Campusalam

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In the view of the majority of Muslims, the message of Islam calls for peace and coexistence between people and nations; for dialogue over silence and peace over war. One should struggle against injustice; but in the first place this should consist in a non-violent struggle. However, resistance to oppression is permitted in Islam. Legitimate resistance was sanctioned in the early verses of the Qur‘an revealed when the young community had fled from persecution: ‘Leave is given to those who fight because they were wronged - surely God is able to help them - who were expelled from their homes wrongfully for saying, “Our Lord is God“.‘ (Qur‘an 22:39-40) Another verse suggests that legitimate resistance is defensive in nature: ‘And fight in the way of God with those who fight you, but aggress not: God loves not the aggressors.‘ (Qur‘an 2:190)

Scholars listed cases where resistance can be justified. These include: self-defence if one is attacked, or in a state of war; defending one’s own land; defending religion, i.e. if one is persecuted because of their religious belief; defending one’s property; and defending family.

According to many traditional scholars, the use of force is only permitted in self-defence, and every possible non-violent option should be used before force can be considered. For example, acts of diplomacy, demonstration, civil disobedience, peaceful negotiations should be utilised first. When warfare and violent resistance is legitimate according to Islamic law, strict conditions apply. For example, the fourth Khalifa, Ali Ibn Abi Talib declared:

‘whoever flees should not be chased, no prisoner of war should be killed, no wounded in battle shall be dispatched, no enslavement should be allowed, and no property shall be confiscated. Furthermore, the enemy should only be attacked from the front and not from behind or at night. If they retreat they should not be pursued; if they are taken captive they cannot be killed and no war booty may be taken from them.‘