Preservation of the Divine Religion (2/3)
Dr. Abdul-Rahman al-Sheha
The principle cementing intra-relationships between governments and people is based on justice and peace since there can be no lasting peace without justice. Jihad is not a “Holy War” as described in the Western media, but it is an honourable “struggle” and resistance against oppressors and those who oppose the peaceful spread of Allah’s Word and faith in Him and His religion of Islam. “War” most often begins as a drive for personal or national interests, for land, resources, and/or other political or economic reasons. Islam prohibits this “war” and all allows for Jihad in three situations, namely:
1)Defense of Life, Property and National Boundaries, without transgression. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says in the Glorious Qur'an:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)
2)Removing oppression and championing the just rights of oppressed people.
The obligation of countering oppression and tyranny is mentioned in the verse of the Glorious Qur'an:
“And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated people (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help!” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:75)
The Prophet of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:
“The Best Jihad is a word of truth before a tyrannical unjust ruler.” [1]
3)Defense of Faith and Religion.
Allah, the Exalted, says in the Glorious Qur'an:
“And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah does see all that they do.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:39)
A “Mujahid” (Muslim fighter for the cause of Allah) must purify his intention to please Allah alone. He must have a clear understanding that Jihad is only for just reasons: to protect Islam and the Muslims, and to spread the message of Islam and Word of Allah. If the enemies of Islam who are fighting the Muslims cease their attack, and accept terms for a just peace, the Muslim fighters are commanded to cease hostilities.
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) also says:
“But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:61)
And He Most Exalted said:
“Therefore if they withdraw from you and cease fighting, and send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has left no way for you (to war against them).” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:90)
Islam has permitted fighting only for the above specified reasons and has laid down strict rules of conduct in “warfare”. All other reasons for “war” are totally prohibited in Islam, for instance, war for land expansion, colonial interests and revenge, etc. Islam does not allow fighters to kill haphazardly, but only permits them to kill military personnel and those directly supporting armed forces. Islam does not permit, accept or condone the killing of elderly people, children, women, those under medical treatment, medical staff, and monks who have secluded themselves for the worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Islam forbids mutilating bodies and organs of the deceased enemy fighters. Islam also forbids the killing of cattle or any type of animal of the enemies, the destruction of peoples' homes and the pollution of potable water resources, including rivers, lakes, springs and wells of water of the fighting enemies. These concepts are an, including this verse:
“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world: but do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.” (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77)
It is also based on many sayings of Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), for instance his statement:
“Fight for the Cause of Allah and in His Name, against the disbelievers in Allah. Fight them, but do not breach your contracts or truces, do not mutilate, and do not kill a newly born baby…” [2]
And he (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:
“… do not kill a woman, or slave.” [3]
This is also in compliance with the directions and the recommendation of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr (radhyAllahu ‘anhu) to his military leaders upon commissioning them for Jihad. It was narrated that he said, “Listen and obey the following ten commands and instructions: Do not betray any one (if you give a pledge). Do not steal from the war booties. Do not breach your pledge of allegiance. Do not mutilate the body of the killed enemy fighters or deceased. Do not kill a child or a minor. Do not kill an elderly man or woman. Do not kill a woman. Do not uproot a date palm tree (or any other trees) and do not burn them either. Do not cut or destroy a fruit tree. Do not slaughter a female sheep, a cow or a camel except for your (required) food. You surely will pass by some people who isolate themselves and are secluded for worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as monks and else, thus leave them alone and do not disturb them. You will, surely, stop at some people on the road, who will bring forth for you all types of food dishes. Whenever you eat their food, recite the name of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) each time you eat. You will, surely, pass by a group of people who shaved the hair in the center of their heads, and left the surrounding hair long braids: it is allowed to fight and kill these people as they are the warriors of the enemies who carry their swords against you. Go ahead, with the name of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). "
(Continued)
[1] Reported by Ahmad no.18850, Abu Dawood no.4344, Tirmidhi no.2174 and verified as "authentic."
[2] Reported by Muslim, no.1731.
[3] Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah and verified as sound.