Contemporary Issues
14 Grade 7 Religious Education (IRE) questions on Contemporary Issues, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markIslam encourages Muslims to care for the environment. A Muslim who plants trees and avoids polluting rivers is fulfilling the role of a:
A. Hafidh (memoriser)
B. Qadi (judge)
C. Muadhin (caller to prayer)
D. Khalifah (steward/caretaker) on earth
(1 mark)
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1 markNuru sees friends spending hours daily on social media, some sharing rumours and harmful content. As a Muslim, the best guidance she can apply when using such modern technology is to:
A. Use it to spread truth and avoid backbiting and lies
B. Believe and forward every message without checking
C. Use it only to mock other people
D. Avoid all technology completely as it is haram
(1 mark)
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4 marksHIV/AIDS remains a challenge in society. State FOUR ways a Muslim can respond to people living with HIV/AIDS in line with Islamic values.
(4 marks)
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4 marksEnvironmental degradation threatens communities in Kenya. State FOUR ways a Muslim can care for the environment based on Islamic teachings.
(4 marks)
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1 markA wealthy Muslim businessman refuses to help needy neighbours during a famine, saying his wealth is his alone. Which Islamic principle is he neglecting?
A. Helping others cancels one's own reward
B. Wealth should be hidden from society
C. Wealth is a trust from Allah and the poor have a right in it
D. Charity is only for Ramadhan
(1 mark)
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1 markDuring a disease outbreak, health officials advise handwashing and cleanliness. How does this align with Islamic teaching?
A. Islam teaches that cleanliness (taharah) is part of faith
B. Cleanliness is only for the wealthy
C. Cleanliness applies only during Ramadhan
D. Islam discourages the use of water
(1 mark)
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6 marksCorruption and dishonesty affect many institutions. Explain THREE teachings of Islam that discourage corruption.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 3 x 2: Islam prohibits bribery (rishwa) and curses both the giver and receiver; it commands honesty and trustworthiness (amanah) in all dealings; it forbids consuming wealth unjustly; it demands justice (adl) and fairness for all; it teaches accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgement; it promotes fulfilling one's duties faithfully.
Question 8
6 marksDrug and substance abuse is a growing problem among the youth. Explain THREE ways Islamic teachings help a young Muslim to avoid drug abuse.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 3 x 2: Islam prohibits all intoxicants, giving a clear rule to follow; it teaches taqwa/God-consciousness so one avoids harm even in private; it encourages good company and avoiding bad peer influence; it emphasises caring for the body as a trust from Allah; it offers prayer and worship as sources of strength; it promotes purposeful use of time in beneficial activities.
Question 9
1 markIslam's stance on the abuse of drugs (mihadarati) is best summarised as:
A. Allowed for young people only
B. Encouraged for medical use of any kind
C. Prohibited because they intoxicate and harm the body and mind
D. A matter of personal choice with no ruling
(1 mark)
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1 markA group of youths spreads false rumours on social media that damage a person's reputation. Which Islamic teaching most directly addresses this behaviour?
A. The obligation of Hajj
B. The rules of inheritance
C. The timings of the five prayers
D. The prohibition of spreading falsehood and slander
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 11
1 markA group of youth in the neighbourhood begin misusing drugs, claiming it helps them cope with stress. Drawing on Islamic teaching, why should a Muslim youth avoid drug abuse?
A. Because intoxicants harm the body and mind, which Allah commands us to protect
B. Because drugs are only banned on Fridays
C. Because it is permitted but discouraged after sunset
D. Because the harm only applies to adults
(1 mark)
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6 marksExplain THREE responsibilities Islam places on a Muslim towards the poor and needy in society.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 3 x 2: giving obligatory zakat to purify wealth and support the needy; giving voluntary charity (sadaqah) to relieve hardship; feeding the hungry and helping orphans and widows; treating the poor with dignity and not despising them; advocating for justice and fair distribution of resources; visiting and caring for the sick and vulnerable.
Question 13
4 marksKhadija sees a message being forwarded on a class WhatsApp group claiming that a certain teacher did something shameful, but no one knows if it is true. Some learners begin sharing it widely.
(a) State what the Qur'an teaches about verifying news before spreading it, as found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6). (2 marks)
(b) Give two ways a Muslim youth should behave responsibly when using social media. (2 marks)
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah commands the believers that if a wrongdoer (faasiq) brings them news, they should verify/investigate it, lest they harm people out of ignorance and later regret what they have done. (b) Responsible behaviour on social media (any two): (1) Verify information before sharing it, and avoid spreading rumours or unverified claims; (2) Avoid backbiting, slander and exposing people's faults online; (3) Use respectful and truthful language; (4) Avoid wasting time and viewing forbidden (haram) content; (5) Protect one's own and others' privacy and dignity.
Question 14
4 marksSocial media misuse such as spreading rumours is common today.
(a) State TWO harms of spreading false information.
(b) Give TWO Islamic guidelines on the use of the tongue and information.
(4 marks)
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