Is the religious doctrine which promotes the motive of its...

Is the religious doctrine which promotes the motive of its followers to be affection and love and introduces a religion equal to love and affection, the religion of violence? Islamic Mercy on the Battlefield Islamic clemency and mercy are so extensive that it appears on the battlefield too. In other words, Islam renders such importance to affection, benevolence and clemency that it recommends it to its followers even in the centre of violence and harshness!

On this account, we find remarkable points in this respect in the narrations concerned with manners and rules of warfare, one of which is referred to hereunder: Imam Sadiq (as) says: When Islam’s Prophet (S) decided to send soldiers to the battlefield; he called and reminded them of the rules (3), (so that if a soldier disregarded the rules, he was reproached): سیروا بسم الله و بالله و فی سبیل الله و علی ملة رسول الله “Depart towards the battlefield (but not for sensual desires; rather), in the name of God and for His consent, and with a pure intention for Him free from any non-godly motive and act as per the Islamic programs (which will be explained later).” “Do not betray ( لا تغلوا )” What is meant by this phrase?

Three possible concepts could be understood: First: Do not betray when distributing war spoils. It has also been mentioned in some other Qur’anic verses that divide what belongs to the government and leadership, and what for the warriors shall be distributed among them fairly. Second: The previous warriors may have betrayed each other in some affairs others than spoils. Third: Not only must you not betray your mate warriors, but also do not betray your enemies, and fight with them chivalrously.

“Do not mutilate (“ و لا تمثلوا ) Do not mutilate the corpse of your enemy after killing him. It has been narrated from Islam Prophet (S): Even if a wild dog attacked you, and you killed it. You are not authorised to mutilate it. (4) “Do not deceive”: If you agreed to peace with your enemy, and signed a ceasefire with him, respect your promise and contract, and do not violate it. Muslim is one who is faithful even to the promise and contract he binds with his enemies.