Basic principles of Islam:

1. The very word “Islam” signifies peace, particularly the peace we can attain here on earth as well as in the hereafter, by wholeheartedly submitting to Allah.

2. As humans are gifted with freedom of will and action (within limits), they are likely to misuse the blessings Allah has given them in their own self-willed way, rather than to seek divine guidance. Hence, there are conflicts and wars and the suffering they involve. 

3. Since war is unavoidable, Allah permits us to fight, but He has set certain rules that we need to observe even in fighting.

4. War is allowed only as a last resort, when all other options have failed. The objective of war in Islam is to establish peace and justice. It is indeed a paradox that we are often constrained to fight for peace.

5. Islam categorically teaches us that no coercion should be used in matters of religion. Islam allows freedom of conscience.

Why Wars Were Waged Against the Pagans?

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was only one person preaching Islam in Makkah soon after he received his first revelation in his 40th year. Since then, he and the close followers were terribly persecuted by the pagan Quraish. This continued for 13 years.

Then the Prophet was commanded to emigrate to Madinah. He was received well by the people there and was accepted as a leader. When the people of Makkah who drove the Muslims out of their homes knew of this, they feared a retaliation, which they wanted to avoid at any cost.

So they set out in full battle array to wipe out Muhammad and Islam, and the result was the Battle of Badr. Instead of fleeing from the wrath of the powerful people of Makkah to a still farther city, the Prophet — commanded by Almighty Allah — stood his ground in Madinah and fought. The purpose of this fighting was clearly self-defense, as well as the defense of the right to preach the revelations of Allah. This is evident from the following verses:

{Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah does not love transgressors.} (Al-Baqarah 2:190)

{To those against whom war is made, permission is given

, because they are wronged; and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory — [they are] those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right — [for no cause] except that they say, “Our Lord is Allah” ….} (Al-Hajj 22:39–40)

While Muslims were allowed to fight, they were not permitted to be the aggressors. Also, clear orders were given to them to stop fighting the moment the enemies stop hostilities and wish for peace.  

{And fight them on until there is no more persecution or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah. But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.} (Al-Baqarah 2:193)

The verses quoted above as well as the teachings of the Prophet are categorical in the sense that there should not be any fighting to revenge or to oppress. Also, we can see that fighting was adopted only when all doors to a peaceful settlement were closed and fighting was the only option.

Fourteen centuries before the establishment of the League of Nations and later the United Nations, Islam had decreed such a rule for Muslim peoples. This principle is based on the Qur’anic verses:

{If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them. But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah. But if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair, for Allah loves those who are fair (and just). The believers are but a single brotherhood. So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.} (Al-Hujurat 49: 9–10)

In Islam, war is certainly not viewed as a solution to problems, but rather as an avoidable evil: Islam encourages all peaceful means to avoid war.

For complete Islamiat notes click here.