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religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance. And remember that Allah sees all that you do. (8:72)
3. In retaliation to the breach and violation of solemnly concluded covenants, pacts and treaties. This is based on the verse revealed in the Glorious Qur’an that states:
But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith, fight the chiefs of disbelief: for their oaths are nothing to them: that they will henceforth be restrained. Will you not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first to assault you? Do you fear them? Nay! It is Allah Whom you should more justly fear, if you truly believe! (9:12-13)
4. Disciplinary actions against those Muslims who aggress and start hostilities without any just cause, and continue obstinately on the path of aggression as Allah the Almighty states:
If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them: but if one of the parties transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight against the one that transgresses until it complies with the Command of Allah. If it complies, make peace between them with justice, and be just and fair: for Allah loves those who are just and fair. (49:9)
This type of jihad proves that the purpose of jihad is always for law and justice since it is waged even against Muslim criminals.
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5. For the spread of the religion of Islam when peaceful means are impossible. This type is only in the last resort after a series of peaceful contacts proves to the Muslim ruler that peaceful means have become impossible. The first step is an invitation to allow the peaceful preaching of Islam, following the practice (sunnah) of the Prophet () when, as mentioned above, he had sent letters to the surrounding rulers inviting them to Islam. If the ruler refused this invitation, he and his people are offered the option of becoming dhimmees, that is, people of the protected non-Muslim community governed by its own religious laws but obliged to abide by the general Islamic laws to maintain law, order and security, and to pay the Jizya tax in lieu of performing military service. Only when the non-Muslims refused these conditions were their grounds for the commencement of open battle for the fact that they oppose the peaceful propagation of Islam. The Muslims are required to wage Jihad against those who not only reject Islam’s universal message for mankind that Allah alone is worthy of worship and Prophet Muhammad () is His Messenger but also stop or curtail the spread of this universal message and its propagation by peaceful means. Islam is the universal faith and religion of Allah, the Creator And Lord – Sustainer of mankind, and therefore is not for any specific people but for all men who should be able to learn about Islam and have the chance to submit to Allah willfully: acceptance of Islam and conversion is not the mission or objective that Muslims seek because guidance is only in the Hands of Allah, Most Wise and Sublime. All people must have a chance to hear about the goodness, justice, brotherhood, love, equality and peace and all that Islam teaches. The Benevolent and Almighty Lord of Man states in His Glorious Qur’an:
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And fight them until there is no more temptation, strife or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere. But if they cease, verily, Allah sees all that they do. (8:39)
If at any time the enemies of Islam and the Muslims cease their hostilities and aggressions and sue for or accept just terms of peace, Muslims are obliged to stop the state of war, start negotiations, and it becomes unlawful for them to pursue any course of warfare against them. Allah, the Wise and Omniscient said:
Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you but instead send you guarantees of peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to continue the war against them). (4:90)
The causes of legitimate warfare are thus identified above, and other verses in this context are as follows:
Allah, the Great, said:
They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say: ‘Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) in the sight of Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the Holy Mosque (in Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants and fitnah (temptation, worship of idols, and civil strife) is worse than killing. (2:217)
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Allah, the Great, says:
And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and worshipping others besides Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against the tyrants.
(2:193)
Allah, the Exalted, says:
Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the Way of Taghoot (Satan, idols, tyrants). So fight you against the followers of Satan: Indeed the plot of Satan is feeble. (4:76)
All other types of wars, as mentioned above, resulting in destruction and great loss of life and property, are banned and declared unlawful and aggression in Islam. Wars waged to arrogantly demonstrate force and supposed superiority, as with those rationalized as pre-emptive strikes, are also prohibited in Islam. As Allah, the Exalted, says:
And be not like those who started from their homes in arrogance and insolence and to be seen of men, and to hinder men from the path of Allah: for indeed Allah encompasses around all that they do. (8:47)
Although Islam permits fighting for the necessary reasons mentioned above, it lays down strict rules and regulations for the conduct of warfare on both the leaders and the soldiers, the “mujahideen,” and directs all to observe the noble Islamic manners and ethics even in this most difficult of times. The Muslim fighters are permitted to target and kill only those who fight against them or assist and support other fighters in the battlefield. As for the elderly people, minors, women, sick, wounded, or those who isolate and seclude themselves in worship by belief in non-violence, all these categories of
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people who are non-combatants are not to be targeted, killed, molested or even bothered in any manner by Muslim fighters. It is prohibited to kill an enemy soldier fighting against Muslims wounded and fallen on a battlefield as well. Islam bans mutilation of the bodies and cadavers of all killed enemies. Furthermore, Islam bans the killing of the enemies' animals, and the destruction of their agriculture and dwellings and infrastructure, except in certain circumstances necessary for the immediate battle. Additionally, Islam prohibits intentional pollution of the water sources of the enemies and their wells. Islam considers all the aforementioned items as acts leading to the disruption of the society and unnecessary hardship on the common people.
Jihad in Islam is a means to allow the peaceful spread of the Word of Allah and the message of Islam. As Allah states in His Glorious Qur’an, the intention of this life for a Muslim is to seek the life of the Hereafter through good deeds:
But seek with that which Allah has bestowed upon you, the Home of the Hereafter, and do not forget your due portion in this World. Do good as Allah has been good to you, and do not seek occasions for mischief in the land. Indeed Allah does not love those who do mischief.
