Islam & Holy War (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Written by: Angela Yates
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
The Nature of Holy War in Islam
A Holy War or Harb al-Maqadis is a war that:
is fought to achieve a religious goal
is authorised by a religious leader
promises a spiritual reward for those who participate
Holy Wars are considered to fulfil the criteria for a lesser jihad, because they are fought as part of the struggle to defend Islam
Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers took part in several Holy Wars, including the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud and the Conquest of Makkah
Conditions for a Holy War in Islam
Holy War is only justifiable for these purposes:
To protect Muslims from intense persecution
To guard Muslims against an attack started by aggressors (self-defence)
To protect the freedom of Muslims to practise their faith if it is taken away
‘Fight them until there is no more persecution, and worship is devoted to God.’ (Qur’an 2:190-193)
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits” Qur’an 2:190)
A Holy War must be authorised by a Muslim leader
It must be fought to bring about the end goal of good
It must be a last resort
Innocent people should not be targeted or killed
“Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elderly or sick person” Hadith
Fellow Muslims must not be killed
‘If anyone kills a believer deliberately, the punishment for him is Hell, and there he will remain.’ (Qur’an 4:93)
The leaders of other faiths should not be attacked
Enemies should still be treated with justice
Wounded enemy soldiers should be cared for in the same way as one’s own soldiers
No innocent civilians should be targeted
There should be no destruction of holy buildings, crops, or killing of animals
War should stop as soon as the enemy asks for peace
‘But if the enemy inclines towards peace, do you also incline towards peace’ (Qur’an 8:61)
These strict conditions for fighting a Holy War are set out in the Qur’an
If a Holy War fulfils these conditions, then a Muslim must fight in it
In fighting lesser jihad or Holy War, Muslims should not:
start the war (be an aggressor)
use fighting to try to convert people to Islam
call on the help of non-Muslims in fighting
Muslim Teachings About War and Peace
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was commanded by Allah to seek peace
'You who believe, be careful when you go out to fight in God’s way, and do not say to someone who offers you a greeting of peace, “You are not a believer”' (Qur’an 4:94)
Muslims believe that any ‘greeting of peace’ offered by others in an attempt to stop violence should be respected and that it should result in the end of fighting
After a battle, the Muslim and non-believer should make a pact (formal agreement) to prevent further confrontations
The Qur’an teaches that these pacts ought to be respected
‘As for the idolaters who have honoured the treaty you [believers] made with them and who have not supported anyone against you: fulfil your agreement with them … God loves those who are mindful of Him.’ (Qur’an 9:4)
However, if the opponent breaks the pact, Muslims can retaliate
‘If they break their oath after having made an agreement with you and revile your religion, then fight these leaders of disbelief’ (Qur’an 9:12)
Divergent Muslim Teachings About Holy War
Most Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fought Holy Wars to ensure peace between Muslims and non-believers
However, some have interpreted the verse below and also Surah 9:1-14 as granting permission to wage holy wars to spread Islam and convert others, because it could imply that the desire for peace has to come from the "enemy"
‘But if the enemy inclines towards peace, do you also incline towards peace’ (Qur’an 8:61)
Most Muslims believe that the only conditions for Holy War are to stop persecution and protect their freedom to practise their faith
They would defend their position by saying that the Prophet Muhammad showed mercy and forgiveness and that no one should force anyone else to become a Muslim
‘Your only task is to remind, you are not there to control them.’ (Qur’an 88:21-22)
‘We have not sent you to be their guardian: your only duty is to deliver the message.’ (Qur’an 42:48)
Worked Example
Outline three features of a Holy War
(3 marks)
One feature of a Holy War is that it should be authorised and led by a Muslim leader (1 mark)
Another feature is that it must be fought to bring about the end goal of good (1 mark)
A third feature is that it must be a last resort (1 mark)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
A common evaluation question on this topic is ‘No war should ever be called holy.’
Make a list of all the points you could make to support and oppose this statement. As you have seen, there are many arguments Muslims could make to oppose the idea. On the other hand, Humanists would definitely agree with this statement. They would say that the whole concept of a Holy War is misguided when there is no God. Which side’s arguments convince you more?
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