Islam and Peace

declaration of intent, and must be overtly conducted. Guerrilla or proxy wars are impermissible. Moreover, war in Islam cannot be waged against personal enemies, or against non-combatants, but only against aggressors who have already attacked. But it is best avoided altogether, as happened in the case of the Battle of the Trench. On this occasion large numbers of tribesmen were fast approaching Madinah with the avowed intention of attacking it. But the Prophet used strategy to avoid a military encounter. This took the shape of a long deep trench which he and his companions dug, working hard round the clock, so that it would act as a buffer between the Muslims and their foes. The enemy armies, totally frustrated by this insurmountable obstacle, camped there for several days and then finally went away without attacking. Had this stratagem not been resorted to, there would have been serious casualties on both sides and the Islamic mission might well have come to an end. Quite forgetting the superior tactics of their Prophet, the so-called Muslim Mujahideen have been exhorting their co-religionists all over the world to do battle in the name of Islam. But the Quran quite unequivocally says: “God calls to the home of peace.” (10:25) And one of the attributes of God Himself as described in the Quran is ‘As-Salaam’ which means ‘peace and security.’ It is up to right thinking people everywhere to reject the militant version of Islam and to start seeing and accepting Islam for what it actually is, that is, a religion which not only advocates peace, but which provides guidance for both the individual and the state as to how peace may be achieved and maintained. Indeed, in the Quran, following divine guidance is likened to treading the paths of peace. (5:16) That is the way to peace and stability. □