Dave Andrews

Where the word ‘jihad’ is used ambiguously or unambiguously in the context of war, Rane says, the Qur’an imposes strict ‘rules of engagement’ to temper the use of violence with ‘wisdom, mercy, justice and equity’ in the hope of minimizing ‘force, suffering, ignominy and enmity’ and maximizing ‘welfare, freedom, dignity and fraternity’. Rane says that according to the Qur’an, the conduct of jihad in war would need to take eight ‘rules for engagement’ into account. One, killing – except in self-defense – is considered a grievous sin. Two, war is only permitted for self-defense and self-determination. Three, all wars of aggression are forbidden. Four, if you are not specifically attacked by enemies you should not to attack them, even if they are your enemies. Five, Muslims should never ever use difference of religion with non-Muslims as an excuse for a war of aggression. Six, in war, Muslims should protect all places of worship, not only mosques, but also churches and synagogues. Seven, in war, Muslims should protect ‘helpless men, women and children’, ‘even the accidental harm of the innocent is a “grievous wrong” for which those responsible are “guilty”. Eight, if peace is offered by your attacker, it should not be rejected, even if the sincerity of the offer is dubious, as God always wants his people to ‘give peace a chance’.

Dave Andrews p101-2 The Jihad Of Jesus http://bit.ly/1CedNDX