The US-led war on Iraq has been a topic of much debate, especially among those who view it through an Islamic lens. This conflict, which occurred in the early 2000s, has raised concerns about the motivations behind the invasion and whether it can be classified as a modern-day crusade or a form of imperialism. Some argue that this war has targeted Iraq’s Muslim population, while also offering the Zionist state an opportunity to expand. Let’s explore these concerns and try to understand the nature of the war from an Islamic perspective.

Islam’s Call for Justice and Self-Defense

Islam is a religion that advocates for justice, kindness, and cooperation. The Qur’an explicitly calls on Muslims to act justly and forbids all forms of oppression. In Surah An-Nahl (16:90), Allah commands justice, good conduct, and liberality, while forbidding injustice and rebellion. Islam does not encourage aggression, but it allows for self-defense against those who initiate hostilities. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin no hostilities. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors.”

In this light, any external aggression, especially one that targets innocent civilians and leads to the oppression of a people, is not justifiable according to Islam. The US-led war on Iraq, regardless of its underlying motives, was seen by many as an illegitimate act of aggression, as it caused immense suffering and harm to the Iraqi people.

Motives Behind the War: Economic, Political, and Religious Drives

The war against Iraq can be understood from multiple perspectives. Dr. Ahmad Ar-Raysouni, a respected Islamic scholar, highlights several motives behind the invasion. These include political, economic, and religious objectives. One key aspect was the US’s desire for dominance in the Arab region, as well as the destruction of the emerging Islamic revival. Additionally, the invasion indirectly supported the Zionist entity, further deepening the geopolitical divisions.

The US, in its pursuit of global domination, used the events of September 11, 2001, as a pretext to justify the invasion of Iraq. This global expansionism, often referred to as “Americanization,” aimed to reshape political, cultural, and economic relations across the world. While the official narrative of the war was based on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Iraq, many believed that the war was driven by broader strategic interests.

The War as an Extension of the Crusades

Many Islamic scholars have drawn parallels between the US-led invasion of Iraq and the historic Crusades. Ayatollah Ali At-Taskhieri, a prominent Islamic scholar, believes that the war is a continuation of the Crusades, with the West, particularly the United States, seeking to assert its control over Muslim lands and resources. This perception is further supported by Dr. `Ujail Jasim An-Nashami, who asserts that the war was not just aimed at Iraq but was a broader attempt to weaken the Muslim world.

The war on Iraq was seen by many as a religiously motivated conflict, with certain factions in the West viewing the war as a means to protect Zionist interests and fulfill religious prophecies. According to these beliefs, the protection of Jewish interests in Palestine and the expansion of Zionist control were central to the motivations behind the invasion. As a result, the war was framed as part of a larger plan to weaken and divide the Muslim world.

Unity and Resistance Against Oppression

Islamic scholars have emphasized the importance of unity among Muslims in the face of such aggression. Dr. An-Nashami calls for Muslim rulers to abandon any alliances with non-Muslim powers that seek to harm the Muslim community. He stresses that supporting the enemies of Islam, whether directly or indirectly, is a deviation from the true path of Islam. Muslims must work together to resist such imperialistic forces and protect their lands, resources, and faith.

Muslims are reminded that they have the strength to resist oppression through unity. The economic, political, and spiritual resources at their disposal are immense, and they must rely on the guidance of Allah to protect themselves and their fellow believers. The first step toward achieving this unity is adhering to the principles of Shari’ah, including avoiding practices like usury (riba), which undermine the integrity of the Muslim community.

Conclusion

The US-led war on Iraq can be viewed as an aggressive act motivated by a combination of political, economic, and religious factors. While it may not be labeled as a “new crusade” in the traditional sense, many believe it shares similarities with the historical Crusades, particularly in its targeting of Muslim lands and people. From an Islamic perspective, such aggression is unjustifiable, and Muslims are called to resist oppression and support their fellow believers, both locally and globally. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in unity, adherence to Islamic principles, and a commitment to justice for all.