Ethics of War in Islam

Warfare throughout human history has invariably left bitter traces. However, within the Islamic perspective, war is never an unbounded arena; it is always governed by values, ethics, and moral responsibility. Islam thus addresses not only victory but also the imperative to preserve humanity, even amidst the harshest conflicts.

Prophet Muhammad laid down very firm foundations for the ethics of warfare. He explicitly forbade the killing of those not involved in combat, including women and children. Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar, the Prophet once saw a woman killed in battle and strongly condemned the killing of women and children (HR Al-Bukhari No. 3015 and Muslim No. 1744). This prohibition is not merely a technical instruction but reflects a profound moral view that human life possesses an honor that must not be violated, even in wartime. Islam rejects the logic of limitless violence and asserts that power must always be subject to the value of justice.

The Quran reinforces this principle with clear statements. Allah says, "And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors." (QS. Al-Baqarah [2]: 190). This verse draws a critical line: war in Islam is limited, not without rules. The prohibition against transgression signifies that any action harming civilians, damaging non-combatant life, or violating basic human rights is contrary to Sharia principles.

When Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq dispatched troops to the Levant, he issued well-known directives in Islamic history. Among these, he stressed that troops must not kill children, women, or the elderly. He also forbade treachery, environmental destruction, and the demolition of non-military facilities. These instructions, recorded in historical literature like Ath-Thabari's "Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk," demonstrate that from the outset, power in Islam was bound by strict ethics, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. Umar bin Khattab continued this principle with strong consistency, known for his firm stance against commanders exceeding limits in warfare. He emphasized not only military victory but also the moral integrity of the troops. In the event of Jerusalem's surrender, Umar provided guarantees of safety to the local population through the "Al-'Uhda al-'Umariyyah" agreement, ensuring the safety of lives, property, and freedom of worship for non-Muslim residents.

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And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.