The Qur’an emphasizes the sanctity of human life and prohibits acts of violence against innocent people, including killing, abduction, and torture.
Prohibition of Aggression
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190)
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
The Qur’an permits self-defense but explicitly forbids transgression, which includes harming non-combatants.
Prohibition of Torture and Harm
• Surah An-Nahl (16:126)
“And if you punish [an enemy], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient – it is better for those who are patient.”
This verse discourages excessive retaliation and encourages patience and restraint.
Seeking Peace When Possible
• Surah Al-Anfal (8:61)
“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.”
Muslims are encouraged to accept peace when the opposing side seeks it.
Avoiding Treachery and Upholding Agreements
• Surah An-Nahl (16:91)
“And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring treaties and agreements.
Humane Treatment of Prisoners of War and Release Options
• Surah Muhammad (47:4)
“So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have subdued them, then bind them firmly. Thereafter, either [release them] as an act of grace or by ransom until the war lays down its burdens.”
This verse outlines two primary options for dealing with prisoners:
• Release as an act of mercy.
• Ransom or exchange.
It emphasizes that prisoners should not be harmed unnecessarily and should eventually be released.
Encouragement of Kindness and Feeding POWs
• Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9)
“And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’”
This verse highlights the virtue of feeding captives (POWs), emphasizing selflessness and kindness.
Justice and Avoidance of Excessive Punishment
• Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8)
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”
This verse reinforces the principle that even in conflict, justice must prevail, including in the treatment of prisoners.
Prohibition of Torture or Abuse
While there is no specific verse explicitly mentioning torture, the Qur’an’s overarching emphasis on justice, mercy, and humane treatment implies a prohibition against harming prisoners. Islamic teachings, including the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), also emphasize this principle.
Prophetic Example:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set practical examples for the humane treatment of POWs:
• After the Battle of Badr, prisoners were treated kindly, and some were released in exchange for teaching literacy to Muslims.
• The Prophet instructed his companions to treat captives well, ensuring they were fed and clothed.
Summary:
Islam prohibits killing, torturing, or abducting civilians. The Qur’an promotes justice, mercy, and the protection of innocent lives. Violent acts against non-combatants are seen as clear violations of Islamic teachings.
The Qur’an establishes rules of war based on principles of justice, restraint, and compassion. It prohibits aggression, excessive force, and harm to non-combatants, emphasizing self-defense, humane treatment of prisoners, and the pursuit of peace whenever possible.
The Qur’an advocates for the humane treatment of prisoners of war, emphasizing mercy, justice, and kindness. Options for release or ransom are encouraged, and ethical treatment, including feeding and caring for captives, is seen as a righteous act. These principles are reinforced by the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
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ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The Quran explicitly condemns all forms of oppression and injustice, including sexual violence. Although it does not mention rape directly by name, it establishes principles that prohibit such acts. Here are key Quranic principles and related interpretations that address sexual violence, including in war:
Prohibition of Injustice and Harm
The Quran consistently condemns all forms of oppression and harm to others:
• “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Quran 17:32)
• “Do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Quran 2:190)
These verses emphasize that sexual immorality and violence are forbidden, even in times of war.
Rules of Conduct During War
The Quran outlines ethical guidelines for warfare:
• “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah does not love transgressors.” (Quran 2:190)
This prohibits acts of aggression, including harming civilians or committing atrocities such as rape.
Protection of Human Dignity
The Quran upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human beings:
• “We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” (Quran 17:70)
This verse underscores the importance of respecting human dignity, which sexual violence egregiously violates.
Accountability and Punishment
Islamic law (Sharia) derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) prescribes severe punishment for rape, categorizing it as a grave crime. The punishment can include death or severe corporal punishment, depending on the circumstances.
Treatment of Captives
While the Quran acknowledges the historical context of taking captives during war (common in ancient times), it emphasizes humane treatment and encourages freeing captives:
• “And [they give food] in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.” (Quran 76:8)
The Prophet Muhammad further emphasized kind and just treatment of captives.
In summary, the Quran and Islamic teachings strictly prohibit rape and sexual violence, viewing such acts as major sins and severe crimes. The ethical guidelines for war in Islam aim to protect non-combatants and uphold justice and human dignity.
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RESPECT FOR CHRISTIANS AND JEWS
The Qur’an emphasizes respect for people of all faiths, including Christians and Jews, who are referred to as “People of the Book” (Ahl al-Kitab). It acknowledges their scriptures and calls for peaceful coexistence and respect for their places of worship. Here are some key verses:
Recognition of Jews and Christians as People of the Book
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:62)
“Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
This verse acknowledges the faith of Jews and Christians and affirms that righteousness is key to reward in the Hereafter.
Call for Common Ground and Dialogue
• Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:64)
“Say, ‘O People of the Book, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].’”
This verse invites peaceful dialogue based on shared beliefs.
No Compulsion in Religion
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256)
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong.”
This verse underscores the importance of religious freedom and tolerance.
Justice and Fairness Towards All
• Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8)
“Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
This verse promotes fairness and kindness toward non-Muslims who live peacefully.
Key Verse on Protecting Places of Worship:
• Surah Al-Hajj (22:40)
“[They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right – only because they say, ‘Our Lord is Allah.’ 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. And Allah will surely support those who support Him.”
This verse highlights the protection of monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques as a divine objective, emphasizing that God supports efforts to defend these places.
Key Principles Derived from This Verse:
1. Equal Importance: The verse places churches and synagogues alongside mosques, underscoring their significance and the need to protect them.
2. Prevention of Injustice: It references the unjust eviction of people from their homes, implying that protecting places of worship is part of preventing oppression and injustice.
3. Peaceful Coexistence: The verse supports the idea of peaceful coexistence and the safeguarding of religious diversity.
Summary:
The Qur’an emphasizes respect for Christians and Jews, advocates for the protection of their places of worship, and calls for peaceful coexistence and dialogue. It highlights commonalities and encourages justice and fairness for all faiths.