jihad, war and conflict
Jihad is struggle personally or collectively spiritual, financial or military to achieve specific Quranic goals and purpose. Also know that Islamic mercy and forgiveness does not translate to meekness because mercy and forgiveness in Islam is conditional on avoiding harm of the religion, ummah and the oppressed. If forgiveness result in harm of Muslims or oppressed, or empowerment of the enemies then such forgiveness is meekness and slavery. All verses of Jihad are to protect Muslim honor, Muslim wealth, the oppressed, Islam's sovereignty and for self-defense against tyrants and oppressors while as verses which are for forgiveness is forgiveness for the weak and the lost. Then there are verses which command patience and avoidance, and neither jihad nor forgiveness, and these verses are when Muslims are weak and fragile unable to fight back oppression and tyranny. Having said that Quranic verses of Jihad expose these aspects: Why to fight, who to fight, when to fight and how to fight. It is “why to fight” which justifies war, and this is essentially defensive and humanitarian.
Quran 22:39
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:39
Jihad or war for God, that is in His cause was revealed later after persecution of Muslims increased greatly and after Muslims had found an Islamic state or Islamic jurisdiction by Prophet of Islam. This proves war footing is generally done when there is an established authority and under an established Islamic jurisdiction. So only an Islamic authority can declare and initiate a jihad. In today’s world Jihad exists in all the occupied Muslim countries as it is an automatic triggered Jihad by the very act of occupation and self-defense. Currently Palestine, East Turkistan, Kashmir, Arakan, Yemen and Syria are places of Jihad because of evident occupation, oppression and tyranny against the people and against Islamic rule.
Now let us consider this. Jerusalem was conquered by crusaders and it was not under Islamic rule after this so can Muslims declare Jihad against it as Saladin did? Same way today can Islamic republic of Iran can declare Jihad for Palestine, Kashmir and other places or Pakistan for that matter? So an external Islamic government can declare Jihad on behalf of oppressed Muslims elsewhere. Or consider an organized group of Muslims with a leadership structure and merit have mustered a force against occupation and tyranny. This too becomes a Jihad as they are the potential Islamic governance against occupation and tyranny.
Now let us consider the reason for fighting. It is clear from both Quran and Sunnah that the oppressed are given right to fight to preserve their life, property honor and dignity and way of life and this is so that they can live in obedience of God. If someone is fighting for his life, property and country so they can live in communism or secularism then this is not Jihad and not acceptable to God. Your intention must be to live in God and under God. When some non-Muslims are oppressed by tyrants and Muslims have the power to free them then also this is Jihad because those non-Muslims have a hope to turn to Islam. So do not confuse right to self-defense of lawful things with Jihad necessarily because an entity may be lawful but used in unlawful way.
Quran 47:7/31
O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet... And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah ] and the patient, and We will test your affairs. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 47:7/31
God will give us tests or make tyranny from our enemies a test until we do Jihad and persevere in God. However Muslim countries have conceded defeat easily and have no desire to do Jihad against Islam's enemies, enemies those who are against political Islam and Islamic self-determination whether in occupied East Turkistan, Kashmir, Palestine or Rohingya, Yemen, Syria. These are all active live tests from God that we need to do Jihad for and prove our Iman so God can intervene by His majesty and might at some point of our jihad but our misguided Muslim governments have not even started any Jihad for these oppressed and for Islamic revival. Islamic republic of Iran is doing a lonely Jihad, but God has been with them or else they would have crumbled. No, God has not yet intervened for them or else their enemies would crumble for good, but God is with them nonetheless. We can hasten God's divine intervention if we start true sincere jihad by our finances and military as united Muslims. The more we do not act the more God leaves us and our enemies become more tyrant and powerful. It is in our hands to invoke God’s intervention.
Details: www.researchgate.net/publication/347440829_Why_Does_Not_God_Help_The_Oppressed
Quran 2:190
Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors. (Quran 2:190) (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:190
Jihad is purely a defensive act, a defense against oppression, occupation, tyranny and exploitation. Jihad is also done in a proportional manner, so collective punishment is forbidden.
Quran 60:9
Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 60:9
This verse establishes the features of disbelievers whom God has commanded Muslims to disassociate with and reject. These are the features of disbelievers which Quran has been threatening with war and hostility: their persecution of Muslims and Islam so that Muslims abandon Islam and Islamic rule and embrace polytheism and disbelief. Quran is not against disbelievers who are peaceful and equitable towards Muslims. So, Quran is against the ideology of injustice and tyranny.
