Islamic views on War and Peace:
Methodology and limitations of the paper:
A Brief overview of the Prophet's life:
Permission for War:What changed in Madina:
Objectives of the permission for War:
Islamic view of Peace:
Islamic view on just war:
Peace (Salaam): The Arabic word for peace, Salaam, is derived from
the root word Silm, meaning peace, submission, and security. Islam
encourages peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for others, regardless
of their faith or background. The Quran often refers to peace as a virtue and
encourages Muslims to seek peace and avoid conflict unless necessary. For
instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), it says: "O you who have believed,
enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan."
War in Islam: Islam acknowledges that war, though not preferred, may be
permissible under specific circumstances, such as self-defense, protecting the
oppressed, or defending one's homeland. However, even in times of conflict,
Islamic teachings impose strict ethical guidelines to limit harm and ensure
that actions taken during warfare align with justice. For example, the Quran
outlines that civilians, women, children, and religious figures should not be
harmed, and the destruction of crops, animals, and homes is prohibited (Quran
2:190-193). War should be waged with the intention of restoring peace, not for
aggression or expansion.
Jihad: A common but often misunderstood term, Jihad refers
to striving or struggling in the way of Allah. It can refer to both internal
struggles, such as striving to live a righteous life, and external struggles,
including the defense of Islam against injustice. The concept of Jihad
in the context of war emphasizes that any military conflict should be defensive
and just, aimed at preserving peace and not for conquest or revenge.
Conditions for War: Islam sets forth conditions for when war can be declared,
and these include:
- There must be a just cause, such as defending against
aggression or protecting the oppressed.
- War should be the last resort after all peaceful means
have been exhausted.
- A legitimate authority must declare war; individuals or
groups cannot declare war without the approval of those in charge.
- Even in warfare, compassion and ethical treatment of
all parties, including prisoners of war, are essential.
Peace as a Long-Term Goal: The ultimate goal of Islam is to establish peace and
harmony in the world. A Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states: “The
strong person is not the one who is able to overpower others, but the one who
controls himself in times of anger” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This reflects the
central Islamic value of maintaining peace through self-discipline and striving
for fairness, justice, and mutual respect.
While Islam acknowledges the need
for war in certain circumstances, it is always viewed as a means to restore
peace and uphold justice. Peace is the ultimate goal, and Muslims are
encouraged to seek peaceful solutions and live harmoniously with others
whenever possible.
War rules of Islam:
Islamic concept of War:
What is peace called in Islam:
Islamic views on war and peace are
grounded in both the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadith (sayings and
actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and are informed by centuries of Islamic
scholarship. Islam, like many world religions, advocates peace but also allows
for defensive action when necessary. Here are some key aspects of the Islamic
perspective on war and peace:
1.
Peace as the Ideal State:
- Fundamental Message of Islam: Islam derives its name from the Arabic word Salaam,
which means peace. The faith encourages peace between individuals,
communities, and nations. The Qur'an, in various verses, promotes peace
and reconciliation.
- Qur'anic Emphasis on Peace: The Qur'an speaks of peace as a state of harmony that
should be pursued in both personal and societal matters. For example, the
verse “If they incline to peace, then incline to it” (Qur'an 8:61)
encourages Muslims to seek peaceful solutions whenever possible.
2.
War as a Last Resort:
- Principle of Self-Defense: Islam permits war only in self-defense, or when a
community is being attacked or oppressed. The principle is rooted in the
Qur'an and the actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur'an states, “Fight
in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed.
Allah does not like transgressors” (Qur'an 2:190).
- Proportionality and Just Cause: In the event of war, the use of force must be
proportionate and for a just cause. Unprovoked aggression or excessive
violence is prohibited. The goal of war is not to harm civilians or cause
unnecessary destruction. This principle is reflected in the concept of Jihad,
which is often misunderstood. While Jihad can refer to striving or
struggling for justice, it also encompasses the defense of Islam and the
community.
3.
