslims at specific times
throughout the day.
Zakat (Charity): The giving of alms to help those in need, typically 2.5% of
one's wealth annually.
Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food,
drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): The pilgrimage to Mecca, which Muslims are required to
perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
Core Beliefs:
o Tawhid (Oneness of God): Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah, who is
both the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Allah has no partners or equals.
o Prophethood (Nubuwwah): Muslims believe in a line of prophets, starting with Adam
and ending with Prophet Muhammad. The final revelation is the Qur’an, delivered to
Muhammad.
o Angels (Mala’ikah): Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by Allah from
light. Angels have no free will and act as messengers and servants of Allah.
o Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyama): Muslims believe in the afterlife, where every
soul will be judged based on their deeds. Those who have followed Allah’s commands
will be rewarded with paradise, while those who have rejected faith will face
punishment.
2. Muslim Practices:
The Role of the Mosque:
o The mosque is the place of worship, where Muslims come together for prayers,
particularly on Friday, the holiest day of the week.
o The mosque is also a center for learning, socializing, and community activities. In some
communities, the mosque is also a place for providing charity.
Islamic Festivals:
o Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast. It is a time of
thanksgiving and charity.
o Eid al-Adha: Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his
son in obedience to Allah. It is also associated with the pilgrimage of Hajj.
Jihad:
o Jihad means “struggle” or “striving” in the way of Allah. It can refer to personal
struggles to be a better Muslim (greater jihad) or the defense of Islam against injustice
(lesser jihad).
, o The concept is often misunderstood and misrepresented, but in Islam, it refers to the
struggle for justice and to promote the ethical teachings of Islam.
3. Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics in the Modern World:
Ethical Teachings:
o Shariah Law: Shariah refers to the moral and legal code of Islam. It encompasses both
personal and communal aspects of life, providing guidance on worship, morality, family
matters, finance, and justice.
o Social Justice: Muslims are called to work for social justice, advocating for the rights
of the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. This includes charity (Zakat), fair treatment
of women, and equality before the law.
o Human Rights: Islam emphasizes the dignity and worth of all human beings, with
rights to life, justice, and equality. Muslims are taught to treat others with respect and
compassion, reflecting the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad).
Islamic Views on Bioethics:
o Issues like euthanasia, abortion, cloning, organ donation, and genetic modification
are approached from an Islamic perspective, with ethical decisions guided by the
teachings of the Qur'an, Hadith, and scholarly interpretations.
o Life is sacred, and therefore, Islam generally prohibits euthanasia and abortion unless
the life of the mother is in jeopardy.
Islam and the Environment:
o Muslims believe that humanity is custodians of the Earth. The concept of tawhid
(oneness of creation) and the belief in a balanced world requires Muslims to be
responsible stewards of the environment. This involves the ethical treatment of animals,
preserving natural resources, and avoiding wastefulness.
o The Qur’an encourages environmental protection, warning against excess and harm to
creation.
Islam and Technology:
o Muslims engage with modern technologies, but ethical concerns arise, especially in
areas like artificial intelligence, surveillance, and bioengineering. Islamic ethics
requires that new technologies be used in ways that are consistent with moral values,
justice, and the dignity of human beings.
Islam and Interfaith Relations:
o Islam teaches respect for other religious traditions. It recognizes Judaism and
Christianity as Abrahamic faiths, and acknowledges the shared heritage of faith and
morality.
o Muslims are encouraged to engage in dialogue and build understanding with people of
other faiths, while also upholding their own beliefs.
4. Islam in the Modern World:
Islamic Views on Secularism and the Role of Religion in Society:
o Muslims differ in their views on secularism, with some advocating for a separation of
religion and state (modernists), while others argue for a greater role for Islam in
political life (traditionalists).
o The debate about Islamic governance and secularism is ongoing in many Muslim-
majority countries.
Challenges of Globalization:
o Globalization poses challenges to Muslim communities, particularly in terms of
cultural identity, values, and practices. Western influence, in particular, can create
tensions between modernity and tradition.
