Islam & Crime (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

The Nature of Crime

What is the nature of crime?

• Crime is an illegal act that is punishable by law

• Laws are made to protect the rights of all members of society and everyone is expected to follow them

• The laws are upheld by law courts and the police

The causes & problems of crime

• Crime can have many different causes. Sociologists have identified some of the most common:

  • Poverty: This is likely to drive people towards crime

    • There tends to be more crime in socially deprived areas than in wealthy ones.

  • Upbringing: There is evidence linking family background and upbringing to crime.

    • The majority of the prison population has experienced a troubled background with issues such as abuse, being expelled from school, or having other family members who had been in prison or young offenders’ institutions

  • Drugs: Alcohol and drug use are a major cause of crime

  • Self-esteem: Research shows a close link between low self-esteem and criminal offending

Muslim Teachings & Responses to Crime

Muslim teachings on crime

• The Qur’an provides clear guidance for Muslims on crime

• This instructs Muslims that Allah, who is Al ‘Adl (the Just) expects Muslims to act fairly and justly, which means committing no crimes

• If people are avoiding crime, they can then advance to do further good in the world

• The Qur'an also reminds Muslims that they will be accountable for every action in the akhirah, which will make them more conscious about every action in this life

Crime as a distraction from Allah

• Islam teaches its followers that they should keep away from anything that distracts them from focusing on Allah and their faith, and which could lead to crime

• Muslims should always remain faithful to their religion and their country

Muslim responses to crime

• Muslim parents are expected to teach their children right from wrong and make sure they go to the madrasah which will also help with this

• Islam tries to deal with the issue of poverty which may cause crime by:

  • banning interest on loans and credit cards

  • banning gambling

  • operating the system of Zakah to help people overcome poverty and encourage believers to share their wealth

• Islam deals with alcohol and drugs by forbidding them for believers as Qur’an 5:90-91 instructs. Both are haram for Muslims

• Islam hopes to encourage people’s self-esteem by teaching them that they are the khalifahs of Allah and have a duty to look after His creation in the way He wants

Muslim Actions to End Crime

• Muslims are taking various steps to work towards ending crime and preventing criminals from reoffending.

• The Muslim Chaplains Association (MCA) is an organisation providing support and rehabilitation for offenders by:

  • supporting Muslim chaplains who provide pastoral care and worship within prisons

  • helping with the resettlement of offenders after release, providing practical support with housing and employment to prevent reoffending

  • working with the wider community to encourage greater understanding of the issues 

• Mosaic is a charitable organisation that runs an Ex-Offender Mentoring Programme:

  • Volunteer mentors work with prisoners approaching the end of their sentences to help them secure housing and employment

  • Mentors will visit the person regularly upon their release for at least six months to help prevent them reoffending