War is strictly forbidden for any other reason

War is strictly forbidden for any other reason

War for purposes other than these humane and beneficial ones is not permissible. This is absolutely clear because Islam follows the word fighting with the phrase "In the cause of Allah". One will not find in any Islamic text the word fighting or jihad (struggle) not accompanied by the phrase "in the cause of Allah". This is because Allah has declared the prohibition of all forms of fighting that have an ignoble motive behind them. This prohibition was confirmed by the many Ahaadeeth, and was recorded in the histories and biographies of the followers of the Prophets (PBUH.) - those who did not seek anything with their fighting except the pleasure of the Almighty alone, and the realisation of the aforementioned aims. The Holy Qur’an tells us:

‘O you who believe! When you go (to fight) in the Cause of Allah, (verify the truth), and

say not to any one who greets you with peace: "You are not a believer"; seeking the

perishable goods of worldly life. There is much more profit and booty with Allah. Even

as he is now, so were you yourselves before till Allah conferred on you His Favours,

therefore, be cautious in discrimination. Allah is Ever Well-Aware of what you do.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 94)

‘It is not for the Prophet that he should have prisoners of war ( and free them with

ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You

desire the good of this world , but Allah desires (for You) the Hereafter. And Allah is

All-Mighty, All-wise. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment

would have touched you for what you took.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayahs 67-68)

Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said that the Prophet (PBUH.) was asked which among the following is in the Cause of Allah: a man who fights so that he may be called brave, one who fights in revenge or one who fights to be called a good believer by people ? "He who fights for the advancement of the word of Allah is in the Cause of Allah." The Prophet (PBUH.) replied.(Bukhari and Muslim).

Also Abu Dawood narrates that Abu Hurairah said: "A man said to the Messenger of Allah "O Messenger of Allah! A man seeks to struggle in the path of Allah and wants the bounties of this life?" The Prophet said: "For him shall be no reward." The man repeated the same question three times; on each occasion the Prophet giving the same answer- "for him shall be no reward."

The companions of the Prophet (PBUH.), even the Bedouin amongst them, were very affected by this elevated

exposition of the objectives of fighting in Islam, to the extent that An-Nisaa’i narrated that Shaddad Ibn Al-Had

(RA) said that:

‘A man from the Bedouins came to the Prophet, embraced Islam and asked him whether he should emigrate with him (the Prophet). The Prophet subsequently appointed some of his companions to look after him. It was not long afterwards when the Prophet was fighting in one of his battles in which the Muslims won much booty. When the Prophet gave this man his due from this booty, he (the man) said: "It is not for this that I have followed you, but it is to be shot (with an arrow) here (pointing to his throat with an arrow), so that I may enter paradise. He (the Prophet) said: "If you are truthful with Allah, he will give you what you deserve." They then got up and returned to the battle field. Soon, they brought him back to the Prophet (PBUH.) with an arrow through where he had previously pointed. The Prophet said: "is this him?" They answered, "yes." The Prophet said: "He was sincere with Allah and Allah was sincere with him."’ Then he was covered with the Prophet’s robe and the

Prophet prayed over him. Among what was heard from the Prophets prayers for this man was: " O Lord! Verily, this servant of yours emigrated for your sake, and was martyred, and I am a witness to that.’

Islamic History has also recorded many more of these examples of denial of the glories of this life and the spoils of war, and striving for nothing but the elevation of the word of God.