Islam Chapter 4: Peace and Conflict - 4.5 Just War Theory Flashcards
The Just War Theory
Just War theory: a set of conditions that need to be met in order for a war to be justified; also known as jus ad bellum (right to
war’)
What are the conditions for a just war?
1 Just cause - the reasons for fighting should be to uphold justice.
2 Comparative justice - those affected by injustices should expect a better
future following the war.
3 Legitimate authority - only a recognized leader or head of state can sanction a war.
4 Right intention - the motive to fight should be to re-establish peace and restore human rights..
5 Probability of success - there should be a strong likelihood that the war will
be won.
6 Last resort - war should only take place if all efforts for peace have been tried
and have failed.
7 Proportionality - the amount of force used in war should be in proportion to
the problem.
What are some rules of a just war?
- Innocent people should not be attacked.
- Fair treatment of prisoners
- Ban the use of nuclear and biological weapons
Who would the legitimate authority be for Sunni and Shia Muslims in order for the conditions for a just war to be met?
Sunni Muslims - this authority would be a prophet or khalifah,
Shi’a Muslims - it would be a prophet or one of the 12 imams
Give one example when a war was permited in Islam
‘fight them until there is no more ________’ Surah 8:39
When Muslims fought in The Battle of Badr - This was due to the fact that despite escaping persecution in Mecca they still remained unsafe in Madinah
‘fight them until there is no more persecution’ Surah 8:39
Is a just war possible for muslims today? Give both sides of the argument.
Most Muslims agree that lesser jihad is justified if it is to guarantee freedom of faith and to repel an invasion or threat
However, Muslims are divided over whether a just war is possible today as there are disagreements about who is the ‘legitimate authority’ in Islam.
Many Muslims also believe that the conditions for lesser jihad, which were given to the Prophet Muhammad, do not apply today because there are now international laws and organisations, such as the United Nations, that protect human rights.
According to Twelver Shia Muslims, who will herald the need for JIhad?
The return of the Twelfth Imam, called the Mahdi, who they believe is presently in hiding until God sends him back to earth, will herald the need for a jihad that will call all people to justice.
