Essential Needs

            We should realize that Islam came to complete the previous Divine religions and faith on earth. In fact, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him); Muhammad bin Abdallah, completed the missions of the previous prophets. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says:� My example, and the example of the Prophets, who preceded me, is like that of a person who built a beautiful house. The house was perfect, magnificent and great except for a place of a single brick (in one corner). People, who visited (or saw) that house admired it but always wondered, Why did not the owner complete that missing single brick?' I am that (missing) brick. I am the final Prophet (for mankind on the earth)�[23].

            Islam diligently acts to provide the basic needs of man on earth like the previous Divine religions. Islam works hard to secure the following items for its society members.

Preserve the Divine Religion

            Let's read together the following verse of the Glorious Qur'�n from Sura Baqara [The Cow] 2:190 the meaning of which is translated as:� Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors�.

            Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) made Jihad, struggle for His cause a rewardable act that Muslims believe in and practice. In fact, Jihad is looked upon as the "hump" of the camel, the highest most important tip on the body of the camel, and it should be so for a Muslim. Struggle for the sole cause of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) must be cherished by the sincere Believing Muslims in this life. It should be treated very awesomely and taken very seriously with a matured understanding for its objectives. Jihad is not an innovation in Islam. In fact, Jihad is an acceptable, well-established, and known practice in the previous Faiths and nations as well. Jihad was established earlier, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) knows best, because of the fact that mentalities of people are conflictual all over the earth. Moreover, good and evil always co-exist in societies all over the world throughout the history. Therefore, Jihad was founded and defined in order to stop tyranny and remove tyrant rulers who deviate from Allah's Path and code of life that He laid down for man to follow. Jihad is laid down also, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) knows best, in order to stop and ban people from worshipping other people and false deities and introduces them to the reality of the worship of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) alone, Who has no son, partners or associates. Jihad is also laid down for man on earth to remove all injustices done and committed by man and introduce man to the mercy, justice and full peace and tranquility of Islam as a way of life. Moreover, Jihad is laid down, in principle, to protect the Call to Islam and help spreading it all over the world. It is for the interest of man on earth and not for the interest of Arabs or Muslims as Islam has no geographic borders. The final word underlying Jihad is for the people to either accept or reject Islam as a way of life. Islam has an international message for the entire humanity. Islam has the most comprehensive code of morals and ethics for every walk of life. Islam laid down the principles of justice, fairness, equality, freedom, prosperity, success and truthfulness for man on earth. Jihad is laid down, on the other hand, not to force people against their own will to join Islam, but rather it is a tool and mechanism to help spread the religion of monotheism, justice and equality to the entire world. After the various peoples receive the message, it is up to them to accept Islam as a way of life, or choose otherwise. In any event, the essential purpose of Jihad is to carry the Message of Islam to people and introduce it to them. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Baqarah [The Cow] 2:256 the meaning of which is translated as:� Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And, Allah hears and knows all things�.

            The directive principle cementing intra-relationships between government and people is based on peace. Yet, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) laid down the foundations of Jihad in Islam for special reasons and purposes. There is a main difference between the term "Jihad" and "War". Jihad, as interpreted and understood in Islam, is not a "Holy War" as described in the Western media, but rather it is an honorable "Fight" against the enemies of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) who reject His Word and faith in Him and His religion of Islam. "War" on the other hand, is a drive for personal interests and ownership of lands, natural resources, and political or economic reasons. Islam ordered for Jihad in the three situations as follows:

1. Defense of Life, Property and National Boundaries
   This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Baqarah [The Cow] 2:190 the meaning of which is translated as:� Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors�.
   
   
2. Removing oppression and preserving the just rights of the oppressed people
   This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Nisa [The Women] 4:75 the meaning of which is translated as:� And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated people (and oppressed)? 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!�.
   
   
3. Defense of Faith and Religion
   A fighter must purify his intention to please Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) alone and with sound understanding that he is not participating in this Jihad for any unfair reasons. The fighters must realize that they are taking part in such a Jihad in order to spread the Word of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Anfal [War Booties] 8:39 the meaning of which is translated as:� And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah does see all that they do�.

            Moreover, if the enemies of Islam cease their fire and resort to stop the war accepting to make peace with the Islamic Jihad government, the Muslim fighters must, as well, cease their fires and stop all Jihad activities. In fact, it becomes unlawful for Muslims to continue to fight in Jihad against the troops of the other side if the confronted party cease their fire and ask for peace. This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Nisa [The Women] 4:90 the meaning of which is translated as:� Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has left no way for you (to war against them)�.

            Furthermore, all other types of wars that aims at land expansion, colonial interests and revenge wars that result with a wide, or full destruction, are totally prohibited according to Islam. Yet, although Islam permitted fighting against enemies for necessary reasons, but it has laid articulate rules of conduct in waging wars against enemies of Islam. Islam does not allow fighters to kill haphazardly any body. Islam permits to kill only fighting staff and supporting forces, on the other side. Islam does not permit, accept or condone to kill elderly people, children, women, sick people, medically under treatment and medical staff worriers and monks who have secluded themselves for worship of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) in their own ways and principles. Islam prohibits killing a wounded man in a battle. Islam also forbids mutilating the bodies and organs of the deceased enemy fighters. Islam also forbids to kill the cattle or any type of animals of the enemies, destroy the houses of the people, pollute the potable waters, rivers, lakes, springs and wells of water of the fighting enemies. Islam prohibits killing a wounded fighter of the enemies in the battlefield. Islam prohibits chasing people who flee the battlefield. This concept is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Qasas [The Stories] 28:77 the meaning of which is translated as:� But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this World: but do you good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief�.

            It is also based on the statement of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):� Invade (in fight for the) Cause of Allah and in His Name against those who declare their unbelief in Allah. Invade (fight) but do not breach your contracts or truces, do not mutilate and do not kill a newly born baby� [24].

