war

Assalam u Alaykum. During a religious debate a very serious point was brought up by my colleague.During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the establishment of Islam over the Asia and Europe, letters were sent out by the Prophet to leaders of various lands. These encouraged them to take up Islam as it was a better way of life for them. My colleague states that after intial polite letters further incentives were sent to accept Islam. Thereafter what could be interpreted as threatening letters were sent therein stating accept Islam or we will wage a war against you. Is this true?An example given was when the companion Umar was told to go to Persia (Iran) and destroy thousands of books in the libraries as only Islam and the Quran was all that they needed. My colleague claimed Islam eradicated thier culture and way of life which they were more than content with. They were told the Quran is all that they need.Surely education and knowledge via books and libraries is fundamental in Islam as were are here but to acquire knowledge and spread that knowledge of the beautiful preachings and way of life of Islam.If this is factual surely Islam is about giving the message of Islam to others and then letting them decide if they want to accept it. Islam is a religion of peace. Why would the Prophet order war against a nation purely as a consequence of thier King not accepting Islam?If this is not factual please explain why the Prophet did what he did in the context of that time. Maybe the Persian King contributed to this reaction?Thank you for your efforts. May Allah forgive us all and grant us eternal paradise.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible for the resistance groups to detain foreign journalists and other people involved in the media, who are present for media coverage and other humanitarian missions?

Yesterday, on TV I saw the photos of the American prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Iraqis. Some people say that the display of such photos is a violation of the Geneva Convention. However, the US showed photos of its Iraqi POWs on TV with no one claiming that such a display of the Iraqi captives is a violation of the said Convention. I really wonder: Is it permissible in Islam to display the photos of captives? And is there a clear text in the Geneva Convention that prohibits the display of POWs on TV? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars! What does Islam say on using weapons of mass destruction in combat? As I know, our religion is peace and it never encourages such brutality to be displayed during warfare.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. We saw that a mosque was destroyed by the US occupation forces in Iraq. Is it permissible for non-Muslim invaders to destroy mosques durin g war? And is it permissible for Muslims to destroy churches and other non-Muslim places of worship? May Allah reward you!

Some people say that there are two kinds of jihad: defensive and offensive. Is that right?

Is it lawful for Muslims to kill their enemies who have been captured during war? Or should the Muslims bargain with the leaders of the enemy to exchange captives?

I am not a Muslim. Yet I’m a peace-loving person and I am eager to know whether there are ethics that govern war in your religion, especially as we know and see what happens nowadays: gross violations of all ethics and teachings. Your earliest response will be very much appreciated.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Kindly furnish me with fatwa as to the nature of the war waged by Abu Bakr against the apostates, and tell me: is it true that Islam was originally forced on people?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Islam set a well established plan to gradually get rid of slavery. However, it did not block the way from which this problem emerges, that is, it did not prohibit the enslavement of POWs. Are Muslims permitted to enslave their enemy POWs? Jazakum Allah khayran!

As-Salamu `Alaykum. With all the bloody incidents and heinous crimes committed against Muslims in broad daylight, including raping and maltreating Muslim women, is it permissible for Muslims to do the same with women of their enemies in retaliation?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. If the enemy surrounds Muslim fighters to surrender, can a Muslim fighter kill himself or ask another to kill him in order to escape the enemy’s grasp? If he is killed in this way, will he be a martyr or one who committed suicide? Jazakum Allah khayran.