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Year 11 - Religious education

Divergent Muslim attitudes to pacifism

Peace and conflict

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils examine Islamic attitudes to peace and violence. They will examine attitudes to conflict, pacifism and holy or just war. They will move on to examine specific ideas such as nuclear war and terrorism. Finally they will examine the role of Islam in finding and making peace.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain divergent Muslim views on pacifism and the use of violence.

Key Notes

  • Muslim views on pacifism vary. Some support total non-violence while most allow limited force in certain cases.
  • Surah 5:28 is seen by some as passive resistance, but others view it as a personal choice rather than a rule.
  • The Prophet forgave his enemies at the conquest of Makkah, showing mercy as an alternative to revenge.
  • Lesser jihad permits fighting to defend Islam and protect the oppressed within strict moral limits.
  • Muslims have different views: some are pacifist while most believe force is justified when peaceful efforts fail.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pacifism: belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
  • peace: the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
  • violence: behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Islam generally supports the use of violence in response to conflict.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Muslim views on pacifism vary. Some support total non-violence while most allow limited force in certain cases. Surah 5:28 is seen by some as passive resistance, but others view it as a personal choice rather than a rule.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'pacifism'

belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Islam generally supports the use of violence in response to conflict. Correction: Islam promotes peace-making first, and only allows limited force under strict conditions like self-defence or protecting the oppressed.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Religious education guide library.