Peace and Conflict Revision Cards PDF

Peace and Conflict 1 – Peace Peace and Conflict 2 – Peace 2 Peace is an absence of conflict and violence. In Islam it is the most important goal to ensure that the world is as peaceful as possible. Islam can mean ‘peace’ and is...

Peace and Conflict 1 – Peace Peace and Conflict 2 – Peace 2 Peace is an absence of conflict and violence. In Islam it is the most important goal to ensure that the world is as peaceful as possible. Islam can mean ‘peace’ and is Islam as a religion of peace: one of Allah’s characteristics. By submitting to Islam inner and true peace will come With Inner peace comes peaceful relationships with others Peace is important to Muslims because the Qur’an teaches about peace and that The Qur’an calls Islam the house of peace. peace is not easy to achieve. Muslims accept that sometimes war may be Muslims look up to Prophet Muhammad as the best example of how to live a necessary in certain circumstances in order to bring about peace. They also believe peaceful life. During his life the Prophet settled many disputes and was known that it is directly linked to the attaining of justice within the world. The Qur’an also for being forgiving and fair when making peace. teaches that remembering God is the best way of attaining peace. When Muslims greet each other they say al-salamu ‘alaykum, which translates as Muslim teachings about peace: ‘peace be upon you’. This shows they are giving them their good wishes. This is also said at the end of each daily prayer. Allah created the world with the intention that peace would be part of his creation. Muslims believe in the personal struggle for peace or the greater jihad. “…when aggressive people address them, reply, with words of peace” All Muslims belong to the ummah, which demonstrates ideas of living together (Surah 25:63) peacefully. This quote from the Qur’an discourages Muslims from doing anything that Standing up for justice in the world is one way of achieving peace. threatens peace and to be kind to others, even if they don’t treat them well. In some cases, it might be necessary to go to war to secure peace. Peace and Conflict 3 – Peacemaking Peace and Conflict 4 – Peacemaking 2 Muslims are taught to lead the way in peacemaking in the world as Allah does not like anything that disrupts peace. This includes maintaining positive relationships with those of The work of Muslims working for peace today: other faiths. The Qur’an contains many quotes relating to ideas of peace. Muslims believe they should apply these through supporting charity and helping others. Peacemaking also Muslims believe they should always try to bring peace through prayer, campaigns helps care for others in the world, which is a duty outlined by Muhammad to humans. Justice, forgiveness and reconciliation are vital for Muslims to promote peaceful relationships or by working with other religions to create a peaceful community. e.g. disagreements between countries should be resolved. Allah is just and treats people fairly because they were created equally. Muslim Peace Fellowship (MPF) is a group of Muslims who want to promote peace, justice and non-violence. It strives to do good through Islam. They aim to Muslims believe there is a direct link between the ideas of justice and peace. If justice and change society to be fair and compassionate to everyone by raising awareness fairness can be attained, peace will follow. The ummah (brotherhood) demonstrates ideas of through events, prayer and working with other faiths. equality and justice, as all Muslims are of equal worth and value and support each other. Muslims believe that forgiveness is important in achieving peace. They recognise that Muslims can give Zakah which could be donated to charities who support everyone makes mistakes and deserves to be given a second chance. Muslims believe that peacemaking like Islamic Relief UK who help victims of war, children living in God will bless those who make efforts to forgive others and bring about peace as Allah is merciful. It is the role of Allah to truly judge those who do wrong on judgement day. extreme poverty and countries such as Somalia, Iraq and Bosnia. Reconciliation is the idea of making up after conflict. According to Muslims, this is needed in order to live in an ordered and peaceful world as Allah intends. Muslims try to forgive and reconcile like Muhammad did. Muslims believe strongly in justice and that they should treat all people fairly and equally. Muslims are In Surah 41 the Qur’an teaches the importance of reconciling with others and forgiveness: encouraged to restore peace and to reconcile broken relationships - this is “repel evil with what is better and your enemy will become as close as an old and valued something Prophet Muhammad did. friend”. Peace and Conflict 5 – Conflict Peace and Conflict 6 – Conflict 2 A conflict is a serious disagreement or argument between people regarding a particular matter. Muslims believe everything possible should be done to try to resolve conflicts within “Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the world. the limits” (Surah 2: 190-195) Causes of conflict: Muslims must not go beyond the action needed to resolve a conflict and that - Politics and ideology: different views on how a country should be governed only enough force to stop the problem must be used. - Nationalism and ethnicity: The belief that one particular ethnic group or culture is superior to another Non-religious attitudes about religion as a cause of conflict: - Religion: when religious beliefs clash Political conflicts can sometimes be justified but wars based on religion - Economics: wanting resources another country has cannot - No conflict can ever be ‘holy’ or be fought on the basis of a belief in a Muslim teachings and responses to the nature and cause of conflict: supernatural being who instructs