(28:77)
From among the many teachings and guidance from Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to the mujahideen, are the following:
The Messenger of Allah () stated that there is only one legitimate intention for jihad, when he said:
“He who strives and fights in order to make the Word of Allah the Most Supreme is the one who strives and fights for the cause of Allah.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
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When a woman was found killed in one of these battles, the Messenger of Allah mentioned that this one was not fighting and forbade the killing of women and children. (Muslim)
He also gave the following instructions:
“Begin your fight with the Name of Allah against those who declare the state of disbelief in Allah. Fight against them, but do not breach your contracts or covenants. Do not mutilate the bodies of the fighters killed. Do not kill a newly born baby.” (Muslim)
And he said:
“Go forward in the name of God. Do not kill an elderly person, nor a child, nor a woman, and do not exceed the bounds.” (Malik & Abu Dawood)
The eminent companion, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq () the first Muslim Caliph of the Islamic State, gave the following advice to the Muslim army he deputed saying: “Wait before you leave. I would like to give you the following advices: Do not betray or act treacherously; Do not steal from the war booty before its proper and lawful distribution; Do not breach your pledges and covenants with your enemies; Do not mutilate the bodies of the killed fighters; Do not kill a little, minor child, a woman, or an elderly man; Do not cut or burn a palm tree [or any other tree for any reason]; Do not cut a fruit-bearing tree; Do not slaughter a sheep, a cow or a camel, except for your food; You may come across people who seclude themselves for the worship of God, leave them alone. Do not bother them or cause any disruption to their lives. [Reported by at-Tabari, Vol.3, p.226, and others]
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Similarly, Muslims must declare war prior to the beginning of the fight. This is because Muslims are neither betrayers, nor dishonest fighters. Islam imposes some of the best of war ethics and morals onto the Muslim fighters. Islam requires full adherence to justice and no oppression to the fighting enemies.
Omar bin Abdul-Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, one of the early Umayyad Muslim Caliphs, was approached by a delegation of fighters of the city of Samarqand who complained about the Muslim leader, Qutaibah, who had taken them by a surprise attack. The Caliph sent a letter to the governor of the concerned area commanding him to assign a judge to investigate this matter, and if the judge deemed that Muslims should get out of the city and leave it for any breach of trust, they must comply with the judgment. The governor of Samarqand assigned a judge named Jomai' bin Hader al-Baji who passed his verdict that Muslims should leave the city which they had conquered. The Muslim army commander must first declare war openly and with a proper proclamation, prior to invading the land and launching their attack upon the people of Samarqand, give them a chance to prepare themselves for the fight and to know the reasons for the attack. The people of Samarqand seeing the just dealing of the Muslims, decided against restarting hostilities and accepted the terms of Islamic rule. [see "Futuh-al-Buldan" Countries of the Conquests, by Balathuri, p.428]
As with reference to captives and prisoners, always a sensitive and divisive subject between warring parties, Islam strictly forbids intimidation, torture, mutilation, or starving them to death. Indeed, feeding them is a virtue the reward of which is with Allah as he says:
And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, (Saying): We feed you for the
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sake of Allah alone, and we do not desire from you reward nor thanks
. (76:8-9)
The Islamic leader reserves the full freedom to release the prisoners of war free without ransom, set terms for their ransom, or release them in exchange for the release of Muslim prisoners of war. This is based on the verse revealed in the Glorious Qur’an:
Therefore, when you meet the disbelievers (in warfare), smite at their necks. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a firm bond (on them if captured alive). Thereafter (you may dispose of them) either by your generosity or through ransom -- until the war lays down its burdens (by peace treaty). Thus (you are commanded), but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some by means of the others. Those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost. (47:4)
As for the defeated non-Muslim residents of the conquered countries, the people of the Book like the Christians and Jews, were treated with respect, and their integrity, dignity and honor was maintained, their wealth and properties secured from aggression and unjust confiscation. They and their women were never molested or unduly humiliated in any manner, way or means. The homes and dwellings for their families were left unharmed. In summery they were dealt with fairly and justly. Their originally divine faith was honored and dignified, and if they chose to remain upon it they were responsible to respect and obey the Islamic tenants and religion, and maintain obedience to the public good, security
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and rule of equitable law. This is based on many verses and teachings, including what Allah said as follows:
(They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs. (22:41)
One of the best evidences reflecting these teachings is the example set by Omar bin al-Khattab () the second Muslim Caliph of the Islamic State, and the conqueror of the Roman and Persian empires, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem Aelia upon entering it as victorious. Tabari reported that he wrote to them as follows:
"In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate and Most Gracious. This is the covenant of security granted by the servant of Allah, 'Omar the Commander of the Faithful, to the people of Aelia. He, hereby, guarantees the security of their persons and property, their churches and crosses, the little and the great and all adherents of the Christian religion. It is prohibited that their churches be inhibited or demolished or diminished as regards with the church itself or its domain. Nor may their crosses be impaired or any of their properties in any manner. They should not be coerced to abandon their faith and none of them may be harmed. No Jews are permitted to live with them in Aelia. Upon the people of Aelia falls the obligation to pay the jizya, as is the case with the people of Mada'in, as well as evict from their midst the Byzantine. Whoever of these who leaves Aelia will be granted security of person and property until he reaches his destination. Whoever decides to stay in Aelia will also be granted the same, and share with the people of Aelia in their rights and pay jizya. The same applies to the people of Aelia as well as to any other
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person. Those who would like to march with the Byzantines may go and those who would like to return to their people will not be bound to pay anything until they reap their harvest. Allah attests to the content of this treaty, and so do His Prophet, his successors and the believers. This is witnessed by Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, 'Amr Ibn Al-'Aas, Abdur-Rahman Ibn Al-'Awf and Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan. Executed in the year 15 Hijri."
