Peace in Islam
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Islam is uncompromisingly a law of peace and a religion of mercy. Only he who is ignorant of its teachings, hostile to its system, or is arrogant enough not to accept clear evidence, will dispute this fact.
The word Islam is itself derived from the word peace (i.e. salaam). And Muslim is the best description of those who believe in this religion:
‘It is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’an), that the Messenger be a witness over you and you be a witness over mankind!’
(Surat-al-Hajj (22), ayah 78)
The essence of this religion is peaceful submission to the Lord of the worlds:
‘Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follow Allah’s Religion of Islamic monotheism) and he is a good-doer, then his reward is with the Lord, on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 112)
‘When his Lord said to him, "Submit (ie. Be a Muslim)!" He said, "I have submitted myself to the Lord of the worlds."’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 131)
‘"And we were ordered to submit to the Lord of the worlds"’
(Surat-al-An’aam (6), ayah 71)
Even the greetings between Muslims is "May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you." Prayer itself is concluded with the announcement of peace - once to the right, once to the left and once to the front if there is an Imam in front - as if to greet his brothers after he had left them during the brief moments that he turned completely to Allah.
Furthermore the revelation of the Qur’an brought with it the angels of peace and the night in which it was revealed became a night of peace:
‘Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of decree is. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Jibreel) by Allah’s Permission with all Decree, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.’
(Surat-al-Qadr (97), ayahs 1-5)
The servant greets his Lord with no better greeting than the greeting of peace:
‘Their greeting on the day they shall meet Him will be: Peace. And He will prepare for them a generous reward.’
(Surat-al-Ahzaab (33), ayah 44)
The Angels will welcome the righteous into paradise with peace:
‘And the angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying): "Peace be unto you for that you have persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!"’
(Surat-ar-Ra’d (13), 23-24)
Paradise is itself a place of peace:
‘For them will be the home of peace (paradise) with their Lord. And He will be their Helper and Protector because of what they used to do.’
(Surat-al-An’aam (6), ayah 127)
‘Allah calls to the home of peace and guides whom He wills to a Straight path.’
(Surat-Yunus (10), ayah 25)
Allah, the High, the Blessed, has named Himself "Peace":
‘He is Allah other than Whom there is none (that has the right to be worshipped) the King, the Holy, the Peace...’
(Surat-al-Hashr (59), ayah 23)
Of course the Muslim would not hesitate to answer this call to peace, and will never reject it.
‘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.’
(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 62)
‘And say not to he who seeks to make peace with you, "you are not a believer". Seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are many more profits with Allah.’
(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 94)
No religious law or social system has encouraged the establishment of peace in the same way that Islam has done, for Islam has ordered the practise of this great virtue through respect and self-restraint even at the most testing of times such as Hajj (pilgrimage). During this sacred time, a pilgrim is strictly prohibited from cutting his nails, shortening his hair, destroying a tree, killing an animal or harming anyone in any way, even if he shall find the killer of his father he is not permitted to hurt him at all:
‘So whosoever intends to perform Hajj then he should not have sexual relations (with his/her wife/husband), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during Hajj’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 197)
These prohibitions establish peace within and between the Muslims.
Mercy is the companion of peace in the salutation of Muslims.
The Messenger of Islam is a Mercy to the worlds.
And the slogan of Islam, repeated in every utterance and action is
"In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful."
The behaviour between the believers is one of patience and mercy:
‘Then he became one of those who believed and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to piety and compassion.’
(Surat-al-Balad (90), ayah 17)
The verses of the Qur’an and sayings and practices of Muhammad (PBUH.) exemplify the high position of love and mercy.
