Occupation and legitimate jihad in Islam between sharia evidence and modern political reality explores how Islam provides a clear framework. This framework distinguishes legitimate jihad from prohibited aggression, guiding Muslims ethically in modern conflicts.
Defining occupation and legitimate jihad in Islam and international conventions
In the Islamic perspective, occupation is defined as the unjust takeover of land, violating the rights of its inhabitants, and imposing rule without consent. Moreover, under Sharia, such actions are forbidden.
The Qur’an states:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190)
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors”
This aligns with international laws against unlawful annexation, showing Islam’s relevance in contemporary political realities.
Reference:
The New Humanitarian. (2014, April 24). Islamic law and the rules of war.
Legitimate jihad vs. prohibited aggression, Occupation and legitimate jihad in Islam
A crucial principle in modern Islam is differentiating legitimate jihad from forbidden aggression. Legitimate jihad is conducted for self-defense or to protect the oppressed, while aggression for conquest or material gain is strictly prohibited.
Allah states:
Surah Al-Hajj (22:39)
“Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are fought against because they were wronged”
This emphasizes ethical limits. Islam teaches that jihad is never a tool for expansion but a defense obligation rooted in justice.
Refrence:
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. Is Islam a conquest ideology? On jihad, war, & peace.
The role of scholars in guiding Muslim countries
Islamic scholars play a pivotal role in helping Muslim states navigate ethical decisions during conflicts. They interpret Sharia principles, provide guidance on legitimate jihad, and ensure that communities uphold justice while avoiding extremism. Scholars stress that war must follow strict moral limits, protecting innocents and maintaining integrity in both domestic and international contexts.
Islamic duties of Muslim countries toward the oppressed
From an Islamic perspective, Muslim states have a religious and moral duty to support the oppressed, provide humanitarian aid, and defend their rights when necessary.
The Qur’an instructs believers to fight:
Surah An-Nisa’ (4:75):
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper’?”
This duty includes political, humanitarian, and, in certain cases, military support, strictly under Sharia guidance, reinforcing the ethical basis of the defense obligation.
Related post: Jihad the true meaning behind the word
In conclusion, when does defense become a collective obligation? Defense becomes a collective obligation (farḍ kifaya) when an entire community or Muslim country faces serious threats. In addition, Islam mandates unity in protecting land, faith, and oppressed populations. However, this duty is always bound by Sharia, guided by the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the ethical counsel of scholars
FAQs
Jihad in modern Islam primarily emphasizes self-defense, moral struggle, and protection of the oppressed, guiding Muslims ethically while rejecting aggression, extremism, or misuse of religious principles for political gain.
Islam permits war only as self-defense or to protect the oppressed, strictly forbidding transgression, harm to innocents, or unjust aggression, following Qur’an guidance and the ethical teachings of the Sunnah.