Surely, there is nothing comparable in recorded history of mankind. We believe that this is the best form of nobility, justice and tolerance from the conqueror's side towards the vanquished. Most conquerors strip the defeated people from all rights, freedoms and honor, including the right to a decent life, subjugating them to labor as slaves or second-class citizens and serve the conquerors’ interests. Omar bin al-Khattab () could have easily dictated harsh terms and conditions against the defeated Christians and Jews at the time, but followed the lead of the Prophet Muhammad () in his generosity and magnanimity when he conquered Makkah after years of dealing with their treacherous warfare of the Medinan period and the bitter persecution of the Makkan period of his mission. This justice aimed at the noble goal of propagating the word of Allah and not gaining personal or national advantage. These examples, among others, illustrate the justice, tolerance, and beauty of Islam, the divinely revealed religion of Allah for universal and just peace. The laws of Allah, the Almighty, must apply to all people without any exception or favoritism.
Non-Muslims living under the Islamic rule are obligated to pay the Jizyah (so called head tax) which is a minimal, symbolic amount imposed on the non-Muslim residents who willingly choose to maintain their previous faith and life
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under the government of the Islamic State. The basis of this is found in the verse of Allah:
Fight against those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, from among the people of the Scripture, until they pay the jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued. (9:29)
This tax is of three types as calculated by the currency of the time:
· The head tax of the rich and the affluent people. This is estimated as forty-eight dirhams of silver taken from each individual annually.
· The head tax of the middle-class individuals such as merchants, businessmen, and farmers. This is estimated as twenty-four dirhams of silver taken from each individual annually.
· The head tax taken from the laborers and craftsmen who are in business. This is estimated as twelve dirhams of silver taken from each individual annually.
The Jizya tax is imposed on the non-Muslims living in the Islamic State as a sign of submission to the Islamic State, as a symbolic payment for the guarantee that their honor, integrity, wealth and life will be protected by the Islamic government against external enemies and internal violations, and because they are exempted from serving in the military. This protection includes all rights and obligations as specified and agreed upon contractually. In comparison Muslims have additional duties, including the obligation to serve in the military when required, and to pay the Zakah (obligatory alms) and other forms of sadaqah (charity).
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Khalid bin al-Waleed () one of the most renowned Muslim war generals, in one of his contractual pledges to the non-Muslims living in the Islamic State said: “I have given you my pledge of trust to accept your head tax and in return, to protect you against all possible odds (that we protect ourselves against). If we succeed in offering you the protection we would take the head tax. If not, then you would not have to pay it until we can provide you such protection.” (Balathuri's history)
L. Veccia Vaglieri, in her book entitled “Defending Islam” says: “Conquered people by Islamic governments were given full freedom to maintain and preserve their faith and traditions provided that individuals who elected this option and did not accept Islam as a way of life, would pay a fair head tax to the Islamic government. Head tax was less than what Muslims paid to their government. Non Muslims, residing under Islamic ruled state, paid such tax in exchange for the general blanket protection offered by the Islamic government extended for its own people.”
One must remember that the three types of the jizya tax calculated above were for the earning members whereas other classes of the non-Muslims -- namely the poor, needy, minors, women, the monks, priests, or rabbis, the permanently disabled, and the blind -- were exempted entirely from the payment of this head tax, and their protection, needs and general welfare was undertaken free of cost by the Islamic Treasury.
For example, Omar bin al-Khattab () was sitting once when an old Jew passed by asking people to give him charity. Omar asked about the welfare of the individual and was informed that the man was living as a non-Muslim under the rule of the Islamic state and protection, paying head tax. Omar () declared: “We have not been fair to you! We have imposed
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head tax on you and charged you such tax when you were young and able, and now we are not providing you with the proper social care and welfare (when you are old and disabled).”
As a result, Omar took the man to his own home, fed him and offered him proper clothing. And thereafter he commanded the Muslim Treasurer: 'Look into the case of this man, and those of similar situation, and give them a sufficient income from the Islamic Treasury, along with their families. Allah, the Almighty, stated in His Qur’an
Alms are for the poor and destitute; the needy; those employed to administer the (funds); those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); those in bondage; and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus it is) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. (9:60)
The poor are the Muslims. The needy are the People of the Book.” [Abu Yousef, al-Kharaj, p.126]
In Khalid bin al-Waleed’s pledge, may Allah be pleased with him, to the non-Muslims of al-Heerah, in Iraq, the following was written: “Any non-Muslim living under the protection of the Islamic state who grows old and becomes unable to work, or becomes a terminal patient, or becomes broke and bankrupt in such a manner that he would be entitled for charity by his own people's faith, will no longer be required to pay the head tax. Such individuals will be provided for their essential needs from the Islamic Treasury, along with their families” [Abu Yousef, Al-Kharaj, p.144]
Lis Lictenstadter, a German scholar, in her book titled, “Islam and the Modern Age, states: “The option given to the people of Persia and Rome or the West, during the time of the spread of Islam, was not to be killed by the sword or accept
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Islam. In fact, the option was either to accept Islam as a way of life, or else to pay the head tax (in exchange for protection). This is a praiseworthy plan which was applied later on in England during the rein of Queen Elizabeth.” [Islam and Modern Age, p. 67. See also, Ahmad Shalabi, Comparative Religious Studies, vol. 3, p.174]
Non-Muslims living under the rule of the Islamic state are fully entitled for full protection and respect for their rights. Allah the Almighty states in the Glorious Qur’an:
It may be that God will grant love and friendship between you and those whom you hold as enemies. For God has power over all things; And God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. God forbids you not, with regard to those who do not fight you for your Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just. God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for your Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for friendship and protection. Those who turn to them (in these circumstances) do wrong. (60:7-9)
The Messenger of Allah () said:
"The one who wrongs a covenanter or impairs his right or overworks him or forcibly takes something from him, I will be his prosecutor on the Day of Judgment."
