Study Guides

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 understand some of the issues raised by conflict and explain Muslim and other responses to them.

Key Notes

• Conflict creates problems such as destruction, suffering and the targeting of innocent people.
• Terrorism involves using violence to force change and often spreads fear and hatred.
• Non-religious people respond in different ways including favouring peaceful solutions or limited force.
• Muslim views are shaped by the Qur'an and focus on protecting life and only using force when strictly necessary.
• Muslims respond to extremism by teaching true Islamic values, supporting peace projects and rejecting violence.

Vocabulary To Learn

• conflict: the opposition of individuals or groups that may result in aggression or fighting
• peace: a period of time in which there is no war
• terrorism: the use of violence or threat of violence in the pursuit of political aims, religious or ideological change
• violence: behaviour that aims to injure, abuse, damage or destroy

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Muslims support violence or terrorism because of the concept of jihad.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Divergent Muslim attitudes to pacifism Study Guide
• Holy War and lesser Jihad Study Guide
• Islam and Just War theory Study Guide
• Muslim attitudes to conflict Study Guide
• Muslim attitudes towards peace Study Guide
• Muslim responses to weapons of mass destruction Study Guide
• The role of Muslims in peacemaking Study Guide