Islam and Peace
Non-Violence and Islam
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the political institutions have become corrupt, or
keep changing – to keep Islam firmly established at
the level of the non-political system.
THE COMMAND OF WAR IN ISLAM
It is a fact that certain verses in the Qur’an convey
the command to do battle
(qital)
(22:39). What the
special circumstances are which justify the issuance
of and compliance with this command we learn
from our study of the Qur’an.
1. The first point to be noted is that aggression or
the launching of an offensive by the believers is not
totally forbidden. It is permissible, but with certain
provisos. We are clearly commanded in the Qur’an:
Fight for the sake of God those that fight against
you,
but do not be aggressive.
(2:190)
2. Only defensive war is permitted in Islam. Such a
war is one in which aggression is committed by
some other party so that the believers have to fight
in self-defence. Initiating hostility is not permitted
for Muslims. The Qur’an says: “They were the first
to attack you.” (9:13)
