THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM-ISLAM-4
The ‘articles of faith’ are orally confessed by the Muslims
(believers), which should be deep rooted in the heart, they are six:
The pillars of faith are the physical manifestation of combination of faith and practices. Islam is based on the five obligatory pillars (principles), which are also the forms of worship (Qur’an;2:21 ,
43:64, 69:52); the first two (Shahada
& Salah) are daily, next two (Zakat & Saum) are annual and
the last (Hajj) is once in life :-
- To affirm his/her belief in Allah (The Creator, Just One God).
- To believe in His Messengers (from Adam, Noah, Abraham to Moses and Jesus Christ (pbuh), 25 are mentioned by name in Qur’an), and Muhammad (pbuh) the Last Messenger for humanity.
- His Books, Quran and all scriptures revealed to His Messengers which also include the original Torah, Psalms (Zabur) and original Gospel (Injeel) to Jesus Christ (pbuh).
- To believe in Al Ghaib [metaphysical, hidden creatures] like the angels, Jinns, etc.
- Resurrection after death on the Day of Judgment, accounting and the scales, hell and paradise.
- Qada & Qadar (Predestination), the good and evil of destiny are in the power of Allah, the Most High.
The pillars of faith are the physical manifestation of combination of faith and practices. Islam is based on the five obligatory pillars (principles), which are also the forms of worship (Qur’an;
The First Pillar: Confession:
The Muslims believe in One God- Allah, the Unique, Single God of the
universe, worshiped by all the Prophets and their followers Adam -- Noah
-- Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob --
Moses -- Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic Creed
of Confession (Shahada) is the verbal
commitment and pledge to testify: “La ilaha Illallah , Muhammad-ur-
Rasul-Allah” [None has the
right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the
Messenger of Allah]. Belief in One God is repeatedly mentioned in Bible at: Deuteronomy;6:4; Isaiah;44:6, 45:21-22, Hosea; 13:4, 1 Timothy,2:5 and in
Qur’an;7:158. The second part of Islamic Confession about the prophethood of
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was also revealed in the Bible: Deuteronomy; 18:18 ,19, Song of Solomon 5:16, John; 16:7, 12-14, 14:16
& 15:26 . This is the basic step
towards the spiritual form of worship repeated in every prayer. The Jewish creed is embodied in a single prayer recited at every prayer
service: "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One", also
translated as "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is unique,
alone."In Hebrew this is pronounced phonetically: “ Shema Yisrael
Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.” (Deuteronomy; 6:4, & Mark 12:29-30 also
Deuteronomy; 5:7-9 and 6:13-15, John;5:30 ).
The ‘Nicene Creed’, which was promulgated at
the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E is widely
used by most of the Christians. This is a Christian statement of faith that is the only
ecumenical creed because it is accepted as authoritative by the Roman
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major
Protestant churches. The Nicene Creed was originally written
in Greek, the modern
English version of the text states: “We
believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all
that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of
God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God
from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him
all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from
heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and
became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered,
died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the
Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the
Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his
kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of
life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he
is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in
one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of
the world to come. Amen.” It is obvious that this creed is far from the
monotheism preached by Prophet Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and other prophets
including Jesus Christ (peace be upon them all).
