FROM WAR TO PEACE

FROM WAR TO PEACE I n two instances in the Quran, a verse commands fighting to eliminate fitnah: “And fight them until there is no more fitnah” (2:193; 8:39). In this context, fitnah refers to religious persecution. Through this verse, the Prophet and his Companions were instructed to dismantle the existing system of religious coercion so that an environment of religious freedom could be established. Those who wished to follow God’s religion would no longer face any restrictions. It should be clarified that the opposing party of the Prophet was the one who initiated aggression (Quran 9:13). In doing so, they transformed the Prophet’s antifitnah operation into a defensive war. This verse issued the command for war with a clear and specific aim, which was the elimination of religious persecution. It was not correct to use this verse to justify war for any other purpose. However, in later times, this happened. The command of qital al-fitnah (fighting against fitnah) was expanded and applied to other goals. In reality, this