Q. & A. 711 to 1707 with solved Papers css 1971 to date

THE BATTLE OF BADR
(624 A.D./2 A.H.)
WAR POLICY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)
Muhammad (PBUH) was the real benefactor of mankind and had come to lessen their misery and hardship. He did not come for war but it was forced upon him. He clearly stated his policy when he advised his followers in these words: ’’O people! Never desire fighting but pray to Allah for peace and security. And when you have to fight the enemy, fight with steadfastness and know that Paradise is under the shadow of swords.”1 This clearly shows that peace is fundamental in Islam and war is exceptional (like sickness) and is forced on it by the action of its enemies. But when it comes, Muslims face it with courage and determination and fight to the last drop of their blood. The same principle was stated by Muhammad (PBUH) on an other occasion when he said, ”I am the Prophet of mercy, I am the Prophet of battle and I both smile and fight.” He is also reported to have sain, ”Do not be eager to meet the enemy, perhaps you may be put to the test by them, but rather say, ”O Allah! Suffice for us and keep their might away from us.”2 These sayings give a balanced view of Islam regarding its attitude to war. It does not initiate warlike activities against anyone even against its open enemies but once war is started by enemy action it shows no weakness in the conduct of war. It announces a severe penalty for those who turn their backs on
Riyadh-us-Salihin. ^
°r. Muhammad Hamidullah, The Muslim Conduct of State, Lahore, 1977, P. 159.

100 Political and Cultural History of Islam

the fighting and a life of bliss in paradise for those who arc killed
fighting in the Way of Allah.
The second unique principle of war established by Muhammad (PBUH) through his practical conduct of fighting operations is compassion and humane treatment of the enemy. He tried his best to reduce the horrors and outrages of war and make it more humane This is one of the greatest contribution of Muhammad (PBUH) to the civilization of mankind that he gave civilized and humane laws of war. He purified the uncivil and barbaric customs and traditions of the old nations and replaced them by just benevolent and humane international laws. In fact, he codified the international law relating to war and laid the foundation for the modern international attitude to war. Regulations of War
The recourse to arms is severely restricted by Islam and allowed only under certain conditions. ’’And fight in the ”Way of Allah’ with those who fight against you but do not commit aggression because Allah does not like aggressors. Fight against them wherever they confront you in combat and drive them out from where they drove you out. Though killing is bad, persecution is worse than killing. Do not fight against them near the Masjid-iHaram unless they attack you there. And if they attack you first (even in that sacred area), strike them without any hesitation; this is the due punishment for such disbelievers. If, however, they desist from fighting (you should do likewise), and know that Allah is Forgi\ing and Merciful. Go on fighting with them until there is no more a state of persecution and Allah’s Way is established instead. Then if they desist from it, there should be no more hostility except against those who have been guilty of cruelty and brutality.”
”The prohibited month is to be respected, if the same is respected (by the enemy), and likewise there is the law of just retribution for the violation of all prohibited things. Therefore, if anyone transgresses a prohibition by attacking you, Allah may do likewise, but always fear Allah, and bear in mind that Allah is with those who desist from breaking Allah’s bounds.”
These verses of the Qur’an lay down guiding principles under which war is lawful in Islam.
1. It is to be fought for the sake and pleasure of Allah alone
without any other motive. According to Muhammad
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

The Battle ofBadr 101
(PBUH), the one who fights that Allah’s Word may have preeminence is in Allah’s Way.
It is to be fought in defence against enemy aggression. There should be no aggression on the part of the Muslims. When engaged in war. the Muslims have the right to kill the enemy wherever he is found and to turn him out of the places he has occupied with aggression and oppression. There should be no fighting in the area of the Sacred House of Allah except in self-defence.
All treaties and contracts with the Muslims must be strictly honoured.
There should be no war to compel people to accept Islam and no war for personal glory or expansion of empires. Practice of the Holy Prophet
In the light of the above mentioned regulations, Muhammad (PBUH) conducted his war operations against the enemy during nine years of his life in Medina, strictly adhering to the following principles.
Fulfillment of promises.
Rights of non-combatants.
Declaration of war.
Generous treatment with the prisoners of war.
Ready for peace.
Treatment of the vanquished with kindness, generosity.
Special treatment with the children and women.

8. A well-organized information service.