For example, the gates of paradise were opened, and Allah’s forgiveness and appreciation of Allah was bestowed upon a man who gave water to a dog overcome with thirst. Muslim and others narrate that Abu Hurairah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:
‘While a man was walking he became very thirsty due to the intense heat of the day. To his relief he found a well into which he quickly climbed down to get some water. After he had satisfied his thirst and come back out of the well he found a dog so thirsty that it was eating the earth in an attempt to quench its thirst. He said to himself: "Thirst has overwhelmed this dog to the same extent that it had done me." So he re-entered the well, filled his slipper and held it with his teeth until he got to the top of the well, where he immediately gave it to the dog to drink from. Allah (the exalted) thanked the man for what he had done and forgave him. One of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Is there reward to be gained from being compassionate to the animals?". The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "In every living being there is a reward to be gained"’
Long before any animal rights organisations were founded in the west, compassion towards animals was, and will always be, a characteristic of Islam and the commandment of Muhammad (PBUH.) to every Muslim. Abu Hurairah (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH.) said:
‘Do not use the backs of your camels as pulpits, for Allah ordained them to take you to places you would only otherwise reach with great suffering, and created the earth for you, so on it carry out your business.’ Narrated by Abu Dawood.
Abdul-Rahman Ibn Abdullah (RA) relates that his father, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
‘While we were on a journey with the Messenger (PBUH.) we saw a Pochard (a type of duck) with two of its chicks. When we took away the chicks the mother started fighting for them back. When the Prophet came and saw what was happening he said: "Who frightened this bird by taking away its chicks? Return its chicks to it immediately". He also noticed that an ant village had been burnt, about which he asked: "Who burnt this?", we said: "It was us!", he said: "It is not for anyone to burn with fire except the Creator of the fire (Allah)"’ Also narrated by Abu-Dawood
Ibn Al-Haakim relates, regarding the life of Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz (the fifth Khalifah of Islam) that he prohibited the riding of horses except for a need, and wrote to Hiyaan, his governor in Egypt, that he had received news that some caravan camels in Egypt were used to carry up to one thousand pounds in weight at a time. He warned Hiyaan that if he (Hiyaan) received his letter, he should not allow a camel to carry more than six hundred pounds. The Fustaat (an ancient village south of Cairo) was named so because during the conquest of Egypt by ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas (RA) a dove built a nest at the top of his tent (Fustaat). When the time to leave the city came, he left the tent exactly where it was so as not to disturb the resident dove. People started building around this tent eventually leading to the growth of the city of Fustaat.
All this is but a small example of the mercy of Islam that can be found within the hearts of the believers. For Islam is indeed a religion of mercy and peace.
But if Islam is a religion of mercy and peace then what is its position towards war and fighting? Was Islam spread with the sword, as those who are hostile to it claim? And is it unique among other religions in allowing fighting, under certain circumstances?
Wars are a social necessity: Civil life in Islam is aimed towards peace. Nevertheless, Islam deals with reality and as long as there are people that follow their own desires and self-interest, there will always be conflict and war. But if war is for the sake of stopping an aggressor, aiding truth and achieving justice, then it is a virtue since it encourages goodness and prosperity for the people. It is a source of evil, social vices and degradation for mankind when it is used as a tool for the wrong-doer, corruption, transgression and oppression of the weak. Islam came to deal with this reality. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the worlds.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 251)
The All-Mighty also says:
‘For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily Allah will help those who help His (cause).Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-mighty.’
(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayah 40)
This shows the Islamic point of view with regards to war - that it is a social necessity or an action from which there is no escape at certain times. An evil that you expect in order to uphold the good.
The purposes of war in Islam: Though Islam acknowledges these realities, it prohibits war, the indulgence in it, the call to it and the encouragement of it, except for justifiable reasons, such as:
i- Resistance of transgression and self-defence as well as defence of family, possessions, nation and religion. In this regard the Holy Qur’an tells us:
‘And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 190)
The first verse that discussed and permitted war was:
‘Permission to fight is given to those, who are fighting because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "our Lord is Allah"’
(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayahs 39-40)
Muslim and An-Nisaa’i narrate that Abu Hurairah said:
‘A man came to the Prophet (PBUH.) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! what if my belongings are forcibly taken from me?" The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they refuse?", he said. The Prophet replied: "Again, ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they still refuse?", the man asked. "Ask for them back, in the name of Allah, yet again", the Prophet stressed. "If they persist in their refusal?", the man inquired. "Fight them, for if you are killed you will enter paradise, and if they are killed they will enter the hell fire." the Prophet explained.’
Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi. Al-Nisaa’i, and Ibn Majah narrate that Sa’d Ibn Yazeed, may Allah be pleased with him said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) say:
‘Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.’
Al-Bukhaari and At-Tirmidhi also narrate that Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with both, said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) saying:
‘Whosoever has fought for the protection of his belongings until death; he is a martyr.’
ii- The protection of the freedoms of religion and the doctrine of the believers - those whom the disbelievers attempt to divert and mislead. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) in the sight of Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the Holy Mosque (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Fitnah is worse than killing.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 217)
He also says, in another:
‘And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and worshipping others besides Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against the tyrants.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah, ayah 193.)
iii- The protection of the Islamic call so that it reaches and becomes clear to everyone: Islam is a comprehensive message of social reform founded on the noble principles of truth and goodness; it directs people to these virtues just as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an to his Prophet (PBUH.):
‘Verily, we have sent you to all mankind as a warner and a giver of glad tidings.’
Thus, it must remove from its path all sources of hindrance which may delay or prevent the propagation of its message; and the position of every individual and every nation must be clarified with regards to this call. The outcome of this decision would determine the relationship of Islam and its followers with other peoples. The believers are brothers to each other. Those with whom there is a treaty, this treaty will be honoured. Those who are under protection, their protection will be guaranteed. Those who take themselves to be the enemy or are hostile, are warned, and if they correct themselves they will be spared. But if they persist in their tyranny they will be fought, not in an attempt to compel them to accept Islam against their wish but as a tax for their transgression:
‘There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 256)
Many verses and Ahaadeeth refer to and explain the above. For example:
‘If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to them (so as to be) on equal terms. Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous.’
(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 58)
and:
‘Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause of Allah, whosoever fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward.’
(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 74)
and:
‘Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth among the people of the Scripture, until they pay the tax with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 29)
and:
‘Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Satan. So fight you against the followers of Satan: Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Satan.
(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 76)
Bukhaari and Muslim narrate that Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:
‘I was ordered to fight people until they bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, establish prayer and pay charity, but if they shall do so then they have made their blood prohibited for me and their judgement is with Allah.’
iv- To teach a lesson to those who dishonour a treaty or transgress against the Muslim majority. Allah says in regard to those who reject the just law of equity and reform :
‘But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief - surely their oaths are nothing to them-so that they may stop (evil action).’
(Surat-at-Tawbah, ayah 12)
Also Allah says:
‘And if two parties or groups among the believers fall into fighting, then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily Allah loves those who are equitable.’
(Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 9)
v- Helping the wronged among the believers wherever they be until they gain their rights (humanitarian intervention). Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an:
‘And as to those who believed but did not emigrate you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allah is the All-See-er of what you do.’
(Surat-al-Anfal (7), ayah 72)
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.
The Preference of Peace, Wherever Possible and its Encouragement
A Muslim only fights when forced to, and after exhausting all peaceful means of reconciliation. If any opportunity of peace arises, then Islam makes it compulsory for the Muslims to take it. A Muslim is also required to extinguish the flame of war whenever and wherever he can. The Qur’an 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.’
(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 61)
Abu Dawood narrates that Haarith Ibn Muslim said that his father said:
‘The Prophet sent us on an expedition, and we reached the grotto, I prompted my horse thus beating my companions and leaving them behind. I reached the village first and the occupants welcomed me with reverberation and I said to them: Say that there is no God but God and that Muhammad is His Messenger, so they accepted the call of Islam. My friends reproached me for denying them the opportunity of spoils (which they would have had, had these people remained disbelievers). When we went back they related to the Prophet what I had done. Subsequently, he called me to him and praised my actions and said to me: "Allah has given you such and such a reward for every soul amongst them."’
Mercy in War and the Preservation of the Highest Human Morals
If indeed war became essential a Muslim provides the highest example of mercy, virtue and the maintenance of the most noble of human moral principles. For if the scale tilts towards the side of the believers, and they become victorious, then the Qur’an obliges them to restrain themselves from fighting, preserve the prisoners they have taken so that they may offer them, afterwards, their freedom or exchange them for their brothers who have been taken by the enemy; thus doing good to two groups of Allah’s servants. In this respect the Qur’an says:
‘So when you meet (in fighting), those who disbelieve (and fight you), smite at their necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly. Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity, or ransom, until the war lays down its burden.’
