Muslim responses to weapons of mass destruction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain some of the issues surrounding weapons of mass destruction and Muslim and other responses to them.
Key learning points
- Weapons of mass destruction include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which cause widespread, long-term harm.
- International treaties aim to ban or limit their use and spread.
- The Geneva Conventions and Islamic teachings both reject weapons that cause indiscriminate and excessive suffering.
- Muslim scholars argue that both the use and possession of weapons of mass destruction goes against Islamic principles.
- Ethical views differ: utilitarians focus on consequences, while Kantians and Muslims stress duty and sanctity of life.
Keywords
Biological weapons - a weapon of mass destruction which uses living organisms like bacteria, viruses or toxins to infect and damage the body
Chemical weapons - a weapon of mass destruction which uses man-made toxic substances to harm the body through inhalation, skin contact or eye exposure
Nuclear weapons - a weapon of mass destruction which uses a nuclear reaction to cause widespread damage and loss of life
Weapons of mass destruction - weapons which cause widespread, indiscriminate damage (e. g. nuclear, chemical, biological)
Common misconception
Islam allows weapons of mass destruction if used only for defence or deterrence.
Islamic teachings place strict limits on warfare. Most scholars believe that the indiscriminate and lasting harm caused by weapons of mass destruction violates Islamic rules, even if used only for deterrence.
Teacher tip
Use case studies to illustrate the impact of the use of weapons of mass destruction.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.In Islam, war is only permitted in self-defence and must follow strict moral rules, like protecting .
Q2.What does the term 'lesser jihad' refer to?
Q3.What is the Islamic view of 'holy war'?
Q4.Extremists misuse terms like jihad, but their actions go against Islamic teachings on justice and .
Q5.What was the Prophet’s approach to war?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is NOT considered a weapon of mass destruction (WMD)?
Q2.Both Geneva Conventions and Islamic teachings reject weapons that cause indiscriminate and excessive .
Q3.Which Qur’anic principle is cited to limit warfare severity?
Q4.Why are both possession and use condemned by scholars?
Q5.Utilitarians focus on consequences, while Kantians and Muslims stress duty and of life.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Muslim responses to weapons of mass destruction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Muslim responses to weapons of mass destruction, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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.