Islam Chapter 4: Peace and Conflict - 4.7 WMD Flashcards
WMD
Nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons that cause widespread devastation and loss of life
Benefits of WMD:
Benefits
- They are an effective deterrent - nations may be less likely to attack if there is a threat of them being used
- The losses suffered by the side that uses them are minimal
- They ensure a quicker end to conflicts
-It is a better course of action than invasion
‘it closes in on them in towering columns’
What does this quote refer to?
It refers to the development of WMD in the future, and how they would cause widespread destruction.
Problems of WMD:
Problems
- The scale of destruction is immeasurable, and the damage caused cannot be undone
- Civilian and non-combatant deaths are inevitable
- They cause many long-term ill-effects, which can extend to future generations
- Using them could amount to a war crime
What quote from the Quran may be used as an argument against WMD
‘if anyone kills - unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land - it is as if he killed all of mankind’ Surah 5:32
What is the link between Yajuj and Majuj and WMD?
What quote have scholars used to argue WMD as a deterrent?
‘Prepare against them [disbelievers] whatever ____ you [believers] can ____ […] to ____ off [these] ____ of God’
Surah 8: 60
‘Prepare against them [disbelievers] whatever forces you [believers] can muster […] to frighten off [these] enemies of God’
Utilitarianism
the idea that whatever promotes the greatest good or happiness for the greatest number of individuals is what is morally right
What are non-religious attitudes towards the use of WMD?
What would a Muslim response look like?
Many atheists and Humanists are cautious about the use of WMD. They accept some benefits but also agree that there are several problems associated with them.
People who follow ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, may support the acquisition of WMD if it is to fend off a grave threat, and serves the greater good.
Muslims would agree with the views of many atheists and Humanists about the devastating effects that WMD can cause. However, unlike non-religious people, they would refer to the teachings of the Qur’an to guide them about the use of such weapons.
