A crime is an act that breaks the law of the state. A sin is an act that goes against God’s will or a religious moral law. Many acts are both, but not all.
Both a crime and a sin: murder and theft are crimes in UK law, and both are forbidden in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13, 20:15) and in the Qur’an (5:32, 5:38).
A sin but not a crime: lying to a friend, greed or adultery are legal in the UK, but most Christians and Muslims see them as wrong.
A crime but not always seen as a sin: some believers argue that breaking an unjust law can be right (see the section on unjust laws).
Most religious believers keep the law. Paul told Christians to be subject to the governing authorities, which he taught were set up by God (Romans 13:1). Most Muslim scholars in Britain teach that Muslims should keep the law of the country they live in, as part of keeping their agreements.
Shari’ah (Islamic law, literally ‘path’) guides the whole of a Muslim’s life, mostly worship and personal conduct. In Britain, Muslims, like everyone else, are subject to UK criminal law.
Non-religious views: humanists and atheists also see most laws as protecting people and making society work. Humanists base morality on reason, empathy and concern for others, not on God.
Christianity is the main religious tradition of Great Britain (46.2% of people in England and Wales in the 2021 Census; Muslims 6.5%; no religion 37.2%), but British society is diverse.
Exam tipQuestions on this half of Theme E ask for religious beliefs. A non-religious point earns nothing in a 4- or 6-mark answer, but you may use one in a 12-mark answer alongside religious arguments.
Crime
An act that breaks the law of the state and can be punished by the courts.
Sin
An act that goes against God’s will or a religious moral law.
Law
Rules made by a country’s government that everyone must keep.
Justice
Fairness: making sure what is right is done, and that wrongs are put right.
Shari’ah
Islamic law, based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, guiding the whole of a Muslim’s life.
3.2.1.5 Good and evil intentions and actions
Good and evil intentions and actions
An intention is what a person means to do, and why. Religious believers judge an action partly by the intention behind it, and partly by the act itself.
Islam: a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (1) teaches that actions are judged by their intentions (niyyah). A good deed done to show off is worth less than one done for God.
Christianity: Jesus taught that evil thoughts, theft and murder come ‘from within, out of the hearts of men’ (Mark 7:21, World English Bible). Wrong actions start with wrong desires.
Why do people choose evil? Many Christians link it to free will and to human sin: many teach that all people are affected by original sin, going back to the Fall (Genesis 3).
Muslims believe people are born with a natural tendency to good (fitrah), but can be tempted by Shaytan and their own desires. Because humans have free will, they are responsible for what they do.
A good intention doesn’t make a wrong act right. Stealing medicine for a sick parent is well meant, but it is still theft.
UK law also looks at intention: murder needs an intention to kill or cause serious harm; a killing without it may be manslaughter.
Non-religious views: many people judge actions by their consequences (utilitarianism), others by duties and motives. Most agree that intention affects how much blame a person deserves.
A good intention doesn’t make every act right; an evil intention can hide behind a good-looking act.
Exam tipAn evil intention is wanting to do harm; an evil action is the harmful act. AQA has tested these terms in a multiple-choice question, so learn the difference.
Good
Morally right, beneficial and kind.
Evil
Morally wrong and harmful; the opposite of good.
Intention
What a person means to do and why they do it.
Free will
The ability to choose for ourselves, so we are responsible for our choices.
Fitrah
In Islam, the natural tendency to good that Muslims believe every person is born with.
3.2.1.5 Whether it can ever be good to cause suffering
Can it ever be good to cause suffering?
Most religious believers say causing suffering is usually wrong. The question is whether it can be right when it leads to a greater good.
Christian arguments against causing suffering: the Golden Rule, ‘whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them’ (Matthew 7:12, World English Bible); love your neighbour; Jesus healed suffering rather than causing it.
Christian arguments that it can sometimes be right: Jesus drove the money-changers out of the Temple (John 2:15), which some see as accepting force against injustice; Paul taught that the state has God-given authority to punish wrongdoers (Romans 13).
