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AQA GCSE RS Lesson: Conflict, Peace and Resolution - The Two
Chairs Exchange
Muslim teachings on war peace and justice (various sources)
The word ‘Islam’ means peace, but there is sometimes a perception that Islam is a
violent religion. Whilst it is true that there are those who are very violent and claim
to be Muslim, we invite you to consider whether regimes such as ISIS can properly
be said to act in accordance with Islamic teaching in the Qur’an and Hadith and the
example of Muhammad
Islam has never been a pacifist religion. Muhammad was a tribal leader who faced
the practical problem of resolving conflict with his neighbours in (6 th century Arabia.
He was prepared to use force to defend his people and such was his military success
that his leadership ultimately brought peace and stability to a previously volatile
region.
Read these sources:
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And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement
between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against
the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it
returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly.
Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (Surah 49.9)
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because
they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.
[They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only
because they say, "Our Lord is Allah." And were it not that Allah checks the
people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished
monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah
is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him.
Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. (Surah 22.39-40)
Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not
hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. (Qur’an 2:190)
To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because
they are wounded: and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid (Qur’an
22:39)
Therefore, if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send
you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war
against them) (Qur’an 4:90)
But if the enemy incline towards peace, do though (also) incline towards
peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that heareth and knoweth (all
things) (Qur’an 8:61)
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“Help your brother, whether he is oppressed or the oppressor.” When they asked,
“O Prophet, we know how to help the oppressed, but how should we help the
oppressor?” The Prophet replied, “By stopping the oppressor from oppressing.”
Hadith
JIHAD
Muslims are called to jihad. The greater jihad involves cultivating virtues, living a good and
prayerful life, showing love and compassion, justice, humility wise and good speech,
moderation, loyalty and honesty. This jihad is a fight against ego and selfishness.
Lesser jihad is a struggle against injustice and oppression in the world. Using violence would
be a last resort. These are the criteria for lesser jihad
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The opponent must always have started the fighting.
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It must not be fought to gain territory.
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It must be launched by a religious leader.
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It must be fought to bring about good - something that Allah will approve of.
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Every other way of solving the problem must be tried before resorting to war.
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Innocent people should not be killed.
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Women, children, or old people should not be killed or hurt.
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Women must not be raped.
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Enemies must be treated with justice.
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Wounded enemy soldiers must be treated in exactly the same way as one's own soldiers.
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The war must stop as soon as the enemy asks for peace.
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Property must not be damaged.
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Poisoning wells is forbidden. The modern analogy would be chemical or biological warfare.
Source BBC Bitesize.