(Abu Dawood & Nasa’ee)
The Messenger of Allah () said:
"The one who kills a covenanter will never smell the scent of heaven and its scent is found at the distance of forty years.” (Bukhari)
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In summery we quote from Will Durant about this much maligned jizya, who quotes from the orientalist Welldiorant: “The people of dhimma: Christians, Zaradishts, Jews and Sabi'a; enjoyed a degree of tolerance during the Umayyad rule which can never be assimilated to Christian countries nowadays. They were free to practice their rituals. They maintained their churches and synagogues and the only obligation was that they should wear a special color and pay tax for every person pro rata on his income. This sum ranged between two and four dinars. This tax was exclusively levied on non-Muslims who can go to war. However priests, women, children, slaves, elderly men, the disabled, the blind and the destitute were exempted from the tax. Dhimmis were exempted from military service in return. They were also exempted from zakat which is 2.5% of the annual income and the government was bound to protect them.” [History of Civilization, vol.12, p131]
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Islamic Principles Enjoin Mercy and Condemn Aggression
The Divine religion of Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, tolerance, kindness and benevolence. It stands upright against all brutality, wanton violence, and viciousness in order to promote and protect justice and peace. Allah, the Most Benevolent urged all Muslims to follow the pattern of Allah's Messenger () as follows:
It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you. So pass over their faults, and ask for Allah's forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (3:159)
Allah the Wise and Sublime characterizes the mission of Muhammad () as a mercy to all, when He said Most Exalted:
We have not sent you but as a Mercy for all creation.
(21:108)
The teachings of Islam call all Muslims to show mercy and kindness to every innocent and poor person. The Prophet of Allah () said:
“The merciful and kind people will receive the Mercy of the Merciful Lord, Allah, the Almighty. Be merciful to people on earth, and Allah, the Almighty, Who is in Heaven, will grant you His Mercy.” (Tirmidthi)
and in another version he said:
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“Allah, the Almighty, would be Merciful to the merciful people. Be merciful to those on earth, and the One in Heaven would be Merciful to you.”
(Tirmidthi & Abu Dawood)
Allah's Messenger () said:
“Being kind to others is good in every matter, and if kindness is removed (from the hearts of people) the situation becomes bad and worst” (Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him said: "He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good." [Reported by Muslim].
The Prophet () said:
"Whenever forbearance is added to something, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn from something, it leaves it defective." (Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah () said to Ashaj Abdul-Qais, may Allah be pleased with him:
"You possess two qualities that Allah loves: clemency and tolerance." (Muslim)
Furthermore, Islam requires that mercy and kind treatment should be meted out to all people, even to the enemies of the Muslims captured during the jihad, as in the command of the Prophet of Allah's Messenger () when he said: “Be kind and merciful to the captives” [see Al-Mu'jammal-Kabeer, The Grand Dictionary of Hadith. 22/393].
If the Prophet () commanded this command to Muslims concerning the hostile enemies who are fighting against them,
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then the treatment towards the peaceful people would naturally be even better.
Never is any life to be taken unjustly. As Allah said:
Nor take life, -which Allah has made sacred-, except for just cause. And, if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law). (17:33)
More on this topic will be presented below, but here let us note that Islamic mercy and kindness, not to mention the prohibition of taking life unjustly, is not limited to human beings but includes animals and all living creatures as well.
The Prophet of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, noticed someone shooting a little bird for fun and then leaving it to die for no reason, whereupon he said:
“This little bird would supplicate its case before Allah the Almighty on the Day of Judgment, saying ‘O My Lord! This man killed me for no reason to benefit by my death (like hunting for food which is allowed).’”
