Islam and Just War theory
I can explain Just War theory and Islamic responses to it.
Islam and Just War theory
I can explain Just War theory and Islamic responses to it.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Just War theory developed across classical, religious and secular traditions, setting rules for war.
- Lesser jihad has similar rules: just cause, right authority and protection of civilians, aiming for peace.
- Sunni and Shia Muslims differ on who can declare lesser jihad but agree on its main conditions.
- Many Muslims see Just War theory as broadly in line with Islamic values on defence and justice.
- Some Muslims believe lesser jihad no longer applies and focus on peaceful resistance.
Keywords
Innocents - those who are not actively taking part in the fighting or planning of war
Just War theory - a set of ethical principles used to decide whether war is morally acceptable
Lesser jihad - the struggle to remove evil from the world
Common misconception
All Muslims support the idea of lesser jihad and believe in using violence to defend Islam.
While some Muslims accept the conditions for lesser jihad, others reject physical fighting today and focus on peaceful, spiritual struggle instead. Islam teaches that war must be a last resort and only under strict moral limits.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Islam and Just War theory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Islam and Just War theory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Peace and conflict unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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