The Second Pillar: Prayer –Salah :
Muslims are
required to offer prayers (salah) to Allah (Qura’n;6:72) daily five
times. Prayer is the physical, spiritual and social form of worship in
congregation. It is general misconception that the daily prayers are only
practiced in the present day Islam which is the revived faith of Prophet
Abraham (peace be upon him). Prayers (salah) have been part of faith
right from the beginning, Qur’an refers them at: 2:83, 14:37 , 14:40 ,
11:87, 3:39 , 19:31 , 3:113. The Prayer (salah)
of a Muslim is not complete without recitation of The Opening Chapter (Surah
Fateha) of (Qur’an;1:1-7). The Bible mentions about prayer at Exodus;
34:6-7, Mathew;6:9-13, also in Psalms; 7:1-17 and 8:1-9. Abraham offered
prayer: “And Abram fell on his face:”(Genesis; 17:3-5), offering of prayer is
also mentioned at Genesis; 18:22, 22:5, 26:25, 12:8, Exodus; 4:31, 5:3, 5:7,
5:8 & 34:8-9, Psalms;86:9, 95:5,
5:7, 55:16, 55:17, 95:6, 138:2, 1 Kings;
8:33, 34, Jeremiah;7:2, Daniel; 6:10,
9:3, Joshua;7:6, Mathew;14:23 &
17:21. Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) also offered prayers: “Then cometh
Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and said unto the disciples,
Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder”.(Mathew;26:36, 26:39). The disciples
of Jesus also offered prayers: “Now Peter and John went up together into the
temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour”.(Acts; 3:1, 10:9, 12:12,
16:13, 16:25, 20:36, Luke; 22: 44-46, Mark; 1:35 & 9:29). Cleanliness and purity
is liked by Allah “…Allah loves those who purify themselves.”(Qur’an;9:108).
Ablution is obligatory for the (Salah) prayer (Qur’an;5:6).
Ablution
before prayer is also mentioned in Bible: “And Moses and Aaron and his sons
washed their hands and their feet there at:”(Exodus;40:31); “Then Paul took the
men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to
signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering
should be offered for every one of them”.(Acts;21:26).
The Third Pillar: Obligatory Alms -Zakat:
Obligatory
Charity (Zakat) involves annual payment of a certain percentage of
assets which is distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.
This is a financial, social and spiritual form of obligatory worship
(Qur’an;98.5, 24:56, 2:43 ).
Charity has also been prescribed in the previous scriptures (Numbers;18:25 -26, Leviticus;27:30-32,
Deuteronomy;14:22 , 14:28 -29, 26:12, 1 Peter;4:8, Mathew;23:23 -24). The massagers of God had always
been emphasizing charity, which is mentioned in Qur’an at 2:83, 70:24, 5:121,
9:55, 19:31 & 21;73.
The Fourth Pillar: Fasting:
The physical and spiritual forms of worship are combined in Saum (Fasting). This is very old form of worship which is obligatory for the Muslims as it was to the previous believers: “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn self-restraint.”(Qur’an;2:183); “So the people ofNineveh
The physical and spiritual forms of worship are combined in Saum (Fasting). This is very old form of worship which is obligatory for the Muslims as it was to the previous believers: “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn self-restraint.”(Qur’an;2:183); “So the people of
The Fifth Pillar: The
Pilgrimage -Hajj:
Performance of Hajj is the special form of worship, in which the physical, financial, social and spiritual aspects are combined. The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makka) is obligatory for every Muslim once in life time if one can afford financially and physically. Allah says: “And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah.”(Qur’an;2:196); “In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the station of Abraham; Whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny Faith, Allah stands not In need of any of His creatures.”(Qur’an;3:97). Hajj revive the memory of pronouncement of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his first born Ishmael while building Ka’ba at Makka and reminder of the sacrifice of his only son Ishmael (Genesis;16:3,16:15), offered by Abraham in obedience to the command of God. Allah says: "Verily, the first house (of worship) appointed for mankind was that in Baca (Mecca valley of Baca
Performance of Hajj is the special form of worship, in which the physical, financial, social and spiritual aspects are combined. The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makka) is obligatory for every Muslim once in life time if one can afford financially and physically. Allah says: “And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah.”(Qur’an;2:196); “In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the station of Abraham; Whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny Faith, Allah stands not In need of any of His creatures.”(Qur’an;3:97). Hajj revive the memory of pronouncement of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his first born Ishmael while building Ka’ba at Makka and reminder of the sacrifice of his only son Ishmael (Genesis;16:3,16:15), offered by Abraham in obedience to the command of God. Allah says: "Verily, the first house (of worship) appointed for mankind was that in Baca (
