Violence and Conflict

Principles of Violence and Conflict in Islam

• Violence and Conflict in Islamic teachings often revolve around the principles of justice, protection of faith, and preservation of life.
• Islam promotes overarching themes of peace, patience and forgiveness, however, it recognises that conflicts might arise in a human society.
• Muslims believe in Jihad, a term often misunderstood. Jihad represents a spiritual struggle against sin. The greater Jihad is the internal struggle to live a good and moral life, while the lesser Jihad refers to the physical struggle to protect Islamic beliefs, which may involve force.
• However, the use of force in Jihad has strict conditions. It should be the last resort, aimed at restoring peace and justice, non-combatants should not be harmed, and it must be declared by a legitimate authority.
• The Qur’an teaches that killing one innocent person is equivalent to killing all of humanity (Qur’an 5:32). This further highlights the importance of life preservation in Islam.

Common Forms of Violence and Conflict

• Conflicts can arise from a variety of sources such as political, ethnic, economic, religious disputes, among others.
• Issues like terrorism, domestic violence, war and religious persecution are some common forms of violence and conflict relevant to Muslims.
• It’s important to differentiate between Islam as a religion and the wrong actions committed by a few individuals who identify as Muslims. Islam does not condone/warrant violence or terrorism.

Approaches to Conflict Resolution

• Muslims believe in resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation and mediation.
• The principles of fairness, justice, and equity are central to Islamic teachings on conflict resolution.
• For disputes within the community, a Muslim can refer to the Shari’a law, which outlines guidance for an array of social, economic and personal concerns.
• At the international level, many Muslim-majority countries belong to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which aspires to promote peaceful coexistence, solidarity, and mutual cooperation.

The Impact of Violence and Conflict on Muslims

• Experiencing or witnessing violence can have a profound impact on an individual’s faith, mental health, and societal relations.
• Crusades, colonialism, modern wars and the recent surges in Islamophobia have shaped the historical and contemporary experiences of Muslims globally.
• These experiences often lead to critical reflections on the interpretation and application of Islamic teachings, potentially affecting a Muslim’s understanding and practice of their faith.

Understanding the principles, causes, and impacts of violence and conflict, as well as the methods of conflict resolution, can help contribute to more informed discussions, humane treatments and peaceful resolutions.