Islam and War

1
Islam and War

• Islam means peace as well as submission

2
Islam and Pacifism

• There is no concept of pacifism in Islam
• There is no concept of turning the other cheek
• Islam aims to bring about peace BUT this can only
  be achieved if all oppression and injustice have
  been removed

3
Islam and War

• Jihad striving / struggle in the way of Islam
• Greater jihad personal struggle against selfish
  desires to be a perfect Muslim
• Lesser jihad struggling with forces outside
  yourself by means of war a just war. Sometimes
  thought of as holy wars.

4
Islam and Just War when can a Muslim fight in a
war?

• If it is fought in a just cause in defence of
  Islam, in self defence, to right an injustice
• If it is fought only as a last resort when all
  other non violent means to keep the peace have
  failed
• It must be declared by a Muslim authority a
  religious authority

• If it is fought in a way that causes minimum
  suffering
• If innocent civilians must not be attacked
  especially women children
• It must end as soon as the enemy lays down their
  arms

5
Why can a Muslim fight in a just war?

• Quran says Muslims must fight . And it is the
  word of God
• They copy the example of Prophet Muhammed and he
  fought in wars

• Muhammed said that it was right for Muslims to
  fight in a just war
• The Quran says anyone who dies fighting in a
  just war will go straight to heaven martyrs
  and be forgiven

6
Quotes

• Quran fight in the cause of God
• Quran hate your enemy mildly he may be your
  friend one day

7
Muslims who oppose war

• Some Muslims feel that the power of modern
  weapons is now so great that it is impossible to
  fight a just war so they are against all wars.

8
Exam Questions

• What is jihad? (2)
• What is a just war? (2)
• Choose ONE religion other than Christianity and
  outline its attitude to war. (6)
• There is no such thing as a just war.
• Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
  showing you have considered another point of
  view. You should refer to at least one religion.
• (4)