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Year 11 - Religious education

Muslim responses to weapons of mass destruction

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 some of the issues surrounding weapons of mass destruction and Muslim and other responses to them.

Key Notes

  • Weapons of mass destruction include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which cause widespread, long-term harm.
  • International treaties aim to ban or limit their use and spread.
  • The Geneva Conventions and Islamic teachings both reject weapons that cause indiscriminate and excessive suffering.
  • Muslim scholars argue that both the use and possession of weapons of mass destruction goes against Islamic principles.
  • Ethical views differ: utilitarians focus on consequences, while Kantians and Muslims stress duty and sanctity of life.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • biological weapons: a weapon of mass destruction which uses living organisms like bacteria, viruses or toxins to infect and damage the body
  • chemical weapons: a weapon of mass destruction which uses man-made toxic substances to harm the body through inhalation, skin contact or eye exposure
  • nuclear weapons: a weapon of mass destruction which uses a nuclear reaction to cause widespread damage and loss of life
  • weapons of mass destruction: weapons which cause widespread, indiscriminate damage (e. g. nuclear, chemical, biological)

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Islam allows weapons of mass destruction if used only for defence or deterrence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Weapons of mass destruction include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which cause widespread, long-term harm. International treaties aim to ban or limit their use and spread.

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

a weapon of mass destruction which uses living organisms like bacteria, viruses or toxins to infect and damage the body.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Islam allows weapons of mass destruction if used only for defence or deterrence. Correction: Islamic teachings place strict limits on warfare. Most scholars believe that the indiscriminate and lasting harm caused by weapons of mass destruction violates Islamic rules, even if used only for deterrence.

More Lessons In This Unit

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