27.1 Jihad and Qitaal
Quite often, people use the word Jihad to describe warfare
in Islam. This according to the Quran is not correct.
Whereas the word describing warfare in the Quran is Qitaal
or Harb, the word Jihad, in the Quran, refers to utilising
one’s energy to the utmost. For example the Quran says:
Therefore listen not to the unbelievers, but strive
against them with total commitment, with the (Quran).Ch 25: V52
27.2 Qitaal or Fighting (in the cause of God)
27.2.1 Conditions under which believers are
permitted to fight
To those against whom war is made, permission is given
(to fight), because they are wronged; and verily, Allah is
Most powerful for their help.
Ch 22: V39
And why should you 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 You one who will
protect; and raise for us from You one who will help!”
Ch 4: V 75
But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and
taunt you for your faith, fight you the chiefs of unfaith:
for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may
be restrained.Ch 9: V12
27.2.2 Believers must not to be the aggressors:
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do
not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors.Ch 2: V 190
27.2.3 Believers not to turn back once engaged in
battle:
O you who believe! When you meet the unbelievers in
battle, never turn your backs to them. If any do turn his
back to them on such a day - unless it be in a strategy of
war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on
himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell - an
evil refuge (indeed).Ch 8: V15 - 16
27.2.4 Believers to be well armed and prepared
Against them make ready your strength to the utmost
of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror
into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your
enemies, and others besides, whom you may not know,
but whom Allah does know.
Ch 8: V60
... and We sent down iron, in which is (material for)
mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind…Ch 57: V25
27.2.5 Encouraged to fight in legitimate warfare
Allah has purchased of the believers their persons
and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of
Paradise): they fight in His cause, and kill and are killed:
a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the
Gospel, and the Quran: and who is more faithful to his
covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which
ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.Ch 9: V111
27.2.6 To accept peace unless suspicion of
treachery
But if the enemy incline towards peace, do you (also)
incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One
that hears and knows (all things).
Ch 8: V61
If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their
covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for
Allah loves not the treacherous.Ch 8: V58
27.2.7 Prisoners of war to be released once the war
ends
Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers (in fight),
strike at their necks; At length, when you have
thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on
them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or
ransom: until the war is over.Ch 47: V4