(Surat-Muhammad (47), ayah 4)
As for the slaves, we will talk about them in detail on another occasion. For now it suffices to say that Islam replaced the historical sentence for a captive from capital punishment (death) to life imprisonment. through enslavement. However, Islam has made it very easy for the slave to regain his freedom. Islam does not, in any way permit slavery except in these circumstances.
Furthermore, a Muslim, during the course of his combat does not transgress, corrupt, destroy or steal; nor kill women, children or elderly persons; nor does he follow a deserter (enemy deserter), kill an injured person or mutilate a dead person; neither does he mistreat a prisoner or a man of religion, nor intend to strike any one in the face.
Abu Dawood has narrated that Ibn Mas’ud (RA) said that the messenger of Allah said:
‘The most gentle and honourable of those who kill are the follower of the faith’
And Bukhaari relates on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Yazeed Al-Ansaari (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH.):
‘Forbade robbery (at the time of war) and the degradation of the dead.’
Abu Dawood narrates that Abu Ya’laa (RA) said that when once we were in a battle with Abdul-Rahman Ibn Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed (RA), four of the elders of the enemy were brought to him. He ordered that they be killed slowly with arrows. When news of this reached Abu Ayoob Al-Ansaari (RA) he said:
‘I heard the Prophet (PBUH) prohibit slow killing." : "By He in whose hands is my soul, if it be a chicken I would not subject it to slow death." Immediately subsequent to hearing this, Abdul-Rahman went and freed four slaves.’
The six Imams, except An-Nisaa’i, narrate that Umar (RA) said:
‘During one of the Prophets battles, I found a woman that had been killed. In response to this the Prophet prohibited the killing of women and children during war.’
Muslim, Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi narrate that Bura’dah (RA) said:
‘Whenever the Prophet of Allah briefed one of his army commanders, he reminded him to fear Allah in his actions, and to treat well those believers who are with him. Then the Prophet would tell him to fight in the name of Allah those who turn away from him. Fight and do not exceed your limits, do not transgress and do not kill a child’
This commitment was taken further by all the subsequent khalifahs and amirs; always entrusting the leaders of their armies with it on their conquests. Abu Bakr (RA) commanded Usama (RA) with it when he said:
‘Do not deceive, do not dishonour a treaty, do not mutilate the dead; nor should you kill a child, an old man or a woman. Do not destroy palm trees nor burn them, neither are you to cut a fruitful tree, do not kill a lamb, a cow or a camel except for purposes of food. You will come across a people who have devoted themselves to the monasteries; leave them, and what they do.’
Have you seen, anywhere, hearts more tender than these ?
If there is a pact, a treaty or a covenant then Islam is strict in commanding that it should be honoured, kept and conformed to in the strictest sense, and warns those who disrespect such treaties in the strongest possible terms. Many verses and ahadith are very clear in this regards:
‘And fulfil the covenant of Allah you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety. Verily! Allah knows what you do. And be not like her who undoes the thread which she spun after it has become strong, by taking your oaths a means of deception among yourselves, lest one party be more numerous than another. Allah only tests you by this. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will certainly make clear to you that wherein you used to differ.’
(Surat-an-Nahl (16), ayahs 91-92)
‘Except those of the polytheists with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed you in ought, nor have supported any one against you. So fulfil their treaty to them to the end of their term. Surely Allah loves the pious.’
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 4)
‘And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily! the covenant, will be questioned about.’
(Surah Al-Israa’ (17), ayah 34)
Also Abu Dawood has narrated that Safwan Ibn Saleem said that many of the sons of the companions of the messenger of Allah said that their fathers said that the messenger (PBUH.) said:
‘Whoever oversteps or does injustice to whom he has a covenant with, or asked him for what which is beyond his powers, unless the latter does it out of generosity and good will, then I will advocate against the transgressor on the day of judgement.’
