Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Defensive Fighting Mandated
From WikiIslam
These Islamic texts mandate that Muslims defend themselves if they or their fellow Muslims are being attacked.
A few months after Mohammed gave permission to the Muslims to defend themselves from attacks, Mohammed made defensive fighting obligatory for all able Muslims. These verses abrogated the previous verses that only gave permission, but did not mandate, that Muslims are to fight in self defense. At this stage Mohammed did not consider the Jews to be his enemies since he was still expecting them to embrace him as their prophet, but the Jews who did not accept him as a prophet would later become Mohammed's enemies. Starting with the Battle of Uhud the hypocrites, who were Muslim only in name and who did not actually believe in Mohammed, started becoming Mohammed's enemies.
[edit] Quran
Forgive and overlook unbelieving Jews.
If attacked then Muslims are to fight against their attackers until the attackers desist from fighting, stop persecuting Muslims and Islam to be established.
And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.
Defensive fighting against attacking Arab Meccans is now obligatory, but during Zul-Hajj it's an offense.
They question thee (O Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred month. Say: Warfare therein is a great (transgression), but to turn (men) from the way of Allah, and to disbelieve in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence, is a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than killing. And they will not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can. And whoso becometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will abide therein.
If you defeat your attackers then don't force them to convert to Islam, but if they don't convert to Islam then they shall be sent to hell.
Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever).
The spoils of war that are captured after fighting the Arab Meccans belong to Allah and Mohammed.
Cut the necks and finger-tips of those who contend against Allah and Mohammed and never turn your backs to them.
This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: If any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.
Thus (will it be said): "Taste ye then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire."
O ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.
If any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)!
It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).
Fight the unbelievers until they stop fighting, they stop persecuting Muslims and they allow Islam to be established. A fifth of all war booty goes to Mohammed.
And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do.
If they refuse, be sure that Allah is your Protector - the best to protect and the best to help.
And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to Allah,- and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in Allah and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing,- the Day of the meeting of the two forces. For Allah hath power over all things.
When fighting, call on Allah, be united, be patient, persevere, and listen to Mohammed.
And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere:
If you defeat them in battle then treat those who are treacherous with treachery and terrorize them. Allah will repay what you have spent. If they ask for peace then give them peace.
If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for Allah loveth not the treacherous.
Let not the unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate (them).
Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.
Fight with patience and perseverance, because you shall eventually win. Kill the Arab Meccans and do not take any prisoners until the land is subdued. Muslims shouldn't fight to get material goods, but if they do then Allah will forgive their mistake this time.
For the present, Allah hath lightened your (task), for He knoweth that there is a weak spot in you: But (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
It is not fitting for a prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took.
If captives want to be believe in Islam then they will be blessed, otherwise power over them has been given to Mohammed by Allah.
But if they have treacherous designs against thee, (O Messenger!), they have already been in treason against Allah, and so hath He given (thee) power over them. And Allah so He Who hath (full) knowledge and wisdom.
Fighters and helpers are brothers in the struggle for Islam.
Cut your opponent's necks and subdue them, then be generous.
Soon will He guide them and improve their condition,
Martyrs will receive paradise where there are rivers of water, wine, milk and honey along with fruits.
The battle of Uhud took place in 625 A.D. and it was the second of the three major battles against the Quraish. Allah gave the Muslims permission to annihilate their enemy, but the Muslims failed Allah's test by coveting the things of this world; but still, Allah forgave them their sins.
Martyrs will have all of their sins forgiven by Allah when they die.
The Muslims were defeated in battle because they did not truly believe in Allah and in Islam.
What ye suffered on the day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers,-
And the Hypocrites also. These were told: "Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (The foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal.
Martyrs will go to paradise after death and they will bring glory to their loved ones who did not die.
They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.
Those who strive for Allah will be rewarded.
Allah lives those who fight in his name without faltering.
Allah will grant a speedy victory, absolution of sins and admission into paradise to those Muslims who fight with their property and their persons.
He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme Achievement.
And another (favour will He bestow,) which ye do love,- help from Allah and a speedy victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers.
Those who fight for Allah against Satan are rewarded, but there is no reward for the cowardly.
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.
Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared Allah: They said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not Grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!
You should fight in defense and rouse other believers to fight as well. If the group of Muslims is divided (betrayal) then do not join the hypocrites, instead seize them and slay them wherever ye find them.
Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: And Allah hath power over all things.
When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.
Allah! There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together against the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than Allah's?
Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way, never shalt thou find the Way.
There are two classes of deserters who may be given leniency.
Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: Every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto: if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them: In their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.
Those Muslims who fight in the cause of Allah are a grade higher than those Muslims who stay home.
Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy. For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
Martyrs are guaranteed a reward by Allah.
In 627 A.D. Allah gave victory to the Muslims in their third and final attack against Medina, called the battle of the Trench. Allah allowed the Muslims to defeat both the idolaters and the Jews supporting them
And those of the People of the Book who aided them - Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. (So that) some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners.
Allah has given permission for you to take the capture women as your concubines in addition to your wives.
Allah will provide for Martyrs all the necessary provisions for happiness in the afterlife.
Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
Strive in Allah's cause with sincerity and discipline.
Allah will punish those who lag behind with the exception of the lame, the blind and the sick. Those who fight in the cause of Allah will be rewarded with paradise.
Say to the desert Arabs who lagged behind: "Ye shall be summoned (to fight) against a people given to vehement war: then shall ye fight, or they shall submit. Then if ye show obedience, Allah will grant you a goodly reward, but if ye turn back as ye did before, He will punish you with a grievous Penalty."
Muslims attempted to enter Mecca to perform the pilgrimage in 628 A.D. but they were prevented from entering the city by the Meccan forces. There was no fighting between the Muslims and the Meccans and the Muslims and Meccans came to an agreement called the Treaty of Al-Hudaybiyah, which permitted the Muslims to perform their pilgrimage one year later in return for a 10 year truce.
(Such has been) the practice (approved) of Allah already in the past: no change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah.
Muslims are strong against unbelievers, but they are compassionate to one another.
Fight against the unbelievers and the hypocrites.
The only true believers are those Muslims who believe in Allah and Mohammed, have never doubted, and who wage Jihad with all that they possess.
[edit] Defensive Fighting Permitted
These verses call on Muslims to defend themselves if they are attacked, but they do not require Muslims to defend themselves.
Several months after the Muslims' arrival in Medina, the Muslims started to raid the caravans of the Meccan traders who passed near their area. These Muslim raids would eventually cause the Meccans to attack the Muslims in defense of their caravans; with the first Meccan attack, known as the Battle of Badr, occurring in 624. And it was at this time that Mohammed gave permission to the Muslims to defend themselves by fighting and killing the idol worshiping Meccans. These new verses abrogated the previous non-aggressive verses that were revealed by Mohammed.
[edit] Quran
Permission is given to Muslims to go to war in order to defend themselves.
(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 been 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).
Allah will reward those Muslims who die while waging Jihad.
