In contemporary times, Muslim soldiers serving in non-Muslim military forces often find themselves caught between their religious obligations and their duties as citizens. This predicament raises a crucial question: Is it permissible for a Muslim soldier to participate in fighting against fellow Muslim brothers? If not, why? This dilemma places Muslim soldiers between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea, torn between their religious identity and their citizenship responsibilities. How should they navigate this complex situation? This article seeks to provide a comprehensive answer, supported by evidence from the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, to guide not only the soldiers but also the broader Muslim community facing this thorny issue.
Scholarly Perspectives on Muslim Military Participation
Muslims, as citizens of their respective countries, are encouraged to be responsible citizens who advocate for just and ethical governance. They are urged to express their views by urging their governments to reconsider the use of force and to highlight the mutual responsibilities both sides bear for ongoing conflicts.
Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s Ruling on Muslims Fighting Muslims
Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a prominent Muslim scholar and chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, emphasizes that Islam strictly prohibits Muslims from fighting one another. Engaging in such conflict is tantamount to disbelief (kufr) and harkens back to pre-Islamic ignorance. He cites the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who stated:
“Cursing the Muslim is lewdness and killing him is disbelief.”
“Do not (become infidels) revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another (killing each other).” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
Furthermore, another Hadith narrated by Ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) recounts the Prophet saying:
“If two Muslims meet with their swords (attacking each other), then (both) the killer and the killed one are in the (Hell) Fire.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
These teachings underscore the sanctity of Muslim life and the prohibition against harming fellow Muslims.
The Dilemma of Muslim Soldiers in Non-Muslim Armies
The core of the issue lies in the predicament faced by Muslim soldiers enlisted in non-Muslim military forces engaged in conflicts against Muslim communities. These soldiers often have little choice but to follow military orders, placing them in a situation where they may be compelled to act against their religious principles.
Balancing Duties: Juristic Perspectives
The prevailing juristic view suggests that Muslims should avoid engaging in warfare against their brethren. If possible, soldiers may seek temporary exemptions or non-combat roles within the military to prevent direct involvement in hostilities against Muslims. This approach helps preserve both the individual’s conscience and the integrity of the Muslim community.
Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, vice chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, elaborates on this balance:
Lesser Harm Principle
Muslims should choose the lesser of two evils, avoiding direct military confrontation with fellow Muslims while still fulfilling their civic duties.
Fiqh Al-Muwazanat
This jurisprudential approach weighs the pros and cons of each situation, emphasizing the importance of context and the collective well-being over individual preferences.
Conscientious Objection and Legal Rights
Prominent scholars like Dr. Taha Jaber Al-`Alwani and Dr. Ahmad Ar-Raysouni advocate for the right of Muslim soldiers to conscientiously object to participation in unjust wars. They emphasize the necessity of legitimate judicial processes to condemn actions against Muslims and highlight the importance of preserving the sanctity of Muslim blood.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hanooti’s Perspective
Dr. MuhammadAli Al-Hanooti, member of the North American Fiqh Council, states:
“Muslims can fight if they get legitimacy for what they are going to do, if a certain people… or country are judicially indicted. Up to this moment, I don’t see any evidence or proof to tell me which is which, who is who, what is what… we cannot take action as we see without judicial indictment.”
He emphasizes that Muslim soldiers should refrain from supporting unjust actions and advocate for judicial accountability.
Dr. Ahmad Ar-Raysouni’s Insights
Dr. Ahmad Ar-Raysouni, professor of Sharia at Moroccan Universities, notes:
“It is not permissible to launch any attacks against Muslims, to fight them or to carry out any transgression against them.”
He suggests that the administration should respect Muslim soldiers’ beliefs and avoid pressuring them into harmful actions.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all fatwa applicable to all Muslim soldiers due to the complexity of individual circumstances. Soldiers must strive to balance their religious obligations with their duties as citizens, seeking non-combat roles whenever possible to avoid harming fellow Muslims. If forced into direct confrontation, they must bear the responsibility of their actions while striving to minimize harm.
Muslim soldiers are encouraged to exercise their rights within the framework of their respective constitutions, such as seeking alternative assignments or resigning from military service if necessary. Upholding the sanctity of Muslim life remains paramount, and soldiers should act in ways that reflect their faith’s teachings on mercy, compassion, and the prohibition of unjust violence.
References from the Qur’an and Sunnah
Qur’an, At-Taghabun 64:16: “So keep your duty to Allah as best you can…”
Qur’an, Al-Baqarah 2:286: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
Prophetic Hadith: As mentioned above, emphasizing the prohibition of fighting fellow Muslims.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the challenges of serving in a non-Muslim military while adhering to Islamic principles requires deep introspection, informed decision-making, and, when possible, seeking roles that align with both civic duties and religious beliefs. Muslim soldiers must strive to uphold their faith while contributing positively to the societies in which they live.