Islam and War
One meaning of the word Islam is “peace” so Islam is, in general, a peace loving religion.
Within Islam there is an idea called JIHAD which means “to struggle in the way of Islam”.
Greater jihad is where Muslims struggle to be Muslim and make their society fully Islamic; this does not involve fighting.
Lesser jihad, however, is the struggle for Islam with forces outside of yourself using violence and weapons. In this setting it means “holy war”.
In order for a war to be jihad it must meet certain criteria.
Within Islam there is an idea called JIHAD which means “to struggle in the way of Islam”.
Greater jihad is where Muslims struggle to be Muslim and make their society fully Islamic; this does not involve fighting.
Lesser jihad, however, is the struggle for Islam with forces outside of yourself using violence and weapons. In this setting it means “holy war”.
In order for a war to be jihad it must meet certain criteria.
Conditions for Jihad
1. It must be fought for a just cause (or a good reason). Examples of just causes are Islam is being attacked or people are suffering an injustice.
2. It must be a last resort.
3. It must be authorised and led by a Muslim authority.
4. It must be fought so that it causes the least possible amount of suffering.
5. Innocent civilians must not be attacked and the environment must be protected.
6. It must be ended as soon as the enemy lays down his arms.
If a war fulfils these conditions then Muslims believe that they must all fight in it.
2. It must be a last resort.
3. It must be authorised and led by a Muslim authority.
4. It must be fought so that it causes the least possible amount of suffering.
5. Innocent civilians must not be attacked and the environment must be protected.
6. It must be ended as soon as the enemy lays down his arms.
If a war fulfils these conditions then Muslims believe that they must all fight in it.
Muslims hold these beliefs about war because:
• The Qur’an says that Muslims must fight if they are attacked.
• Muhammad (PBUH) fought in wars and he is the most important prophet.
• Muhammad (PBUH) made many statements (hadith) about how Muslims should fight in just wars.
• The Qur’an says that anyone who dies fighting in a just war will go straight to heaven.
Key quotes
“Fight in the cause of God those who fight you…”
From Surah 2:190, The Qur’an