Can Muslims Wage Jihad Against Peaceful Non-Muslim Nations?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to wage offensive jihad against peaceful non-Muslim nations or tribes seeking a lasting truce and coexistence, or must Muslims honor such agreements?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
It is not permissible for Muslims to wage offensive jihad against peaceful non-Muslim nations or tribes who seek a lasting truce and coexistence. Islam obligates the honoring of treaties and emphasizes the sanctity of peace, trust, and justice in international relations. To violate a treaty or truce without just cause is morally impermissible and a betrayal of Islamic ethical principles.
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it (also) and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.” [Quran, 8:61]
This verse commands Muslims to respond to peace when offered, fostering mutual respect and harmony. Muslims must call to Allah, embody Islam through personal conduct, establish just communities, and promote peace. Establishing an Islamic society must always align with the principles of justice, mercy, and peace.
Muslims are duty-bound to honor peace agreements and should not initiate conflict against those who seek truce and coexistence. Violating such treaties contradicts the Prophetic example and Quranic guidance, which both emphasize justice, mercy, and peace above aggression.
Related
When Does Jihad Become Personally Obligatory?
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
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.