Jihad- The StrenuousEndeavour:
Jihad is derived from the Arabic word ‘Juhd’, which means “effort”. The verb Jahida means ‘to be tried as a result of exerting an effort or
energy; making endeavor; so Jihad is to contend with difficulties and to work
continually. Strenuous Efforts (Jihad) made sincerely for advancement of the
cause of Allah, though not included among five pillars of Islam; but it is an
important element of the Faith (ayman, Belief). Allah says: “The true
believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then never doubt;
and make Jihad (exert their efforts) with their wealth and their persons in the
cause of Allah. Such are the ones who are truthful in their claim to be the
believers.”(Qur’an;49:15). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The head
of the matter is Islam, its pillar is the prayer, and the top of its hump is
striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah."(Fiqh As-Sunnah: 1.75). Jihad has
wider meanings, it does not necessarily mean armed struggle against oppression
and self defence only but other peaceful means are also included. The specific
word used exclusively for warfare is Qitaal
(Qur’an;2:216-217) or Qatelu, wa-Qatalu (Qar’an;4
89-91). Muslims are urged to conduct the Bigger Jihad (Jihad Kabira), through Qur’an. Allah says: “therefore, do not yield
to the unbelievers, and make Jihad (strive) against them with this Qur'an, a
mighty Jihad.”(Qur’an;25:52). The scholars have identified three main forms of
Jihad, the First and foremost Jihad is to; ‘Strive against Selfish Desires’ (Nafs
ammarah), to purify the heart, so that the faith (Ayman) of Islam is
deeply rooted in the heart, to become fully subservient to the commands of God.
Jihad is a life-long mission for the Muslims as a community to struggle against
all evils, socio-economic, cultural, educational, political dogmas;
superstitious and mythological concepts; and directing the Muslims towards
obedience to Allah, enlightenment, refinement, progress, dignified character
and honest actions. Second category of Jihad is, making strenuous efforts
(Jihad) to convey the Last message of God (Islam) to the humanity(Dawah)
using all means, sacrificing wealth or self being for the cause of God. Allah
says: “Thus We have appointed you (Muslims) a middle nation, that ye may be
witnesses against mankind, and that the messenger may be a witness against
you.”(Qur’an;2:143); “We have given the Book as an inheritance to those of Our
servants (Muslims) whom We have chosen”.(Qur’an;35:32). The Prophet (peace be
upon him) in his last sermon said: “O’ People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born.
… All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to
others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who
listen to me directly”. As true followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him), it is the obligation of Muslims to pass on the Guidance and the Religion
of Truth (Islam) to the humanity. This is a great responsibility so Muslims
have to gain knowledge of Islam, practice it and then convey it to the
humanity. The true believers may expect reward for their good deeds and
salvation.
The third and top noblest form of Jihad is to fight in self
defense, against oppression. Allah says:
“Fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight against you, but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not like transgressors. Kill them wherever they confront you in combat and drive them out of the places from which they have dr'iven you.[critics call it SWORD VERSE, quote out of context to malign Islam]. Though killing is bad, creating mischief is worse than killing. Do not fight them within the precincts of the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there; but if they attack you put them to the sword; that is the punishment for such unbelievers. If they cease hostility, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Fight against them until there is no more disorder and Allah's supremacy is established. If they desist, let there be no hostility except against the oppressors.”(Qur’an;2:190-193).
Islam urges the believers to show kindness and equity to non aggressor non Muslims: Allah says: “As for such of the unbelievers who do not fight against you on account of your faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave toward them with full equity. Indeed Allah loves those who act equitably. Allah only forbids you to make friendship with those who fought you on account of your faith and drove you out of your homes and backed up others in your expulsion. Those who will take them for friends are indeed the wrongdoers”(Qur’an;60:8-9).
