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      Islam and issues surrounding conflict

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can understand some of the issues raised by conflict and explain Muslim and other responses to them.

      Key learning points

      1. Conflict creates problems such as destruction, suffering and the targeting of innocent people.
      2. Terrorism involves using violence to force change and often spreads fear and hatred.
      3. Non-religious people respond in different ways including favouring peaceful solutions or limited force.
      4. Muslim views are shaped by the Qur'an and focus on protecting life and only using force when strictly necessary.
      5. Muslims respond to extremism by teaching true Islamic values, supporting peace projects and rejecting violence.

      Keywords

      • Conflict - the opposition of individuals or groups that may result in aggression or fighting

      • Peace - a period of time in which there is no war

      • Terrorism - the use of violence or threat of violence in the pursuit of political aims, religious or ideological change

      • Violence - behaviour that aims to injure, abuse, damage or destroy

      Common misconception

      Muslims support violence or terrorism because of the concept of jihad.

      Muslims reject terrorism, and jihad mainly refers to personal struggle to live a good life. Islam teaches peace, justice and the protection of innocent life.

      Teacher tip

      Use current examples to elicit discussion about the impact of conflict on the lives of everyone.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of serious crime

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which cause widespread, long‑term ...

      Correct Answer: harm, harm

      Q2.
      Which treaty bans the development and stockpiling of biological weapons?

      Correct answer: Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
      Geneva Protocol
      Treaty of Versailles

      Q3.
      International treaties aim to ban or limit the use of WMDs and ...

      Correct Answer: spread, Spread

      Q4.
      Which Islamic concept supports laws against weapons causing mass suffering?

      absolute war
      Correct answer: proportionality and non-indiscriminate harm
      religious victory orders

      Q5.
      What have modern Islamic scholars called for regarding WMDs?

      Correct answer: total prohibition of use and possession
      development for deterrence
      strict regulation only

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Conflict can result in the targeting of people.

      Correct Answer: innocent, Innocent, civilian

      Q2.
      What emotion does terrorism most commonly spread?

      trust
      confidence
      Correct answer: fear

      Q3.
      Some non-religious people support solutions to conflict.

      Correct Answer: peaceful, Peaceful

      Q4.
      What must guide a Muslim’s use of force?

      anger
      Correct answer: the Qur’an and justice
      popular opinion

      Q5.
      Jihad mainly refers to a personal to live a good life.

      Correct Answer: struggle, Struggle

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Islam and issues surrounding conflict, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...