Section 2

Religious
Teachings on
Relationships
and Families
st
in the 21
Century
 Paper 3 (Section 2) – Religious Teachings on Relationships and
Families in the 21st Century

Marriage
Specification: Marriage: Muslim teachings about the importance and purpose of marriage; the
importance of marriage in society; different atheist and Humanist attitudes to marriage, including
cohabitation and Muslim responses to them.

Religious Reference:
“Marriage is my Sunnah [practice]. Those who do not follow my practice do not belong to
me” (Bukhari)

“You who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will” (Sura 4:19)

“People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created
its mate, and from the pair of them spread countless men and women far and wide” (Sura
4:1)

“You may marry whichever [other] women seem good to you, two three or four. If you fear
you cannot be equitable [to them] then marry only one” (Sura 4:3)

Sample Exam Questions:

Explain two reasons why marriage is important to Muslims (4m) (Sample Material)

Explain two reasons why Muslims marry (4m) (Book)

“Marriage is the most important duty of a Muslim” (12m) (Book)

Outline features of a Muslim Marriage (3m) (Book- CC)

Explain two ways non-religious views about marriage are different to Muslim views (4m)
(Book - CC)

Outline three purposes of marriage in Islam (3m) (2019)

 Sexual Relationships
Specification: Sexual relationships: Muslim teachings about the nature and importance of sexual
relationships as fulfilling physical, emotional and spiritual needs; Islamic teachings and attitudes
towards sexual relationships outside of marriage including Surah 17: 3 and homosexuality; different
atheist and Humanist attitudes to sexual relationships and Muslim responses to them.

Religious Reference:
“Another of His [Allah’s] signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live in
tranquillity: He ordained love and kindness between you” (Sura 30:21)

“they are [close] as garments to you, as you are to them” (Sura 2:187)
“Our Lord, give us joy in our spouses and offspring. Make us good examples to those who are aware
of You” (Sura 25:74)

Relationships outside marriage:

“Stay well away from committing obscenities, whether openly or in secret” (Sura 6:151)

Adultery:
“And do not go anywhere near adultery: it is an outrange, and an evil path” (Sura 17:32)

“Strike the adulteress and the adulterer one hundred times. Do not let compassion for them keep you
from carrying out God’s law – if you believe in God and the Last Day – and ensure that a group of
believers witness the punishment” (Sura 24:2)

“Sex outside marriage should never be allowed” (12m) (2019)

Homosexuality:

“We sent Lot and he said to his people, “How can you practise this outrage> No other people has
done so before. You lust after men rather than women! You transgress all bounds!” [...] and We
showered upon [the rest of] them a rain [of destruction] (Sura 7:80-84)

“O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant”
(Sura 17:3)

Sample Exam Questions:

Explain two reasons why Muslims do not agree with sex outside marriage (4m) (Sample
Material)

Explain two reasons why Muslims are against sexual relationships outside marriage (4m)
(Book)

“You cannot be a Muslims and be in a homosexual relationship” (12m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why sexual relationships are important for Muslim married couples. In
your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book- CC)

“Non-religious attitudes towards sexual relationships conflict with Muslim teachings” (12m)
(Book - CC)

Explain two reasons why sex outside marriage is forbidden in Islam. . In your answer you
must refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5m) (2018)

“Attitude to homosexuality are changing” (12m) (2018)

The Family
Specification: Families: Muslim teachings about the purpose and importance of the family including
procreation and the strengthening of the ummah; different Muslim and non-religious responses to the
purpose of the family; different types of family within 21st century society: nuclear, single parent, same
sex parents, extended and blended families.