(Ahmed & Nasa’ee)
The companion Abdullah ibn Omar () is reported to have passed by a group of young men from the tribe of Quraish who had captured a bird and set it up as a shooting target. He said: 'Who placed this bird as a shooting target? May Allah's Curse descend on the person who did this! The Messenger of Allah () said:
“Allah the Almighty curses the person who captures and sets any living creature as a shooting target” (Bukhari & Muslim)
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Allah's Messenger () commanded Muslims to show kindness in every action, even when slaughtering an animal, by the words:
“Allah, the Almighty, prescribes perfection in every action. If you kill, be perfect in your killing. If you slaughter an animal for meat, perfect your act of slaughtering. Sharpen your knife and be good, kind, and merciful to the animal you are about to slaughter. Give the slaughtered animal the best comfort you can while being slaughtered.” (Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah () said:
“While a man was on a trip in the wilderness he became extremely thirsty. He searched for water and found a well and managed to go to the bottom of the well to get to the water. Since he had nothing to reach the bottom from the top where the water was he suffered a great deal to reach down but eventually managed to quench his thirst and came out of the well. Upon reaching the surface he found a dog with his tongue stretched out from severe thirst. The man thought to himself: ‘This dog is certainly suffering the same hardship I suffered from his severe thirst.’ Therefore the man went down the well again, holding one of his shoes by his teeth, filled the shoe with water and brought it back up to the thirsty dog. The dog drank and went away. Allah, the Almighty, appreciated the action of this man and forgave his previous sins.”
One of the audience, who heard the statement of the Prophet () enquired, O Messenger of Allah! Would we be rewarded for being kind and merciful to animals? Allah's Messenger () asserted:
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“Truly there is a blessed reward for being kind and merciful to every living creature that has a moist liver.”
(Bukhari)
Conversely a woman deserved the penalty and the wrath of Allah, the Almighty, and was to become one of the dwellers of the Fire of Hell, as a result of her cruelty to a cat. Allah's Messenger () is reported to have said:
“A certain woman would become a dweller of the Fire of Hell as a result of cruel treatment of a cat. She tied the cat up and did not offer it food nor let it eat food from its surroundings” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The list of the Prophet's () commands to Muslims to be kind, merciful, and kindhearted even to animals is endless. We only cited above few examples. Some other examples are as under:
Allah's Messenger () said while passing by a donkey that had been tattooed on its face:
“May Allah's Curse descend on the person who placed this tattoo on the face of the donkey.” (Muslim)
Allah's Messenger () is reported to have said while passing by a camel that appeared extremely thin from hunger:
“Be mindful and honor the Commandments of Allah concerning these animals, which can't express their needs by speech. Ride them while you keep them in good shape, and slaughter and eat them while you keep them in good shape.” (Abu Da`ood)
If such was the mercy and kindness to animals and living creatures, what about the human being, who is given preference, honor and respect over all other creatures of
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Allah’s creation? The Omniscient and Almighty Allah honored man above all others, and enumerated His bounties to mankind:
We have honored the sons of Adam and provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors, making them to be above a greater part of Our Creation. (17:70)
Indeed by obedience to Allah and the guidance revealed to His Messengers, man is honored, but by disobedience he falls into disgrace and dishonors himself by shameful and obnoxious deeds.
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Islamic General Principles Champion Comprehensive Peace
For peace to be true and comprehensive it must encompass all spheres of human activity fulfilling the needs of life in a balanced and just manner. Islamic laws and teachings include the following principles, legal precepts and guidance -- presented as examples only -- all of which aim at promoting such a universal and just peace.
-> Respect for the human life
Islam values all human life, and for its protection imposes the death penalty [Qisaas] for premeditated and intentional murder of an innocent soul. Accidental and unintentional killing has a different penalty, which is called “Diyyah” (blood-money), defined as a pre-determined sum of money, given to the heirs of the person killed, as a compensation money. This blood-money is by no means an equal for the loss of the person killed, but it is rather a financial compensation for the harm they suffer as a result of the loss of their loved one. Atonement (kaffarah) is to be performed by the killer by emancipation of a slave, or observing a continuous fast for two consecutive months to expiate the sin of his mistake. If the murderer cannot observe this fast for a legitimate reason, he is obliged to feed sixty poor people a reasonably sufficient meal. This atonement is an act of worship by which the sinner seeks pardon and forgiveness from Allah Most Merciful for his unintentional sin of killing a human soul. All this is done to demonstrate the sacredness of the human life. Islam prescribes the severe penalty for killing a human soul intentionally since if a potential killer realizes that he or she will be killed in retaliation and penalty for the crime, perhaps they will think
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twice before committing murder. If the penalty were anything less than strict retribution, the criminals would continue boldly in their crimes. The same applies to all capital and corporal punishments, called Hudood (boundaries) in Islam. Capital punishments in Islam are efficient and effective just penalties and successful deterrents for a very essential and noble reason to preserve and maintain security of the human life, as Allah, the Most wise and Almighty states in His Glorious Qur’an:
In Qisaas (Law of Equality in Retribution) there is Life for you, O men of understanding, that you may restrain yourselves (from transgression). (2:179)
And Allah Most Beneficent said:
On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our prophets with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. (5:32)
Furthermore, the hardened unrepentant criminal is threatened with the everlasting penalty in the Hellfire, a permanent abode of humiliation and endless torture, under the Wrath of Allah, the Almighty, in the Hereafter. Allah, the Wise and Almighty states:
If a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (forever), and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him. (4:93)
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Abu Bakrah () narrated: “I heard Allah’s Messenger () saying:
“When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords, both the murderer as well as the murdered will go to Hell-fire.” I said: “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right for the murderer, but what about the murdered one? Allah’s Messenger replied: “He surely had the intention to kill his companion.’” (Bukhari)
Of course if one sincerely repents then Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness encompasses all sinners.