The tyrant rulers of the old, (especially inArabia
and around) did not allow Muslims to preach and those who embraced Islam were
oppressed, killed or expelled; such people had to be subdued. According to traditional Islamic scholars,
the world was divided into three zones: the House of Islam (Dar-ul-Islam), where Muslims are ascendant; the House of Peace(Dar-ul-Aman), those powers with whom
Muslims have peace agreements; and the House of War (Dar-ul-Harab), the rest of the world. Allah says:
“Permission to fight back is hereby granted to the believers against whom war
is waged and because they are oppressed (before this revelation, Muslims were
not allowed to fight even for self defence); certainly Allah has power to grant
them victory- those who have been unjustly expelled from their homes only
because they said, "Our Lord is Allah." Had not Allah repelled some
people by the might of others, the monasteries, churches, synagogues, and
mosques in which Allah's praise is daily celebrated, would have been utterly
demolished. Allah will certainly help those who help His cause; most surely
Allah is Mighty, Powerful.”(Qur’an;22:39-40); “Warfare (Qitaal) is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it
may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that
ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, ye know not.”(Qur’an;2:216);
“And what reason do you have not to fight in the cause of Allah, to rescue the
helpless oppressed old men, women, and children who are crying: "Our Lord!
Deliver us from this town whose people are oppressors; send us a protector by
Your grace and send us a helper from Your presence?”(Qur’an;4:75). In the present world all the nations are
members of United Nations Organization and signatory to its charter of peaceful
coexistence and basic human rights, whereby every human being is free to adopt
and practice any faith. Hence now whole world may be termed as House of Peace (Dar-ul-Aman) except some zones where
people are oppressed.
Why Companions fought against Byzantines and Iranians?
“Fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight against you, but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not like transgressors. Kill them wherever they confront you in combat and drive them out of the places from which they have dr'iven you.[critics call it SWORD VERSE, quote out of context to malign Islam]. Though killing is bad, creating mischief is worse than killing. Do not fight them within the precincts of the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there; but if they attack you put them to the sword; that is the punishment for such unbelievers. If they cease hostility, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Fight against them until there is no more disorder and Allah's supremacy is established. If they desist, let there be no hostility except against the oppressors.”(Qur’an;2:190-193).
Islam urges the believers to show kindness and equity to non aggressor non Muslims: Allah says: “As for such of the unbelievers who do not fight against you on account of your faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave toward them with full equity. Indeed Allah loves those who act equitably. Allah only forbids you to make friendship with those who fought you on account of your faith and drove you out of your homes and backed up others in your expulsion. Those who will take them for friends are indeed the wrongdoers”(Qur’an;60:8-9).
The tyrant rulers of the old, (especially in
Why Companions fought against Byzantines and Iranians?
According to the traditional procedure of Allah, if a
Messenger (Rasool) himself delivers
the message of guidance to the community or nations, and they became rebellious
by refusing to accept it: then those nations and communities were entitled to
divine punishment. (Qur’an; 5:33-34, 11:117, 13:32, 28:59, 65:8, 73:15-16). Allah says: “But those who disobey
Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a fire,
to abide therein: and They shall have a humiliating punishment.”(Qur’an;4:14 ). Besides punishment in
hereafter, the punishment in this world is either through the followers of the
messenger if they are strong enough, but if they are weak in numbers and
strength then the Divine punishment befalls upon them through natural calamities resulting in their destruction. The example of Divine punishment to the nations
of Noah, Aad, Samood and Lot (peace be upon
them) in the form of destruction through natural calamities like floods,
earthquakes, tornados etc are well recorded in Bible and Qur’an. Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), prior to his death (632 C.E) had invited the
rulers of neighboring powers to Islam through epistles and emissaries. Those
who responded negatively, they were entitled for Divine punishment as per the
tradition of God. After Prophet (peace be upon him), this pending task was
accomplished by his successors by subduing the Byzantine and Persian empires. It
is no more applicable now. Apart from Divine punishment the object of Jihad was not to coerce them to accept
Islam, but to ensure that freedom of choice is provided to the people of
neighboring areas to choose between truth (Haqq)
and falsehood (Batil), forced
conversion is prohibited by Qur’an;2:256. The non Muslims always enjoyed
freedom of faith as protected citizens under Muslim rule. It is incorrect to
consider every war fought by Muslims as Jihad. Jihad is the struggle only for
the cause of Allah (jihad-fi-sabi-lillah): the concept of Jihad was nevertheless, used by some
medieval Muslim rulers (even presently by some groups) to justify wars
motivated by self power, sectarianism, geographical and economic ambitions.