believers to kill others ❖ Every Muslim is part of the ummah and deserves equality and respect. When conflict It challenges the idea of a loving and all-powerful God happens, Muslims should work to resolve it. ❖ Muslims may try to reconcile groups who are in conflict in order to achieve peace. ❖ Muslims believe that Allah is merciful and forgiving and they should try to follow this Muslim responses: principle in their own lives. Wars fought by the Prophet Muhammad were in self-defence and to ❖ Muslims can be seen to adopt a Situation Ethics standpoint on issues of conflict, and the achieve peace action taken may differ from one situation to another. It is unfair to blame genocides and bloodshed on God when these are the ❖ Despite Islam being a religion that supports the idea of peace, it does recognise that war result of humans misusing their free will and fighting may be needed in some circumstances as a last resort when all else has Most of the wars that have occurred throughout history have had nothing to been tried and failed. ❖ Muslims believe that they should not forgive those who work against Islam. do with religious beliefs Peace and Conflict 7 – Pacifism Peace and Conflict 8 – Pacifism 2 Muslims believe it is important to promote ideas of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Passive resistance: Non-violent opposition to authority. However, Islam is not a pacifist religion as it is accepted that sometimes war and fighting is necessary, but it can sometimes be seen to promote ideas that are in line with pacifism. Muslim teachings about passive resistance: Nature and history of pacifism: Islam teachings in the Qur’an and Hadith strive for justice and to resist oppression Pacifism is the belief that all instances of violence and war are wrong, and should be Muslims believe it is important to resist cruelty and injustice avoided. When Muhammad was persecuted and forced to leave Mecca (an event known as Islam teaches the importance of reconciliation and working together to achieve peace the Hijrah), he was forced to use violence. Therefore historically, pacifism has not been a using non-violent protest part of Islam. After this event, Qur’anic revelations seemed to adopt a more defensive ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to Allah’ and ‘peace’ perspective. Today, violence is not rejected completely by Islam, but ideas of peace are promoted with a minority movement. As long as the Government is just and allows Muslims to practise their religion freely then it Qabil and Habil (Surah 5): Story of Adam and his two sons Qabil and Habil. Both sons should be obeyed. If these human rights are taken away passive resistance is allowed as offered a sacrifice to God but only one was accepted which angered Qabil. Qabil then went obedience to Allah and Muhammed comes first. on to kill Habil. Muslims use this story to promote pacifism, but some Muslims think it promotes that taking life without a just cause is wrong and to teach that taking life is only Examples of passive resistance: acceptable as a punishment for murder or treason. Muhammed and his followers were victims of injustice and persecution in Makkah. They did ‘If you should raise your hand against me to kill me…I shall not raise my hand against not resist and committed to non-violence until they had no option but to fight. you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Arab Spring 2011: Many Muslims in countries e.g. Egypt were demanding more political (Surah 5:28) power for the people. Many demonstrations were carried out peacefully focusing on passive This quote suggests ideas in line with pacifism or passive resistance. Some Muslims resistance. Islam teaches people to protest against injustice, but not in violent ways. interpret it to mean that a person should not face violence with violence, while others may argue that it is not suggesting the use of non-violence, but rather that a Muslim The majority of Muslims disagree with pacifism, as war is sometimes justified in the Qur’an. should not be the first person to attack another. This means they can fight in self-defence but should only do what is absolutely necessary. Peace and Conflict 9 – The Just War Theory Peace and Conflict 10 – The Just War Theory 2 A just war is a war that is fought for the right reasons and in the right way. The Just War theory is a set of principles that is used to decide whether a war is fair and just and meets the The Just War theory is important because: criteria to be justified. The Just War criteria is as follows: ✓ It provides a set of rules as to the best way to act at times of conflict Just cause ✓ It offers a framework to decide whether war is the best option Fought as a last resort ✓ It aims to prevent war Have a reasonable chance of success Limit the deaths of civilians The theory suggests that it is wrong to take human life, countries need to protect their people Restore peace and war may be necessary to do this, and protecting moral values may require force. Have the proper authority i.e. the UN Methods used should be proportional to the cause of the war Many principles of the Just war theory reflect rules laid down in the Qur’an and by Prophet Muhammad. Divergent responses to the Just War theory: Rules for a Just War (the lesser jihad) in Islam: Some Muslims recognise that war is necessary and sometimes required as a last resort - Must be fought for a just cause e.g. Islam is being attacked – the Just War theory permits this - Must be the last resort Sunni and Shi’a Muslims may conflict over the exact interpretation of the Just War - Must be authorised and led by Muslim authority theory. Shi’a Muslims recognise jihad as one of the Ten Obligatory Acts, whereas Sunni - Must be fought in a way that causes the minimum suffering Muslims do not place the same emphasis on it - Innocent civilians must not be attacked Some