10 Rules of War in Islam: A Guide to Ethical Conduct in Battle

10 rules of war in Islam: Islam is a religion of peace, not war, and it encourages cooperation and the establishment of good relations between individuals, tribes, and nations. In wars, it has set rules and regulations for dealing with situations of war when they become necessary for self-defense, when the enemy initiates war, or to protect rights. These rules include clear messages on how to treat prisoners of war, protect civilians, and preserve the environment and property. Islam emphasizes the ethical and humanitarian nature of war, and aims to minimize human and material losses as much as possible.

“وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ” (البقرة: 190) “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah: 190)

“وَإِن جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ” (الأنفال: 61) “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Al-Anfal: 61)

Among the 10 rules of war in Islam, we can highlight the following:

 

• Protection of State Residents: Islam prohibits killing civilians, children, the elderly, women, and monks. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do not kill an old man, a child, a young boy, or a woman” (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

 

• Preservation of the Environment: Islam forbids cutting trees, destroying the natural environment, burning forests, and killing animals. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq said in his instructions to the army: “Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees, and do not destroy inhabited places.”

 

• War for Defense, Not Aggression: Islam only permits war for self-defense or when the enemy initiates war. Allah says: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (Al-Baqarah: 190).

 

• Treatment of Prisoners: Islam commands treating prisoners of war with kindness and prohibits torturing or humiliating them. Allah says: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive” (Al-Insan: 8).

 

• Fulfilling Treaties: Islam orders fulfilling covenants. If both parties agree to end the war, they must apply this agreement without betrayal. Allah says: “And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned” (Al-Isra: 34).

 

• Call for Peace: Islam always calls for peace if the enemy inclines towards it. Allah says: “And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah” (Al-Anfal: 61).

 

• Prohibition of Mutilation: Among the 10 rules of war in Islam, Islam forbids mutilating the bodies of the dead. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do not mutilate (the dead bodies), even if it were a biting dog” (Narrated by Ahmad).

 

• Protection of Places of Worship: Islam prohibits attacking churches, monasteries, or any religious temple. Allah says: “And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned” (Al-Hajj: 40).

 

• Forgiveness When Able: The 10 rules of war in Islam encourage forgiveness even in war. Allah says, “But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good” (Al-Baqarah: 109).

 

• Prohibition of Killing Monks and Worshippers: Islam forbids killing clergy and devoted worshippers. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq instructed the army: “You will find people who have secluded themselves in monasteries, leave them to what they have devoted themselves for.”

 

• Prohibition of Using Poison and Fire:Another of the 10 rules of war in Islam forbids using fire for torture. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do not punish with Allah’s punishment” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

 

• Prohibition of Killing Messengers and Ambassadors: Islam forbids killing messengers and ambassadors even in war. When a companion wanted to kill Musaylimah’s messengers, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If it were not that messengers are not to be killed, I would have cut off your heads” (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

 

• Stealing from Spoils of War:The 10 rules of war in Islam include a prohibition on stealing from war spoils. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever cheats is not of us” (Narrated by Muslim).

 

• Command for Patience and Steadfastness: Islam urges fighters to be patient and steadfast. Allah says: “O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful” (Al-Anfal: 45).

 

These 10 rules of war in Islam demonstrate the religion’s commitment to justice and humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances of conflict.

 

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