11.1.1 Religion, Peace & Justice

The relevance of justice in religion:

Christian beliefs on peace and justice

Christianity teaches that justice is derived from God and that individuals are called to pursue justice in every circumstance they encounter. Psalm 82 from the Old Testament is frequently cited to support this view:

"Defend the rights of the poor and orphans; be fair to the needy and helpless. Rescue them from the power of evil men." — Psalm 82

Christians will fight for justice under the conditions of the just war theory, which is that war should be fought with justice too; the cause, weapons used, and treatment of captured soldiers, should all be just.

Whilst God desires peace, He also desires that humans should live in justice and freedom. However, some Christians believe that the conditions gained from war are never better than the injustice that started it. War does go against Jesus' teachings, but is necessary for the greater good.

Christianity teaches that God gave everyone life and that each human is made 'in the image of God'. The belief is that life is sacred and should be protected, the Ten Commandments forbid murder. This belief in life being sacred suggests that war should be avoided at all costs in order to protect God-given life.

Biblical backing:

There are several stories in the Bible which show Jesus to be a pacifist:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. — Matthew 5:9

If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. — Matthew 5:39

Defend the rights of the poor and orphans; be fair to the needy and helpless. Rescue them from the power of evil men- — Psalm 82

Muslim beliefs on peace and justice

In Islam, peace is multi-faceted, encompassing inner peace, peace between individuals, and global peace. It is considered a divine attribute and the ultimate goal for individuals, communities, and the world.

Peacemaking is of utmost importance in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to engage in 'Jihad'—which means striving—in the pursuit of peace and justice. Guided by the principles of justice and fairness, they are instructed to prevent and resolve conflicts and to oppose oppression and violence.

The Qur'an

• Allah, the Supreme Being, is called 'As-Salaam,' meaning 'The Peace' and 'The Bestower of Peace,' highlighting that peace originates from Allah as a divine blessing.

• The Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet contain numerous verses and guidance that emphasize peace, justice, compassion, and respect, which are seen as essential elements for building peaceful societies.
• Peacemaking efforts include dialogue, mediation, negotiation, reconciliation, and non-violent protest, all aimed at resolving conflicts, building bridges, and fostering mutual understanding. The Prophet Muhammad exemplified peacemaking, notably through the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and his life and teachings serve as a model for peacebuilding for Muslims.

Jihad

The misinterpretation and misuse of terms like 'Jihad', particularly by extremists, have resulted in widespread violence and conflict, which directly contradicts the core Islamic teachings of peace.

Radical jihad is not acceptable and neither is terrorism as Islam condemns violence and indiscriminate killing, so wars have to be carried out in the right way and there are set rules for warfare. People have the right to freedom and to defend that freedom in the right way.

Barriers to peace

Socio-political conflicts and divisions in many predominantly Muslim countries pose significant obstacles to peace. These issues stem from various factors, including wealth inequality, power struggles, the legacy of colonialism, and sectarianism.

Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments also impede efforts to achieve lasting peace and harmony. Overcoming these challenges requires ongoing education, dialogue, and cooperation to break down prejudices and promote mutual understanding.