Quran 2:191
And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:191
This verse commands to retaliate as the pagans were aggressing against the Muslims in Medina. The pagans of Mecca first evicted and sanctioned Muslims, their trade, their demography through marriage prohibition and robbed their properties much like what China is doing today in East Turkistan or Zionists in Palestine or Buddhist extremists in Burma. As a response God revealed the verse to defend against this by all-out war against the pagan elites and their henchmen. So, this verse establishes too the principle of self-defense and retaliation. Fitnah means polytheism but it is not merely the existence of polytheism that is worse than killing but the fact that a polytheistic ideology has initiated persecution against Muslims, that is worse than killing. In a general outlook what this verse means is chronic ideological persecution and injustice is worse than killing. Today Muslims are victims of Zionist ideology, Hindutva ideology and Fascist ideology. Muslim humiliation and suffering is chronic so Muslim governments must initiate all forms of Jihad. One thing to consider is this, Muslims today are not in a position to win an all-out war against enemies because Muslims have been very lazy and failed to invest in military and defense long term. So today, Muslims must wage mini scale Jihad to make the lives of enemies miserable because the enemies fear most the disruption of their way of life. Politicians, security personnel and military people are all valid targets.
Quran 2:194
[Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So, whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:194
This verse establishes the principle of proportionality which international law has formed long after Islam and possibly borrowed from Islamic laws and history. This principle is applied in both war and other laws of Islam and it means punishment of a certain wrongdoing should be in proportion to the severity of the wrongdoing itself. In context of war this prohibits indiscriminate destruction of properties and killing of women, children, old people, religious priests and other non-combatants as Prophet and the Rashida caliphate practiced.
Quran 8:39
And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:39
This verse sets the three conditions for the ceasing of the fight or war. First condition is the tyranny, persecution and the ideology which brought it about must end and the second condition is that God’s religion must be established as the rule. The third condition is if the enemy ceases with their hostility and that implies, they must go to the status quo or must form a new reality based on some agreement: One example is the enemy withdraws and ceases the war while paying reparations.
Quran 9:5
And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:5
This verse commands the believers to continue the already started fight on justified grounds which were stopped due to the sacred months. Also note that here you may understand that this verse is implying forced conversion. However understand the Arabic here. The conditional letter is used here. If Quran proposed forced conversion it would have used something like “until” and not “if”. So what Quran is proposing here is a chance to peace and stop war and that is if the enemies willingly submit to Islam then stop the fight.
Quran 9:6
And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:6
Today in the world there is the concept of refuge or asylum seeking. This verse is something similar and predates the current world’s concept. It commands that the non-Muslims whether in a state of war or in peace are given sanctuary if they seek protection under Islamic rule or Islamic army.
Quran 9:29
Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:29
This verse commands to fight mainly Jews and Christians but qualifies it with the word “from” so this means a certain specific group of them needs to be fought but this verse does not say who they are. To find this we can refer to the general principles of Jihad in other verses and also history to corroborate it. These are mainly the hostile power which aggresses against Islamic rule. Historically these were the invading Byzantine empire. Oriental narrative has been that Jizya is oppressive and translates to second class treatment of non-Muslim Islamic subjects. There is nothing in Quran or Sunnah that says Jizya has to mean mistreatment of non-Muslims. Jizya is just a simple tax. Non-Muslims cannot expect to be free from state duties and obligations such as tax. They cannot expect free service from the government just like Muslims cannot expect. Both Muslims and non-Muslims must pay tax in the form of Zakat and Khumus for Muslims and Jizya for non-Muslim. Being humble means submitting to Islamic rule by paying tax.
Quran 9:123
O you who have believed, fight those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:123
Like many other verses of Jihad this verse commands Muslims to fight disbeliever but not why. To know why we need to look at other verses as mentioned which is to defend against oppression and tyranny. Historically these were the neighborly allies of the hostile pagan elites.
Quran 4:75
And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 4:75
This is a humanitarian war. This may look offensive but aiding the oppressed is always a defensive act. Today in international law humanitarian intervention has been discussed and also done such as in case of Bosnia against Serb atrocities. Islam gives precedence of human rights over state rights. So what this verse implies is that Muslims must be champions and leaders of humanitarian intervention to save and free people from tyranny and oppression. This altruistic goal of Quran is against the selfish goal of nationalism which sees war as a way to colonize, subjugate and plunder others for national and racial empowerment. So, while Quran obligates to sacrifice finance and well-being of Islamic establishment for the sake of oppressed against the oppressors, nationalism obligates to sacrifice others for sake of their own selves and their identity.
