Justice and the Causes of Crime

Justice, and why crime happens

Justice sits at the heart of Islam: Allah is just, and Muslims believe they must be just too. But every society also faces crime, and Muslims ask both why people commit it and how a fair society should respond. This module covers Muslim attitudes to justice and the causes of crime. On this paper a belief is not just recited, it is used as evidence in an argument, so aim to link every teaching to what a Muslim would actually do.

Justice and crime words

Five ideas run through justice and crime:

What does justice mean in Islam?

For a Muslim, what does it mean to act with justice?

• Treating people fairly and giving each person what they are due
• Taking personal revenge on anyone who wrongs you
• Favouring the rich and powerful in a dispute
• Ignoring wrongdoing so as to keep the peace

Standing firm for justice

One of the strongest Muslim teachings on justice is that a believer must stand firmly for what is right, even if it goes against themselves, their parents or their relatives (a teaching drawn from Surah 4:135). This means justice cannot be bent for family, wealth or status. It matters especially for victims of crime, who deserve to see wrongs put right. Muslims believe upholding justice is a duty to Allah.

Match each cause of crime to an example

Why do people commit crime?

Select the TWO factors Muslims and others recognise as causes of crime.

• Poverty and a lack of opportunity
• Addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling
• Praying regularly to Allah
• Giving money to charity as a Muslim duty

Where does justice come from?

Religious and non-religious people often agree that justice matters, but disagree about why.

A Muslim response

A Humanist argues that justice comes from human rights, not from God. How might a Muslim respond?

• Justice ultimately comes from Allah, though Muslims often agree with protecting human rights
• Human rights should be completely rejected as un-Islamic
• There is no difference at all between the two views
• Non-religious people cannot care about justice

Tackling the causes of crime

Islam teaches that Allah commands justice, kindness and good conduct, and forbids injustice (a teaching from Surah 16:90-92). Some Muslim organisations put this into action by tackling the causes of crime.

Complete the picture

In Islam, justice, or _____, means treating people fairly. A Muslim must stand firm for justice even against their own _____. An act that breaks Allah's law is a _____. Many crimes have causes such as poverty and _____, a dependence on drugs or alcohol. The worldwide Muslim community that should uphold justice is the _____.

Spot the Muslim response

A student writes about crime. Tap the TWO statements that reflect Muslim teaching.

• A Muslim should stand firm for justice, even against their own family.
• Crime never has any causes; people are simply born bad.
• Helping offenders return to Allah's guidance can reduce reoffending.
• Justice should always favour the wealthy and powerful.
• Wrongdoing should be ignored to avoid any conflict.

Apply the teaching

Three situations about justice and crime. Choose the response most in line with Muslim teaching.

• A Muslim sees a close relative cheating a customer. What does Islam teach they should do?
• A young person is drawn towards crime by poverty and exclusion. How might a Muslim organisation help?
• An offender in prison wants to change their life. What support fits Muslim teaching?

Build the argument

'Justice is the most important Muslim response to crime.' Evaluate this statement. Give Muslim teaching on justice, refer to the causes of crime, and reach a conclusion.

• Explain what justice means for a Muslim, using a teaching such as standing firm for justice
• Explain why the causes of crime, such as poverty, also matter to a Muslim response
• Include a non-religious view for contrast
• Reach a clear conclusion that answers 'most important'