Religious Reference:
“A woman is married for four [reasons]: her wealth, her family [status], her beauty, and her
religion. Choose a religious woman, you will prosper” (Bukhari)
“The best of you is the one who behaves best towards the members of his family” (Hadith)

“We have commanded man to be good to his parents – his mother struggled to carry him and to
give birth to him; his bearing and weaning took a full thirty months” (Sura 46:15)

“Lord, help me to be grateful for Your favours to me and my parents” (Sura 46:15)

“Paradise lies at the feet of your mothers” (Hadith)

“Honour your children and make provisions for their proper upbringing” (Hadith)
Sample Exam Questions:
Outline three purposes of the family for Muslims (3m) (Sample Material)

Outline three types of family (3m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why family is important for Muslims. In your answer you must refer to a
source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why the family is important for Muslims. In your answer refer to a
source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book - CC)

Outline three teachings about the family in Islam (3m) (2018)

Support for the Family in the Ummah

Specification: Support for the family in the ummah: how and why the community tries to support
families including through worship, rites of passage, classes for parents, groups for children and
counselling; the importance of this support for Muslims today.

Religious Reference:
“The believers are brothers, so make peace between your two brothers and be mindful of
God, so that you may be given mercy” (Sura 49:10)

“Hold fast to God’s rope all together; do not split into factions [...] Be a community that
calls for what is good, urges what is right, and forbids what is wrong: those who do this are
the successful ones. Do not be like those who, after they have been given clear revelation,
split into factions and fall into disputes” (Sura 3: 103-105)

Sample Exam Questions:

Outline three ways that the Muslim community helps families (3m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why the provision of counselling is important for Muslims. IN your
answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book)

Outline three ways the Ummah provides support for the family (3m) (Book - CC)

Explain two ways that children are supported by the Ummah / Mosque (4m) (Book - CC)

Explain two ways Muslim families are supported by the ummah (5m) (2019)

Family Planning
Specification: Contraception: different Muslim teachings and attitudes about contraception and
family planning; different atheist and Humanist attitudes to family planning and Muslim responses to
them.

Religious Reference:
“God has control of the heavens and the earth: He creates whatever He wills – He grants
female offspring to whoever He wills, male to whoever He wills, or both male and female,
and He makes whoever He will barren: He is all knowing and all powerful” (Sura 42:49-50)

“No not kill your children for dear of poverty – We shall provide for them and for you –
killing them is a great sin” (Sura 17:31)

“Mothers suckle their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the term [...]
No one should be burdened with more than they can bear; no mother shall be made to
suffer harm on account of her child, nor any father on account of his” (Sura 2:223)

Sample Exam Questions:

Outline three Muslim attitudes towards family planning (3m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why Muslims may accept the use of contraception (4m) (B00k)

Explain two reasons why some Muslims do not agree with contraception. In your answer
you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book - CC)

Explain two Islamic teachings about contraception (4m) (2018)

Divorce
Specification: Divorce: different Muslim beliefs, teachings and attitudes towards divorce and
remarriage including Surah 2:226-241; different atheist and Humanist attitudes to divorce and
remarriage and Muslim responses to them.
Religious Reference:
For those who swear not to have sexual relations with their wives is a waiting time of four months,
but if they return [to normal relations] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. And if they
decide on divorce - then indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Divorced women remain in waiting
for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if
they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this
[period] if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them,
according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and
authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an
acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take
anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within]
the limits of Allah . But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no
blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of
Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are
the wrongdoers. And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him
afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if the latter husband divorces her
[or dies], there is no blame upon the woman and her former husband for returning to each other if
they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allah . These are the limits of Allah, which He
makes clear to a people who know. And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled
their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to
acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And
whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And
remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom
by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things. And when
you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their
[former] husbands if they agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to
whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allah knows
and you know not. Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes
to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing
according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother
should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is
[a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both
of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your
children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according
to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do. And those who
are taken in death among you and leave wives behind - they, [the wives, shall] wait four months and
ten [days]. And when they have fulfilled their term, then there is no blame upon you for what they
do with themselves in an acceptable manner. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.
There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to
women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But
do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake
a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is
within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing. There is no
blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched nor specified for them an obligation.
But give them [a gift of] compensation - the wealthy according to his capability and the poor
according to his capability - a provision according to what is acceptable, a duty upon the doers of
good. And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already specified for
them an obligation, then [give] half of what you specified - unless they forego the right or the one in
whose hand is the marriage contract foregoes it. And to forego it is nearer to righteousness. And do
not forget graciousness between you. Indeed Allah, of whatever you do, is Seeing. Maintain with
care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly
obedient. And if you fear [an enemy, then pray] on foot or riding. But when you are secure, then
remember Allah [in prayer], as He has taught you that which you did not [previously] know. And
those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind - for their wives is a bequest:
maintenance for one year without turning [them] out. But if they leave [of their own accord], then
there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable way. And Allah is
Exalted in Might and Wise. And for divorced women is a provision according to what is acceptable -
a duty upon the righteous. (Sura 2:226-241)

