The True Jihad
Non-Violence and Islam
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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, as the Qur’an says: “They were
the first to attack you.” (9:13) i.e. aggression is
committed by some other party so that the believers
have to fight in self-defence. Initiating hostilities is
not permitted for Muslims.
Furthermore, even in the case of the offensive being
launched by an opposing group, the believers are
not supposed to retaliate immediately. Rather in the
beginning all efforts are to be made to avert war,