Muslim teaching: a hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah (2341) teaches that there should be no harming and no returning of harm. But the Qur’an allows fighting in self-defence (2:190) and sets punishments for some crimes, under strict conditions, as justice.
Non-religious views: utilitarians weigh suffering against benefits, so suffering can be justified if it prevents greater suffering. Humanists stress reducing harm and respecting people’s choices.
Situation
Why some say it can be good
Why some disagree
Medical treatment (surgery, chemotherapy)
Short-term pain to save a life; the intention is to heal
Few disagree, but the patient must consent
Punishment
Justice for victims; puts people off crime; can reform the offender
Harsh punishment can harm without helping; Jesus taught mercy
Self-defence or a just war
Protects the innocent; just war theory sets strict rules
Pacifists, such as many Quakers, say violence breeds violence
Disruptive protest
Can bring about change to an unjust law
Innocent people may suffer; peaceful means come first
Tough love
Refusing to fund a relative’s addiction may help them recover
It can damage trust and the relationship
Exam tipThe specification names this question, but AQA has never yet set it as the focus of a question. In an evaluation, use real examples, separate the intention from the outcome, and judge whether the good achieved outweighs the suffering caused.
Suffering
Pain or distress, physical or mental.
Golden Rule
Treat others as you would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12); a teaching found in many religions.
Utilitarianism
Judging an action by its consequences: the right act brings the greatest good for the greatest number.
3.2.1.5 Reasons for crime: poverty and upbringing
Reasons for crime: poverty and upbringing
The specification names seven reasons for crime. Most people facing these pressures don’t commit crime, so religions stress free will and responsibility as well as compassion.
Poverty: people may steal food or essentials to survive, or turn to crime through debt or a lack of other chances.
Upbringing: children who grow up with violence, neglect or crime in the family, or without guidance, may learn that crime is normal. Some young people are drawn in by peer pressure or exploited by adults, for example to carry drugs.
Christianity: Jesus taught that people who fed the hungry and clothed the poor were serving him (Matthew 25:35-36). Proverbs 6:30-31 says people don’t despise a thief who steals because he is hungry, yet if caught he must still repay: understanding, but the act is still wrong.
Christians in action: many churches run or support food banks (many in the Trussell network), debt advice and youth work, aiming to remove the pressure that leads to crime.
Islam: zakah (giving 2.5% of savings each year) shares wealth so that poverty need not drive anyone to crime. Classical Islamic law didn’t apply the fixed penalty for theft to someone driven by hunger, and Caliph Umar is reported to have suspended it during a famine.
Upbringing in religion: Christianity and Islam both teach that parents must bring up children to know right from wrong, and that the community shares responsibility for the young.
The seven reasons for crime in the specification
Exam tipAQA’s 2024 report says stealing to feed a family is not ‘acceptable’ to Christians: it is always wrong, though it can be understood. Say that, and add that food banks and benefits mean survival theft can usually be avoided in the UK.
Poverty
Being without enough money for basic needs such as food, housing and heating.
Upbringing
How a person is raised by their family and community, which shapes their values.
Zakah
The third Pillar of Islam: giving 2.5% of savings each year to those in need.
3.2.1.5 Reasons for crime: mental health problems and addiction
Reasons for crime: mental health problems and addiction
Most people with mental health problems never commit a crime. But a few crimes are linked to serious mental illness, and many are linked to addiction.
Mental illness: someone who is very unwell may not understand what they are doing or that it is wrong. In UK law a person who didn’t know what they were doing, or that it was wrong, may be found not guilty by reason of insanity; and someone who kills while their responsibility is seriously reduced by a mental disorder may be convicted of manslaughter instead of murder (diminished responsibility). Courts can send very unwell offenders to a secure hospital rather than prison.
Addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling can lead people to steal to pay for it; drink and drugs also weaken self-control. Possessing some drugs is a crime in itself.
