Page 216 - Islam Denounces Terrorism
P. 216
214 Islam Denounces Terrorism
Our Prophet (pbuh)
always favoured peace
Our Prophet (pbuh) 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 God. 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 mor-
tal danger.
During our Prophet's (pbuh) lifetime, the Mu'tah Expedition
was the bloodiest and most difficult waged by the Mus-
lims. He appointed Zayd ibn Harithah to command the
army and admonished the troops:
"Wage war in the name of God, on the path of God,
against those who deny God. 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 reli-
gion in their places of worship. Do not cut down date and
other trees, and do not tear down buildings." (Bukhari)
Based on the prophetic orders on war, the following prin-
ciples, which may be called "The Islamic Principles of