Quran 47:4
So, when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 47:4
Quran does not encourage, obligate or command slavery. This verse is clear proof of that. It commands to free prisoners as good gesture or ransom them. Islam came to abolish slavery through reformation. The reformation was done in these ways: 1. Prohibition of enslaving free people and limiting it in only defensive war for only prisoners and combatants 2. Keeping a lot of legal obligations to free slaves as compensation of legal wrongs 3. Obligating treatment of slaves as human beings and servants of God thereby minimizing the chances of cruelty and humiliation. 4. Promising spiritual rewards for freeing slaves voluntarily.
God can stop the tyrants and help Muslims by His Divine intervening help as He did to Moses. However God does not intervene like that always and only in specific cases of Prophetic miracles, because Quran says many Prophets were murdered and God did not intervene. In fact, God wants us to do Jihad and test us so that He can bless our efforts and empower it and give us victory in the process. The misguided Muslims fail to understand this and thus have shun military Jihad and in fact general Jihad to empower Islam and achieve Islamic revival because these misguided fatalists think God is not doing anything, so we better not do anything. These misguided leaders of Muslims will have to answer to God and will be punished for inaction and being a causative factor in Muslim suffering and Islam’s marginalization. They should remember God said with hardship (Jihad) comes easiness (victory).
Quran 9:13
Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:13
Yet again this verse proves the defensive nature of Islamic war. Breaking treaty and hostility against Islam and Muslims are all triggers of self-defense.
Quran 9:12
And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they might cease. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:12
This verse also establishes the defensive nature of Quranic war. The Arabic word used here for defamation can also mean persecution in religion. So, for example a model of this will be Hindutva persecution of Muslims in Kashmir or CCP persecution of Uyghurs in East Turkistan or Burmese on Rohingya or Zionists on Palestinians. This is what Quran means by defamation in Islam, that is persecution just because they follow Islam. Quran also clarifies who need to be fought. These are the leaders of hostility in belief, and not every disbeliever.
Quran 9:73
O Prophet fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:73
God commands Prophet to fight the disbelieving and hypocritical enemies who have been chronically hostile to Muslims and Islam. So, Muslims must follow Prophet’s model of Jihad against Islam’s persecutors. Here Jihad is used instead of Qital which is physical fight. So, the Jihad can be armed, financial, intellectual and psyops for example. God is commanding His messenger not to be meek and easy in this Jihad but rather stern and determined. Hypocrites are people who twist and bend to defy Islam and make it weak. Today they are secularists and liberals who hide behind so called Islam’s tolerance to weaken Islamic authority and dominance. These hypocrites secularists selectively choose Prophet’s biography without looking into the whole mission of Prophet which was to establish rule and dominion of Islam in whole of Arabia by dismantling the hostile pagan political establishment centered around Mecca.
Further reading www.researchgate.net/publication/347907244_The_Religio-Political_Mission_of_Prophet_Muhammad_PBUH
Quran 8:60
And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:60
God is commanding the believers to prepare continuously and persistently against known and unknow threats. The preparation in military and security apparatus has been essential for all civilizations and it should be no different for Muslims who are most persecuted today, but Muslim governments, politicians and royals are self-defeating except the Islamic republic of Iran who has followed this verse efficiently.
Quran 8:1
They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The bounties is for Allah and the Messenger." So fear Allah and amend that which is between you and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you should be believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:1
The bounties of Islamic war such as that taken as a result of self-defense or reparation for hostility is to go to the Islamic treasury. When God and Prophet are identified as owners then this is a metaphor for Islamic leadership as it is the believers who act on their behalf.
God is commanding the believers and the Islamic leadership to reconcile and cease any kind of hostility and mistrust that today has been resulted, among other things, due to racism, nationalism, tribalism and secular politics. Reconciliation by Islam and for Islam is obedience to God and His messenger.
Quran 8:16
And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:16
This verse is hinting Muslims to have a persistent and continuous military and war research framework and strategy. Muslims can be creative in this and may achieve this goal through military academy and war simulation. Unfortunately, the disbelievers have mastered this while Muslims instead of taking guidance and hints from Quran still trying to imitate everything from their adversaries.
