What is Holy War? (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Can a War be Holy?

• A Holy War is a war declared or waged in support of a religious cause

• For many people, the idea of a Holy War seems to be a contradiction

• They think that no activity that involves killing in large numbers can possibly have any religious inspiration or justification

• Christianity and Islam are peaceful religions. Therefore wars in the name of religion seem to go against religious teachings

• However, despite Christians and Muslims believing that peace should always be a priority, there are some who believe that there are certain circumstances where their religion needs to be defended

• There are teachings in the Qur'an and the Christian Old Testament which suggest that violence can be appropriate sometimes

Religious Criteria for a Holy War

Christianity and Holy War

• For most Christians, they follow the teachings of Jesus making it quite clear that the use of violence is not justified

  • In Matthew, it states: 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement' (Matthew 5: 21-22)

  • Jesus also stated 'For all who draw the sword, die by the sword' (Matthew 26:52) showing that violence is not recommended

• Christians will stand up for their faith but are much more likely to use the power of argument than military strength

• However, although the concept of holy war does not feature widely in current Christian belief, that does not mean that Christians are happy to see their faith attacked, and so for some holy war can be justified in certain circumstances

  • A holy war must be authorised by a religious leader with great authority

  • The purpose should be to defend the Christian faith from attack

• Some Christians believe that those who take part will gain spiritual rewards, and if they die in battle they will go straight to heaven

• An often quoted in the Old Testament 'An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth' (Exodus 21:24), which is sometimes interpreted to mean that it is acceptable to return violence with violence

Islam and Holy War

• For Muslims, the lesser jihad makes holy war an important concept, as it defends Islam and the rights of Muslims

• During the time of Muhammad (pbuh), he and his followers were forced to fight to defend themselves from attackers who disagreed with their teachings

• This is reflected in the Qu'ran and even though approximately 1400 years later the way that people live has changed, the teachings in the Qu'ran have retained their crucial importance

• However, there are strict guidelines which govern when a holy war can be declared

  • Holy war cannot be declared to force people to convert to Islam

  • Holy war criteria cannot be used for financial gain

  • The war must be fought for God and never to allow a leader to demonstrate their power

  • The faith of Islam must be under threat or the right to worship and practise Islam must be denied to individuals or groups

  • If this means the removal of an oppressive ruler, this is permitted

  • As with just war, holy war must be the last resort, in self-defence, following negotiation and diplomatic efforts to find a solution

  • Holy war must only be declared by a fair religious leader

• Muslims may refuse to go to war if their families cannot survive without them

  • Muhammad (pbuh) gave instructions that some had to remain in their villages to defend the women and children if they came under threat

• Muhammad (pbuh) also instructed that soldiers fighting on the battlefield were expected to remain there until the battle was won

  • If they chose to run away from the battle, it was considered to be against God because they were making it more difficult for their brothers and comrades to be victorious

• Any Muslim who is killed fighting a holy war in defence of Islam is promised a place in paradise