• Islamic Teachings On The Conflict
  • Non-Aggression
  • Civilians trapped in Conflict
  • Prisoners of War
  • Balancing Harm and Benefit

Islamic Teachings On The Conflict

Non-Aggression

Islam provides clear ethical guidelines governing the conduct of Muslims in conflict. It is rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, emphasising the protection of civilians, the sanctity of life, and the pursuit of peace. The Quran states:

Fight in the way of God those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, God does not like transgressors (Quran 2:190).

This verse is pivotal, it emphasises that conflict is only justifiable as a response to direct aggression and must always be proportional and restrained.

Civilians trapped in Conflict

Islam provides strict guidelines in the treatment of civilians in battle. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

Do not kill any old person, any child, or any woman (Sunan Abu Dawud 2614)

This statement highlights the strict boundaries set for combatants, underscoring the impermissibility of targeting non-combatants and civilians. This principle of non-aggression extends to the Prophet’s ﷺ forbearance and mercy even in the face of hostility, exemplified in his forgiveness of the people of Mecca (who had waged war against to kill him and his followers) following its capture.

In a famous decree, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, the first Caliph (successor to the Prophet ﷺ), told his military commander:

Stop, O people, that I may give you ten rules for guidance on the battlefield. Do not commit treachery or deviate from the right path. You must not mutilate dead bodies; do not kill a woman, a child, or an aged man; do not cut down fruitful trees; do not destroy inhabited areas; do not slaughter any of the enemies’ sheep, cow or camel except for food; do not burn date palms, nor inundate them; do not embezzle (e.g. no misappropriation of booty or spoils of war) nor be guilty of cowardliness…You are likely to pass by people who have devoted their lives to monastic services; leave them alone.”

These teachings reveals the importance of establishing a just and ethical approach to conflicts. During times when warfare often meant indiscriminate violence and plunder, these Islamic principles introduced a revolutionary ethical framework. They mandated the protection of civilians, property, and even the environment, starkly contrasting with the behaviour of the Israel and its supporters today. In a world where conflicts often result in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, the Islamic emphasis on restraint and the protection of non-combatants offers a vital perspective.

Prisoners of War

The treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) in Islamic teachings unveils another critical aspect of the Islamic ethical framework in warfare. These teachings underscore respect, dignity, and humane treatment of captives, markedly contrasting with the often harsh realities of prisoners in historical and contemporary conflicts. A compelling directive from the Prophet ﷺ states:

Feed them with the food you eat, clothe them with such clothing as you wear, and do not torture them (Sahih Muslim 1744).

This instruction clearly mandates Muslims to treat captives with the same dignity and respect as they would treat themselves, a principle that significantly elevates the standards of treatment for POWs.

The Quran also addresses the treatment of captives, offering a compassionate approach. It instructs:

And they feed, for the love of God, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive (Quran 76:8).

This verse not only advocates for the kind treatment of POWs but places them in the same category as other vulnerable groups in society, such as orphans and the poor, further emphasizing their right to humane treatment.

These teachings had a profound impact on the conduct of Muslim armies. Instances from Islamic history, such as the treatment of POWs during the early Islamic conquests and the rules laid down by the third successor to the Prophet Muhammad, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, reflect a consistent adherence to these principles. Captives were often given the opportunity to earn their freedom, either through ransom, exchange, or, in some cases, teaching ten Muslims to read and write.

In the modern context, these Islamic principles on POWs offer a stark contrast to the often grim realities of conflict in Palestine. They serve as a reminder to all parties on the importance of maintaining human dignity and ethical conduct, even in the midst of conflict. By advocating for the humane treatment of captives, Islam sets a high moral standard, relevant not only in historical battles but also in contemporary warfare and international relations.

Balancing Harm and Benefit

Islamic ethics address situations where a decision in warfare leads to both a positive outcome and an unavoidable negative consequence. This concept is deeply interwoven in Islamic jurisprudence, emphasizing the necessity to weigh the greater good against the lesser harm in difficult decisions, especially in the context of warfare.

A key example is found in situations where non-combatants might be inadvertently harmed during a military operation aimed at achieving a significant good, such as defending the innocent or repelling aggression. Islamic law mandates that every effort must be made to minimize harm to civilians. However, it also recognises that in certain extreme circumstances, some collateral damage may be unavoidable. In these cases, the decision to proceed with the action must be based on a careful assessment that the anticipated benefit significantly outweighs the potential harm.

This balancing act is not a license for indiscriminate action but rather a call for rigorous ethical deliberation. Islamic teachings require a stringent assessment of both the intention behind the action and the proportionality of the response. The Quranic states:

And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness (Quran 5:8)

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness even in the face of hostility.

The principle of double effect also underscores the need for sincere intentions. Actions in warfare must be driven by the aim to achieve peace and justice, not by personal gain or malice. The famous hadith (sayings of the Prophet ﷺ) “Actions are but by intention” (Sahih Bukhari), emphasizes that the morality of an action in Islam is largely determined by the intention behind it.

In the modern context of warfare, where the lines between combatants and non-combatants can be blurred, and the impact of military actions often extends beyond the battlefield. It provides a framework for evaluating military decisions, stressing the importance of minimizing harm, especially to civilians, and ensuring that any action taken is genuinely aimed at achieving a greater good.