The people of Samarqand said to their governor: ‘Qutaiba has dishonoured his oath with us, betrayed and wronged us and taken away our country; but Allah has now spread justice and equity, so give us permission to send a convoy from amongst ourselves to the Khalifah (Umar Ibn Abdul-Aziz (RA)) to complain to him about the tyranny that has besieged us and to take back our dues.’ He granted them permission, and so they went to Umar. When Umar heard their complaints, he wrote to Sulaiman saying: "The people of Samarqand have complained to me about their unfortunate treatment, and the campaign of Qutaibah against them. If you receive this letter of mine call a judge to look into their case; if he shall rule in their favour then give them back their country, just as they were before. Sulaiman appointed Jamee’ Ibn Haadr (RA) as the judge who would consider their case. The Judge ruled that the people of Samarqand return to their land to either reach a peaceful conclusion with him (Qutaibah), or if he refuses this solution to resort to the use of violence to drive him out after warning him in advance. The people said: ‘We will agree to our previous agreements and we do not want to enter into war.’ They said that they have mixed and lived with (the Muslims) who gave them security. ‘Moreover, if we resort to war we know not for whom will be victory, for, if victory does not side with us we would have created more hosility following the conflict.’ So they left things as they were and were contented with a peaceful solution and did not fight. This is the highest limit of justice and the honouring of covenants.
We should not like to continue talking about the position of Islam regarding war without first dedicating a few words to the issue of "Tribute", so that we can clarify its meaning, outline the purposes behind it, understand the wisdom behind it and how it is indeed among the virtues of mercy and justice. We say this: Tribute is a tax collected from persons and not the land. The word is Arabic - extracted from Al-jaza (reward) because it is paid as a form of reward for the protection given, or for the exemption granted for the tax of blood and national service. Some people have argued that, in fact, the word has it’s origin and root in the Persian word (Kazeet) which means the tax that is used to finance war; and it is said that Kisra (a Persian king) was the first to impose this tax. In this sense they argue that this particular system of taxation was adopted from the Persians and was not invented by Islam.
Islam has decreed the tax of Tribute on the non-Muslims of conquered lands as a reimbursement for the guardianship and protection of their selves and land, and at the same time for exempting them from serving in the army. It is a monetary exchange for their blood-tax. As well as being a means by which Islam and other religions and systems have alleviated some of the burdens from those who pay it by not requiring them to fight with the Muslims, regarding the religious nature of military actions and the definition of ‘national interest’. However, if the inhabitants of a country that falls under the rule of Islam do join the Muslim army or undertake the burden of defence by themselves then the tax is dropped. Indeed, many of the regions that were conquered by the Khalifahs of Islam were exempted from paying the tax of tribute for this reason. Letters and treaties written by commanders of Islamic armies are recorded in many books of history today. Among them is:
1) Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed’s (RA) letter to Salouba Ibn Nastouna when he entered the Euphrates. This is the actual text of the letter:
‘This is a letter from Khalid the son of Waleed to Salouba the son of Nastuona, and his people:
I have promised you my protection in return for your payment of Jizyah. It is upon you to pay Tribute and upon me to protect you ( if you do not pay Tribute I will not protect you)." Written in the twelfth year (after Hijrah), in the month of Safar.’
2) In Homs, the governors returned the tax of Tribute back to its people following an order by Abu Obaid (RA). They were commanded to give back the money when they deserted it (Homs) to rejoin the Muslim army who were preparing to fight the Romans. They (the governors) said to the people of Homs:
‘We are returning back your dues because news has reached us that a huge army is preparing to fight us. You made it a condition that we protect you in return for your payment of the tax and since we are not able to meet this condition we forfeit the jizyah. But if Allah grants us victory, then we will fulfil the convenants between you and us.’
The people of Homs replied:
"May Allah return you to us, and give you victory over them, for if it was them they would have returned nothing that they may have taken and kept everything to themselves, your loyalty and justice is by far the more beloved to us than the tyranny and transgression that we were in."
Abu Obaida (RA) did exactly the same with Damascus when he was preparing for the battle of Yarmouk.