Rules of Engagement in War (Jihad):
- Protection of Civilians: During wartime, Islam emphasizes the protection of
non-combatants, including women, children, the elderly, and religious
figures. The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings forbid the killing of innocent
people during war.
- Humane Treatment of Prisoners: Prisoners of war must be treated with dignity and
respect. The Prophet Muhammad established guidelines for the humane
treatment of prisoners, encouraging their fair treatment, and even their
release in some cases.
4.
The Concept of Jihad:
- Greater Jihad (Personal Struggle): The Greater Jihad refers to the personal,
spiritual struggle against sin and striving for moral and ethical
perfection. This is often considered the more significant aspect of Jihad.
- Lesser Jihad (Physical Struggle): The Lesser Jihad refers to the physical struggle
or defense against oppression and injustice, often associated with war.
However, this should only occur in the context of a just cause and should
adhere to ethical rules of warfare.
5.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness:
- Promotion of Forgiveness: Islam stresses the importance of reconciliation and
forgiveness, even in the face of conflict. The Qur'an says, “But if
they repent, establish prayer, and pay the Zakat, then let them go their
way” (Qur'an 9:5). This verse suggests that even in wartime, the potential
for peaceful resolution through repentance and reform is always present.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Example: The Prophet Muhammad himself exemplified this
approach. For example, after the conquest of Mecca, he forgave many of
those who had opposed him and embraced a policy of reconciliation.
6.
Peace Treaties and Diplomacy:
- The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: One of the best-known examples of the Islamic approach
to diplomacy and peace is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which was negotiated
by the Prophet Muhammad with the Quraysh tribe. Despite initial setbacks,
this treaty led to years of peace, allowing Islam to spread peacefully
across the Arabian Peninsula.
7.
War as a Means of Justice:
- Fighting Against Oppression: Islam allows war in the case of fighting oppression, tyranny,
and injustice. The Qur'an mentions, “And why should you not fight in
the cause of Allah and for those who are oppressed” (Qur'an 4:75).
This highlights that war may be justified if it is to end oppression and
establish justice.
8.
The Role of Leaders in War and Peace:
- Responsibility of Muslim Leaders: Islamic leaders are expected to act in the best
interests of their communities. They are obliged to seek peace and
stability and avoid unnecessary conflicts. If war is declared, it should
be for a just and moral cause, and the leader is responsible for ensuring
that war is fought within the ethical boundaries set by Islam.
9.
Islamic Scholars and Interpretation:
- Diversity of Opinion:
Islamic scholars have diverse views on war and peace, with some advocating
for pacifism, while others support the use of force under specific
conditions. There is also a distinction between defensive wars and
offensive wars, with the latter being more heavily debated.
- Islamic Law of War:
There are legal principles in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) that have
developed over centuries concerning the ethics of war. The Fiqh of
war includes guidelines on the treatment of prisoners, the rights of
women, and the protection of property, all of which reflect Islam’s
concern with minimizing harm in wartime.
10.
Contemporary Issues and Interpretation:
- Modern Challenges:
The concept of Jihad and the rules of warfare in Islam are
sometimes invoked in modern political contexts, but many scholars argue
that these ideas must be understood in light of the modern world and its
laws. Terrorism, in particular, is widely condemned by the majority of
Muslim scholars, as it violates the core principles of Islamic teachings.
- Peacebuilding Efforts: Many Muslim-majority countries, NGOs, and religious
leaders work toward peacebuilding initiatives, often based on these core
Islamic principles of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Islamic teachings on war and peace
are rooted in the pursuit of justice, the protection of human life, and the
promotion of peaceful coexistence. War is only permissible in Islam under
strict conditions, primarily in self-defense or to protect the oppressed, and
it must be carried out according to ethical guidelines. Islam encourages peace,
reconciliation, and the resolution of conflicts without violence whenever
possible.
Importance about Islamic view on war
and Peace:
Islamic views on war and peace are
deeply rooted in the principles of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life.
The teachings of Islam emphasize that war should be a last resort, only
permissible under specific circumstances, such as self-defense or to protect
the oppressed. Here are some key points on the importance of these views:
1.
