The ethical principles and teaching of one religion Essay Example for Free

The ethical principles and teaching of one religion Essay Examine the ethical principles and teaching of one religion, focussing particularly on what is believed about the nature and value of human life, and the relationship between humans and the environment. Most religions have similar ethical principles and beliefs on the value and nature of human life; however this essay will be focusing on one religion in particular, Islam. Islams main principles about the human life are quite similar to the other religions, and the fact that life is sacred. This underpins all issues dealing with medical ethics such as Abortion and Euthanasia. Muslims believe that all human life is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses how long each person will live. Human beings should not interfere in this, which is why Islam would most definitely favour sanctity of life over quality of life, as the Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctity of life. The Quran states: Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind. (Quran 5:32) It is a manifestation of the dignity of man that Islam has placed an infinite value on human life. This is expressed in the Quran in the following terms: We ordained for the children of Israel that if anyone slew a person, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the whole of mankind. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of a whole people. (Al-Maida, 5:32) If Euthanasia is taken as an example, Islam believes human life is a value to be respected unconditionally, irrespective of other circumstances. The concept of a life not worthy of living does not exist in Islam. Justification of taking life to escape suffering is not acceptable in Islam. Prophet Mohammad taught: There was a man in older times that had an infliction that taxed his patience, so he took a knife, cut his wrist and bled to death. Upon this God said:My subject hastened his end, I deny him paradise. All these teachings are derived from the Holy Book of Islam, The Quran, which is said to be the word of Allah. There are many other quotes from the Quran which support the argument of the sacredness of life. If anyone kills a person unless it be for murder or spreading mischief in the land- it would be as if he killed the whole people. (Quran 5.32) When their time comes they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward by a single hour. (Quran 16.61) And no person can ever die except by Allahs leave and at an appointed term. (Quran 3.145) Destroy not yourselves. Surely Allah is ever merciful to you. (Quran 4.29) There is a vast amount of emphasis put on the sacredness of human life, and how it should be protected at all times, however Islam permits killing, under very strict circumstances, in a war called Jihad, and is often mistranslated to mean holy war, however its true meaning can be anything from an inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith to a political or military struggle to further the Islamic cause. The Prophet Muhammad has given clear instructions about the behaviour of the Muslim army. He observed: Set out for Jihad in the name of Allah and for the sake of Allah. Do not lay hands on the old verging on death, on women, children and babes. Do not steal anything from the booty and collect together all that falls to your lot in the battlefield and do good, for Allah loves the virtuous and the pious. So great is the respect for humanly feelings in Islam that even the wanton destruction of enemys crops or property is strictly forbidden. When thinking of the nature of life, it is natural to ponder upon creation. For example how would Islam manage to answer lifes unanswered questions such as, When does life begin?, Where does life come from?, and What happens at death?. As with all religions Islam tried to answer them, with help from the Holy Scriptures, such as the Quran and Hadith. The question of when a human life begins is a profoundly intricate one, with widespread implications, ranging from abortion rights to stem cell research and beyond. A key point in the debate rests on the way in which we choose to define the concepts of humanity, life and human life. Islam states that human life begins at the moment when a male sperm penetrates a female ovum and becomes united with it. The impregnated ovum constitutes the first cell that contains a full genetic record of the human kind in general and of the individual foetus itself that will distinguish it from any other being at any point of time. This first cell will then start reproducing itself throughout the various developing stages of the conception period until the moment of birth. The moment a woman conceives and the conceptions said to be stable in the uterus, the life shining in this uterus has full respect and is protected by established Islamic law provisions. If the foetus reaches the stage when a soul is breathed into it (some say after 120 days, others after 40 days), its sanctity becomes greater as agreed upon, and this results into certain provisions of the Islamic law. Islam also believes that all types of life were created by Allah, from water. Let us look at what Allah has said in the Quran about our creation to back up this theory: Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from