Relationships and Families – GCSE Religious Studies OCR Revision

Key Beliefs about Relationships and Families in Islam

Muslims believe that marriage (nikah) is a contract and a sacred bond between a man and woman.
They see it as a way to ensure a legitimate and healthy society and its main purpose is to prevent unlawful sexual relations.
Adultery (zina) and any sexual relationships outside a marriage are forbidden by the Qur’an and are considered a major sin.
In Islam, divorce is permitted but is seen as a last resort when all efforts of reconciliation have failed.
Family life is considered the foundation of Islamic society. Respecting parents, raising children properly, and having love and mercy for each other are core values.
In a Muslim family, the father is perceived as the provider and protector while the mother receives great respect for the role of caring and educating the children.
It is encouraged to have children in Islam, however, contraception is permissible provided it does not cause harm and both spouses agree on it.

Traditional interpretations of Islam consider homosexuality as forbidden, based on certain verses in the Qur’an and Hadiths.
There is a range of views within the global Muslim community about homosexuality, yet it is generally not openly discussed.
It is important to understand that while the act is seen as a sin, in Islam, everybody is deemed equal and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

Islam encourages marriage and procreation but does expect that sexual activity will be confined within this relationship.
Before marriage, Muslims are expected to practice chastity; they are encouraged to control and not succumb to their desires.
Unlike many Christian traditions, celibacy (choosing not to marry for religious reasons) is not promoted in Islam.

Let’s discuss these themes with specific references to holy texts, key teachings, and scholars’ viewpoints to deepen the understanding.