اسلامی تعلیمات جنگ و امن میں انسانی اقدار کا لحاظ و تحفظ

ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ON WAR AND PEACE: UPHOLDING HUMAN VALUES AND DIGNITY

Abstract

Islam is a universal and comprehensive religion that provides guidance for all aspects of human life, whether related to individual ethics or collective governance, the establishment of peace or the necessities of war. In Islamic teachings, war is considered a reluctant and exceptional measure, permitted only in unavoidable circumstances, and strictly regulated by moral and legal principles. In contrast, peace is not only preferred but considered the ultimate objective. The Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the interpretations of Islamic jurists clearly demonstrate that even during war, Islam mandates the strict observance of human dignity, values, and fundamental rights.Islamic law explicitly prohibits harm to women, children, the elderly, the sick, non-combatants, places of worship, crops, and civilians during warfare. The military treaties of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, particularly the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and the ethical instructions issued by Caliph Abu Bakr to Muslim armies are practical manifestations of this principled approach. Throughout Islamic history, warfare was never used as a tool for oppression, domination, or racial or political supremacy; rather, it was always restricted and regulated with the aim of establishing justice, self-defense, and supporting the oppressed.Islamic jurisprudence contains dedicated chapters on "Etiquettes of War" (Adab al-Harb) within books of Sīrah, Ḥadīth, and Usūl al-Fiqh. These texts elaborate not only on the conditions for lawful warfare but also on the rights of prisoners, the importance of peace, fidelity to agreements, and the sanctity of treaties. In light of these principles, the Islamic concept of war stands out as more humane, just, and ethically grounded than many contemporary international laws of war, such as the Geneva Conventions.This research paper aims to examine the principles of Islam that ensure the protection of human dignity, life, property, honor, religion, and social order during both peace and conflict. The objective is to highlight Islam’s justice- and mercy-based perspective, dispel modern misconceptions, and contribute to global interfaith dialogue and the development of a universally ethical code of conduct.