Why Muslims fought and conduct in wars

In today’s world, Islamophobia — fear of Islam — is not caused only by those who terrorize in the name of Islam, but also by the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword. This misunderstanding is not the fault of those who raise the objection, but of those who, instead of presenting the true teachings of Islam, display terrorism and radicalism.

However, the real question people should ask is: Why were Islamic wars fought?

Before answering this, it should be made clear that Islam is against any form of compulsion in religion. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty says in chapter 2 verse 257:

لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ

That is, “There is no compulsion in matters of acceptance of religion.”

This verse clearly states that Islam does not condone coercion. Rather, it has always spread through its noble teachings.

The Promised Messiah (as) says,

“No true Muslim has ever believed that Islam should be spread by the sword. Islam has always been propagated through its inherent qualities. Those who, calling themselves Muslims, seek to spread Islam by means of the sword are not aware of its inherent qualities and their conduct resembles the conduct of wild beasts.” (Tiryaq-ul-Qulub, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 15, p. 167 footnote)

Now, turning to the main question — throughout history, whenever a prophet or messenger of God appeared, his opponents often grew jealous and hostile, especially when they noticed that his followers were righteous and fearless.

This was the case with our Noble Master, Hazrat Muhammad (sa), who brought guidance to fulfill humanity’s purpose. The Meccans began with mockery, moved to insults, and eventually persecuted Muslims for thirteen years.

The Promised Messiah (as) says,

“Since there were so few Muslims during Islam’s early period, their opponents treated them with bitter hostility... Many of God’s faithful—the very honour of humanity—were cruelly cut to pieces by the swords of these barbarians. Orphans and weak, helpless women were slaughtered in the streets and alleys. Even so, God commanded that there be no retaliation against evil.” (British Government and Jihad, p. 5)

Eventually, after extreme trials, Muslims were forced to migrate to Medina. Even then, the disbelievers pursued them and waged war against them. At that point, Allah granted permission to defend themselves:

أُذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقَاتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِيرٌ

الَّذِينَ أُخْرِجُوا مِن دِيَارِهِمْ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ إِلَّا أَن يَقُولُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ

وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا ۗ وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

“Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them. Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty.” (Surah Al-Hajj Ch.22: V.40–41)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) says,

“This verse stipulates that permission to fight back was not granted to the Muslims because of the cruelty they faced. Rather, they were instructed to fight back in order to safeguard the wider society and to defend the rights of all people to profess their faith and beliefs freely and without fear.”

From this explanation, it becomes clear that Muslims fought not only to defend themselves, but also to defend humanity’s right to freedom of belief. They gave their lives to protect peace and conscience.

History affirms that Muslims fought only defensive wars. The Holy Prophet (sa) laid strict rules for conduct in warfare, which were followed by the rightly guided caliphs. For instance:

• Women, children, and the elderly were not to be harmed.
• Places of worship and religious leaders were to be respected.
• Dead bodies were not to be mutilated — all the deceased, including enemies, were to be buried respectfully.
• Trees were not to be cut down, nor animals harmed without cause.

All these principles align with the Qur’anic command in Surah Al-Baqarah:

وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

“And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.” (Surah Al-Baqarah Ch.2: V.191)

Islam also instructs Muslims to pursue peace whenever possible. The Holy Qur’an says:

وَإِن جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

“And if they incline towards peace, incline thou also towards it, and put thy trust in Allah. Surely, it is He Who is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Surah Al-Anfal Ch.8: V.62)

In conclusion, Islam never initiated war. It fought only in defense — for itself and for all humanity — in complete obedience to Allah the Almighty.