may traditionally accept that Islam allows war in self-defence and to protect the - Must be ended as soon as enemy lays down arms innocent and oppressed, for example, as seen in the Hijrah when Muhammad and his Most Sunni and Shi’a Muslims believe that just wars must always be in self-defence and followers were persecuted authorised by a legitimate authority. Other Muslims may believe that war is never the right choice, believing that peace and For Sunni Muslims this would be a prophet or khalifah. reconciliation are at the heart of Islam For Shi’a Muslims it would be a prophet or one of the 12 imams. However, both will agree the war must always be to restore peace. Peace and Conflict 11 – The Just War Theory 3 Peace and Conflict 12 – Holy War Holy war is known as Harb al- Muqadis. It is a war fought because of religious differences. Surah 4: 69-110 sets out the rules for when fighting is allowed. It also refers to the The nature of Harb al-Maqadis in Islam: people of Mecca who were persecuted for embracing Islam. This shows why Muslims Harb al-Maqadis is only justifiable in cases where the intention is to defend the religion of may be justified to fight – to protect the religion of Islam. Islam. This can involve: ‘Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah.’ Protecting the freedom of Muslims to practise their faith (Surah 4:76) Strengthening the religion of Islam if it is being threatened Protecting Muslims against an attack Parts of the Qur’an and Hadith give very clear rules for when a holy war or lesser jihad are Is a Just War possible? permitted. The conditions for holy war to happen are: To defend Islam Yes No To strengthen Islam Depending on the circumstances No circumstances would necessitate To protect the freedom of Muslims to practise their faith (situation ethics), it might be war Avoid harming innocent civilians reasonable Not be fought to gain land Treat enemies fairly, including enemy soldiers Fighting might be the only way to Other ways can achieve better results achieve peace ‘Then when the Sacred Months have passed, then kill the Mushrikun wherever you find Weapons programmed to damage set There’s always the risk of causing them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every targets rather than affect innocent lives suffering ambush. But if they repent and perform salah, and give zakah, then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is all-forgiving and and most merciful.’ The Qur’an suggests fighting to defend Should a religious leader declare a just (Surah 9:5) Islam is acceptable war, it may be too influenced by their This suggests the agreement of using violence where necessary, but gives allowance if faith the opposition repents. This suggests peace and forgiveness are important. Peace and Conflict 13 – Holy War 2 Peace and Conflict 14 – Weapons of Mass Destruction ‘But if the enemy incline towards peace, do also incline towards peace, and trust in Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) include nuclear, biological or chemical Allah; for He is One that hears and knows all things.’ weapons that are able to cause widespread devastation and destruction of (Surah 8:61) resources and loss of life. This quote supports ideas of working towards peace. Surah 9:6 and Surah 8:61 appear to be in conflict and this can also be applied to lesser Benefits: Problems: jihad, with diversity over its understanding and justification for war. They are a deterrent; nations are Scale of destruction is less likely to attack if there is a immeasurable, damage cannot The Prophet was commanded by God seek every opportunity to make peace. Muslims are threat of them being used be undone therefore taught to respect such offers and refrain from any further hostilities. Following a They can ensure a quicker end They’re costly, the funds would battle, Muslims and non-believers would make a pact (formal agreement) to avoid further to conflict and saves the most be better spent elsewhere confrontations. The Qur’an teaches that pacts are to be respected and must not be violated. lives overall There would be widespread Could be used by a country to killing of innocent people Muslims have different viewpoints on the nature and purpose of war. defend itself in an attack Most Muslims believe that the Qur’an shows that the aim of the Prophet Muhammad’s wars were to ensure peace between Muslims and non-believers. "Prepare against them [disbelievers] whatever forces [believers] can muster...to However, some Muslims have interpreted some verses as granting believers permission to frighten off these enemies of God and of yours, and warn others unknown to you wage holy wars to spread Islam and convert others. The majority of Muslims don’t agree with these interpretations, they believe the conditions for but known to God." (Qur'an, Surah 8:60) holy war are to stop violent persecution and restore freedom to practise one’s faith. They also stress Muhammad did not force anyone to become Muslim. Some Muslims believe this passage in the Qur'an justifies the development of WMD for self-defence and to promote peace through deterrence. Also, Pakistan possess a nuclear arsenal which they say acts as a deterrent and provides self-defence. Peace and Conflict 15 – Weapons of Mass Destruction 2 Peace and Conflict 16 – Weapons of Mass Destruction 3 Although WMD did not exist in the time of the Prophet Muhammad, there are some passages in the Qur'an which some Muslims have interpreted as predictions of the Non-Religious viewpoints: development of WMD in the future, and how they would cause widespread Many atheists and humanists are cautious about the use of WMD. They destruction. accept there are some benefits, but that there are also many problems. Some Atheists are totally against WMD because they do not believe in God The Qur'an speaks of two blocs of nations who would ruin the earth. (Surah 