Evaluate different ways in which Muslims could improve inter-faith and community relations. Refer to a country of your choice where Muslims form a minority in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 10 marks AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
2. 15 marks AO2 – Analysis and evaluation
3. Mark according to the levels of response marking grids for AO1 and AO1. Answers may refer to any religious theory or teaching. Candidates may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
4. Muslims can and should interact with people of other faiths in the different spheres of life, e.g. attending schools/university or the workplace, rather than living in seclusion from non-Muslims. Islamic schools could make links with schools of other faiths/communities.
5. Muslim leaders could open mosques to non-Muslims, allowing tours may give people of other faiths a glimpse into the life of Muslims and bring understanding of how Muslims pray.
6. Religious leaders could join with people from different faiths to discuss issues affecting society, e.g. how to protect youths from drugs.
7. Inter-faith dialogue should be promoted as it encourages debates with other faiths and explains what Islam is about and learns what other religions/scriptures say about various topics. Qur'an 16.125 shows that Muslims are allowed to debate/discuss or share information with non-Muslims in a respectful manner. 'Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and debate with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.'
8. On an individual level, Muslims could show the caring nature of Islam by sharing food with neighbours, checking on elderly/do shopping for them whether they are Muslims or not, and this will help in fostering good relationships with people living in the same community. The Prophet (pbuh) used to advise his wives to add water to the soup and share it with their Jewish neighbours.
9. While calling to Islam is encouraged, there is no forcing people to accept the religion as there is 'No coercion in Islam'. Muslims should not focus on differences but find common ground, for example during debates with non-Muslims, as advised in the Qur'an 2.256.
10. Some Muslims give cards/presents on the occasion of Muslim festivals like Eid or invite non-Muslims in the community to the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan (iftar) to promote good relationships with them.
11. Candidates could also write about specific ways that inter-faith relationships are fostered in their own community.