Muslims as Peacemakers (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

The Role of Muslims in Peacemaking 

• Muslims believe that all humans are created by Allah and so everyone should be treated with respect

• Allah dislikes anything that interrupts peace, therefore Muslims are taught to be peacemakers and build a better society

• Working for peace in the world is part of their duty as khalifahs

• Muslims should end disagreements by making peace rather than by beginning further disputes 

• Muslims should always remember that Islam is a religion of peace and therefore work for peace in cooperative and peaceful ways

  • In this ,they should follow the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the teachings of Allah who is called Ar Rahim (all merciful)

Islam and the Importance of Justice, Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The importance of justice

• Justice is important in peacemaking because if the laws do not create a just society, it will lead to unrest and people may begin a civil war

  • For example, the Sunni Muslims in Syria began a civil war because they thought the Alawi Assad regime laws there were treating them unjustly

• Allah is just and expects this from his followers 

• Muslims should ensure that everyone is treated with justice and fairness so that people can live together peacefully

The importance of forgiveness and reconciliation

• Forgiveness and reconciliation are important in peacemaking because they are the path to peace

• Allah is a merciful God, Ar Rahim

  • Muslims repeat this name during prayer

  • They must follow Allah’s example of mercy towards humans in their own lives, showing mercy and forgiveness to others who have wronged them to bring about peace

  • If Muslims are not prepared to forgive others, they cannot ask Allah for mercy on the Day of Judgement, but if they do forgive others they will be rewarded 

• Muslims must try to remove anything that endangers peace 

• Conflicts are inevitable in life, but when they happen, Muslims should try to bring about reconciliation

• Muslims must follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in practising forgiveness and reconciliation

  • Muhammad (pbuh) himself forgave people and brought reconciliation where there were disputes among others

  • As leader of Madinah, Muhammad (pbuh) settled disputes between Muslims and non-Muslims. He gave many verdicts in favour of non-Muslims. This gave him a reputation for being fair when peacemaking

  • When Muhammad (pbuh) returned to Makkah to liberate the city, he forgave those who had exiled him instead of taking revenge. This has been described as one of the greatest examples of peacemaking

  • There are several Hadith from Muhammad (pbuh)teaching about forgiving people who have wronged you

Work of Muslims for Peace Today

• Muslims are inspired by the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to work for peace today

• They support campaigns and organisations that work for peace in the world

The Muslim Peace Fellowship (MPF)

• This organisation is dedicated to non-violence

• It works for peace and opposes injustice globally

• It shows a commitment to peace on behalf of all Muslims

• It reaches out to non-Muslims to increase mutual understanding and respect

Islamic Relief

• Raises awareness of those who live in conflict zones throughout the world

• Provides practical support such as food and medical care to refugees from conflict

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