“Of all things Allah has made lawful, He hates talaq [divorce] the most (Hadith)

“When you divorce women and they have reached their set time, then either keep them in a
fair manner. Do not hold on to them with intent to harm them and commit aggression:
anyone who does this wrongs himself” (Sura 2:231)

“She will not be lawful for him until she has taken another husband; if that one divorces her,
there will be no blame if she and the first husband return to one another” (Sura 2:230)

Sample Exam Questions:

Outline three Muslim beliefs about remarriage (3m) (Book)

Explain two reasons why divorce is allowed in Islam. In your answer you must refer to a
source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book)

Outline three reasons why some Muslims do not agree with divorce (4m) (Book - CC)

“Divorce should not be allowed in Islam” (12m) (SP)

Equality of Men & Women in the Family

Specification: Equality of men and women in the family: different Muslim beliefs, teachings and
attitudes about the role of men and women in the family including reference to the Qur’an, the Hadith
and the time of Muhammad; different atheist and Humanist attitudes about the equality of men and
women in the family and Muslim responses to them.

Religious Reference:
“People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate
and from the pair of them spread countless men and women far and wide” (Sura 4:1)

“Husbands should take good care of their wives with [the bounties] God has given to some more
than others and with what they spend out of their own money” (Sura 4:34)

‘When asked what the Prophet did in the house, his wife Aisha said: ”He used to work for his family,
and when prayer [time] cane, he went out for prayer” (Hadith)

“Our Lord is He who gave everything its form, then gave it guidance” (Sura 20:50)

“Righteous wives are devout and guard what God would have them guard in their husbands
absence” (4:43)

“The believer, both men and women, support each other, they order what is right and forbid what is
wrong” (Sura 9:71)
Sample Exam Questions:
Outline three beliefs about the roles of men and women in the family (3m) (Book)

“There is no equality in Islam” (12m) (Book)

Outline three ways women are shown as equal in the Qur’an (3m) (Book - CC)

Explain two reasons why Muslims promote equality within the family. In your answer you
must refer to a source of wisdom and authority (5m) (Book - CC)

Explain two Islamic teachings about the role of women in the family (4m) (2019)

Gender, Prejudice and Discrimination

Specification: Different Muslim teachings about gender prejudice and discrimination: the
meaning of gender prejudice and discrimination; examples of gender equality in action in
Islam; different atheist and Humanist attitudes to gender prejudice and discrimination and
Muslim responses to them.

Religious Reference:
“To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and
reward them according to the best of their actions” (Sura 16:97)

“For men and women who are devoted to God [...] God has prepared forgiveness and a rich
reward” (Sura 33:35)

“You who believe, it is not lawful for you to...treat your wives harshly” (Sura 4:19)

“Men shall have a share in what their parents and closest relatives leave, and women shall
have a share in what their parents and closest relatives leave” (Sura 4:7)

“There is nothing in the Qur’an that prohibits it. My own theological research into the
essence of Islam indicates the necessity for us to be able to move away from the tradition
that restricted women from the practice of leading prayer” (Amina Wadud)

“We have no objections to women being heads of state, or organisation leaders. Women
are highly respected in Islam. But in Islamic law, women cannot lead prayer” (Maryan
Ramzy)

Sample Exam Questions:

“Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah” (12m) (Sample Material)

Explain two ways that gender discrimination might occur (4m) (Book)

“If more people followed Muslim teachings, there would be less gender prejudice.” (12m)
(Book)

Explain two reasons why Muslims oppose prejudice and discrimination (4m) (Book - CC)
“The Qur’an contains more teachings against gender prejudice than in favour of it” (12m)
(Book - CC)