A drop emitted Proceedings from between the backbone and the ribs: Surely (Allah) is able to bring him back (To life)! The Day that (All) things secret Will be tested, (Man) will have No power, and no helper. (Quran 86:5-10) As Allah has given life, he can also take it away, and has a plan for us all. Muslims believe that the present life is a trial in preparation for the next realm of existence. All the Prophets of God called their people to worship God and to believe in life after death. They laid so much emphasis on the belief in life after death that even a slight doubt in it meant denying God and made all other beliefs meaningless. Islam teaches that after death there will be a Day of Judgement. When people die they remain in the grave until the Day of Judgement. When the Day of Judgement comes, Allah will decide what happens to people and his decision is final: To Allah belongs the knowledge of the unseen of the heavens and the earth; and the coming of the Hour of Judgement is like the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker. Surely, Allah has full power over everything. (Quran 16:77) Allah will also judge all believers, not just Muslims: Those who believe in the Quran, and the Jews and the Sabians and the Christians, any who truly believe in Allah and the Last Day and act righteously, shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Quran 5:69) People who have followed the teachings of Allah will go to Paradise, which will be a perfect world of rest and pleasure. Here they stay forever. This is called akhirah or in other words life after death. People who have ignored Allahs teachings will go to hell where they will be punished. Those who have believed and acted righteously will be made happy in a splendid Garden. Those who disbelieved and rejected Our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter will be brought face to face with punishment. (Quran 30:15-16) Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam has no teaching about reincarnation. Muslims have only one chance to live their lives and they are judged on how they do this. When researching the value of human life there are many reasons not to destroy life in Islam however Islam does not always see destroying life as wrong. For example there are many quotes in the Quran, as mentioned beforehand, as to why life is so sacred, and only Allah has the right to take it away. If we look at the issue of abortion, Muslims regard abortion as wrong and haram (forbidden), but many accept that it may be permitted in certain cases. All schools of Muslim law accept that abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy would put the mothers life in real danger. This is the only reason accepted for abortion after 120 days of the pregnancy. The Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctity of life. This passage has been stressed many times by myself, for it is the main valid point for backing up the sanctity of life and in the Quran it states: Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind. (5: 32) Most Muslim scholars would say that a foetus in the womb is recognised and protected by Islam as a human life although. Islam allows abortion to save the life of the mother because it sees this as the lesser of two evils and this is a general principle in Sharia (Muslim law). Abortion is regarded as a lesser evil in this case because, The mother is the originator of the foetus, the mothers life is well-established, the mother has with duties and responsibilities, the mother is part of a family, and allowing the mother to die would also kill the foetus in most cases. Islam also regards the relationships between humans and the environment very highly. The world Earth appears no less than 485 times in the holy book of the Quran. Sharia, the word for Islamic Law, literally means source of water. In the words of Allah, There is not an animal in the earth, nor a creature flying on two wings, but they are nations like you. (6:38) The question of the creation of human beings is relevant; to understand the role of religion in the environment the Holy Quran states Blessed be He, in whose hands are all sovereignty. He has power over all things. He created death and life that He might put to test and find out, which of you acquitted himself best. He is Mighty, Forgiving One. (67:1-2) Life is thus, a brilliant demonstration of Gods wisdom and knowledge. He has shown the humans a right path of life. Theres complete stability and unity in the laws of the universe. Man being a part of the whole system must also operate justly in the sphere over which he is given control and power; otherwise, he is working against the natural laws of the Universe, as well as his own nature. The result of which can be destruction in the environment. In conclusion, as with many other religions, Islam has similar concepts and principals about human life and the environment which are clearly outlined in Holy Scriptures such as The Quran and may influence our personal morals and views on ethical issues. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1) http://www.islamweb.net 2) http://www.bbc.co.uk 3) http://www.earthisland.org 4) http://www.muhajabah.com 5) The Puzzle of Ethics Peter Vardy Paul Grosch 6) Understanding Islam Duncan Baird Publishers

