Discuss the role of Muslims in a country where they are in a minority. Refer to different points of view in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). 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 AO2. Answers may refer to any Islamic religious theory or teaching. Students may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
4. Candidates could start by saying that Muslims have a role to play in any country they live in, whether they are in majority or minority.
5. Muslims living in countries where they are in minority should show respect and tolerance towards the faith of those living around them. Examples from the life of the Prophet (pbuh) who promoted harmonious life with the different faiths living in Madina can be quoted. In Qur'an 6.108, it is said concerning the religion of others: Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides God lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance.
6. Muslims should integrate into the civic and social fabrics of the societies they live in, and not just live in isolated enclaves. They should understand and fully engage in the social systems around them - not as outsiders, but as active stakeholders. For example, they should cast their vote for the party who they think will be in the best interest for the whole country and not just their group in times of election.
7. Muslims should be aware of what is happening around them and give their help and support wherever they can. As an example, the Prophet (pbuh) as a youth became a member of the Hilful Fudul alliance or confederacy created by the Meccans in the year 590 AD to establish justice for all through collective action.
8. Not only should Muslims try to gain a good education, but they should also work in areas of great need to help their countrymen, for example by joining hands with people from other faiths in fighting the evil in their society. They could volunteer wherever they can to make society better, e.g. by donating to charities, helping in food banks, soup kitchens, etc.
9. They should be responsible citizens; care for their surroundings and protect their environment. The Prophet (pbuh) has prevented the cutting of trees and has encouraged growing trees from which other creatures can benefit.
10. Some believe that Muslims are required to spread the word of God to others, especially the non-Muslims (dawah). 'Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.' Qur'an 3.104.
11. However, living in a multi-faith society, Muslims should stick to Islam and not follow the religion of the people around them: 'Whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks...' (Qur'an 2.256).
12. Muslims should hold tight to their values, not let values such as materialism or atheism, influence them and prevent them from following the principles of Islam. 'And hold fast all together by the rope which God (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves.' (Qur'an: 3.103).
13. Alternatively, being a minority might restrict the role that Muslims play in their society, and trying to be too assertive in their beliefs might make them the target of islamophobia.
14. Conclusion
15. A judgement should be made as to how and to what extent Muslims can play a significant role in a society where they are in minority.