Islam and War Flashcards
Is there pacifism in Islam?
no
the Qur’an encourages all Muslims to ‘struggle in the way of Islam’
What is the struggle against evil called?
jihad
What does Qur’an teach Muslims about the struggle against evil?
it must first start within themselves
What does the world Islam mean?
peace
What does the word jihad mean?
struggle
How many types of jihad are there? What are they?
two
greater jihad
lesser jihad
What is a greater jihad?
the personal spiritual struggle or effort of every Muslim to follow the teachings of Allah in their own lives
Give seven examples of a greater jihad
overcoming anger, greed, pride and hatred
forgiving someone who has hurt them
working for social justice
being a good friend and neighbour
helping the poor and needy
doing good deeds
visiting the mosque regularly and studying the Qur’an
What does the Qur’an teach about struggle?
in order to follow the will of God people will face many struggles; both inside themselves (greater jihad) and the world (lesser jihad)
What is the connection between a greater jihad, Muslims and God?
makes them better Muslims and brings them closer to God
What is a lesser jihad?
the struggle to build a good Muslim society; also Holy war (the struggle to defend against oppression; with force if necessary)
Is the use of violence permitted in a lesser jihad?
yes but there are strict rules about how wars should be fought
Quote (Surah 2:190) about transgressors
“Fight in the case of God those who fight you, but do not transgress the limits; for God loves not the transgressors.”
Quote the Qur’an about permission to fight
“Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged.”
What are the strict rules (8) in Islam about when a war (lesser jihad) can be fought justifiably by Muslims?
it must be fought for a just cause: Islam is being attacked, people are suffering an injustice, in self-defence, it must be the last resort
all possible non-violent methods of solving the problem must have been tried
it must be authorised and led by a Muslim authority but Islam teaches Muslims they must not be the first to declare war
it must be fought in such a way as to cause the minimum amount of suffering
the aim of the war must be to bring about good: Muslims are taught that it is wrong to fight as an act of aggression or to conquer another country; the aim has to be to bring about a just society
innocent civilians (especially the old, young, and women) must not be attacked
it must be ended as soon as the enemy lays down his arms
it must not be used to colonise, suppress or impose Islam on non-believers
Give a quote about why innocent civilians (especially the old, young, and women) must not be attacked
“Kill not the emaciated old, nor the young, nor the women.” (Hadith quoted by Abu Duad)
What are the conditions that all Muslims would agree that if a war fulfils then a Muslim must fight in it?
the Qur’an says that Muslims must fight if they are being attacked: Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God
Muhammad is a great example for Muslims in how to live and he fought in wars
Muhammad made many statements (hadith) about war which say that Muslims must fight in just wars
the Qur’an says that anyone who dies fighting in a just war will go straight to heaven: martyrs do not have to wait for the Day of Judgement
Give a quote from the Qur’an that says that Muslims must fight if they are being attacked
“Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged.”
Give a quote from Muhammad in (hadith) about war which say that Muslims must fight in just wars
“He who fights that Allah’s Word be superior, fights in Allah’s Cause.”
Give a quote from the Qur’an that says anyone who dies fighting in a just war will go straight to heaven
“Think not of those who are slain God’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of the Lord.” (Sarah 3:169)
Quote Qur’an 8:61 about peace
“If they incline to peace, make peace with them, and put your trust in God. It is surely He who hears all and knows all.”
Quote Qur’an 3:134 about paradise
“Paradise is for those who curb their anger and forgive their fellow men.”
Quote Qur’an 41:34 about good deeds and evil deeds
“Good deeds and evil deeds are not equal. Requite evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend.”
Quote Qur’an 2:190 about fighting
“Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you. But do not attack them first.”
Quote Qur’an 2:256 about compulsion
“There should be no compulsion in religion.”
Explain Muslims obligation to fight
the Qur’an and the teachings of Muhammad tell Muslims that if all the criteria of a holy war are fulfilled, it is their religious duty to go to war
any Muslim killed whilst fighting a holy war is a martyr and will go directly to paradise
Explain the Muslim views against war (4)
peace and reconciliation is at the heart of Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an: the word ‘Islam’ means peace
modern weapons (especially nuclear weapons) cannot possibly be used in a way that is compatible with the Muslim rules about fighting in a war: innocent victims will always be injured and killed, “Kill not the emaciated old, nor the young, nor the women.” (Hadith quoted by Abu Duad)
non-violent methods are the only way to achieve peace in the end: there are always different ways to try and people should persevere
violence only leads to more violence even if the ‘enemy surrenders’: war only increases hatred and distrust between both sides and therefore never leads to lasting peace
What is the Muslim Peace Fellowship described as?
“…a gathering of peace and justice-orientated Muslims of all backgrounds who are dedicated to making the beauty of Islam evident in the world.”
What is the Muslim Peace Fellowship’s motto?
“Whatever act of violence has just taken place, we deplore it.”
Muslim Peace Fellowship’s aims?
to work against injustice
reach out to people of all faiths with a message of understanding and mutual respect
work with everyone to bring about world peace
Quote Surah 5:32 about killing lives
“Whoever kills one person, it would be as if he killed all of mankind.”
