Religion & Peacemaking (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

11.6.2 Religion & Peacemaking

Peacemaking

• Actions of Peacemakers:
  • Promoting Justice: Addressing inequalities and injustices that often lead to conflicts.
  • Mediation: Engaging in dialogue and negotiations to resolve disputes peacefully.
  • Community Building: Creating environments where peace can flourish through education, dialogue, and cooperation.

Christian Perspectives on Pacifism and Peacemaking

Jesus' Teachings:

• Peacemakers: Jesus taught that those who work for peace are blessed: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).

• Example: Many Christians look to Jesus as a model for non-violence and peacemaking, striving to follow his example in their own lives. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers):

• Commitment to Pacifism: The Quakers are a Christian group known for their strong promotion of pacifism.

• Conscientious Objectors: During the First and Second World Wars, some Quakers and others refused to fight, identifying as conscientious objectors. They often faced punishment for their stance.

• Alternative Service: Many conscientious objectors chose to serve in non-combatant roles, such as cooks, doctors, nurses, or mechanics. An example is volunteering for the Friends Ambulance Service, where they could help without engaging in violence. The Anglican Pacifist Fellowship:

• Mission: This Christian organisation works to overcome the inequalities and injustices that lead to war, both within and between nations.

• Activities:

  • Week of Prayer for World Peace: They sponsor events like this to promote global peace.
  • Awareness and Education: They contribute to peace-related events, religious services, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about pacifism and the importance of peacemaking.

The Concept of Peace in Islam

Islam and Peace:

The very word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic word "Salaam," which means peace. This reflects the core of Islamic teachings that emphasise the importance of peace at both personal and societal levels. Peace is considered not just the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice, harmony, and security.

Peace with God and Humanity:

In Islam, peace is multifaceted, involving peace with Allah (God), peace within oneself, and peace with others. Achieving peace with Allah requires submission to His will and living a life according to Islamic principles. Inner peace comes from faith, prayer, and living a righteous life, while peace with others involves fostering relationships based on justice, compassion, and respect.

Peacemaking in Islam

The Role of Peacemaking:

Peacemaking is a significant aspect of Islamic teachings. Muslims are encouraged to resolve conflicts and disputes in a manner that promotes reconciliation and harmony. The Qur'an and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) provide guidance on how Muslims should approach peacemaking.

Qur'anic Teachings:

• Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9) states, "And if two parties among the believers fight, then make peace between them. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Then if it returns, make reconciliation between them justly and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."

• This verse highlights the importance of striving for peace and reconciliation, even in situations of conflict. It also emphasises justice as a fundamental principle in the process of peacemaking. The Prophet Muhammad's Example:

• The Prophet Muhammad is often referred to as a model of peacemaking. His efforts to establish treaties, such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, are examples of how he sought peaceful resolutions to conflicts. The Prophet's emphasis on dialogue, patience, and forgiveness in resolving disputes is central to Islamic teachings on peacemaking. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

• Islam encourages forgiveness as a means of achieving peace. The Qur'an advises believers to forgive others as a way to promote harmony and to follow the example of Allah, who is "Al-Ghaffar" (The Most Forgiving). Reconciliation (Sulh) is preferred over continued conflict, and efforts should be made to restore relationships through forgiveness and mutual understanding.

Peacekeeping in Islam

• Maintaining Peace: Peacekeeping in Islam involves the maintenance of peace and security within the community and the broader world. Muslims are encouraged to uphold justice, prevent harm, and protect the rights of all individuals to ensure a peaceful society.
• Role of Justice in Peacekeeping:
  • Justice (Adl) is a central tenet in Islam and is considered essential for peace. The Qur'an commands Muslims to stand firmly for justice, even if it goes against their own interests or those of their family (Surah An-Nisa 4:135). Ensuring that justice is served is seen as a key component of maintaining peace within society.
• Protection of the Innocent:
  • Islam teaches that peacekeeping involves protecting the innocent and vulnerable from harm. The Prophet Muhammad emphasised the protection of all individuals, regardless of their faith, gender, or social status. Peacekeeping, therefore, includes safeguarding the rights and dignity of all members of society.
• Conflict Resolution:
  • Muslims are encouraged to actively participate in conflict resolution to prevent disputes from escalating into violence. The use of mediation, negotiation, and arbitration are all methods promoted in Islam to resolve conflicts peacefully. The aim is always to restore peace and harmony in a just manner.
• International Peacekeeping:
  • On a global scale, Islam supports efforts to maintain international peace and security. Many Islamic scholars and leaders advocate for participation in international peacekeeping missions, provided they are in line with Islamic principles of justice and the protection of the innocent.

Jihad and Peace

• Greater Jihad:
  • The concept of Greater Jihad refers to the internal struggle every Muslim faces in striving to live a righteous life. This includes the pursuit of peace within oneself and in one's interactions with others. The Greater Jihad emphasises self-discipline, patience, and moral conduct, all of which contribute to peacemaking.
• Lesser Jihad:
  • Lesser Jihad involves the defence of Islam and the Muslim community, which can include military action. However, it is important to note that Lesser Jihad is strictly regulated by Islamic law and must be conducted in a way that upholds justice and seeks to restore peace. War is only permissible as a last resort, and even then, the primary objective is to achieve peace and protect the innocent.

Summary

• Pacifism: The belief in non-violence and the refusal to participate in war, with a focus on resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
• Peacemaking: Active efforts to create and maintain peace, addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting justice.
• Christian Examples: Groups like the Quakers and the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship highlight how some Christians have historically and currently promote pacifism and engage in peacemaking efforts.