Economic sanctions and humanitarian blockades have become powerful instruments in international politics. While they are often justified as tools to pressure regimes, their human cost is borne by entire populations. From an Islamic perspective, using starvation as a weapon raises serious moral and legal concerns in light of Sharia. Let’s discuss more.
Understanding sanctions and blockades in the international system
Sanctions and humanitarian blockades refer to economic restrictions imposed on a country or region, for example, banning imports or exports, freezing assets, or preventing access to essential goods, like Palestine. In theory, these measures target governments or political elites. But in practice, they often devastate the lives of ordinary people by denying them food, medicine, and other basic needs.
Economic sanctions and humanitarian blockades Impact: People, not just regimes
When blockades succeed, they rarely limit the suffering to the state leadership. Instead, they fall heavily on civilians, women, children, and the elderly who did not make the decisions that caused international conflict. Moreover, the denial of life-saving resources transforms political pressure into collective punishment, a form of coercion that disproportionately harms the vulnerable.
Sharia texts prohibiting harm to civilians, Economic sanctions and humanitarian blockades
Islamic law draws a firm line: civilians must not be harmed during conflict.
The Qur’an says:
(Al‑Baqarah, 2:190):
“Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.”
Prophet Muhammad (BPUH) also forbade killing women and children:
“Do not kill children, women, or the elderly.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Islamic tradition also prohibits destroying harvests, livestock, and other sources of sustenance. These rules reflect a deeply held value: preserving life and preventing unnecessary harm, even in war.
References:
Islamic Ethics in War – Prohibition on destroying crops, livestock, and using food as a weapon.
The Prohibition of using food and medicine as tools of pressure
In line with Sharia’s emphasis on protecting civilians, Islamic jurisprudence forbids using food, medicine, or other essentials as a tool of coercion. Scholars explain that deliberately starving people or blocking access to medical care violates the principles of non-aggression and proportionality in Islam.
The Prophet’s example supports this: natural resources like crops and orchards must not be destroyed during war, because they sustain life.
Reference:
The Ummah’s duty: Breaking blockades and providing relief
From a Muslim perspective, there is not only a right but a duty to help those suffering under unjust sanctions or blockades. The concept of ummah solidarity obliges Muslims to support relief efforts, push for humanitarian corridors, and advocate for the protection of basic rights. Providing food, medicine, and financial aid aligns with the Islamic values of mercy, justice, and compassion.
Related posts: Palestine and International law
In conclusion, the misuse of economic sanctions and blockades as means of war contradicts Sharia’s ethical framework. Islam emphasizes non-aggression, protecting non-combatants, and prohibiting the instrumentalization of starvation. Economic justice, not collective punishment, should be the foundation of international relations. For the global ummah, resisting inhumane blockades in Palestine. Besides, supporting the oppressed is a moral imperative rooted in Islamic teachings.
FAQs
Economic sanctions for human rights violations are measures imposed by governments or international bodies to pressure a state or regime to stop abuses, often restricting trade, assets, or financial transactions.
The four types of sanctions are: economic sanctions (trade restrictions), diplomatic sanctions (cutting ties), military sanctions (arms embargoes), and travel sanctions (visa bans or movement restrictions).