18:94). or the afterlife and WMD's could destroy the only life we have so are In Surah 104:1-9 the term 'crusher' has been translated to refer to a tiny particle unacceptable. storing immense amounts of energy that can destroy everything cast into it. This Some atheists accept the concept of MAD (Mutually assured destruction). can be interpreted to mean the development of the atomic bomb. This helps to keep peace because countries are less likely to attack others "It is God's fire, made to blaze...It closes in on them in towering columns." As a with WMD because they know the response may mean their whole country result, most Muslims are against the use of WMD as it goes against the teachings being destroyed. Possession of weapons helps to protect a country. of a just war - innocent civilians would be killed. Also, they cause extensive damage to the environment. Utilitarianism: May support the idea of countries possessing WMD as it could prevent an attack so therefore serves the greater good. Some Muslims would They have also been declared haram (forbidden) by the leader of Twelver Shi'a respond to this by arguing that WMD are too great a threat to life. Muslims due to the threat WMD pose to humanity. Muslims would agree with the views of many atheists and humanists about the devastating effects WMD can have. However, they would use the teachings from the Qur'an to guide their thoughts. Surah 5:32 teaches that killing innocent lives is wrong; it is like killing the whole of mankind. Peace and Conflict 17 – Issues surrounding conflict Peace and Conflict 18 – Issues surrounding conflict 2 Muslims believe in a civilised society and they are against people using violence except under legal authority because: Malik’s Muwatta contains the ten rules of war set out by Prophet Muhammad and Abu o Islamic society is based on the rule of law and mutual respect between the Bakr. These include not killing women, children, the elderly and the sick; do not cut members of society. Clearly violent people have no respect for people. down fruit bearing trees and destroy the environment; do not destroy inhabited homes o Islam regards using violence without a just cause as sinful. and towns and cities; always try to do good, even in battle and don’t overstep the limits. o Islam teaches that all Muslims are members of the ummah (brotherhood) and should have equal treatment and respect. Any Muslim who is violent to a fellow Many Muslims argue these rules are ignored by terrorist groups who claim to fight for Muslim is acting against the ummah. Islam. o Islam teaches that it is the duty of Muslims to protect the weak and innocent, not attack them. Non-religious views on Conflict: o Muhammad said in his final sermon, ‘Every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim.’ No Some are concerned about the growing number of conflicts in society, as well as one should be violent to their brother and so Muslims should not be violent. the increasing use of violence. Even though they hold no religious beliefs, they would value human life and believe in principles of justice and equality. Islamic teaching on the Just War makes it plain that terrorism is difficult to equate with Islam. Some hold religion at fault for the conflict within the world, seeing the rise in This has been made clear by Muslim scholars who make the following points: examples of terrorism and violence as centrally connected to religion. o Throughout their history Muslims never allowed the killing of civilians, even in the Muslim responses: midst of wars such as the Crusades It is ignorance or misinterpretation of religious teachings that cause some o Suicide is haram in Islam. A suicide bomber is going against Islam by killing individuals and groups to commit acts of violence and terrorism. The Prophet themselves as well as bringing harm to the innocent. Muhammad himself advised Muslims to take action against such extremists. o Murder is haram. It is condemned in both the Qur’an and Hadith. They also argue that the majority of terrorist acts have nothing to do with Islam e.g. o The Prophet said that there are people who kill in the name of Islam and go to hell. between 2009 and 2013, less than 2% of terrorist attacks in Europe were religious And when he was asked why, he said, ‘Because they weren’t fighting truly for the motivated. sake of God.’ Peace and Conflict 19 – Issues surrounding conflict 3 Exam Question: Even though violence is prohibited, violence does still occur in society and can create a a) Outline three reasons why peace is important to Muslims. (3 marks) whole host of problems such as: b). Explain two reasons why some Muslims may support war. (4 marks) ▪ Social unrest ▪ Economic crisis c) Explain two reasons why would not support the use of weapons of mass destruction. In ▪ Homelessness and poverty your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks) ▪ Racism, prejudice and discrimination towards certain groups of people d) ‘The biggest threat facing Muslims today is conflict.’ (12 marks) Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your response you should: How Muslims have worked to overcome these issues: Refer to Muslim teachings The Muslim Council of Britain runs education programmes to inform and break down barriers. Reach a justified conclusion The Muslim Council of Britain has also worked closely with Muslim communities and the police to develop a successful counter- terrorism policy. Many Muslim leaders, organisations and mosques have publicly condemned acts of violence in the name of Islam. Peaceful rallies and marches are held to promote peace Muslims may donate their zakah to causes that help those suffering from the consequences of a conflict. Many Muslims will pray for peace and for those who are suffering from the problems that conflict in a society creates. Muslims will try to promote peace in society.