-> Equality of human status
All humans are innately equal and this applies to both male and female alike. When Allah, the Almighty, created the first human, Adam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, -- our great grandfather and the father for entire humanity -- he also created our grandmother Eve. Thus humanity is essentially one family and of one race from this honorable couple. Humans became distinguished thereafter by their belief and obedience or their disbelief and disobedience. Allah, the Almighty, states in the Glorious Qur’an:
O Mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single Person and created its mate, and from the two of them scattered countless men and women; fear Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual rights, and reverence the wombs (that bore you), for Allah is ever watchful over you. (4:1)
The Messenger of Allah () said:
“All people are the children of Adam and Adam is created from the dust.” (Ahmed)
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Since dust is of different colors and traits, man also developed into different colors and traits.
The Prophet Muhammad () said:
“Allah has relieved you from the burden of ignorance with its pride in the fathers and the ancestors. You are all from Adam, and Adam is from dust. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, nor between a black man and a red man except in piety.”
(Abu Dawood)
All humans initially believed in the common faith of Islamic monotheism as revealed to Adam, and spoke the same common language. As Allah the Almighty states in His Magnificent Qur’an:
Mankind was but one Ummah (nation and community) but differed (later). Had it not been for a (definite) Word that went forth before from your Lord, their differences would have been settled between them. (10:19)
Consequently man began to differ and the reasons for their differences include: multiplication of their numbers; emigrations to various areas of the earth; divergence of colors and other features of the human subgroups developing through time by environmental stimulus etc; development of local languages and dialects and many other factors.
Since Islam regards each human being, regardless of race, color, language, creed, faith, religion, or home country on an equal footing with other human beings in the trait of humanity, all human beings are equal before the Laws of Allah, the Almighty:
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise
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each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things)
. (49:13)
And in the traditions we read that Aishah, Allah be pleased with her, reported: The Quraish were much worried about the case of a Makhzumiyah woman who had committed theft and wondered who should intercede for her with Messenger of Allah (). Some said Usamah bin Zaid () was his beloved and thus he may dare do so. So Usamah () spoke to him about that matter, and the Prophet () said to him,
“Are you interceding when one of the penal codes ordained by Allah has been violated?” Then he got up and addressed the people saying: “The people before you were ruined because when a noble person amongst them committed theft, they would leave him, but if a weak person amongst them committed theft, they would execute the legal punishment on him. By Allah, were Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, to commit the theft, I would have cut off her hand.'” (Bukhari & Muslim)
All human beings are also equal in terms of basic freedom and responsibilities. Omar bin al-Khattab () made an eloquent statement on this fact some fourteen centuries ago when he declared to a sinning Muslim who arrogantly had wronged a non-Muslim: “Have you enslaved some people though their own mothers gave birth to them free?” Therefore, every human being, in the sight of Islam, is entitled to the following types of freedom, mentioned in brief examples as follows:
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- Freedom of thought and opinion. Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded the Muslims, to declare the truth, express honest opinion, and refrain from intimidating others as he is reported to have said:
“A person who knows the truth and does not declare it, is a mute devil” (Tirmidhi)
- Freedom of access to benefit from the wealth, minerals, and natural resources of the earth. The Almighty Allah states:
It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes. (You will return) unto Him for the Resurrection. (67:15)
- Freedom of access to lawful income and ownership. Islam encourages all to work in beneficial trades and have a free access to lawful income. For instance in inheritance Allah, the Almighty, states:
From what is left by parents and those nearest related, there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the property be small or large, a determinate share. (4:7)
- Freedom of learning and teaching. Islam advocates the freedom of learning for every member in the society. The Messenger of Allah () said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligatory duty upon every Muslim” (Baihaqi)
In fact, Islam classifies the act of monopolizing essential, useful and Islamic knowledge, concealing it from others, and not sharing it with them, an unforgivable act that renders the doer to be the recipient of the Wrath of Allah, the Almighty,
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and His Penalty. Allah's Messenger () is reported to have said:
“A knowledgeable person who is asked to share his knowledge with others but refuses to do so and hides his information would have a harness of fire put on him on the Day of Judgment” (Abu Dawood & Tirmidthi)
- Freedom of access to entitlement for leadership position in the society, if he possesses the necessary qualifications. Ability and efficiency are the main criteria required for holding leadership position in the Islamic society, as opposed to color and race, for instance. Allah's Messenger () is reported to have said:
“If a person is assigned the charge of the Muslim affairs, then appoints a person on favoritism irrespective of his qualifications, he would deserve the Wrath and Curse of Allah. Allah, the Almighty, would not accept any of his actions and such a person would be in the Hellfire”
(Hakim)
Many more freedoms are guaranteed in the Islamic system, only some are mentioned above by way of examples.
Freedom is often a misused word, since real freedom cannot be achieved if man is a slave to his base desires - or a servant of the desires of others - and seeks to fulfill them by any immoral and unlawful means. The man is allured to this false freedom by the enticement of the Satan, the avowed enemy of all mankind, who in his jealous rage, hates the human race and has given his committed oath to Allah to wait with his troops in ambush to strike with their arsenal of weapons whenever and wherever possible. Allah, the Almighty said:
O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he made your parents to be expelled
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from the Paradise, stripping them of their garments to expose their shame. Indeed he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them (to entrap you). Indeed, We have made the Evil Ones friends only to those who disbelieve
. (7:27)
-> The unity and inviolability of the religion of Allah for all humans
As the universal and eternal religion of Allah for all men, Islam aims at eliminating all aspects of tribalism, nationalism, racism and party spirit leading to conflict. Islam is the religion of Allah that was taught to all men in its essentials of monotheism even though particulars of the law and guidance may vary according to man’s circumstances. The same basic message was given from Prophet Adam until the final Messenger Muhammad ().
