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The Military Aspect of Islam
In principle, Islam considers peace and reconciliation the basis of relations with other nations, considering that the word "Islam" means "peace". Islam, however, prescribes and considers war lawful, after exhausting all ways of peace promotion, only in three cases, namely:
1. Self-defense, i.e.: defense of one's body, family and country. The Qur'an says, which meaning of is translated as: �And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.� (The Qur'an, Al-Baqarah, 2:190).
Other types of wars, such as expansionist wars leading to destruction, or wars for pompous show of power, are prohibited by Islam because fighting is permitted only for raising high the word of Allah, not for personal desires. The Qur'an says, which meaning of is translated as: �Be not as those who came forth from their dwellings boastfully and to be seen of men.� (The Qur'an, Al-Anfal, 8:47). The Holy Prophet peace and pleassings of allah be upon him, stated which meaning of is translated as: �One who fights to uphold the message of Allah, is the person who carries on jihad (fighting) in the cause of Allah.� (Bukhari & Muslim). While Islam permits fighting in cases of necessity or emergency, it has prescribed rules and standards that control it. No enemy should be killed unless he has participated in or helped with the fight. As for old people, women, children, patients, those taking care of the sick and the wounded and devoted worshippers, they must not be killed. The wounded should not be killed, the dead should not be mutilated, their animals should not be slaughtered, their houses should not be demolished, their waters and wells should not be contaminated, and those who flee from battle should not be chased, because all this is part of corruption. The Qur'an says, which meaning of is translated as: ��and seek not corruption in the earth, Lo! Allah loves not corruptors.� (The Qur'an, Al-Qasas, 28:77). And Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him, said: �Fight in the name of Allah, and in the cause of Allah, those who disbelieve in Allah. Fight, but never betray, mutilate, or kill a newborn.� (Muslim). Abu Bakr, the first Caliph after the blessed Prophet used to advise commanders of the Muslim troops when he sent them for battle as follows: �Listen to this ten tips and learn them by heart: Don't betray, defraud (by stealing from the war booty), break your promise, mutilate, kill a little child, kill an old man or a woman, injure or burn palm trees, cut down a fruitful tree, slaughter a sheep or a cow or a camel except for eating. You will come across people who secluded themselves in hermitages, so leave them alone.� (Tabari, Vol.3). In addition, war should be declared prior to starting the fight, so as to avoid deceit, betrayal and perfidy. As for prisoners of war, Islam does not allow them to be tortured, scared humiliated, mutilated or starved to death. The Qur'an says which meaning of is translated as: �And feed with food, despite their love and desire for it, the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, (saying): we feed you for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you.� (The Qur'an, Ad-Dahr, 76:8-9). The Muslim State after that may either set them free without ransom, or with ransom (a sum of money) or freedom of Muslim prisoners of war. Allah said which meaning of is translated as: �Now when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting on the necks until, when you have routed them, then making fast of bonds: and afterwards either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens.� (The Qur'an, Muhammad, 47:4). As for non-Muslims who are defeated in war and are living under Muslim protection, Muslims are required to keep their honor intact, their wealth and property secure, their houses and property from being demolished or vandalized. They must not be exposed to any acts of vengeance; it is required to improve their conditions, enjoin on them what is good and prohibit them from doing evil things, treat them equally and respect their beliefs. The Glorious Qur'an states in this regard, which meaning of is translated as: �Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, establish prayer and pay the poor due and enjoin kindness and forbid inequity. And Allah's is the sequel of events.� (The Qur'an, Al-Hajj, 22:41). A good example is the pledge given by Omar ibn Al-Khattab to the people of Jerusalem when he conquered it, it read as follows: "In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful. This is the pledge of protection given by Allah's Servant, Omar ibn Al-Khattab, Prince of the Faithful, to the people of Jerusalem: To safeguard them, their property, churches, crosses, etc., not to be coerced in matters of their religion, and not to cause damage to any of them�" Has history witnessed better than such noble-mindedness, justice and tolerance extended from a conqueror to the conquered? Omar could have dictated whatever he willed on them, but - as always - he preferred justice and adhered to the dictates of divine Law enforcing it on all people equally. A small amount of money is required of them, namely "the tribute" or jizia, to be collected from those who choose to stick to their religion and not to embrace Islam. It is classified into three categories:
2. To save people from injustice and oppression, Allah said which meaning of is translated as: �And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah, and for those weak, ill-treated and oppressed among 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.� (The Qur'an, An-Nisaa, 4:75). �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.� (The Qur'an, Al-Anfal, 8:72).
