subject: War and Peace in Islam: Causes and Conditions of Jihad: part iii [print this page] Reasons for self-defense in Islam in wars: Part iii
Reasons for the defensive war permitted in Islam are spelled out in the following terms:
To those against whom war is waged, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged- and verily God is most powerful for their aid- (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right- (for no cause) except that they say, our lord is God.' 22: 39-40
Fighting is permitted on the condition that non-Muslims wage war against Muslims for their belief. When fighting is engaged then Muslims are commanded to fight courageously and fiercely:
When you meet the disbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; when you have thoroughly subdued them: bind a bond firmly (on them).' 47: 5
And slay them whenever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out.' 2: 191
If you gain mastery over them in war, disperse with them and those who follow them that they may remember.' 8: 57
Fighting must be continued until the enemy seizes to be a threat and justice is once and for all is restored:
And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God.' 2: 193
If the aggression of the disbelievers ceases, bringing end to the combat and halting the war, Muslims are commanded to cease their war, provided that rights are restored and they do not have further menace:
But if they cease, let there be no hostility, except to those who practice oppression and transgress.' 2: 193
But if they cease, God is forgiving and merciful.' 2: 192
But if they incline towards peace, then do you also incline towards peace and put your trust in God: For he is the One that hears and knows all things.' 8: 61
Then if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and send you peace, then God has opened no way for you (to keep war against them).' 4: 90
War among Muslims should be avoided but if two parties go into a war conflict then the Qur'an and the Sunna must be applied as arbitration among the conflicting parties.
If one of the belligerent parties does not conform to Islamic Sharia then the whole Islamic Umma should fight against the deviating party from Islamic Sharia until Islamic law is restored. Then peace and justice should be maintained:
And if two parties of the believers fall into fighting then make peace among them. But if one party of them transgresses the other, then fight you (all) that which does wrong till it returns unto the ordinance of God, then, if returns, make peace between them justly, and act equitably, for God loves the equitable.' 49: 10
War in Islam is strictly a defensive war. Muslims are commanded never to agress.
Should war be aged against them for their belief in God and for expelling them from their property then they have the right to defend themselves.
They must all fight their enemy and not only one part of them while the others are sleeping or trading.
This is called Jihad which means exerting effort for the cause of God. Muslims take up arms against those who take up arms against them.
Should the enemy tend for peace then Muslims must do so provided they have the upper hand and their rights are restored to them fully.
War and Peace in Islam: Causes and Conditions of Jihad: part iii