War as a Last Resort
Islam strongly discourages
initiating violence. War is only justified when peaceful means of resolution
fail. The Qur’an encourages dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful settlement of
disputes. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), it says: “Fight in the
way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress.
Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” This highlights that
self-defense is the only legitimate reason for war, and even then, it must be
conducted within strict ethical boundaries.
2.
Ethical Conduct in War
When warfare is unavoidable, Islam
sets clear ethical guidelines to ensure humane treatment of all, including
non-combatants. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized protecting civilians,
women, children, the elderly, and the environment during conflict. The
prohibition of mutilation, betrayal, and the destruction of crops or animals is
another key aspect of Islamic conduct in war. These rules promote a sense of
humanity even amidst conflict.
3.
Peaceful Resolution and Forgiveness
The concept of peace holds a central
place in Islam. The word "Islam" itself is derived from the Arabic
root S-L-M, which means peace, submission, and safety. Muslims are
encouraged to make peace even when they have the upper hand in conflict. The
Qur’an stresses forgiveness and reconciliation, such as in Surah Ash-Shura
(42:40), where it states: “The reward of an evil is an evil like it, but
whoever forgives and makes reconciliation - his reward is with Allah.” This
demonstrates the Islamic commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully whenever
possible.
4.
The Sanctity of Life
Islam places great value on the
preservation of life. The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of
protecting life, such as in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32): “Whoever kills a soul
unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had
slain mankind entirely.” This verse underscores the gravity of taking a
life and highlights that war, even if justified, should not lead to unnecessary
loss of life.
5.
Social Justice and Protection of the Weak
Islamic teachings on war and peace
are intrinsically linked to the concept of social justice. War should be fought
to protect the weak, oppressed, and marginalized. The Qur’an emphasizes the
duty of the Muslim community to defend those who are unable to defend
themselves, as seen in Surah An-Nisa (4:75): “And why do you not fight in
the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who
say: ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for
us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper.’”
6.
The Pursuit of Lasting Peace
Islamic teachings also focus on
building societies where peace and justice prevail. The emphasis on kindness,
charity, and mutual respect encourages individuals and communities to work
towards peace through everyday actions. This principle is exemplified in the
concept of salaam (peace), which extends to not only a state of physical
peace but also spiritual peace, encompassing justice, equity, and harmony in
all aspects of life.
Islamic views on war and peace
emphasize a strong ethical framework that promotes justice, mercy, and the
protection of life. War, in Islamic teachings, should always be a last resort,
conducted with the utmost care for human dignity, and ultimately aimed at
achieving lasting peace and reconciliation.
Aspects about Islamic views on war
and peace:
Islamic views on war and peace are
shaped by both the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadith (sayings and actions
of Prophet Muhammad) and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). These sources emphasize
a balanced approach to conflict and promote peace while allowing for defense
when necessary. Here are some key aspects:
1.
Peace as an Ideal
- Islam places a high value on peace. The word
"Islam" itself comes from the Arabic root "S-L-M,"
which means peace, safety, and submission. The ultimate goal for Muslims
is to live in peace, both with one another and with God.
- The Qur'an encourages peaceful resolution of disputes
and fostering harmony among people. Surah 49:10 says, "The believers
are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers."
2.
War as a Last Resort
- War is not encouraged in Islam and is considered a last
resort. The Qur'an only permits fighting when it is necessary for
self-defense or to protect religious freedom.
- Surah 2:190 (Al-Baqarah) states, “Fight in the way of
God those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, God does not like
transgressors.” This indicates that fighting is only allowed in
self-defense and must be proportionate.
3.
Conditions for Just War
- Islamic tradition has specific rules about how war
should be conducted. A just war (or "Jihad") is one that is
fought for righteous purposes—such as defending the Muslim community or
upholding justice—and not for personal gain or aggression.
- Combatants must adhere to ethical conduct even during
war. This includes prohibitions on killing non-combatants (such as women,
children, and the elderly), destroying crops, or harming civilians.
