THE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD, MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM

Peace in the Quran ~ 35 ~ Targeting noncombatants even in defensive war is unlawful. The Hadith also states that ‘the ruler is a shield, fighting is done under him, and security is attained through him.’ This clearly shows that the decision to do battle and its planning are the tasks of an established government. The common man can play his role as need be under government orders, and not independently. This Islamic principle shows that there is no room for non-state warfare, which is what we generally call guerilla war. A guerilla war is fought by individual organizations, not by the State. As far as the state is concerned, if it wants to wage a defensive war against any country it has first— in obedience to the Quran—to issue a proper declaration. Only then can it wage a lawful war (8:58). In Islam, there is only ‘declared’ war. Therefore, in accordance with this principle, no proxy war in Islam can be lawful.