Christianity: Paul taught that the body is ‘a temple of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 6:19, World English Bible), which many Christians use against drug misuse. Jesus showed compassion to the sick and outcast, and many churches run or host addiction recovery groups; the Salvation Army runs addiction services.
Islam: the Qur’an calls strong drink and games of chance ‘an infamy of Satan’s handiwork’ (5:90, Pickthall’s translation), so alcohol, drugs and gambling are forbidden (haram). But Islam also teaches care for the sick, and a hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud (4403) says a person who has lost their reason is not held responsible until they recover it.
Most believers say people whose crimes come from illness or addiction need treatment and support as well as, or instead of, punishment; many still say they must take responsibility where they can.
Non-religious views: many people see addiction and mental illness mainly as health problems, and support treatment because it reduces reoffending.
Exam tipDon’t write that people with mental health problems are dangerous: it is inaccurate and AQA rewards sensitivity. Say ‘a small number of crimes are linked to serious mental illness’.
SupportIf any of this affects you or someone you know, talk to a trusted adult. Childline (0800 1111) is free and confidential.
Mental illness
A health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels or behaves.
Addiction
A physical or mental dependency on a substance or activity, such as drugs, alcohol or gambling.
Haram
Forbidden in Islam.
3.2.1.5 Reasons for crime: greed and hate
Reasons for crime: greed and hate
Greed is wanting more than you need, such as money or possessions. Hate is strong hostility, often towards a whole group of people.
Greed can lead to theft, fraud, tax evasion or crime by businesses. Unlike poverty, it attracts little sympathy, because the offender already has enough.
Christianity on greed: ‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10), not ‘money is the root of all evil’; the tenth Commandment forbids coveting what belongs to your neighbour (Exodus 20:17).
Islam on greed: Muslims believe wealth is a test and a trust from God; zakah purifies wealth and keeps greed in check; cheating in trade is condemned.
Hate can lead to violence, abuse and damage aimed at people because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity: hate crime.
Christianity on hate: all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27); Paul taught that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28); Jesus taught love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Islam on hate: the Qur’an says God made people ‘nations and tribes that ye may know one another’ and that the noblest is the best in conduct (49:13, Pickthall’s translation).
Non-religious views: humanists stress equal dignity and empathy, and campaign against discrimination.
Exam tipAQA set a 12-mark question on greed in 2025 and the report says counter-arguments were thin. If asked which reason is worst, compare greed with hate, jealousy or revenge, and with understandable reasons such as poverty.
Greed
A selfish desire for more than you need, such as money or possessions.
Hate
Intense dislike or hostility, often towards a group of people.
Prejudice
Judging people unfairly before knowing them, often because of the group they belong to.
3.2.1.5 Reasons for crime: opposition to an unjust law
Opposition to an unjust law
An unjust law is one that is unfair: for example, it discriminates against a group or stops people following their conscience or faith.
Most believers obey the law (Romans 13:1) and work to change unfair laws by legal means: petitions, lobbying MPs, voting and peaceful protest.
Some believe they must sometimes disobey: when told to stop preaching, Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29, World English Bible).
Civil disobedience: openly breaking a law without violence to get it changed, and accepting the punishment. Martin Luther King, a Baptist minister, led non-violent protests against racial segregation laws in the USA in the 1950s and 1960s and was jailed several times. Rosa Parks, a Christian, refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.
Islam: Muslims should obey those in authority, but a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (7257) teaches that there is no obedience in doing wrong: obedience is only in what is good. The Qur’an tells believers to be ‘staunch in justice’ even against themselves (4:135, Pickthall’s translation), which many Muslims see as a duty to challenge injustice peacefully.
Violence against an unjust law is rejected by most Christians and Muslims, though some accept it as a last resort against great injustice.
Non-religious views: many people, religious or not, admire non-violent campaigners such as King; others argue that breaking any law weakens the rule of law, which protects everyone.