Quran 8:41
And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:41
Western and Eastern wars have been to make the politicians and corporations rich but Islamic war is against this money-making exploitative model. Even in Islamic war you must remain humanitarian. The bounties from a just defensive or humanitarian war is equitably distributed starting with the Islamic treasury and other recipients as mentioned here. These other recipients need not necessarily be the believers but may also be the disbelievers against whom the war has been waged because the leaders of disbelievers might have been unjust and cruel to their subjects so Islamic leadership should distribute some of the war bounties to them.
Quran 8:45
O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:45
While secular military venerates the flags of their countries, their royals and their motherland, Islamic military must transcend these jahiliyya but rather remember God. This is the protocol and framework of Islamic military and psychology in war. Symbols of Islam and Islamic history must be the defining identifying factor of Islamic military field deployment and to show that they are there for God and not for any dead nationalist secular flag or politicians and royals. This symbolization and remembrance of God is also a clear signal that an Islamic military is not the one to do war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Quran 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. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:61
Yet again another proof that Islamic war is defensive and that it is always open for peace given proper conditions are met. The pagans of Quraish in ancient Arabia were habitual treaty breakers so God had commanded the Prophet to reject all treaties with them but to continue fighting until they were overwhelmed.
Quran 8:70
O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, "If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:70
This verse establishes that the prisoners of war are not to be killed and that they have always an opportunity to be not only free but also gain something with their freedom. So Islamic military may find benefits from prisoners of war. These benefits may be some of prisoners willing to convert to Islam, or some willing to contribute to Islamic state or some willing to repent and divulge secret information. The Islamic military must build a framework to achieve this by help of God.
Quran 3:200
O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 3:200
Essential ingredients of Jihad and war. The wisdom behind suffering of believers is because God wants us to persevere in Him collectively as a brotherhood and individually as a believer bringing out our solidarity in faith, governance, society and charity. The reward is from God spiritual and material. Also, as Hadith has stated God will help believers as long as believers help each other.
Quran 2:256
There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:256
This verse rejects forced conversion but not prohibition and punishment of apostasy. As I said in opening discussion and nature of Quranic law that laws of Quran cannot be taken isolated, so taking other related laws of Quran and also Sunnah this verse only means forced conversion of non-Muslims is prohibited. That means non-Muslims must be allowed to live by their religion and their religious laws but the extent is determined such that their adherence of their religion and religious laws do not erode Islamic rule. Paying of Jizya is for their security and not because letting them practice their religion, because that would mean if no Jizya was paid Islamic rule would forcefully convert them. No, not this, but if no Jizya is paid by non-Muslim subjects of Islamic rule then they will not enjoy the protection and benefits of Islamic rule, in fact they will be evicted or punished.
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:39
Jihad or war for God, that is in His cause was revealed later after persecution of Muslims increased greatly and after Muslims had found an Islamic state or Islamic jurisdiction by Prophet of Islam. This proves war footing is generally done when there is an established authority and under an established Islamic jurisdiction. So only an Islamic authority can declare and initiate a jihad. In today’s world Jihad exists in all the occupied Muslim countries as it is an automatic triggered Jihad by the very act of occupation and self-defense. Currently Palestine, East Turkistan, Kashmir, Arakan, Yemen and Syria are places of Jihad because of evident occupation, oppression and tyranny against the people and against Islamic rule.
Now let us consider this. Jerusalem was conquered by crusaders and it was not under Islamic rule after this so can Muslims declare Jihad against it as Saladin did? Same way today can Islamic republic of Iran can declare Jihad for Palestine, Kashmir and other places or Pakistan for that matter? So an external Islamic government can declare Jihad on behalf of oppressed Muslims elsewhere. Or consider an organized group of Muslims with a leadership structure and merit have mustered a force against occupation and tyranny. This too becomes a Jihad as they are the potential Islamic governance against occupation and tyranny.
Now let us consider the reason for fighting. It is clear from both Quran and Sunnah that the oppressed are given right to fight to preserve their life, property honor and dignity and way of life and this is so that they can live in obedience of God. If someone is fighting for his life, property and country so they can live in communism or secularism then this is not Jihad and not acceptable to God. Your intention must be to live in God and under God. When some non-Muslims are oppressed by tyrants and Muslims have the power to free them then also this is Jihad because those non-Muslims have a hope to turn to Islam. So do not confuse right to self-defense of lawful things with Jihad necessarily because an entity may be lawful but used in unlawful way.
