Islam: Attitudes to War

This section explains Islam’s attitude to war, focusing on: Causes of War, Lesser Jihad, Conduct During War, Terrorism in Islam, Justice in Islam and Holy War in Islam. War refers to an organised conflict that often involves intense violence between one state or group of states and another. The reasons for war can be complex and interconnected. Islamic teachings explain that the causes of war might include one or more of the following elements:

Greed
Islam teaches that greed is harmful and should be avoided. The Qur'an warns against being miserly and encourages generosity. It states:
“God does not like arrogant, boastful people, who are miserly and order others to be the same, hiding what God has given them.” (Qur’an 4:36-37)
This suggests that greed, such as fighting for material gain, is a negative motivator for war in Islam.

Self-Defence
Islam allows for war in self-defence, especially when peaceful attempts at reconciliation have failed. The Qur'an says:
“Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms because they have been wronged. God has the power to help them.” (Qur’an 22:39)
This principle of self-defence is central to Islamic thought, emphasising the protection of individuals and communities from harm.

Retaliation
While Islam teaches that forgiveness and reconciliation are better responses, retaliation may sometimes be necessary. However, the Qur'an advises:
“If you have to respond to an attack, make your response proportionate, but if you are patient, it will be better for those who are patient.” (Qur’an 16:126)
This highlights the idea that retaliation should never be excessive and that patience is often preferred.

Lesser Jihad: The Defence of Islam

The concept of lesser jihad refers to the struggle to defend Islam when it is under threat. The Qur'an allows fighting in certain circumstances, especially to protect the Muslim community. One passage states:
“Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.” (Qur’an 22:39)

However, the Qur'an also sets limits on the use of force, urging Muslims to avoid excess. It says:
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Qur’an 2:190)

Additionally, every opportunity should be taken to pursue peace, even with an enemy:
“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)

Rules of Lesser Jihad

There are strict rules that govern how lesser jihad can be carried out:

• Self-defence: War must only be fought in self-defence, not for aggression.
• No harm to innocents: Non-combatants, such as women, children, and the elderly, must not be harmed.
• Restoring peace: The primary aim should be to restore peace, not to create more conflict.
• Mercy: Even in warfare, mercy should be shown, and the treatment of others should be just and compassionate.

Islam strongly condemns the use of terrorism. Terrorism is considered unlawful because it involves unjust violence against innocent people, which is prohibited in Islam. The Qur'an states:
“Do not take life, which God has made sacred.” (Qur’an 17:33)

Conduct During War

While Islam does not have a distinct Just War Theory, it provides clear guidelines on conduct during war. Over time, these principles have evolved to establish important rules for warfare. These include:

Last Resort
War should only be a last resort after all other methods of conflict resolution—such as diplomacy or sanctions—have failed.

Fought in Self-Defence
War should only be initiated in response to an act of aggression and after all peaceful solutions have been exhausted.

Legitimate Authority
Only legitimate authorities, such as the recognised government or religious leaders, have the right to declare war.

Just Cause
War is acceptable if it is for the protection or defence of the community.

Intention of Peace
The aim of war should always be to achieve peace, with the good achieved outweighing the harm caused.

Proportionality and Appropriate Force
War should be conducted with proportional force and only against those who have initiated aggression. The Qur'an highlights:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits…if they cease, let there be no hostility.” (Qur’an 2:190-193)
This emphasises that unnecessary harm should be avoided.

Respecting the Enemy
Islam strongly condemns unethical conduct during war. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, outlined the rules of engagement, which include:

• Not committing treachery.
• Avoiding mutilation of the dead.
• Not harming non-combatants such as women, children, or the elderly.
• Not damaging crops, trees, or livestock unnecessarily.

Terrorism and Islam

Terrorism is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Terrorism Act 2000 defines terrorism as: “The use or threat of serious violence against a person or serious damage to property...for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.”

After the London Bridge attack in 2019, the Muslim Council of Britain expressed solidarity with the victims, highlighting the need for unity against terrorism and the importance of peace.

Justice in Islam

Justice is a central tenet of Islam, and Muslims believe it is essential for resolving conflicts and ensuring a peaceful society. One of God’s names is The Just, and Muslims believe that God's laws are designed to bring justice to all. The Qur'an commands:
“You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly.” (Qur’an 4:135)

Muslims also believe that ultimate justice will be delivered by God on the Day of Judgment, when the deeds of every individual will be weighed:
“For those whose scales are heavy with good deeds, they will be in a life of bliss. For those whose scales are light, their home will be the abyss.” (Qur’an 101:6-9)

Until that time, Muslims are encouraged to seek justice in their daily lives, correcting wrongs and striving for fairness.

Holy War in Islam

The concept of holy war in Islam is closely linked to lesser jihad, which involves the protection of Islam and the Muslim community. Historically, a holy war could only be authorised by Allah through the Prophet Muhammad, or later by a legitimate religious authority. It was always seen as a defensive act, necessary to protect the faith from external threats. However, even in the context of a holy war, the rules of lesser jihad—such as proportionality, mercy, and peace-making—must be followed.

The Qur'an states:
“To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight, because they are wronged.” (Qur’an 22:39)

This reinforces the idea that war should only be fought to protect Islam and to defend the community from harm.