What Are the Rules of War Regarding Civilians and Their Property?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it true that during times of war, civilian populations belonging to the opposite side who haven’t been granted any sort of safety can be enslaved, starved out, or have their possessions looted?
Answer
Islamic teachings strongly emphasize justice, mercy, and the protection of civilian populations during war. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) prohibited the harming of non-combatants, including women, children, the elderly, and others not engaged in hostilities. He said: “Do not kill women, children, or the elderly.” [Abu Dawud]
Allah (Most High) says, “Fight in the cause of Allah ˹only˺ against those who wage war against you, but do not exceed the limits.1 Allah does not like transgressors.” [Quran, 2:190]
Looting, starvation, or harm to civilians is not permissible under Islamic principles governing warfare. Any permissible actions in war are strictly regulated and guided by ethical standards, aiming to minimize harm and uphold human dignity. Slavery has been abolished internationally, and Islamic scholars are in agreement with this.
The foundational objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Sharia) ensure that even in war, acts of oppression or indiscriminate harm are prohibited. Modern Islamic scholars affirm these principles align with contemporary international norms on protecting civilians.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
