Evaluate the importance of the theory and practice of jihad during the Crusades.

Candidates are required to make an appraisal of the theory and practice of jihad during the Crusades. Candidates may refer to the theory of jihad as outlined in the Qur’an however they must focus on the practice of jihad during the Crusades. Jihad was not practiced in the early crusading period as the divisions in the Muslim world precluded any concept of a united holy war. Jihad developed at the beginning of the 12th century as a call to devout Muslims to resist the invaders, who were now seen as a permanent threat. Nur-al-Din and Saladin expanded it to unite the Muslim forces against the crusaders. The success of Nur-al-Din and Saladin strengthened the appeal of jihad and increased their armies. Jihad was also used to eliminate opponents of Sunni Islam, such as the Fatimids, this further strengthened Islamic power. Candidates may also refer to the influence of the Christian concept of Holy War, as an incentive for the revival of jihad in the Muslim world.

Candidates were required to make an appraisal of the theory and practice of jihad during the Crusades. This proved to be a fairly popular question. Candidates often did not discuss the theory of jihad but instead went directly to the practice. There were some good, detailed responses which covered a range of topics relevant to the question. Too many candidates focused almost entirely on Saladin and ignored the origins and earlier leaders who instituted jihad. In addition, there was a tendency to attribute all Muslim successes to the use of jihad without reference to other factors such as tactics, weapons or quality of opposition.