Quran 47:7/31
O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet... And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah ] and the patient, and We will test your affairs. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 47:7/31
God will give us tests or make tyranny from our enemies a test until we do Jihad and persevere in God. However Muslim countries have conceded defeat easily and have no desire to do Jihad against Islam's enemies, enemies those who are against political Islam and Islamic self-determination whether in occupied East Turkistan, Kashmir, Palestine or Rohingya, Yemen, Syria. These are all active live tests from God that we need to do Jihad for and prove our Iman so God can intervene by His majesty and might at some point of our jihad but our misguided Muslim governments have not even started any Jihad for these oppressed and for Islamic revival. Islamic republic of Iran is doing a lonely Jihad, but God has been with them or else they would have crumbled. No, God has not yet intervened for them or else their enemies would crumble for good, but God is with them nonetheless. We can hasten God's divine intervention if we start true sincere jihad by our finances and military as united Muslims. The more we do not act the more God leaves us and our enemies become more tyrant and powerful. It is in our hands to invoke God’s intervention.
Details: www.researchgate.net/publication/347440829_Why_Does_Not_God_Help_The_Oppressed
Quran 2:190
Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors. (Quran 2:190) (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:190
Jihad is purely a defensive act, a defense against oppression, occupation, tyranny and exploitation. Jihad is also done in a proportional manner, so collective punishment is forbidden.
Quran 60:9
Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 60:9
This verse establishes the features of disbelievers whom God has commanded Muslims to disassociate with and reject. These are the features of disbelievers which Quran has been threatening with war and hostility: their persecution of Muslims and Islam so that Muslims abandon Islam and Islamic rule and embrace polytheism and disbelief. Quran is not against disbelievers who are peaceful and equitable towards Muslims. So, Quran is against the ideology of injustice and tyranny.
Quran 2:191
And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:191
This verse commands to retaliate as the pagans were aggressing against the Muslims in Medina. The pagans of Mecca first evicted and sanctioned Muslims, their trade, their demography through marriage prohibition and robbed their properties much like what China is doing today in East Turkistan or Zionists in Palestine or Buddhist extremists in Burma. As a response God revealed the verse to defend against this by all-out war against the pagan elites and their henchmen. So, this verse establishes too the principle of self-defense and retaliation. Fitnah means polytheism but it is not merely the existence of polytheism that is worse than killing but the fact that a polytheistic ideology has initiated persecution against Muslims, that is worse than killing. In a general outlook what this verse means is chronic ideological persecution and injustice is worse than killing. Today Muslims are victims of Zionist ideology, Hindutva ideology and Fascist ideology. Muslim humiliation and suffering is chronic so Muslim governments must initiate all forms of Jihad. One thing to consider is this, Muslims today are not in a position to win an all-out war against enemies because Muslims have been very lazy and failed to invest in military and defense long term. So today, Muslims must wage mini scale Jihad to make the lives of enemies miserable because the enemies fear most the disruption of their way of life. Politicians, security personnel and military people are all valid targets.
Quran 2:194
[Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So, whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:194
This verse establishes the principle of proportionality which international law has formed long after Islam and possibly borrowed from Islamic laws and history. This principle is applied in both war and other laws of Islam and it means punishment of a certain wrongdoing should be in proportion to the severity of the wrongdoing itself. In context of war this prohibits indiscriminate destruction of properties and killing of women, children, old people, religious priests and other non-combatants as Prophet and the Rashida caliphate practiced.
Quran 8:39
And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:39
This verse sets the three conditions for the ceasing of the fight or war. First condition is the tyranny, persecution and the ideology which brought it about must end and the second condition is that God’s religion must be established as the rule. The third condition is if the enemy ceases with their hostility and that implies, they must go to the status quo or must form a new reality based on some agreement: One example is the enemy withdraws and ceases the war while paying reparations.
Quran 9:5
And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:5
This verse commands the believers to continue the already started fight on justified grounds which were stopped due to the sacred months. Also note that here you may understand that this verse is implying forced conversion. However understand the Arabic here. The conditional letter is used here. If Quran proposed forced conversion it would have used something like “until” and not “if”. So what Quran is proposing here is a chance to peace and stop war and that is if the enemies willingly submit to Islam then stop the fight.
Quran 9:6
And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:6
Today in the world there is the concept of refuge or asylum seeking. This verse is something similar and predates the current world’s concept. It commands that the non-Muslims whether in a state of war or in peace are given sanctuary if they seek protection under Islamic rule or Islamic army.
