War and Peace in Islam

tribes all over Arabia and ultimately brought about unity among them with a series of peace treaties. If we make an in-depth study of the teachings of Islam, we find that Islam wants to root out all those factors which lead to war. Why is a war waged? There are two main causes. One, to attempt to annihilate the enemy. Second, to attempt to gain political power. In the achievement of either of these goals, there is no justification in Islam for war. So far as enemies are concerned, there is a verse in the Quran which is applicable at all times: “And good and evil are not alike. Return good for evil and behold, he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend.” (41:34) This shows that with regard to the enemy, Islam teaches us to try to eliminate enmity—and not the enemy himself. According to the Quran, no enemy is everlastingly hostile. For in every enemy there lies a potential friend. Therefore, what the believer ought to do is to reach out to the man hidden within through unilateral good behaviour. By requiting good for evil he should convert this enemy into a friend. A study of the Quran tells us that it differentiates between the enemy and the aggressor. We are commanded not to nurture hatred for the enemy, but rather, with the help of good behaviour and wise strategy, try to turn the enemy into a friend. However, in the case of unprovoked aggression, a defensive war is permitted under certain conditions. The Quran says: “And fight in the way of God with those who fight you, but do not be aggressive.” (2:190) This verse tells us that permission to wage war is given only when a party has already initiated hostilities against Islam,