3) The treaty between Soweed Ibn Moqrin, one of Umar’s army leaders to Rasban, and the people of Dahistan, and all the inhabitants of Jarjan-it reads as follows:
‘This is Soweed Ibn Muqrin’s letter to Zarban Soul the son of Zarban and the people of Dahistan and the rest of people of Jarjan, that for you is security, and upon us is your protection in return for your payment of Tribute, each according to his ability. And that whosoever’s assistance we require will be exempted from the tax in exchange for his efforts, and that your souls, belongings and laws will be protected and none of them will be changed.’
to this bore witness Sawad Ibn Qutba, Hind Ibn Umar, Sammak Ibn Mukhramah and Utbah ibn An-Nahaas, and it was written in the eighteenth year after Hijrah (At-Tabari).
4) The letter of Utbah Ibn-Farqad, one of Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab’s governors:
‘This is what Utbah Ibn Fareed the agent of Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab has given the people of Azerbijan - its plains, mountains, borders, routes and the people of its religions, that their souls, possessions, religions and laws will be protected in return for the tax of Tribute, each according to his ability. But who ever among them is recruited to the army for a year, he will be exempted for that year, and whoever stays longer, he will be exempted for the length of his service.’ (At-Tabari).
5) The treaty that was made between Suraaqah, the son of Umar, governor of Shahr Baraz. Suraaqah wrote to Umar relating to him the details of his letter to Suraaqah. Umar praised him and rewarded him for what he had done. This is the content of that letter:
‘This is what Suraaqah Ibn Umar, the agent of the Khalifah of the believers has granted Shahr Baraaz and the inhabitants of Armenia in terms of security: He has granted them security on themselves, their moneys and religion that they shall not be harmed and that the covenant with them will not be dishonoured’
6- Finally, according to Al-Balathari who said that scholars from Intakiah said that the Jarajams (a people from a city on the mountain of Likam at the Ma’dan of Zaj which is between Bayaas and Bouqa called Iajoumah) were loyal to the Romans, and when Abu Ubaidah came to Intakiah and conquered it. They stayed in their city. During the fight between the Muslims and the people of Intakiah who did not fulfil their covenant these Iajoumi refused to fight Muslims. After the victory they accepted Islamic Authority and made alliance with Muslims. They never paid any Jizyah. (The women, elderly and children did not pay Jizya.)
The Emphasis on Continuous Preparation and Utmost Bravery if Fighting Became Necessary
When indeed it becomes necessary that war be declared for any of the humane reasons we mentioned earlier, then Islam is keen to remind us that fighting in the path of Allah is an obligation on every Muslim:
‘Fighting is ordained for you though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 216)
In this sentence fighting is one of the best virtues with which to gain the pleasure of Allah, the High and the Blessed, and death in His cause will realise glory in this life and in the hereafter. From this obligation no one is exempt except for those who are incapable of fighting, but they must equip others or guard their families when they are away, if they are able to do so:
‘Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their property; for the price that theirs shall be paradise. They fought in Allah’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.’
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 111)
The Ahaadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are numerous. He (the Prophet) himself participated in more than fifteen battles in which he was a shining example of bravery, courage and boldness, to the extent that the Ali (may Allah honour him) said: "Whenever the heat of battle intensified we used to shield ourselves with the Prophet so that he becomes the closest among us to the enemy." And likewise were his companions. No one will see in commandments and morals, relating to fighting, such as these except the most noble of human virtues and generosity with the self-the utmost of munificence; and truth is most beautiful if it is supported by strength, and strength is finest when used for the truth in fairness.
Was the Call of Islam Spread by the Sword?