Quran 9:29
Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:29
This verse commands to fight mainly Jews and Christians but qualifies it with the word “from” so this means a certain specific group of them needs to be fought but this verse does not say who they are. To find this we can refer to the general principles of Jihad in other verses and also history to corroborate it. These are mainly the hostile power which aggresses against Islamic rule. Historically these were the invading Byzantine empire. Oriental narrative has been that Jizya is oppressive and translates to second class treatment of non-Muslim Islamic subjects. There is nothing in Quran or Sunnah that says Jizya has to mean mistreatment of non-Muslims. Jizya is just a simple tax. Non-Muslims cannot expect to be free from state duties and obligations such as tax. They cannot expect free service from the government just like Muslims cannot expect. Both Muslims and non-Muslims must pay tax in the form of Zakat and Khumus for Muslims and Jizya for non-Muslim. Being humble means submitting to Islamic rule by paying tax.
Quran 9:123
O you who have believed, fight those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:123
Like many other verses of Jihad this verse commands Muslims to fight disbeliever but not why. To know why we need to look at other verses as mentioned which is to defend against oppression and tyranny. Historically these were the neighborly allies of the hostile pagan elites.
Quran 4:75
And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 4:75
This is a humanitarian war. This may look offensive but aiding the oppressed is always a defensive act. Today in international law humanitarian intervention has been discussed and also done such as in case of Bosnia against Serb atrocities. Islam gives precedence of human rights over state rights. So what this verse implies is that Muslims must be champions and leaders of humanitarian intervention to save and free people from tyranny and oppression. This altruistic goal of Quran is against the selfish goal of nationalism which sees war as a way to colonize, subjugate and plunder others for national and racial empowerment. So, while Quran obligates to sacrifice finance and well-being of Islamic establishment for the sake of oppressed against the oppressors, nationalism obligates to sacrifice others for sake of their own selves and their identity.
Quran 47:4
So, when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 47:4
Quran does not encourage, obligate or command slavery. This verse is clear proof of that. It commands to free prisoners as good gesture or ransom them. Islam came to abolish slavery through reformation. The reformation was done in these ways: 1. Prohibition of enslaving free people and limiting it in only defensive war for only prisoners and combatants 2. Keeping a lot of legal obligations to free slaves as compensation of legal wrongs 3. Obligating treatment of slaves as human beings and servants of God thereby minimizing the chances of cruelty and humiliation. 4. Promising spiritual rewards for freeing slaves voluntarily.
God can stop the tyrants and help Muslims by His Divine intervening help as He did to Moses. However God does not intervene like that always and only in specific cases of Prophetic miracles, because Quran says many Prophets were murdered and God did not intervene. In fact, God wants us to do Jihad and test us so that He can bless our efforts and empower it and give us victory in the process. The misguided Muslims fail to understand this and thus have shun military Jihad and in fact general Jihad to empower Islam and achieve Islamic revival because these misguided fatalists think God is not doing anything, so we better not do anything. These misguided leaders of Muslims will have to answer to God and will be punished for inaction and being a causative factor in Muslim suffering and Islam’s marginalization. They should remember God said with hardship (Jihad) comes easiness (victory).
Quran 9:13
Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:13
Yet again this verse proves the defensive nature of Islamic war. Breaking treaty and hostility against Islam and Muslims are all triggers of self-defense.
Quran 9:12
And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they might cease. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:12
This verse also establishes the defensive nature of Quranic war. The Arabic word used here for defamation can also mean persecution in religion. So, for example a model of this will be Hindutva persecution of Muslims in Kashmir or CCP persecution of Uyghurs in East Turkistan or Burmese on Rohingya or Zionists on Palestinians. This is what Quran means by defamation in Islam, that is persecution just because they follow Islam. Quran also clarifies who need to be fought. These are the leaders of hostility in belief, and not every disbeliever.
Quran 9:73
O Prophet fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:73
God commands Prophet to fight the disbelieving and hypocritical enemies who have been chronically hostile to Muslims and Islam. So, Muslims must follow Prophet’s model of Jihad against Islam’s persecutors. Here Jihad is used instead of Qital which is physical fight. So, the Jihad can be armed, financial, intellectual and psyops for example. God is commanding His messenger not to be meek and easy in this Jihad but rather stern and determined. Hypocrites are people who twist and bend to defy Islam and make it weak. Today they are secularists and liberals who hide behind so called Islam’s tolerance to weaken Islamic authority and dominance. These hypocrites secularists selectively choose Prophet’s biography without looking into the whole mission of Prophet which was to establish rule and dominion of Islam in whole of Arabia by dismantling the hostile pagan political establishment centered around Mecca.