Child Care and Observation Essay -- Child Psychology Essay

Observation is very important in young children because that is how you get to know a child better. While observing how a child interacts with their peers, adults, and how they behave in different settings, you are getting to know the child without speaking to them. It may be important to observe a child but at the same time it may mislead you into being judgmental, too soon. For instance, if you observe a child misbehaving, not getting along with the other children or talking back to the teacher, you might get the impression that he/she is a 'bad' child and you might treat and act differently with that particular child. From my personal experiences, I have to come to the conclusion that it doesn't always work the way I believe when observing a child. I strongly feel that in order to get to know a child you should not spend most of your time observing him/her. Interacting with the child gives off better results. Not once or twice, this should be a consistent thing. For example, in room seven we have a child by the name of Thomas which most of us have heard about him. He appears to be very aggressive and angry from what we have observed. Even though the child may be difficult at times, I cannot turn my back on him and give up because of this. We can only observe what lies in front of us. No one really knows what goes on when the child is home with his parents. He might be going through some really hard times with his family and this is how he is coping with it but, ...

Children Today Essay

There are many factors which lead to the way children act today. The way a child is raised, is a reflection of the lack of respect which an adolescent embraces for their elders. Over time, generations of human beings have become more reliant on technology. This has made mankind lazy and uncultured, causing a reflection on our children. Also, there have been many laws which were set against structure in a child’s life. Whether the child is at home, school, or with a care giver such as a â€Å"babysitter†, there are limits to how a child can be disciplined. However, when a child has a lack of authoritative parents, it often times produces the young one’s disrespect for others. The powerful painting by Banksy entitled, Girl Patting Down Army Soldier, demonstrates role reversal between child and adult. The image clearly illustrates a young girl in a pink dress and pig-tails, patting down a strong, fierce soldier. Soldiers represent power and authority, and this littl e girl is taking over that roll. This, to an extent, is the way our generation of children are becoming. They believe they are equals with adults in this world. They do this by bossing their parents around, and disrespecting them day after day. The way our world uses technology is only part of the reason why our children are so ignorant today. In the past, parents would send their children outside to get their pride and joy out of their hair and to have some fresh air. Presently, they set their child in front of a television to watch a show or play a video game. Due to the fact that most parents do not monitor every show or game their child takes part of, many children begin learning how to act by observing what is on the television screen in front of them. The television show entitled, Toddlers and Tiaras, is a prime example of these types of shows. Here, children of various ages dress as though they are twenty years old, yet act the total opposite. Kids which are two and three yeas old talk back to their parents and constantly role their eyes at the people they love. There are also multiple children hitting their competition and parents when they do not get what they want. When any child watches this type of show, they often times will begin to mirror the negative behavior. In fact, according to Illinois State Medical Society’s  experiment entitled, Monkey See Monkey Do, â€Å"In a matter of seconds, most children can mimic a movie or TV character, sing an advertising jingle or give other examples of what they have learned from watching media. These examples may include naming a popular brand of beer, striking a â€Å"sexy† pose, acting impolitely, or play fighting. Children only have to put a movie into the DVD player, flip through the channels, open a magazine, click on a web site, pop a video game into an X-Box or watch television to experience all kinds of messages. The impact of these messages can build slowly when children see and hear them over and over again.† Our youth today does not understand what is real and what is not on the T.V. If kids do not have guidance from their parents, they will most likely begin transforming into impolite little people. Therefore, parents need to not place their child in front of the television, but rather spend more time with them. Many kid’s care givers are also beginning to spend more time with their technology instead of their child. This is beginning to cause children to act up due to the fact they feel they are getting no attention. An article on The Washington Post entitled, Parents are ignoring their children for their Blackberry, stated, â€Å"If you’re taking [parental attention] away from the child, for what looks like it is not a good reason, kids might think, ‘What am I doing wrong that my parents don’t like me?’ and may start acting out to get their parents’ attention because they have a hard time distinguishing positive from negative attention.† Although parents do not mean to push their child away and make them feel as though they are less important than their phone, they are. This is why our generation of kids are beginning to throw tantrums and are becoming more impolite. The laws which have been set against a child’s punishment have changed tremendously over the past fifty years. This is a large factor of why our children have become so disrespectful to the people around them. In the past, teachers had the right to inflict corporal punishments on children. This is a form of discipline which ended around 1989 in Oregon. According to American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, corporal punishment is a method which a, â€Å"Supervising adult deliberately inflicts pain upon a child in response to a child’s unacceptable behavior.† The purpose for this  type of punishment was to try to prevent non-tolerated actions to reoccur. It was meant to change their long-term behaviors and to show the child what was and was not acceptable. In current times, children can not be touched in any physical matter from any one other than their parent or guardian. This is because it is now illegal to physically harm kids. This law has led some children to understand they can get away with excessive amounts of negative behaviors due to the fact there are less ramifications that follow their unfavorable actions. Because of these laws, kids can not be disciplined to any amount which the state would find excessive. Therefor, when these kids become disrespectful, there is no possible way for the children to be disciplined by any teacher or caregiver. The law of non corporal punishment has effected our children to a point because they cannot be punished for their actions, making them more disrespectful. There are many parents who hold a lack of authority. This is part of what is producing our youth’s disrespect for others. An authoritative parent is someone who expects a lot from their child. They also have strict rules which they predict will be followed at all times. These parents are also a large part of child rearing. According to ChildRearingMatters.com, â€Å"The aim is always to bring?out?the best in each child, and to prevent and overcome difficulties.† In other words, parenting. When a child’s parents lack this, their children in most cases, end up running the house. These children think they are their own parent. When this occurs, the adolescent ends up pushing their own parents around as well as the others around them. Many children today are becoming unexceptionably disrespectful to their elders and others around them. This is due to the way they are raised and brought up since birth. There are three main aspects which have created this issue which is occurring now. These include the number of parents relying on technology, the laws which protect children from any form of physical discipline, and the lack of authoritative parents which these children have. If the way our children are raised never changes, the issue of disrespect towards others is only going to worsen. Having respect for other is a large aspect of life. If children can not learn how to respect others, how are they supposed to respect themselves?

The Immigration Reform And Immigrant Responsibility Act Of...

Introduction: This paper must challenge an area of study for this semester (Not using Lee textbook as references nor private or to refer to non-for profit agencies) to a government agency whom lost a United Supreme Court case since January 2010 issue; In such issues as the supremacy cooperative agreement Section 133 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) in adjunction with Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 287 and INA 287(g) (that was the regulations for Immigration Enforcement Authority prior to 2012) that came under â€Å"considerable legal debate concerning the power of state and local police to enforce federal immigration law in the absence of express authorization in federal statute† (Garcia). For which, the states’ oppositions lost their cases in court until the Arizona v. United States case in 2012. For which was not a complete lost because it gave birth to the Memorandum of Understanding between the states and the federal government. By which the federal program ICE were the eyes and ears of implementing the trainings needed for the federal laws and requirements to be enforced by the states and local law enforcements agencies. Though it still fail in its ineffectiveness’, the objectives are still living today, improving its constructive and characteristic methodologies as the years’ goes bye. History of the Policy: To understand the issue involved, one must look into the historical factors for whichShow MoreRelatedThe Policy, Illegal Immigration Reform And Immigrant Responsibility Act Of 19961486 Words   |  6 PagesIllegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Division C of Pub.L. 104–208, 110 Stat. 3009-546, shortened to IIRAIRA or IIRIRA, was enacted September 30, 1996 (Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996). 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