4.
Jihad
- "Jihad" is often misunderstood in the modern
world. While it literally means "struggle" or
"striving," it encompasses both personal spiritual efforts (like
striving for moral purity) and physical struggle, including self-defense
in the face of oppression.
- The concept of Jihad in the military sense is often
misunderstood as "holy war." However, the Qur'an highlights that
the greater Jihad is the struggle against one’s own weaknesses and
temptations.
5.
Rules of Engagement
- There are clear rules for warfare in Islam. These rules
prohibit the harming of innocent people, the destruction of property, and
the betrayal of treaties. Prophet Muhammad emphasized these principles
during his time.
- In Hadith, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:
"Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old
people or monks" (Abu Dawood).
6.
Peace Treaties and Diplomacy
- Islam encourages the use of diplomacy and negotiations
to end conflicts. Surah 8:61 (Al-Anfal) advises: "And if they incline
to peace, then incline to it and trust in Allah."
- Peace treaties, alliances, and respect for agreements
are considered important, and breaking treaties is condemned (Surah 9:4).
7.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
- Even in cases of conflict, Islam encourages forgiveness
and reconciliation. The Qur'an teaches that reconciliation is better than
revenge: "Repel evil with what is better, and you will see that the
one between whom and you there is enmity will become as though he was a
close friend" (Surah 41:34).
- Forgiveness and mercy are seen as virtues that
contribute to peace, both on an individual and collective level.
8.
Punishments and Accountability
- Islam also has strict guidelines on justice and
punishment. While punishment may be called for in cases of major
transgressions, the goal is to maintain justice and order rather than to
seek vengeance.
- There is an emphasis on accountability in the
afterlife, with God ultimately being the one who will judge people's
actions.
Islamic views on war and peace promote a just
and ethical approach to conflict, advocating for peace, self-defense, fairness,
and reconciliation. While war is not ideal, when it becomes necessary, it must
adhere to moral guidelines and should aim to restore peace and justice.
Benefits about Islamic views on war
and peace:
Islamic teachings on war and peace
emphasize a balance between justice, compassion, and the preservation of human
dignity. Here are some key benefits from an Islamic perspective on war and
peace:
- Emphasis on Peace and Diplomacy: Islam strongly advocates for peace and diplomacy. The
word “Islam” itself is derived from the Arabic word "Salaam,"
meaning peace. The Quran and Hadith (teachings of the Prophet Muhammad)
repeatedly encourage peaceful resolutions to conflicts. War is seen as a
last resort after all attempts at peaceful negotiation and reconciliation
have been exhausted.
- Rules of Engagement:
Islamic teachings outline strict ethical guidelines for war, aiming to
minimize harm to civilians, property, and the environment. For example,
civilians, women, children, the elderly, and religious figures are
forbidden from being harmed during a conflict. Destruction of crops,
trees, and religious buildings is also prohibited.
- Justice and Protection of Rights: Islam emphasizes that war should only be waged in
self-defense or to protect the oppressed. The concept of “Jihad” is often
misunderstood; it is primarily viewed as a struggle for justice, peace,
and to protect human rights. The goal is not aggression but the defense of
justice and the prevention of tyranny.
- Accountability and Responsibility: There is a strong emphasis on personal and collective
accountability in Islam. Those who engage in warfare are reminded that
they will be held accountable for their actions, and war should only be
pursued for noble reasons such as defending the oppressed or protecting
the community. Killing innocent people is considered a major sin.
- Mercy and Compassion:
The Quran and Hadith emphasize showing mercy even to those who are
defeated in battle. Captives should be treated with kindness, and the
wounded should receive care. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said
that "whoever shows mercy to others, God will show mercy to
them." This emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of Islamic war ethics.
- Promotion of Social Justice: War in Islam is sometimes viewed as a means to
establish justice and equity in society. Fighting against oppression,
tyranny, and injustice aligns with the greater goal of ensuring that
people live in a just and equitable society. This can be seen in
historical examples of the early Islamic state, which sought to implement
justice and social welfare.