Responses to an unjust law, from least to most conflict with the law
Exam tipAQA’s 2024 report misprints the question as ‘unjust war’: the question said unjust law. Read the key word carefully. Religious and non-religious reasons were both credited there, but only religious ones count where a question asks for religious beliefs.
Unjust law
A law that is unfair, for example because it discriminates or denies people their rights.
Civil disobedience
Openly and non-violently breaking a law believed to be unjust, to get it changed, and accepting the punishment.
3.2.1.5 Views about people who break the law for these reasons
Religious views about people who break the law
Most religious believers condemn the crime but care about the person who committed it. Many Christians sum this up as ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’, a saying based on the writings of St Augustine, not the Bible.
Christianity: Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners. After meeting him, Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had cheated people, promised to repay four times as much (Luke 19:8): Christians see this as reform, not just punishment.
Islam: God is just (al-Adl), so wrongdoing must be dealt with; but God is also merciful and forgives those who repent (Qur’an 39:53). A principle of Islamic law, based on sayings attributed to the Prophet (some graded weak), is that the fixed punishments should not be applied where there is doubt.
Non-religious views: many people focus on the causes of crime and on what reduces reoffending, such as treatment, education and restorative justice.
Reason for the crime
Typical religious response
Poverty
Compassion and practical help (food banks, zakah), but the crime is still wrong
Upbringing
Support for families, youth work and mentoring; the person can still choose to change
Mental illness
Treatment and care; reduced responsibility where the person did not understand
Addiction
Help to recover; responsibility for choices; in Islam, intoxicants are forbidden
Greed
Little sympathy: punishment, repentance and paying back (as Zacchaeus did)
Hate
Strong condemnation; education; support for victims and their communities
Unjust law
Many admire peaceful protest, but most say use legal means first and accept the punishment
Exam tipAvoid stereotypes such as ‘Christians forgive, but Shari’ah is harsh’. AQA’s 2023 report criticised them: some Christians support strict punishment, and the Prophet Muhammad taught mercy.
Repentance
Being truly sorry for wrongdoing and resolving not to do it again (tawbah in Islam).
Compassion
Sympathy and concern for others’ suffering, which leads to helping them.
3.2.1.5 Views about different types of crime
Types of crime: hate crime, theft and murder
Crimes can be grouped by who or what they harm: the person (assault, murder), property (theft, burglary, vandalism) and the state (terrorism, treason). The specification names three.
Hate crime: in England and Wales, any crime the victim or anyone else believes was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. Courts can give a longer sentence. Christians point to the image of God in everyone (Genesis 1:27) and Galatians 3:28; Muslims to Qur’an 49:13. Faith leaders regularly condemn attacks on mosques, churches and synagogues together.
Theft: ‘You shall not steal’ (Exodus 20:15, World English Bible) is one of the Ten Commandments. The Qur’an sets a severe penalty for theft (cutting off the hand, 5:38), but classical Islamic law applied it only under strict conditions, and most Muslim-majority countries don’t use it. Muslims in Britain follow UK law.
Murder: ‘You shall not murder’ (Exodus 20:13, World English Bible; older translations say ‘Thou shalt not kill’). Life is sacred because humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 9:6). The Qur’an teaches that killing one innocent person is as if one had killed all mankind (5:32), and that life may not be taken except with right, that is, through justice (17:33).
Murder is not ‘unforgivable’ in Islam: Muslims believe God forgives any sin a person truly repents of (see the punishment topic).
Exam tipGet sources right. Qur’an 5:32 (killing one is like killing all mankind) is not in the Bible. ‘You shall not murder’ is a Commandment; ‘treat others as you want to be treated’ is Jesus’ Golden Rule, not a Commandment. AQA’s 2022 report accepted ‘the Ten Commandments say do not kill’ as a named source.
Hate crime
A crime, often violent, motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.
Theft
Taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission and meaning to keep it.
Murder
The unlawful, deliberate killing of another person.
Sanctity of life
The belief that all life is holy because it is created by God.
Genious