The enemies of Islam have, throughout history, accused Islam with this allegation. Indeed Islam has never forced people to believe in it, nor placed swords on their necks to push them to bear witness to what it has born witness to, or submit to its doctrine, in any way. This assertion is very much mistaken for a variety of reasons:
1) It is wrong because history tells us that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH.) lived in Makkah thirteen years calling people to the religion of Islam under much persecution by its occupants at the time. He faced hostility and torture even from his own family and the nearest people to him, nevertheless he persevered and endured the pain of isolation and marginalisation. He used to walk past his companions being tortured saying no more than: "Patience O people for your destination is Paradise." Nevertheless, many of those early believers kept their will and faith. The Ansar, the people of Madeenah, also accepted him as the messenger of Allah following a brief encounter with him during the Hajj season after which a convoy came to offer him their oath of allegiance finally leading to the covenant of Al-Aqabah- the covenant which ultimately lead to the great emigration of the Prophet. In all of this the Prophet did not meet his enemies with the sword, but he used to persevere and be patient with good manners and modesty, saying: "O Lord! Forgive my people for they Know not." The permission to fight was not received from Allah by revelation until the second year after Hijrah, after the enemies of Islam had increased in number and had begun to provoke him and plot against him. Allah sent these verses in which one finds the most magnificent examples of the nobility of purpose, and of the reasons for war:
‘Permission to fight is given to those who (i.e. believers against disbelievers), who are being fought because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory - those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "Our Lord is Allah" - For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His Cause. Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for the establishment of prayer, to pay charity, and they enjoin goodness and forbid evil. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters.’
(Surat-al-Hajj (22), ayahs 39-41)
History tells us that the companions of the messenger of Allah entered the lands with their good conduct and honest dealings before they conquered them with their swords, armaments and numbers. For, it is inconceivable that a small number of Arabs could subvert the throne of Kisra (Persia), flatten the kingdom of Rome and inherit the world after these huge civilisations, in the short while that they did. It is unimaginable that eight thousand soldiers could conquer a vast region the size of Egypt, and spread their religion, culture and belief with force and imposition. It is through kind discourse and beautiful treatment that they were able to achieve what they had achieved. From this it can been seen why peoples used to crave for the return of the Muslims after they had left, so how can it be said that Islam was founded on the sword or spread by it.
2) It is also refuted by the verses in the Holy Qur’an that affirm freedom of conviction by saying in all clarity and honesty:
‘There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in the tyranny and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.’
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 256)
He Also says:
‘And say: "the truth is from your Lord.", then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills let him disbelieve.’
(Surat-al-Kahf (18), ayah 29)
Allah also says:
And if anyone of the disbelievers seeks your protection, so that they hear the Word of Allah, then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not.’
(Surat-at-Tauba(9), ayah 6)
These verses bind the believers such that if anyone among the disbelievers asks them for clarification they must explain the message and simplify the objectives of Islam to him, then protect him till he reaches his place of security, and leave him to reach a decision through personal conviction and not through fear and compulsion.
3) It is false because the pillars of Islam and what was practised in accordance with them refutes it in the strongest possible terms. For the basis of belief in Islam is rationality, contemplation and deep conviction:
‘The Bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but only say, ‘We have surrendered (to Islam),’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts’
(Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 14)
And the cause of responsibility in Islam is that the message is heard in such a way that it deserves consideration, hence refusing it would mean the denial of the well contemplated message of Allah. And that imitation is not a good grounds for Imaan (faith), let alone compulsion. Some contemporary scholars have said in this regards:
‘Verily, everyone who imitates on matters of belief
His faith is not without hesitation.’
Also, in Islam, the words of the one under pressure or threat are rejected and he will not be accountable for his actions. Thus, the religion which considers the sound mind and freedom of choice as the bedrock of belief and responsibility can not be said to have been established or expanded by the sword; even though it has permitted fighting for the purposes mentioned earlier. The sign of true belief is confidence in it:
‘Those who believe, and whose hearts rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts not find rest? Those who believe and work righteousness, all kinds of happiness is for them and a beautiful place of final return.’
(Al-Ra’d (13), ayahs 28-29).
Is Islam Unique in Calling for the Use of the Sword in the Protection of the Truth?
Islam is not alone in resorting to war and fighting as a means for safeguarding the truth. In fact, all past and present laws came with a similar principle.
