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Islam: Peace and Conflict

Holy war and Islam

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

Harb al-Maqadis and why many reject the term, Surah 8:61, treaties in Surah 9:1 to 4, the controversy over 9:5 and how scholars read it, protection in 9:6, oath-breakers, and extremist versus mainstream readings.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is meant by a holy war (Harb al-Maqadis)?

Key term

Why do many Muslims reject the idea of 'holy war' in Islam?

Key term

How do some Muslims describe a war that could be called holy?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is meant by a holy war (Harb al-Maqadis)?

    Model answer

    A holy war is a war fought in the name of God and approved by religious authority. The Christian Crusades are often described as holy wars.

  2. 2

    Why do many Muslims reject the idea of 'holy war' in Islam?

    Model answer

    Many Muslim scholars say war is never holy in Islam, and the Qur'an has no term for it. The translation of jihad as 'holy war' comes from Western and crusading ideas.

  3. 3

    How do some Muslims describe a war that could be called holy?

    Model answer

    Some Muslims describe a war fought to defend Islam and freedom of worship as a religious duty. A war of this kind must still meet all the conditions of lesser jihad.

  4. 4

    What does the Qur'an teach about war and peace overall?

    Model answer

    The Qur'an allows fighting to resist aggression but treats peace as the goal of any war.

  5. 5

    What does Surah 8:61 teach?

    Model answer

    Surah 8:61 says that if the enemy inclines to peace, Muslims must also incline to it and trust Allah.

  6. 6

    What does Surah 9:1–4 teach about treaties?

    Model answer

    Surah 9:1 announces an end to treaties with polytheists who broke them. Surah 9:4 orders Muslims to honour treaties with those who kept their word.

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