Likewise...

Likewise, the imperative “be severe with them” in the verse literally denoting severity in words, disclosure of their secrets, warning them against their hypocrisy, and the like. Meanwhile, such a particular stance against the hypocrites who posed the most perilous threat against the Islamic faith was because they claimed to be Muslims and associated with the Muslims as a consequence of which they could not be treated like disbelievers.

Such policy was taken as long as they did not take arms against Muslims. But if they embarked upon armed struggle against Muslims, they were treated likewise since they were termed as ‘belligerent’. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) was reported to have said: “Allah’s Messenger never waged war against hypocrites, but he strove at all times to soften their hearts.” (Majma’ al-Bayān, vol. 10, p.

319.It should be mentioned that the hypocrites did not take up arms during the lifetime of the noble Prophet, but after his demise, particularly under the caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi-Talib (PBUH), they took up arms against Muslims and the noble Imam embarked upon waging war against them.

Philosophy and Goals of Jihad In the first instance, it is pertinent to mention that some believe that there should be no war in religion at all; that religion should contain no law of war, that is since war is considered bad in itself, religion must oppose it and not itself establish war as a law. In other words, the religion must always support and advocate for peace. In addition, it must not have any laws about war, and it must never go to war. This kind of propaganda is weak and baseless.

In response to this, it must be said that war is not always bad. What is more important are the conditions and motives of the war. If the war is for the sake of protecting one’s territory from aggression, it is indeed a praiseworthy one. However, if it is to oppress the people of their rights, it is condemned. In addition, Islam is a religion of peace and peaceful coexistence with adherents of other religions. And we cannot say that since Islam advocates peace, it should oppose war.

Such a thought would mean that we are advocates of misery, advocates of surrender. There is a difference between peace and surrender as peace is honorable coexistence with others, but surrender is not honorable coexistence; it is a coexistence that is on one side. This is absolutely dishonorable.

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