- Protection of Religious Freedom: Islam supports the protection of religious freedom
and tolerance. Even in times of war, Islam advocates for the protection of
the rights of non-Muslims, including their freedom of religion. The Quran
makes it clear that there should be no compulsion in religion (Quran
2:256), and Muslims are urged to protect the rights of others to practice
their faith.
- Peace as a Long-Term Goal: Ultimately, the goal of war in Islam is to create
lasting peace. The famous Quranic verse “And if they incline to peace,
then incline to it” (Quran 8:61) stresses that the preference should always
be for peace over conflict. After any conflict, Muslims are encouraged to
seek reconciliation and restore relationships for the sake of long-term
harmony.
Islamic teachings on war and peace prioritize
justice, mercy, the protection of innocent lives, and the ultimate pursuit of
lasting peace. The emphasis is on limiting violence and conflict, while
striving for reconciliation, fairness, and respect for all of humanity.
Significance about Islamic views on
War and Peace:
In Islamic teachings, the concepts
of peace and war are deeply intertwined with the religion’s core values of justice,
mercy, and compassion. Islam, which means “peace” in Arabic, emphasizes that
peace should be the ultimate goal for individuals and society. The religion
promotes peace through submission to Allah's will, with the ideal being a state
of harmony in both the personal and collective aspects of life.
Islamic
Views on Peace
Peace in Islam is not just the
absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equity, and the welfare of
individuals and communities. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, repeatedly emphasizes
the importance of peace and reconciliation:
- Peaceful Coexistence:
Muslims are encouraged to live peacefully with others, regardless of their
faith. The Quran says, "O you who have believed, do not let a
people’s hostility prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to
righteousness" (Quran 5:8). This encourages Muslims to uphold
fairness and justice, even in the face of animosity.
- Salaam (Peace) as a Greeting: The word "Islam" itself is derived from
"Salaam," meaning peace. Muslims greet each other with
"As-Salaam-Alaikum" (Peace be upon you), signifying peace as
central to their daily lives.
- Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Islam teaches the importance of peace through
forgiveness and reconciliation. If conflict arises, Muslims are encouraged
to seek peaceful resolution rather than escalate tensions. The Quran
highlights that reconciliation is a preferred path: "And if two
factions among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between
them..." (Quran 49:9).
Islamic
Views on War
War is not inherently encouraged in
Islam but is permitted under strict conditions, often described as jihad
in a broader sense. Jihad, often misunderstood, refers to the struggle or
effort to lead a good life, but it can also mean striving in the path of Allah,
including defending the Muslim community in the face of aggression. However,
the principles of just war in Islam emphasize restraint and morality:
- Just War Principles:
Islam permits war only when there is a just cause, such as self-defense or
protecting the oppressed. Aggression or unprovoked violence is strictly
prohibited. The Quran says, "Fight in the way of Allah those who
fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like
transgressors" (Quran 2:190). This verse highlights that war must
be defensive and that actions during war must remain ethical.
- Minimizing Harm:
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings emphasize minimizing harm during
war. Civilians, religious leaders, women, children, and the environment
must be spared. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Do not kill any
old person, any child, or any woman." (Sunan Abu Dawood). These
guidelines reflect the Islamic commitment to compassion even in the
context of conflict.
- Peace as the Ultimate Goal: Even in wartime, peace is the ultimate objective. In
cases where the opposing side offers peace, Muslims are commanded to
accept it: "But if the enemy inclines to peace, then incline to it
also..." (Quran 8:61). This demonstrates that reconciliation and
peace should always be pursued when possible.
Conclusion
Islam’s approach to peace and war is
centered on promoting justice, mercy, and harmony. While Islam recognizes that
war may be necessary under certain circumstances, it places strong ethical
limits on the conduct of war, focusing on protecting the innocent, ensuring
justice, and pursuing peace. The overarching message is that peace should be
the preferred state of affairs, and war should only be a last resort, conducted
with respect for human dignity and moral values.