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PERMISSION TO WAGE WAR The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self-defense and for the protection of family and property. "Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors." [The Holy Quran, Al Baqarah (The Cow) 2:190] "And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against transgressors." [The Holy Quran, Al Baqarah (The Cow) 2:193] "Fighting is prescribed upon you, and you dislike it. But it may happen that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. And Allah knows and you know
not." [The Holy Quran, Al Baqarah (The Cow) 2:216] "And what is the matter with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for those weak, ill-treated and oppressed among men, women and children whose only 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 Holy Quran, An-Nisaa' (Women) 4: 75] "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah's witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety and fear Allah. And Allah is well acquainted with all that you do." [The Holy Quran, AL Maidah (The Table Spread) 5:8] "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend themselves), 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'..." [The Holy Quran, Al Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:39-40] Unfortunately,
Muslims have over-emphasised this type of Jihad and even by non-Muslims
resulting in feelings of revulsion and hate against Muslims. "Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error." [ Holy Quran, Al Baqarah (the Cow) 2:256] Islam, is a religion of tolerance and holds the human soul in high esteem. Attack against innocent human beings a grave sin. "....Who so ever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and who so ever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind." [Al- Maidah (The Table Spread) 5:32] "Say: O ye that reject Faith! Although it is permitted for Muslims to go on combative Jihaad, they should remember that Islam prohibits the killing of those who are very old and weak, women and children. It is reported in the Hadeeth: "Do not kill very old men, nor small children or women." [Bukhari]
"Before their mission the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to order the squadron leader in particular, and the whole company in general, to fear Allah. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then used to say to them: "Advance by the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight system who denies Allah, Do not betray (the enemy), do not exceed the bounds, do not mutilate, do not kill the young, nor he who has sought refuge to the peak of the mountain, do not burn the palm trees, nor flood them, do not cut fruit-bearing trees, do not burn the crops, you may even need them, do not kill the animals except those you need to eat."
[Imam Saadiq]
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