Ethics of Warfare
5 items across 3 content types
Questions (3)
Is fighting and warfare prescribed only in Islam, or do other religions also permit it?
Fighting for a just cause has been prescribed in virtually all major world religions, not only Islam. The Bible commands killing in multiple passages (Ezekiel 9:5, Exodus 32:27-28). Jesus told his followers to buy swords (Luke 22:36). The Hindu Bhagavad Gita contains 18 chapters centered on Lord Krishna commanding Arjuna to fight and kill his own relatives in battle. The Qur'an commands justice even against one's own self and family.
Does Islam support violence against non-Muslims?
No. The Qur'an explicitly states 'there is no compulsion in religion' (2:256) and permits fighting only in self-defense. Verses about warfare were revealed in specific historical contexts of persecution and self-defense, not as blanket commands.
Why does Islam allow Muslims to kill others in the name of Jihad?
Jihad does not mean 'holy war.' The Arabic word comes from 'jahada,' meaning to strive and struggle — against one's own evil inclinations, to improve society, to fight oppression, and to defend oneself. Fighting in battle (qitaal) is only one category of jihad, and is permitted only in self-defense. Killing any innocent human being is explicitly prohibited in the Qur'an.
Qur'an Verses (1)
وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ
Wa qatilu fi sabilillahi alladhina yuqatilunakum wa la ta'tadu. Innallaha la yuhibbu al-mu'tadin
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
Hadith (1)
وُجِدَتِ امْرَأَةٌ مَقْتُولَةً فِي بَعْضِ مَغَازِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَنَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ قَتْلِ النِّسَاءِ وَالصِّبْيَانِ
Wujidat imra'atun maqtulatun fi ba'di maghazi Rasulillahi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, fa naha Rasulullahi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam 'an qatl al-nisa'i was-sibyan
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar