One who clashes with the enemy in self-defense can never be...

One who clashes with the enemy in self-defense can never be blamed for the consequences of the conflict. The word ‘Islam’ has its root in the word ‘Salamah’ that means ‘Peace’. It is evident from the very name that the Religion, of Islam, stands for peace and tranquility. It shows that Islam is opposed to bloodshed and conflict. Islam makes no difference of race and color and is opposed to any forced annexation of territory.

It permits war only in two situations: the first is when the enemy wages a war of aggression and attacks Muslims and without warfare there is no way of protecting the lives and property of the Muslims. Secondly, if there is positive evidence of the enemy making warlike preparations and any neglect might cause irreparable damage to lives and properties of the Muslims. In both circumstances, when waging war became unavoidable, the Prophet (a.s) gave his assent for it.

The Muslims clashed with the Infidels once at the wells of Badr then at the foot of the hills at Uhud. Sometimes they defended themselves from within the bounds of al-Madinah. All these theatres of war were geographically close to the Dar al-Islam, al-Madinah and very far from the Dar al-Kufr of those days, Makkah. This proves that all these campaigns by the Muslims were solely in self-defense.

If Muslims had aggressive designs, these battles would have been fought nearer the homes of the Infidels! They were all the preemptive and planned attacks of the Infidel Enemy! Only the Battle of Khaybar was fought away from the Islamic Base and closer to the stronghold of the Jews. But the truth is that they were exiled from al-Madinah for intriguing against the Muslims and raising men and materials to wage a war against them.

If the Prophet (a.s) had not initiated preemptive action, they were about to attack al-Madinah with immense power of men and materials. Although Islam has given permission of waging wars in unavoidable circumstances, there are strict norms about the various stages like the outbreak, the action in the actual theater and the aftermath of the wars! At every stage, they have to keep in mind the ultimate aim of peace and tranquility.

Before any warlike activity, they have to invite the opponents to Islam or Peace! The opponents must be informed that the purpose of the conflict is not shedding unnecessary blood and causing loss of property and making slaves and prisoners out of children, women and men.