Page 144 - Only Love Can Defeat Terrorism

Only Love Can Defeat Terrorism

never desired war and over the years he made great efforts to
spread Islam by peaceful means. He was patient in the face of

severe assaults and pressure,. Only when dealing with such
pressure became imperative did he give permission for war,
in the light of a revelation from Allah. He never declared war
so long as there was still the slightest possibility of peace, and

as long as an enemy's attacks and pressure represented no
mortal danger.
During our Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant
him peace) lifetime, the Mu'tah Expedition was the bloodiest
and most difficult waged by the Muslims. He appointed Zayd
ibn Harithah to command the army and admonished the

troops:
Wage war in the name of Allah, on the path of Allah,
against those who deny Allah. Engage in no treachery. Do

not cut off ears and noses and other parts of the body. Do
not kill women and children, the elderly, and men of
religion in their places of worship. Do not cut down date
and other trees, and do not tear down buildings. 46
Based on the prophetic orders on war, the following
principles, which may be called "The Islamic Principles of

Combat", are outlined by Muslim scholars:
1. War is to be waged only against those who encourage and
engage in it.

2. Priests in churches, children, women and the elderly
must never be harmed.

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