The Books of the Old Testament which are referred to by the Jews today are filled with statements on war, struggle, fighting, destruction, devastation, ruin and hostage taking; thus affirming the legality of war but in its most reckless form, for in Deuteronomy, book 20, verses 10 and above: ‘When you come near to a city to fight, call for peace; if it responds to your call for peace and opens its doors in front of you then all its people will be under your command and all will be your slaves. If it does not heed to your demands for peace then besiege it, and if your Lord God pushes it to you then strike all its males with the edge of your sword. As for the women, children, and beast and all that is in the city, they are all a booty for you. And eat the booty, of your enemy, which your Lord has given you. Such should you do to all those cities that are very far from you and those cities that are not the cities of those nations. As for the cities of those peoples which your Lord God gives unto you do not leave a soul in it-the Hannites, the Amorite, the Ankanites, Fayarazites, Yousite, like your Lord has ordered you.’
In Gospel Matthew in the tenth book, verses 25 and onwards: ‘Think not that I have come to spread peace in the land, but the sword. For, I have come to separate a man from his son, and the son from his father and the daughter-in-law from her mother-in-law... and the animosity of the person with his household, whoever loves a son or a daughter more than I will not deserve me, and whosoever does not take his cross and follow me also does not deserve me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find me.’
Modern international law has also admitted to certain circumstances under which war becomes legal and laid down laws and regulations for it.
The Islamic rules regarding this issue are finer, more detailed, more merciful, and more just than all this and even lead to peace:
‘Indeed , there has come to you from Allah a light and a plain Book. Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way.’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5), ayah 16)
Positive Steps by Islam, and What it Has Laid Down in Terms of Guarantees for the Establishment of Peace
After all that we have mentioned, it is very easy to say that Islam was the most comprehensive legislative system that had taken steps in the path of establishing peace. Islam drew for stability the most genuine guarantees, if adopted by the countries of the world, and followed by the rulers, leaders and politicians the world would then rest and save the agonies of war. Among these regulations and guarantees:
1- The sanctity of the meanings of brotherhood and the overcoming of the spirit of racism and rigidity; on this, much has been said in the last section.
2- The training of the souls on the spirit of forgiveness. At the beginning of this section the position of Islam regarding this point was presented; virtues like the absolute necessity for trustworthiness, and the prohibition of subversion and the dishonouring of treaties and agreements.
3- The restriction of the idea of war into the smallest possible boundaries, forbidding transgression in all its manifestations, and the dominance of the principles of justice, compassion, and the respect of law and order even at the time of war itself. In this respect Islam has the high ground. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
‘O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-acquainted with what you do.’
(Al-Maa’idah (5), ayah 8)
4- Arms control, and again Islam has superseded all contemporary measures in this regard when the All-Mighty said:
‘And if two parties of the believers fall into fighting , then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against that which rebels till it complies with the command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable.’
(Surat-al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 9)
The Prophet (PBUH.) spoke about the treaty of Fudool, that regulated the military actions before Islam, in the kindest of terms (this was a treaty conducted before Islam) when he said:
‘I witnessed, in the home of Abdullah Ibn Jadaan, a treaty that is more beloved to me than red camels.’
Then he said:
‘And if I was invited to it during Islam, I would have agreed.’
Where do the leaders of this age stand in realisation of these steps?
What is the position of the leaders, politicians, scholars, lawyers and philosophers of this age in relation to these measures. And what have they done to restore peace on earth after the world has, in less than a quarter of century, witnessed two devastating world wars that have destroyed the green and the dry? After the first of which the ‘League of Nations’ was established to install peace but, it was destined to die before it was born due to its inability to solve even one case of disagreement between the nations that joined it and signed its treaties; it was only a moment of time before these countries and nations started preparing for war yet again to fulfil their political and imperialistic desires. It was said that the reason for its failure was the lack of a military sanction for the wrong-doer.
Subsequent to the last war the ‘United Nations’ was founded and the Security Council was established. However differences and disagreements are still intensifying and gaining momentum. Neither the U.N. nor the security council, till now, have been able to resolve one dispute or untangle a disagreement. I fear, that nothing will remain except a Third World War.
So why does the bewildered humanity not return to its creator and learn the lessons of peace, intellectually, theoretically and practically from Islam? ‘Say praise be to Allah and peace be upon His chosen servants. Is God not far more supreme than that with which they associate ?’.
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