War as a struggle to be carried on honestly

It will be seen from what has been stated above, concerning the injunctions relating to war and peace, that war is recognized by Islām as a struggle between nations — though a terrible struggle — which is sometimes necessitated by the conditions of human life; and when that struggle comes, a nation is bound to acquit itself of its responsibility in the matter in an honourable manner, and fight it to the bitter end whatever it is. Islām does not allow its followers to provoke war, nor does it allow them to be aggressors, but it commands them to put their whole force into the struggle when war is forced on them. If the enemy wants peace after the struggle has begun, the Muslims should not refuse, even though there is doubt about the honesty of his purpose. But the struggle, as long as it lasts, must be carried on to the end. In this struggle, honest dealing is enjoined even with the enemy, throughout the Holy Qur’ān: “And let not hatred of a people — because they hindered you from the Sacred Mosque — incite you to transgress. And help one another in righteousness and piety, and help not one another in sin and aggression.” (5:2); “And let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty” (5:8). This is in a chapter which was revealed towards the close of the Holy Prophet’s life. Ḥadīth too enjoins honest dealing in war: “Fight and do not exceed the limits and be not unfaithful and do not mutilate bodies and do not kill children” (M. 32:2). Such are some of the directions given which purify war of the elements of barbarity and dishonesty in which warring nations generally indulge. Neither inhuman nor immoral practices are allowed.

A ḥadīth is sometimes cited as allowing deceit in war. This is due to a misinterpretation of its words. Deceit and lying are not allowed under any circumstances. The ḥadīth runs thus: “The Holy Prophet said, The Chosroes shall perish and there shall be no Chosroes after him, and the Caesar shall perish and there shall be no Caesar after him, and their treasures shall be distributed in the way of Allāh, and he called war a deception (khad‘at-an)” (Bu. 56:157). These words were uttered by the Holy Prophet, when he received the news that the