War and peace, according to Islam

While expressing my deep gratitude for the commendable words expressed by Joseph Anthony Debono in my regard (May 7), it seems Mr Debono faces difficulty in understanding the true Islamic teachings regarding the concept of war and the relationship between Islam and other faiths.

To attain a fair, objective conclusion we have to refer to the Holy Qur'an through a scientific inductive comprehensive method. In such an approach we find out the following general rules.

Peace is the normal course and war is an exception and the last resort. "If they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to war against them)" (4: 90).

"If the enemy inclines towards peace, do you (also) incline towards peace?" (8: 61).

War is not the object of Islam. It is the least evil. Muslims fight when the war is imposed upon them and they have no other choice: "Fighting is prescribed upon you, and you dislike it' (2: 216). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Do not wish to meet the enemy, but if it happens, do keep steadfast".

The term "holy war" is not an Islamic term. It does not exist in the Holy Qur'an, nor in the tradition of the Prophet (PBUH). War is in no way holy.

Aggression is forbidden and war is permitted for defence purposes: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but begin not hostilities, for Allah loves not aggressors" (2: 190).

Fighting is permitted to combat religious persecution: "and fight them on until there is no more persecution and religion is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (2: 193).

Fighting is legalised to eliminate injustices and to secure the sanctity of places of worship for all faiths. "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged, and verily Allah is Most Powerful for their aid - (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah'. Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the Name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause) - for verily Allah is full of strength, exalted in might, (able to enforce His will)" (22: 39-40).

Fighting is also allowed to secure justice and to save the helpless and oppressed people. "And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah, and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?" - Men, women and children, whose cry is 'Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect; and raise for us from Thee one who will help. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith fight in the cause of evil; so fight ye against the friends of Satan; feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan" (4: 75-76).

It is forbidden to wage war to force others to become Muslims. "Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error" (2: 256).

The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever hurts (Themmi) a Christian or a Jew I will be his enemy on Judgement Day".

Fighting against the oppressors is permitted whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. "If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair, for Allah loves those who are fair (and just)" (49: 9).

During wars, it is forbidden to kill anybody who is not engaged in fighting, such as old people, children, women and priests. Also, it is forbidden to destroy natural resources on which the people are living. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "Do not kill old men, and neither a small child nor a woman".

Any Qur'anic verses regarding fighting against the unbelievers should be understood in the light of the above-mentioned rules. Non-Muslims are not fought because they do not believe in Islam but if they are aggressive and oppressors and after exhausting all means of peaceful solutions. Therefore, we condemn the killing of innocent people, Muslims and non-Muslims, in Iraq and everywhere.

We condemn all kinds of terrorism whether the perpetrators are individuals, groups or states. Terrorism is a global evil. It can be defeated by justice, the respect of human rights and the respect of other faiths and cultures. Occupation, barrier walls, social and political injustices, the violation of human rights, the disdain of Muslim dignity, the provocation of the Islamic religious sentiments and discrimination against Muslims will not contribute to the elimination of terrorism, rather it will escalate it.

Certainly more democracy, freedom, social justice and reforms in all areas in the Islamic countries and in the whole world will play an important role in containing terrorism.

There is no contradiction between Islam and democracy. Islam is a democratic system with an Islamic constitution. The lack of democracy in some Islamic countries and in the world is one of the motives of terrorism.

I regret the absence of a central Islamic high body in charge of defining the Islamic dogmas. This is the outcome of the lack of democracy and unity in the Islamic world. But even if there is such a body it is impossible to prevent people from expressing different opinions, as is the case with other religions. In the Islamic world there are many credible scholars who enjoy high respect and reputation. People turn to them to learn the true teachings of Islam through reference to the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

While again thanking Mr Debono for his kind words I hope he finds a satisfying answer to his query and worries.