Fight only those who fight you

Salam,

War and fighting in the Quran are only for defensive purposes. The Quran does not approve aggression to other. There were several reasons that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took the battle field but all of it was to defend himself from oppression from his disbelieving communities. The Quran says

Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them. (Surah 22:39)

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah love not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they first fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 2:190-192)

One can see that the above is the kind of situation a Muslim can take the matter to the battle front only when he is being attacked. It is clearly shown by the example that Muslim should not be the aggressor instead should be in defense by being attacked first.

And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loved not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs. (Surah 42:39-43)

And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"(Surah 4:75)

And it is the responsibility of the Muslim community also to assist other Muslim communities which have been oppressed by other and their call for help in defending their rights to live freely to practice their belief, earn their living and educating their children without fear from oppression. Those capable should initiate by giving them help through financial and economic assistance and the needed protection as security from the oppressors.

Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just. Allah 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). It is such as turn to them in these circumstances that do wrong. (Surah 60:8-9)

And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. (Surah 8:39)


Asar