Allah, the Almighty, states in the Glorious Qur’an:
(Allah) has established for you the same religion that He has enjoined on Noah - (similar to) that which We have sent by inspiration to you - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that you should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein. The (way) to which you call them is severe on those who worship other than Allah. Indeed Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him). (42:13)
Allah, the Almighty, also states:
We have sent revelation to you as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent revelation to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. Of some Messengers We have already told
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you the story and of others We have not, and to Moses Allah spoke directly. The Messengers gave good news as well as warning, so that mankind - after the coming of the Messengers - should have no plea against Allah: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. (4:163-165)
And Allah the Sublime says:
That was the argument and reasoning about Us which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all We guided: and before him We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good: And Zachariah and John, and Jesus and Elias: all are in the ranks of the Righteous. (6:83-6)
The Lord sustainer of Man, Allah, the Omniscient and Almighty, sent them all with the same call:
O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. (11:50, 61, 84…)
Allah, the Almighty also says:
Say: We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all the Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we submit to Allah (in Islam). (2:136)
As such, each and every Muslim is obligated by faith and creed: to believe in all the Prophets and Messengers; to believe in the Divine Books and Scriptures revealed and sent down to
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them; to respect and honor every Divine Law revealed by Allah, the Almighty, to any previous people; to believe in the brotherhood of the previous followers of the Book who welcomed the Mission of Muhammad (). The Message of Islam which was brought by Muhammad () is the Final Divine Message to mankind, as Allah said:
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Last of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.
(33:40)
Thus the final Divine Message of Islam as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, abrogates all previous messages. Abrogation by no means is a denial of the previous messages but that they are no longer in effect: henceforth only Islam is the religion acceptable to Allah, the Supreme Lord, as the Most Wise and Omnipotent said:
If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost. (3:85)
Islam urges the followers of previous Divine Messages to believe in the Message of Islam, as revealed upon Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as Allah, the Almighty, said:
So if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and Allah will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.. (2:137)
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And Allah, Most Great and Majestic said:
Those who deny Allah and His Messengers, and who wish to separate Allah from His Messengers, saying: ‘We believe in some but reject others’, And who wish to take a course midway: They are in truth disbelievers; and We have prepared for disbelievers a humiliating Punishment. (4:150-151)
All forms of disbelief are categorically castigated by Allah:
As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you should have no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did. He that does good shall have (the reward) ten times as much to his credit: he that does evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil: no wrong shall be done unto (any of) them. Say: "Verily, my Lord hath guided me to a Way that is straight, a religion of right, the Path (trod) by Abraham, the true in faith, and he (certainly) did not associate other gods with Allah. Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Lord and Sustainer of the Worlds; He has no partner: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit to Allah (in Islam). (6:159-163)
Islam also urges its followers to respect the feelings of those who differ with them in religion and condemns offensive language against those who differ with Muslims in faith as Allah commands:
Do not revile those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they revile Allah in their ignorance out of spite. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In
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the end will they return to their Lord, and we shall then tell them the truth of all that they did
. (6:108)
Islam, therefore, commands Muslims to attract the non-Muslims towards their Faith with the beauty of its precepts, by the guidance of comely examples and behavior, as opposed to the Guidance that only Allah bestows on whom He will. The Almighty and Most Majestic said in the Qur’an:
Say, The Truth is from your Lord: Let him who will, believe and let him who will, reject and disbelieve: for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), are like the wall and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces: How dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! (18:29)
Islam enunciates justice and dispenses it even to its Non-believers. Allah, the Almighty, states in the Glorious Qur’an:
Now then, for that (reason) call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as you art commanded, nor follow their vain desires; but say: ‘I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you (is the responsibility for) your deeds, there is no contention between you and us (in this). Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) final goal. (42:15)
Islam gave man the full freedom of choice in terms of faith. They may accept or reject any faith or belief. Islam gave the freedom to the People of the Book and previous Scriptures to maintain their faith and practices. Islam forbids the
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dismantling of the churches and synagogues. Islam prohibits the breaking and destruction of the cross of the Christians. Allah's Messenger () is reported to have said concerning the people of the previous Scriptures:
“Leave them alone in terms of faith” (Tabari)
Islam gave the people of the previous Scriptures the rights as their law dictates, and to eat, drink and wear what their religion permits them to do. Islam also entitles the people of the previous Scriptures to practice the practices of their religion insofar as marriage, marital relationship, divorce and other relations are concerned.