3. Defense of religion against triflers, and fighting against those who try to stand in the way of conveying the divine message and law of Islam, because Islam is a world call which is not limited to certain people. Every human being must have the chance to hear and be acquainted with Islam and its principles of good, justice, fraternity, love and equality, after which he can decide whether or not to embrace this religion. The Qur'an says, which meaning of is translated as: �And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism) and the religion will all be for Allah alone.� (The Qur'an, Al-Anfal, 8:39). If the enemy stop fighting and offer peace, war must be stopped, it is forbidden to carry on fighting against them, allah said which meaning of is translated as: �So if they withdraw from you and fight not against you and offer you peace, then Allah has opened no way for you against them.� (The Qur'an, An-Nisaa, 4:90).This tribute is generally paid for protection, care, and safeguarding them, their honor and wealth, and enjoying all rights enjoyed by Muslim conquerors. Khalid ibn Al-Waleed, in one of his covenants stated: "I have covenanted with you for both tribute and protection: If we protect you we will receive the tribute; otherwise we will take nothing until we protect you."[7]
- A sum of money taken from the rich, amounting to 48 dirhams[6] a year.
- A sum taken from middle class people, such as traders and farmers, amounting to 24 dirhams a year.
- A sum taken from workmen and craftsmen (who find jobs), amounting to 12 dirhams a year.
This tax is not incumbent on all non-Muslim subjects. Poor and young people, women, worshippers, blind and disabled people are all exempted from the tax. Besides, the Muslim State is responsible for taking care of these people and providing them with their expenses from the Treasury. In a pledge given by the Muslim Leader Khalid ibn Al-Waleed to people of Al-Hirah[8], it was sated: "Whatever old man who is unable to work or stricken with illness, or he becomes poor after affluence so that the followers of his religion give charity to him, he shall be relieved of the tribute and supported along with his family from the Treasury." (Abu Yousuf: Al-Kharaj "i.e.: Land Tax"). Once Omar ibn Al-khattab passed by an old Jew begging, when he asked about him and knew he used to pay the poll-tax he said to him: "It's unfair to take the tax from you while young and then neglect you at old age." Then he took him to his own house and gave him food and clothes. Later he instructed the Treasurer to look for such poor people and give them sufficient provisions for them and their families from the Treasury, for Allah says: "The alms (of Zakat) are only for the poor and the needy. The poor are the Muslims and the needy are the people of the Scriptures." (ibid). The German woman researcher, Lise Lictenstadter, stated that, "In Persian and Roman territories, choice was given to people. Not between the sword and Islam, but between Islam and the poll-tax or tribute (taken only from well-to-do people for their protection), the plan that was worthy of praise; it was adopted later in England during the rule of Queen Elizabeth." (Islam in the Modern Age, p.67). Non-Muslims in Muslim territories must be protected from oppression and injustice. Their rights must be respected and they should receive fair treatment. The Qur'an says, which meaning of is translated as: �Allah does not forbid you to deal justly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.� (The Qur'an, Al-Mumtahana, 60:8). The Gracious Prophet peace and pleassings of allah be upon him, said which meaning of is translated as: �If a person wrongs, belittles, overburdens or rips off a free non-Muslim under Muslim rule by force, I shall be his opponent on the Day of Judgement.� (Abu Dawood).[6] A dirham is a silver coin that weighs 2.979 grams.
[7] Al-Balazari History.
[8] The capital city of the Arab Lakhmi Kings. It was located between Najaf and Kufa in Iraq.