Ethics of warfare: Islamic Rules Of Engagement That Surpasses The Modern Day Geneva Convention Regarding War:- _________________ ________________ The basic principle in fighting in the Quran is that other communities should be treated as ones own. Fighting is justified for legitimate self-defense, to aid other Muslims after a violation in the terms of a treaty, but should be stopped if these circumstances cease to exist. Non-Muslims living under Islamic Caliphate are also accorded similar protection. The principle of forgiveness is reiterated in between the assertions of the right to self-defense. Even when Muslims are permitted to fight in self-defence, forgiveness is preferred and/or recommended instead of waging the war first except where the provocation against the Ummah is a continuous one and there is a need to wage a war to stop that. During his life, the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, may peace and benediction of Allah be upon him gave various injunctions to his forces and adopted practices toward the conduct of war. The most important of these were summarized by Muhammads companion and first Caliph, Abu Bakr, in the form of ten rules for the Muslim army. This is contained in the following words: O people! I charge you with ten rules; learn them well! In another report: Stop, O people, that I may give you ten rules for your guidance in the battlefield. Do not commit treachery or deviate from the right path. You must not mutilate dead bodies. Neither kill a child, nor a woman, nor an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees, nor burn them with fire, especially those which are fruitful. Slay not any of the enemys flock, save for your food. You are likely to pass by people who have devoted their lives to monastic services; Allah knows best!
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 18:30:43 +0000