The True Jihad
Peace in the Quran
~ 35 ~
Targeting non-
combatants
even in
defensive war
is unlawful.
The Hadith also states that ‘the ruler is a shield,
fighting is done under him, and security is attained
through him.’
This clearly shows that the decision to do battle and
its planning are the tasks of an established
government. The common man can play his role as
need be under government orders, and not
independently.
This Islamic principle shows that there is no room
for non-state warfare, which is what we generally
call guerilla war. A guerilla war is
fought
by
individual
organizations, not by the State. As
far as the state is concerned, if it
wants to wage a defensive war
against any country it has first—
in obedience to the Quran—to
issue a proper declaration. Only
then can it wage a lawful war (8:58). In Islam, there
is only ‘declared’ war. Therefore, in accordance
with this principle, no proxy war in Islam can be
lawful.
