Holy Quran: War Has Been Prescribed for You
War and conflict have always been among the tools of defense and, at times, offense throughout human history. In Islam, war is also recognized as a means to protect religion, life, property, and honor, as well as to defend truth and justice. The Holy Quran and authentic hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) consider war not only permissible but obligatory and a top priority under specific circumstances. This article, citing Quranic verses and authentic hadiths with references, examines the conditions under which war against an enemy becomes a top priority.
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The Verse “War Has Been Prescribed for You” and the Obligation of War in Islam
Verse 216 of Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the most important verses that addresses the obligation of war and jihad in Islam:
**“Fighting has been made obligatory upon you, though it is disliked by you. But perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you, and perhaps you love something while it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.”**
This verse clearly states that fighting (qital) has been prescribed as a duty and obligation for Muslims, even if it is unpleasant for them. This verse highlights several key points:
1. The Obligation of War: The word “kutiba” means “prescribed” or “made obligatory.” This indicates that war, under specific circumstances, is a religious duty, and Muslims cannot shirk this responsibility.
2. The Unpleasantness of War: Allah acknowledges that war is unpleasant for humans because it involves hardships, dangers, and losses. However, this unpleasantness does not mean that war is wrong or unjustified.
3. Hidden Good and Evil: This verse reminds us that something we dislike may actually be good for us, and something we desire may be harmful. It emphasizes that only Allah knows what is truly beneficial, and humans, due to their limited knowledge, may not fully understand the greater wisdom behind certain events.
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Conditions That Make War Obligatory in Islam
In addition to the verse “War has been prescribed for you,” other Quranic verses and hadiths outline the conditions under which war against an enemy becomes a top priority. These conditions include:
1. Defense of Oneself and Muslims
One of the primary reasons for the permissibility of war in Islam is the defense of life, property, and honor. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190):
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
This verse explicitly permits war when the enemy attacks Muslims, and the purpose is self-defense and the prevention of oppression. In such cases, war is not only permissible but obligatory.
2. Defense of Religion and Faith
When the enemy seeks to destroy Islam or the faith of Muslims, war becomes a religious duty. The Quran states in Surah Al-Hajj (22:39):
“Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to grant them victory.”
This verse indicates that if the enemy aims to eradicate Islam or the faith of Muslims, war becomes a defensive obligation.
3. Combating Corruption and Oppression
When the enemy spreads corruption and oppression on earth, war becomes necessary to counter this evil. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:193):
“Fight them until there is no more fitnah (disorder) and [until] worship is [acknowledged to be] for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.”
This verse shows that war is obligatory when the enemy seeks to spread chaos and corruption, and its purpose is to establish justice and prevent oppression.
4. Defending the Oppressed
Authentic hadiths also emphasize the necessity of defending the oppressed and fighting against oppressors. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.”
This hadith demonstrates that confronting oppression and evil, even if it requires war, is a religious duty.
5. War to Preserve Security and Peace
In some cases, war becomes a preemptive measure to ensure the security and peace of the Muslim community. The Quran states in Surah Al-Anfal (8:60):
“Prepare against them whatever you are able of power and steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.”
This verse emphasizes that military preparedness and even war are necessary when the security of the Muslim community is at risk.
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Conclusion
War in Islam is considered a last resort and is permissible or obligatory under specific circumstances. The verse **“War has been prescribed for you”** clearly states that war is a religious duty in certain situations, even if it is unpleasant for humans. Defense of life, property, honor, and faith, combating corruption and oppression, defending the oppressed, and preserving the security of the Muslim community are among the conditions that make war a top priority. The Quran and authentic hadiths explicitly address these conditions and emphasize the necessity of confronting the enemy in such cases. Therefore, war in Islam is not a violent, aimless act but a defensive measure rooted in justice and the pursuit of truth.
