Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
6. War and Peace in Islam
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Now the question arises as to why, in the first place, there is
the injunction to wage war in Islam and why the Prophet had to go
to war with his opponents three times. We learn from the Quran
that so far as the matter is confined to mere provocation or an
insignificant loss the way of patience and avoidance must be
adopted. But when the other party initiates the aggression, then at
that time war can be waged in defence. The first principle in this
regard is that which we learn from the Quran:
“So long as they are straight with you, be straight with
them.” (9:7)
This means that so long as your adversary has not initiated
aggression and has not compelled you to wage war, you should live
with him peacefully, never initiating aggression under any
circumstance. The constructive goals of Islam can be achieved only
when there are friendly relations between Muslims and non-
Muslims, that is why this injunction has been given in the Quran.
This shows that fighting in Islam is permitted only when there is
simply no other option. That is why the verse which gives Muslims
permission to fight in self-defence, is given in these words:
Permission to fight is given to those who are attacked,
because they have been wronged. God will certainly
help those who help Him. (22:39)
Similarly, at another place the Quran says:
“Fight in the name of God those who fight you, but do
not go beyond the limits. God does not love the
transgressors.” (2:190).