To demonstrate a practical example, Omar bin al-Khattab () the second Caliph, applied such provisions when he came to the Resurrection Church in Jerusalem, and the time for Muslims' prayer entered. Omar () left the Church, went outside, and offered the prayer outside the Church, and informed the priest of the church, “Had I offered my prayer inside the Church, some Muslims could have claimed in the future that The Church is a place where Omar offered his prayer and taken that as an excuse to destroy the Church, and erect a Mosque, in its place.” [Reported from the History of Imam Ibn Jareer at-Tabari]
Similarly, Omar () offered a pledge of trust as follows, “This is a pledge of security offered by Omar bin al-Khattab; the Leader of the Believers, to the inhabitants of Ilea, in terms of Peace. Omar gives them his pledge to have security and peace with their lives, wealth, churches, crosses and all their denominations. Their churches are not to be occupied, destroyed, reduced in size, nor to limit the Christian owned properties surrounding the churches. The crosses are not to be tampered with. The wealth of the Christians should not be encroached upon or possessed unlawfully, and that Christians
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will not be forced or compelled against their own will [i.e. to accept Islam].” [Reported from the History of Imam Ibn Jareer at-Tabari]
-> Encouragement of fruitful cooperation between Muslims and the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)
Cooperation is based on mutual interest and respect, and oriented to serve the best interests of the human society at large. Allah, the Wise the Almighty states as a general rule:
Aid one another in righteousness and piety, and do not aid one another in sin and rancor: and fear Allah, for indeed Allah is strict in punishment. (5:2)
Islam exhorts upon its followers to have a meaningful and sincere dialogue with those who differ with their religion, as Allah, Most Wise orders:
And do not dispute with the People of the Book, except with means better, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong and injury; and say: ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him that we submit (in Islam). (29:46)
In fact, the approach that Islam pursued to call people of other Faiths is a constructive and objective dialogue that brings people together to the Word of Allah, the Almighty, and to His Divine Message and Teachings, as Allah said:
Say: O People of the Book! Come to common terms of agreement between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah. If then they turn back, say: ‘Bear witness that we submit to Allah (in Islam). (3:64)
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-> Sincerity and purity in advising others
All of the Messengers of Allah gave sincere advice to their peoples, and sincere advice and purity of intentions are the distinguishing features of Islam. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, as narrated by Abu Hurairah ():
“Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, once inquired, 'Who, amongst you, would carry the following words of wisdom, act upon them, and teach them to others who would also act upon them?' Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, answered positively. Upon that Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, held the hand of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, and counted five items, as follows: 1) Avoid all that is declared by Allah prohibited, thus you become the best worshipper of Allah, the Almighty; 2) Accept what had been predestined for you by Allah, thus you would be the richest man; 3) Be good to your neighbor, thus you would be characterized as a Believer; 4) Like for others what you like for yourself, thus you would be characterized as a Muslim; 5) Lessen your laughter, since too much laughter would cause the heart to die.” (Tirmidthi)
Islam calls upon all Muslims to tender a meaningful, and sincere free advice to all people.
This point is based on a statement of Allah's Messenger ():
“Islam is the religion of advice. The people inquired, ‘O Prophet of Allah! To whom should advice be offered? Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: To Allah, to His Book, to His
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Prophet, to the leaders of the Muslims, and to the general body of Muslims”
(Muslim)
In explanation of this tradition, we can say: A pure advice to Allah, the Almighty is to worship Him Alone, wholeheartedly; to reject and discard any rival set up to Allah, in idolatry; to commemorate the remembrance of Allah, the Almighty, by His Beautiful Attributes and Blessed Names; to accept fully that Allah alone is in charge of all the affairs of all creatures; to believe that whatever Allah, the Almighty, wills, would happen and whatever He does not, would never take place; and to follow the Commandments of Allah, and cease all actions that He forbade. A pure advice about Allah's Book is to firmly believe in the Divine Scripture to His Messenger, Muhammad (); to accept all the laws therein. A pure advice about Allah's Prophet is to obey what he enjoined, shun away from what he refrained, believe his statements, love and respect him, and respond to his call, practices and instructions, and propagate them amongst people. A pure advice about Muslims' leadership is to obey the leaders as long as they do not call for, or impose any rules that disobey the commands of Allah and His Prophet (); to assist them by guiding them to all the good points; not to rebel and fight against them so long as they apply Islam and its rules throughout their government agencies; and to offer them mature and the most pure advice kindly and gently. A pure advice for general Muslims is to guide them to the best in both their religious and worldly affairs; to assist them achieve their goals; to prevent any inconvenience against them; and to like for them what one likes for himself, and to hate to cause them any harm as one would hate to cause harm to his own soul.
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-> Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil
Muslims are commanded to pursue every appropriate means that lead to enjoining good and forbidding evil, based on one's ability, knowledge, and position of authority, in order to secure peace, tranquility and stability in the society and community and counter against oppression, corruption and the spread of the "Law of the Jungle."
Allah, the Wise the Almighty states:
Aid one another in righteousness and piety, and do not aid one another in sin and rancor: and fear Allah, for indeed Allah is strict in punishment. (5:2)
Allah's Messenger () said,
“Whoever sees evil should correct it by his hand; if not capable then let him correct it by his tongue; if one is not even capable of that then at least one should disapprove of it in his heart,” (Muslim)
The Messenger () made a simile about those who do wrong and harm others by their sins:
“The example of those who observe the boundaries of Allah and those who do not is like a group of people who traveled in a ship. The sailors of the ship decided to split the riders so a portion of them rode on the upper deck while the other portion rode the lower deck. When the people of the lower deck wanted to get water from the river, they had to go to the upper deck and ask them. The occupants of the lower deck of the ship decided to drill a hole in the wall of their portion of the ship. If the people of the upper deck permitted them to execute their plan they would all sink and drown in the water. But if the people of the upper deck refused to let them drill a hole and restricted them they would all be saved”
(Bukhari)
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