The warfare for the cause of Allah (Qital) has always
been permissible, and as such mentioned in the previous scriptures, Allah says:
“Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because
the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay
and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the
Gospel and the Qur’an. Who fulfills His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice
then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme
triumph.”(Qur’an;9:111 also mentioned likewise at 2:54 , 5:21-22, 5:26 ,2:251).
The Bible declares; “And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.”(Leviticus;26:7-8);“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”(1 Samel;15:3); “slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house.”(Ezakhel;9:6). Also mentioned at Psalm;149:6-9, Hebrews;11:32-34, Numbers; 31:17-18, 31:35, Joshua;6:21, 10:28. In the New Testament the Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) says: “But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.”(Luke;19:27 ),
“Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send
peace, but a sword.”Mathew;10:34 );
“Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but
rather division.”(Luke;2:51 );
“"I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled.”(Luke;12:49 );“Suppose ye that I am come to
give peace on earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division.”(Luke;12:51 ).“And, behold, one of those
who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a
servant of the high priests, and cut off his ear.”(Mathew;26:51).
The Bible declares; “And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.”(Leviticus;26:7-8);“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”(1 Samel;15:3); “slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house.”(Ezakhel;9:6). Also mentioned at Psalm;149:6-9, Hebrews;11:32-34, Numbers; 31:17-18, 31:35, Joshua;6:21, 10:28. In the New Testament the Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) says: “But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.”(Luke;
Killing of Muslims brothers on sectarian or other people due
o their different beliefs, is terrorism; it is not correct to malign Jihad in
such heinous activities because the menace of sectarianism is totally rejected by Islam: Allah says: “Surely
those who divide the religion into sects and identify themselves as a sect, O
Muhammad, you have nothing to do with them. Their case will be called to
account by Allah Himself, He will inform them as to what they did.”(Qur’an;6:159);“Be
not like those who became divided into sects and who started to argue against
each other after clear revelations had come to them. Those responsible for
division and arguments will be sternly punished” (Qur’an;3:105)
“In fact, your religion is one religion, and I am your only Lord: so fear Me Alone. Yet people have divided themselves into factions and each faction rejoices in its own doctrines - well! Leave them in their heedlessness for an appointed time. Do they think that, in giving them wealth and children, We are eager for their welfare? By no means! They do not understand the reality of the matter.”(Qur’an;23:52 -56)
“those who divide their religion into sects and become separate groups, each group rejoicing in its own circle. When an affliction befalls the people, they turn in prayer to their Lord in repentance. But when He let them taste a blessing from Him, lo! Some of them begin to ascribe other powers a share in their Sustainers divinity, showing no gratitude for What We have given them. Enjoy yourselves; soon you will find out your folly.”(Qur’an;30:32-34). Reconciliation among Muslims brothers in conflict, is to be done with fairness and Justice: Allah says: “If two parties among the believers fall into mutual fighting, make peace between them. Then if one of them transgresses against the other, fight the one who has transgressed until he returns to the commands of Allah. Then, if he returns, make peace between them with justice and be fair; for Allah loves those who are fair and just. The believers are brothers to one another, therefore, make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy.”(Qur’an;49:9-10).
“In fact, your religion is one religion, and I am your only Lord: so fear Me Alone. Yet people have divided themselves into factions and each faction rejoices in its own doctrines - well! Leave them in their heedlessness for an appointed time. Do they think that, in giving them wealth and children, We are eager for their welfare? By no means! They do not understand the reality of the matter.”(Qur’an;
“those who divide their religion into sects and become separate groups, each group rejoicing in its own circle. When an affliction befalls the people, they turn in prayer to their Lord in repentance. But when He let them taste a blessing from Him, lo! Some of them begin to ascribe other powers a share in their Sustainers divinity, showing no gratitude for What We have given them. Enjoy yourselves; soon you will find out your folly.”(Qur’an;30:32-34). Reconciliation among Muslims brothers in conflict, is to be done with fairness and Justice: Allah says: “If two parties among the believers fall into mutual fighting, make peace between them. Then if one of them transgresses against the other, fight the one who has transgressed until he returns to the commands of Allah. Then, if he returns, make peace between them with justice and be fair; for Allah loves those who are fair and just. The believers are brothers to one another, therefore, make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy.”(Qur’an;49:9-10).
