To what extent should Muslims address challenges of modern society together with people of other faiths? Discuss with reference to different points of view.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [AO1: 10 marks] Knowledge and understanding
2. [AO2: 15 marks] Analysis and evaluation
3. [Guidance] Mark according to the levels of response marking grids for AO1 and AO2. Answers may refer to any Islamic religious theory or teaching. Candidates may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
4. [Definition/Context] Candidates could define/explain what challenges of modern society are, such as poverty, environment, climate change. People of other faiths could be non-Muslims or people of no faith.
5. [Argument] Humans are social beings and living in a society will bring challenges with it. If there are issues in the society they live in, whether it affects them directly or indirectly, Muslims should try to address these as it is part of their religious duties.
6. [Argument] Humans have been described in the Qur'an (2:30) as being vicegerent (khalifa). Muslims therefore understand that they have a duty of stewards/caretakers, and to try to look after and improve their environment.
7. [Argument] "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest form of faith". (Sahih Muslim) This hadith is clear proof that Muslims should be pro-active and involved in the society they live in and should try to change any social ills that they see. Being inactive in facing problems in society is sign of weak faith.
8. [Argument] There are examples from the life of the Prophet (pbuh) where he interacted with people from other faiths, such as his participation in the pact for the protection of the weak, known as hilful fudul. He also worked or sought help from non-Muslims, for example he employed a non-Muslim, reputed for his profession as a guide when he emigrated from Mecca (hijra). In another instance when he was coming back from Taif, he sought protection from Mut'im bin Adi, a non-Muslim chief to enter Mecca. There is nothing wrong in Islam for Muslims to work together with non-Muslims.
9. [Argument] There are some challenges that Muslims face, such as Islamophobia/unfair laws targeting Muslims and therefore it can be useful to seek help from non-Muslims to find a solution to these issues.
10. [Counter-argument] However, some challenges cannot be addressed with people of other faiths. Because of the rules and restrictions in Islamic law, Muslims cannot address issues in the same way as non-Muslims.
11. [Counter-argument] Muslims for example will not agree to take loans to address problems like poverty, as they are not allowed in Islam to indulge in any transaction which involves interest.
12. [Counter-argument] When it comes to issues related to morals, Muslims would rather encourage marriage and preserve the family unit rather than partnership or single parent families, therefore working with some non-Muslims might not be possible.
13. [Conclusion] Conclusion should be made weighing up how far challenges of the modern age can be resolved by Muslims working hand in hand with non-Muslims.