Islam and War

Islam and War

Wars are a social necessity: Civil life in Islam is aimed towards peace. Nevertheless, Islam deals with reality and as long as there are people that follow their own desires and self-interest, there will always be conflict and war. But if war is for the sake of stopping an aggressor, aiding truth and achieving justice, then it is a virtue since it encourages goodness and prosperity for the people. It is a source of evil, social vices and degradation for mankind when it is used as a tool for the wrong-doer, corruption, transgression and oppression of the weak. Islam came to deal with this reality. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would

indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the worlds.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 251)

The All-Mighty also says:

‘For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another,

monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is

mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily Allah will help those who

help His (cause).Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-mighty.’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayah 40)

This shows the Islamic point of view with regards to war - that it is a social necessity or an action from which

there is no escape at certain times. An evil that you expect in order to uphold the good.

The purposes of war in Islam: Though Islam acknowledges these realities, it prohibits war, the indulgence in

it, the call to it and the encouragement of it, except for justifiable reasons, such as:

i- Resistance of transgression and self-defence as well as defence of family, possessions, nation and religion.

In this regard the Holy Qur’an tells us:

‘And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly,

Allah likes not the transgressors.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 190)

The first verse that discussed and permitted war was:

‘Permission to fight is given to those, who are fighting because they (believers) have

been wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory. Those who

have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "our Lord is

Allah"’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayahs 39-40)

Muslim and An-Nisaa’i narrate that Abu Hurairah said:

‘A man came to the Prophet (PBUH.) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! what if my belongings are forcibly taken from me?" The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they refuse?", he said. The Prophet replied: "Again, ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they still refuse?", the man asked. "Ask for them back, in the name of Allah, yet again", the Prophet stressed. "If they persist in their refusal?", the man inquired. "Fight them, for if you are killed you will enter paradise, and if they are killed they will enter the hell

fire." the Prophet explained.’

Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi. Al-Nisaa’i, and Ibn Majah narrate that Sa’d Ibn Yazeed, may Allah be pleased with

him said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) say:

‘Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.’

Al-Bukhaari and At-Tirmidhi also narrate that Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with both, said

that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) saying:

‘Whosoever has fought for the protection of his belongings until death; he is a martyr.’

ii- The protection of the freedoms of religion and the doctrine of the believers - those whom the disbelievers

attempt to divert and mislead. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, "Fighting therein is a

great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) in the sight of Allah is to prevent

mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the

Holy Mosque (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Fitnah is worse than

killing.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 217)

He also says, in another:

‘And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and worshipping others besides

Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no

transgression except against the tyrants.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah, ayah 193.)

iii- The protection of the Islamic call so that it reaches and becomes clear to everyone: Islam is a

comprehensive message of social reform founded on the noble principles of truth and goodness; it directs

people to these virtues just as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an to his Prophet (PBUH.):

‘Verily, we have sent you to all mankind as a warner and a giver of glad tidings.’

Thus, it must remove from its path all sources of hindrance which may delay or prevent the propagation of its message; and the position of every individual and every nation must be clarified with regards to this call. The outcome of this decision would determine the relationship of Islam and its followers with other peoples. The believers are brothers to each other. Those with whom there is a treaty, this treaty will be honoured. Those who are under protection, their protection will be guaranteed. Those who take themselves to be the enemy or are hostile, are warned, and if they correct themselves they will be spared. But if they persist in their tyranny they will be fought, not in an attempt to compel them to accept Islam against their wish but as a tax for their transgression:

‘There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the

wrong path.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 256)

Many verses and Ahaadeeth refer to and explain the above. For example:

‘If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to

them (so as to be) on equal terms. Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 58)

and:

‘Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause

of Allah, whosoever fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, We shall

bestow on him a great reward.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 74)

and:

‘Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which

has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the

religion of truth among the people of the Scripture, until they pay the tax with willing

submission, and feel themselves subdued.’

(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 29)

and:

‘Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the

cause of Satan. So fight you against the followers of Satan: Ever feeble indeed is the

plot of Satan.

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 76)

Bukhaari and Muslim narrate that Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:

‘I was ordered to fight people until they bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, establish prayer and pay charity, but if they shall do so then they have made their blood prohibited for me and their judgement is with Allah.’

iv- To teach a lesson to those who dishonour a treaty or transgress against the Muslim majority. Allah says in regard to those who reject the just law of equity and reform :

‘But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with

disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief - surely their oaths

are nothing to them-so that they may stop (evil action).’

(Surat-at-Tawbah, ayah 12)

Also Allah says:

‘And if two parties or groups among the believers fall into fighting, then make peace

between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all)

against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it

complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily Allah

loves those who are equitable.’

(Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 9)

v- Helping the wronged among the believers wherever they be until they gain their rights (humanitarian intervention). Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an:

 ‘And as to those who believed but did not emigrate you owe no duty of protection to

them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help

them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and

Allah is the All-See-er of what you do.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (7), ayah 72)

Islam and War

Wars are a social necessity: Civil life in Islam is aimed towards peace. Nevertheless, Islam deals with reality and as long as there are people that follow their own desires and self-interest, there will always be conflict and war. But if war is for the sake of stopping an aggressor, aiding truth and achieving justice, then it is a virtue since it encourages goodness and prosperity for the people. It is a source of evil, social vices and degradation for mankind when it is used as a tool for the wrong-doer, corruption, transgression and oppression of the weak. Islam came to deal with this reality. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would

indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the worlds.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 251)

The All-Mighty also says:

‘For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another,

monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is

mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily Allah will help those who

help His (cause).Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-mighty.’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayah 40)

This shows the Islamic point of view with regards to war - that it is a social necessity or an action from which

there is no escape at certain times. An evil that you expect in order to uphold the good.

The purposes of war in Islam: Though Islam acknowledges these realities, it prohibits war, the indulgence in

it, the call to it and the encouragement of it, except for justifiable reasons, such as:

i- Resistance of transgression and self-defence as well as defence of family, possessions, nation and religion.

In this regard the Holy Qur’an tells us:

‘And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly,

Allah likes not the transgressors.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 190)

The first verse that discussed and permitted war was:

‘Permission to fight is given to those, who are fighting because they (believers) have

been wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory. Those who

have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "our Lord is

Allah"’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayahs 39-40)

Muslim and An-Nisaa’i narrate that Abu Hurairah said:

‘A man came to the Prophet (PBUH.) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! what if my belongings are forcibly taken from me?" The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they refuse?", he said. The Prophet replied: "Again, ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they still refuse?", the man asked. "Ask for them back, in the name of Allah, yet again", the Prophet stressed. "If they persist in their refusal?", the man inquired. "Fight them, for if you are killed you will enter paradise, and if they are killed they will enter the hell

fire." the Prophet explained.’

Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi. Al-Nisaa’i, and Ibn Majah narrate that Sa’d Ibn Yazeed, may Allah be pleased with

him said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) say:

‘Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.’

Al-Bukhaari and At-Tirmidhi also narrate that Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with both, said

that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) saying:

‘Whosoever has fought for the protection of his belongings until death; he is a martyr.’

ii- The protection of the freedoms of religion and the doctrine of the believers - those whom the disbelievers

attempt to divert and mislead. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, "Fighting therein is a

great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) in the sight of Allah is to prevent

mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the

Holy Mosque (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Fitnah is worse than

killing.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 217)

He also says, in another:

‘And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and worshipping others besides

Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no

transgression except against the tyrants.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah, ayah 193.)

iii- The protection of the Islamic call so that it reaches and becomes clear to everyone: Islam is a

comprehensive message of social reform founded on the noble principles of truth and goodness; it directs

people to these virtues just as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an to his Prophet (PBUH.):

‘Verily, we have sent you to all mankind as a warner and a giver of glad tidings.’

Thus, it must remove from its path all sources of hindrance which may delay or prevent the propagation of its message; and the position of every individual and every nation must be clarified with regards to this call. The outcome of this decision would determine the relationship of Islam and its followers with other peoples. The believers are brothers to each other. Those with whom there is a treaty, this treaty will be honoured. Those who are under protection, their protection will be guaranteed. Those who take themselves to be the enemy or are hostile, are warned, and if they correct themselves they will be spared. But if they persist in their tyranny they will be fought, not in an attempt to compel them to accept Islam against their wish but as a tax for their transgression:

‘There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the

wrong path.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 256)

Many verses and Ahaadeeth refer to and explain the above. For example:

‘If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to

them (so as to be) on equal terms. Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 58)

and:

‘Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause

of Allah, whosoever fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, We shall

bestow on him a great reward.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 74)

and:

‘Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which

has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the

religion of truth among the people of the Scripture, until they pay the tax with willing

submission, and feel themselves subdued.’

(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 29)

and:

‘Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the

cause of Satan. So fight you against the followers of Satan: Ever feeble indeed is the

plot of Satan.

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 76)

Bukhaari and Muslim narrate that Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:

‘I was ordered to fight people until they bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, establish prayer and pay charity, but if they shall do so then they have made their blood prohibited for me and their judgement is with Allah.’

iv- To teach a lesson to those who dishonour a treaty or transgress against the Muslim majority. Allah says in regard to those who reject the just law of equity and reform :

‘But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with

disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief - surely their oaths

are nothing to them-so that they may stop (evil action).’

(Surat-at-Tawbah, ayah 12)

Also Allah says:

‘And if two parties or groups among the believers fall into fighting, then make peace

between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all)

against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it

complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily Allah

loves those who are equitable.’

(Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 9)

v- Helping the wronged among the believers wherever they be until they gain their rights (humanitarian intervention). Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an:

 ‘And as to those who believed but did not emigrate you owe no duty of protection to

them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help

them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and

Allah is the All-See-er of what you do.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (7), ayah 72)