In the 20th century the concept of jihad inspired Muslims in
their struggle against Western colonialism, which still continues in different
forms. While the theological legality of armed struggles (commonly referred as
Jihad) being conducted by various armed groups against oppression and foreign
occupation may have justification, but the mode of conduct of warfare in
violation of principles set forth in Islam remains a hot topic of intense
debate and controversies among Muslim and non Muslim thinkers. Killing of
innocent people is strictly prohibited; human life of Muslims and non Muslims
alike, has a very high place in Islam, Allah says: “whoever kills a person,
except as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land (through judiciary),
it will be written in his book of deeds as if he had killed the mankind and
whoever will save a life shall be regarded as if he gave life to all the
mankind.”(Qur’an;5:32).
Killing of religious people, women, children, aged, sick people, animals and even cutting of trees is prohibited.(Al Muwata Hadith. Number;21.10). Suicide is not permissible (Qur’an;4:29 , Sahih Al
Bukhari Hadith Numbr:8.126). Killing by burning is not allowed (Sahih Al
Bukhari, Hadith, Number.4.260); mutilation of
the dead bodies is prohibited (Sahih Muslim Hadith.804); safe conduct: is to be fulfilled: (Al Muwata
Hadith, Number.21.12). Islam is the faith of Peace, the peace offer has to be
accepted: “If the enemy is inclined towards peace, do make peace with them, and
put your trust in Allah. He is the One Who hears all , knows
all.”(Qur’an;8:61), Grant of asylum is allowed: “If one amongst the Pagans ask
Thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that He may Hear the word of Allah. and
then escort Him to where He can be secure. that is because They are men without
knowledge.”(Qur’an;9:6). Creating mischief
on the earth by killing innocents on the name of Jihad, amounts to
malign the noble concept. Allah does
not like mischief, He says : “.. and do not seek mischief in the land, for
Allah does not love the mischief makers.”(Qur’an;28:77); “When it is said to them: "Do not make mischief on
earth," they say: "We make peace. Be aware! They are the ones who
make mischief but they do not realize it.”(Qur’an;2:11 -12 similarly also at 2:60, 206, 3:63, 7:56 ). Allah says: “The punishment
for those who wage war against Allah and His Apostle and strive to create mischief
in the land is death or crucifixion or the cutting off their hands and feet
from opposite sides or exile from the land based on the gravity of their
offense. This will be their humiliation in this world and in the Hereafter they
will have grievous punishment,”(Qur’an;5:33 ).
It is generally agreed that on failure of peace efforts, Jihad (for the cause of Allah Only) be declared by the Caliph or the Muslim ruler in consultation with the religious scholars keeping all the factors in view so that there is no deviation from the command of Allah and His Apostle (peace be upon him). The principles of warfare laid down by Islam must be adhered to. The noble concept of Jihad as defined by Qur’an has nothing to do with the terrorism, as practiced by some groups maligning Islam.
Related:
Killing of religious people, women, children, aged, sick people, animals and even cutting of trees is prohibited.(Al Muwata Hadith. Number;21.10). Suicide is not permissible (Qur’an;
It is generally agreed that on failure of peace efforts, Jihad (for the cause of Allah Only) be declared by the Caliph or the Muslim ruler in consultation with the religious scholars keeping all the factors in view so that there is no deviation from the command of Allah and His Apostle (peace be upon him). The principles of warfare laid down by Islam must be adhered to. The noble concept of Jihad as defined by Qur’an has nothing to do with the terrorism, as practiced by some groups maligning Islam.
Related: