Just War vs. Jihad

The Just War theory is accepted my many people today; however one instance where it is not is in the Islamic tradition of Jihad. These two ideas are essentially a huge contradiction. Throughout history the two being a contradiction at often times come into play, for instance like the Crusades, 9/11, and many others.

Just War is a theory created by St. Augustine of Hippo. He came to the conclusion that while yes there will always be war with man on the earth, the war should have certain guidelines. The theory is made up of three distinct parts the first is Jus ad Bellum, the second is Jus in Bello, and the third Jus post Bellum. The first one includes just cause, comparative justice, legitimate authority, right intention, probability of success, last resort, and proportionality. The second part is made up of different actions the countries must take while in war which includes distinction (combat only toward enemy soldiers, and not civilians), proportionality (anticipation on what the outcome will be), and military necessity (the limitation of excessive combat). Lastly the third concept is of ending the war properly. This includes just cause that you completed the mission, right intention good conditions and no revenge, public declaration (it is known), discrimination the truth is more important, and proportionality the allowance of human and country rights bust be kept. (source) (source)(Mattox)

The Islamic tradition of Jihad on the other hand is the exact opposite of this Just War theory. The Jihad in Arabic is a struggle and effort to strive and fight. This particular type of Jihad is the external form not internal. This Jihad is first referred to in the Qur’an and Muhammad, “suggests a war of conquest or conversion against all unbelievers.” The tradition of Jihad is often conveyed as and effort for the Muslims to have world control. This is a tradition of the Muslims and it is considered their duty to complete it. The Jihad over time has become unbelievably ruthless in the sense they attack everyone and through the idea of the Jihad can justify their actions, this meaning their actions are not just but trough this they can rationalize them. Through this many people have been affected by the aftermath of a Jihad attack. (source) (Spencer)

During the Medieval times there was an effort to stop the brutal expansion of Islamic religion through the efforts of the Jihad. Many times the Crusades are looked at as the mean Christians going up against the poor Muslims, but it was really not. It did not even have much effect on the Muslims. It is just like the current issue we have today in Iraq, it is not us Americans terrorizing them but it is us defending our self because they first made the attack on 9/11 killing many civilians and hurting thousands of innocent families. This is not and just way of condoning and attack according to the Just War theory but was justified by the Muslims because of their tradition of Jihad. The same concept goes with saying that during the medieval time the Muslims were not being right in their actions but they justified them. To all others their actions and justification of killing many were psychotic and to cruel so in retaliation we have the Crusades and the War in Iraq.

Throughout the last couple of weeks I have learned a lot about the two concepts of Just War and Jihad and have come to the conclusion that the two are at odds with each other and will always be. Throughout history there has been many wars just because of this conflict and as long as man is still on the earth there will be. While most of the world follows the concepts of the Just War the Muslims do not and when they cross the line in their actions others retaliate, this is seen in both the medieval Crusades and the modern day War in
Iraq


Book Sources:

Spencer, Robert. The Truth about Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion. Robert Spencer; Massachusetts, 2006.

Mattox, John Mark. Saint Augustine and the Theory of Just War. Continuum: New York;
2006.