The True Jihad
Peace in the Quran
~ 36 ~
According to
Islam we can
become martyrs,
but we cannot
court a martyr’s
death
deliberately.
Most Islamic actions are governed by certain
conditions. The waging of war is also thus subject to
certain principles, one being that, even when a
defensive war has been declared by the State, it will
be aimed only at the combatants. Targeting non-
combatants will be unlawful. The Quran enjoins us
not to do battle with those who are not at war. Such
people have to be dealt with kindly and equitably.
But you are free to do battle with those who are
fighting against you. (60:8-9)
If, for instance, a Muslim state is
at war with a particular nation,
and this war is in conformance
with Islamic principles, it
should still not permit any
destructive activities against
non-combatants (civilians), as
was
done
on
September
11, 2001, in New York and
Washington.
Similarly
in
Islamic war, Muslims are not permitted to commit
suicidal bombings in order to destroy the enemy.
Strapping explosives on to oneself and hurling
oneself upon the civilian settlements of even those
