State the moral teachings of Surah An-Nur.

KCSE IRE Paper 1 2013 Question 2(a) with Answers.

a) State the moral teachings of Surah An-Nur. (10 marks)

Moral teachings of Surah An-Nur

1. The Surah highlights chastity which is a virtue for both men and women Q 24: 15 -16 highlights the punishment for sex offences e.g. fornicators to be given 100 lashes and there must be witnesses when the punishment is being carried out.
2. Adultery is discouraged and Muslims are called upon to boycott adulterers and should not have any relations with them Q 24:3.
3. Those who slander or create false allegations about sexual misconduct. those who accuse others of adultery without evidence to be given 80 lashes and if they repent thereafter then Allah will forgive them Q 24:4 - 5.
4. Husbands who accuse their wives of infidelity without evidence should swear 4 times and invoke the curse of Allah on themselves if the wives swear in the same way, then they are acquitted. Q 24: 6 - 10.
5. The Surah lays down general principles regarding relations between Muslims that should be based on faith and not suspicions. Q 24: 26
6. Believers are forbidden from entering houses of other people unless with permission. Q24: 27 - 29.
7. Believers are wamed to be careful about false rumours because they can cause pain and divisions among them. those who spread evil rumours deserve punishment and not encouragement. Q 24: 11 - 16.
8. Marriage is encouraged among the single and pious even if they are slaves or poor as Allah will enrich them.
9. Slavery is discouraged. Slave owners are asked to give financial help to the slaves so that they can eam their freedom. Prostitution by slave girls is also forbidden. Q 24:33
10. Muslim men and women should lower their gaze from looking at forbidden things and shun illegal sexual acts.
11. Women are forbidden from revealing their adomment except to their husband and Mahrim. Q 24: 30 - 31
12. Rules regarding coexistence and social relations are established, e.g privacy in the home is encouraged servants and under age children should not enter private rooms without permission especially before Fajr prayers, at noon and after Isha prayers. Q 24: 58 - 59 -
13. Old women past child bearing age are permitted to set aside their outer garment within the house. Q 24: 60.
14. Muslims are encouraged to treat the disabled kindly e.g. the blind, lame, crippled and sick. are allowed to eat in other people‘s houses.
15. When entering other people's houses. it is good to offer greetings.

(5 x 2= 10 marks)

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