Further reading www.researchgate.net/publication/347907244_The_Religio-Political_Mission_of_Prophet_Muhammad_PBUH
Quran 8:60
And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:60
God is commanding the believers to prepare continuously and persistently against known and unknow threats. The preparation in military and security apparatus has been essential for all civilizations and it should be no different for Muslims who are most persecuted today, but Muslim governments, politicians and royals are self-defeating except the Islamic republic of Iran who has followed this verse efficiently.
Quran 8:1
They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The bounties is for Allah and the Messenger." So fear Allah and amend that which is between you and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you should be believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:1
The bounties of Islamic war such as that taken as a result of self-defense or reparation for hostility is to go to the Islamic treasury. When God and Prophet are identified as owners then this is a metaphor for Islamic leadership as it is the believers who act on their behalf.
God is commanding the believers and the Islamic leadership to reconcile and cease any kind of hostility and mistrust that today has been resulted, among other things, due to racism, nationalism, tribalism and secular politics. Reconciliation by Islam and for Islam is obedience to God and His messenger.
Quran 8:16
And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allah, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:16
This verse is hinting Muslims to have a persistent and continuous military and war research framework and strategy. Muslims can be creative in this and may achieve this goal through military academy and war simulation. Unfortunately, the disbelievers have mastered this while Muslims instead of taking guidance and hints from Quran still trying to imitate everything from their adversaries.
Quran 8:41
And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:41
Western and Eastern wars have been to make the politicians and corporations rich but Islamic war is against this money-making exploitative model. Even in Islamic war you must remain humanitarian. The bounties from a just defensive or humanitarian war is equitably distributed starting with the Islamic treasury and other recipients as mentioned here. These other recipients need not necessarily be the believers but may also be the disbelievers against whom the war has been waged because the leaders of disbelievers might have been unjust and cruel to their subjects so Islamic leadership should distribute some of the war bounties to them.
Quran 8:45
O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:45
While secular military venerates the flags of their countries, their royals and their motherland, Islamic military must transcend these jahiliyya but rather remember God. This is the protocol and framework of Islamic military and psychology in war. Symbols of Islam and Islamic history must be the defining identifying factor of Islamic military field deployment and to show that they are there for God and not for any dead nationalist secular flag or politicians and royals. This symbolization and remembrance of God is also a clear signal that an Islamic military is not the one to do war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Quran 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. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:61
Yet again another proof that Islamic war is defensive and that it is always open for peace given proper conditions are met. The pagans of Quraish in ancient Arabia were habitual treaty breakers so God had commanded the Prophet to reject all treaties with them but to continue fighting until they were overwhelmed.
Quran 8:70
O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, "If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:70
This verse establishes that the prisoners of war are not to be killed and that they have always an opportunity to be not only free but also gain something with their freedom. So Islamic military may find benefits from prisoners of war. These benefits may be some of prisoners willing to convert to Islam, or some willing to contribute to Islamic state or some willing to repent and divulge secret information. The Islamic military must build a framework to achieve this by help of God.
Quran 3:200
O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 3:200
Essential ingredients of Jihad and war. The wisdom behind suffering of believers is because God wants us to persevere in Him collectively as a brotherhood and individually as a believer bringing out our solidarity in faith, governance, society and charity. The reward is from God spiritual and material. Also, as Hadith has stated God will help believers as long as believers help each other.
Quran 2:256
There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:256
This verse rejects forced conversion but not prohibition and punishment of apostasy. As I said in opening discussion and nature of Quranic law that laws of Quran cannot be taken isolated, so taking other related laws of Quran and also Sunnah this verse only means forced conversion of non-Muslims is prohibited. That means non-Muslims must be allowed to live by their religion and their religious laws but the extent is determined such that their adherence of their religion and religious laws do not erode Islamic rule. Paying of Jizya is for their security and not because letting them practice their religion, because that would mean if no Jizya was paid Islamic rule would forcefully convert them. No, not this, but if no Jizya is paid by non-Muslim subjects of Islamic rule then they will not enjoy the protection and benefits of Islamic rule, in fact they will be evicted or punished.
Proudly powered by Weebly