            This is also in compliance to the directions and the recommendation of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to his military leaders upon commissioning them for Jihad. He (may Allah be pleased with him) said.

            Listen and obey the following ten commands and instructions: Do not betray any one (if you give a pledge). Do not ever steal from the war booties. Do not breach your pledge of allegiance. Do not mutilate the body of the killed enemy fighters or deceased. Do not kill a child or a minor. Do not kill an elderly man or woman. Do not kill a woman. Do not pull out a date palm tree (or any other trees) and do not burn it either. Do not cut or destroy a fruit tree. Do not slaughter a female sheep, a cow or a camel except for your (required) food. You surely will pass by some people who isolate themselves and are secluded for worship of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) as monks and else, thus leave them alone and do not disturb them ever. You will, surely, stop at some people on the road, who will bring forth for you all types of food dishes. Whenever you eat their food utter the name of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) each time you eat. You will, surely, pass by a group of people who shaved the hair in the center of their heads, and left the surrounding hair long braids. Go ahead, kill these people as they are the fighters and worriers who carry their swords against you, of the enemies. Go ahead, with the name of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala).

            Similarly, the POW, prisoners of war, in an Islamic Jihad are not to be tortured, humiliated, mutilated or imprisoned in tight prison cells without food and drink until death. This is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Insan-Dahr [The Human Being] 76:8 the meaning of which is translated as:� And, they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive. 9- (Saying), We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, or thanks�.

            The Islamic government has the right either to set free such POW as a result of Islamic Jihad, with no ransom at all, or else, set them free for a ransom or exchange them for Muslim POW with their enemies. This is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Muhammad 47:4 the meaning of which is translated as:� Therefore, when you meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; at length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are you commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost�.

            As for the conquered people, the non-Muslim residents of an Islamic state, their family, possessions and estate must be protected. No one has a right to seize the possession or the wealth of the non-Muslim residents. No one has the right to humiliate them or encroach up their honor. No one has the right to attack them for a revenge of any sort. On the contrary, non-Muslim residents in an Islamic state must be well treated, justly dealt with and equally respected. The belief and religious practices of the non-Muslim residents in an Islamic state must as well be respected. All this is based on the verse of the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Hajj [Pilgrimage] 22:41 the meaning of which is translated as:� (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs�.

            The non-Muslim residents of an Islamic state are, however, required to pay a minimal tax called "head-tax" or Jizyah. Head-tax is collected from individuals who do not want to join Islam and desire to keep in their religion while living in an Islamic state and under Islamic rule. This head-tax has three types as follows:

• The head-tax of the rich and wealthy class: Its total amount is an equivalent to the sum of (48) forty-eight Dirhams[25] a year.
  
• The head-tax of the middle or average class, such as merchants, traders and farmer: Its total amount is an equivalent to the sum of (24) twenty-four Dirhams a year.
  
• The head-tax of the working class, such as bakers, carpenters, plumbers and the like: Its total amount is an equivalent to the sum of (12) twelve Dirhams a year.
  

            The head-tax is collected in return to the protection and the life guarantee of the non-Muslim residents of an Islamic State as well as the protection of this wealth, estate, possessions and the like. Furthermore, such people will enjoy all the rights, which Muslim conquerors will enjoy. This is declared by a Muslim leader and worrier, General Khalid bin al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) who once pledged his allegiance to the non-Muslim residents of an Islamic state and said, 'I offer you my pledge of allegiance to fully protect you against the head-tax collected from you. If we provide the necessary protection, we are entitled for the head-tax. Otherwise, you are not required to pay it'[26].

            Meanwhile, the head-tax is not applicable to every person who is non-Muslim resident of an Islamic state. For instance, the poor, the minor, the women, the monks, the blind people, the disabled individuals or the handicapped, all of these categories of people are not required to pay head-tax to the Islamic state. Moreover, Islam made it obligatory to the Islamic government to provide the full protection to these categories of people and offer them suitable living allowances. In fact, the pledge of allegiance given by General Khalid bin al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) to the non-Muslim residents of the town called Heerah in Iraq, under the Islamic rule, stated the following, 'Any elderly person, disabled worker, terminally ill person or a rich person who went bankrupt and based on that, deserve charity from the fellow religious people, all of these categories of people are not required to pay head-tax. Furthermore, all these categories will become entitled for suitable allowances from the Islamic Treasury for himself and his supported family members'[27].

            Furthermore, the second Caliph, Omar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), once passed by a an old Jew who was begging from people. Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked about this man and was informed that the man was a non-Muslim resident of the Islamic state. Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) immediately said, 'We have not been fair to you! We've collected head-tax from you while you were young and capable and neglected you at your old age!' Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) took the old Jew to his own home and offered him whatever he found of foodstuff and clothes. Later, Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) called the Treasury and instructed him saying, 'Follow up, monitor and observe the situations of similar people. Offer them sufficient assistance that suffices them and their family members from the Islamic Treasury. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) stated in the Glorious Qur'�n Sura Tawbah [The Repentance] 9:60 the meaning of which is translated as:� Alms are for the poor and the needy�. The poor are the Muslims and the needy are the non-Muslim residents of an Islamic state'[28].

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[23] Sahih Bukahri Hadith No.3341 and Tirmithee, Hadith No.2862.
[24] Sahih Muslim, Hadith No.1731.
[25] A Dirham is an old Islamic coin equivalent in value to 2.28 grams of silver. The name "Dirham", however is still in use in some Islamic and Arab world countries, but it does not mean or have the same value of the old coin.
[26] Balathuree, The History.
[27] Abu Yousuf, al-Kharaj, p.144.
[28] Ibid, p.126.