Islam as a Deen, Not just a Religion
The Quran defines Islam as a Deen rather
than a Mazhab: “Indeed, the religion
(Deen) in the sight of Allah is Islam.”
(Ali-Imran 3: 20)
This distinction is essential because Deen ensures that every action aligns with divine principles rather than personal whims or desires. For example, whereas some religions separate faith from governance, Islam integrates spirituality with justice, social responsibility, and legal systems, ensuring that no human activity contradicts divine laws.
It is important to remember that Islam does not
encourage aggression, but it does permit war in specific circumstances – such
as in times of self-defence when attacked, to protect the oppressed people who
are unable to defend themselves, and to uphold justice and peace when
diplomatic efforts or negotiations fail.
The Holy Quran states: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you
but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
(Al-Baqara 2: 191)
This verse sets clear ethical boundaries in
warfare: Muslims may defend themselves, but they but must never engage in
aggression or harm civilians.
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) set the
best example for ethical warfare. He forbade killing women, children, old
people, or unarmed civilians. He also prohibited the destruction of homes,
crops, and religious sites. Furthermore, he forbade the torture of prisoners of
war, instructing that they must be treated with dignity and granted freedom if
they accepted peace.
One striking example of restraint and justice
in wartime comes from Hazrat Ali (ra), the cousin and son-in-law of Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh). During a battle, Hazrat Ali (ra) was about to strike his
opponent when the enemy spat on his face. Instead of reacting with anger,
Hazrat Ali (ra) controlled himself and refrained from striking because he
feared that his action might be driven by personal revenge rather than justice.
This moment of restraint demonstrated the
Islamic principle of ethical warfare: even in battle, actions must be guided by
justice, not hatred or personal emotions.
At this critical juncture in history, as Islam
and humanity face challenges, we remind everyone – those who seek to listen,
those who strive to understand – that Islam is synonymous with peace and
justice. Sadly, modern conflicts have undermined these ideals, leading to
immense suffering.
First, we have the Israel-Palestine Conflict:
The war between Israel and Palestine has caused thousands of civilian
casualties since the Zionist invasion of Palestine in the early 1930s,
resulting in mass destruction. Palestine has been at the centre of attention
and a target of Jewish groups seeking, by any means, to massacre local Arabs – whether
Muslim or Christian – to establish dominance over the region. Since early
October 2023, Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives have deliberately killed
large numbers of Palestinians, including children, prompting defensive attacks
from Hamas against Israel, resulting in Israeli casualties and hostage-taking.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with severe shortages of food,
water, and medicine. Israel has refused to show compassion towards the descendants
of those who initially opened their hearts, and welcomed in their homes and
lands their Jewish (Zionist) ancestors.
The world must consistently remember that Islam
condemns targeting civilians and destroying communities. Islam advocates for
peaceful resolutions to restore harmony.
“And do not kill the soul
which Allah has forbidden, except by right.” (Al-Isra 17: 34)
How long can a people continue allowing their
enemies to kill them, attack their honour, dignity, religion, and property? The
trust that Allah has placed in a people and the rights He has granted must be
respected. Those who attack the innocent should not lament when their victims
decide to retaliate. If the Jewish people believe in the Law of Retaliation,
then they should never condemn Palestinian Muslims and Christians for defending
themselves against Zionist aggression seeking to erase them from the Sacred Land.
Then, we have the Russia-Ukraine War as well.
This war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has caused
nearly 500,000 military casualties, with countless civilians killed and
displaced. This war has led to severe economic disruptions, regional
instability, and increased global tensions.
Despite international diplomatic efforts, peace
negotiations remain uncertain, and the continuation of war contradicts Islamic
principles of justice, which advocate peaceful resolutions:
“And if they incline to
peace, then incline to it also and rely upon Allah.”
(Al-Anfal 8: 62)
Although neither Russia nor Ukraine are Islamic
countries abiding to the Laws of the Quran, it is important to emphasise here
that Islam is not merely a Deen for the Muslims, but the true Way of
Life for all mankind. Every prophet sent by Allah came to save their respective
nations, while the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent not only for the Arabs
but for all nations. His mission is universal.
Thus, as the best way of life, Islam promotes
peace across all nations. Islam regulates global systems so that people act as
true human beings, embodying kindness and acceptance. This acceptance is
necessary as not all the people of the world share the same beliefs. There
should be tolerance in religion. Those who harbour hatred against Islam should
bear in mind that Islam is for them also. The divine teachings as well as the
behaviour and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had only one aim:
to infuse peace, mercy and goodness all around so that everyone could live in
harmony. But alas, the Satan and his army are ever restless, fearing that
goodness wins the battle against their evils.
Furthermore, we have the attacks on Muslim
Countries such as Syria and Yemen. Muslim-majority nations have faced military
aggression, leading to humanitarian crises: Syria has been bombed by Israel,
targeting military bases and civilians alike. Yemen has been attacked by
Israeli and U.S. airstrikes, worsening famine and displacement.
Islam condemns attacks on innocent civilians
and calls for justice and international accountability.
And more recently, we have the India-Pakistan
Conflict: Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated with military exchanges
across Kashmir’s Line of Control (LoC). These attacks have resulted in civilian
and military casualties. Despite a ceasefire negotiated on 10 May 2025,
tensions persist.
Islam strictly forbids the killing of
non-combatants and the destruction of homes:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a
soul or for corruption in the land – it is as if he had killed mankind
entirely.” (Al-Maida 5: 33)
Despite ongoing conflicts, Islam advocates
peaceful resolutions, diplomacy, and justice. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) always prioritised peace negotiations whenever possible, demonstrating
Islam’s commitment to harmony.
“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.” (Al-Anfal
8: 62)
Islam promotes reconciliation, condemns
aggression, and forbids senseless bloodshed. As a Deen, Islam governs
all aspects of human life – morality, justice, governance, and ethical warfare.
It does not permit unjust violence but establishes strict laws for
self-defence, justice, and peace. The teachings of the Quran and Hadith emphasize
that war must always be a last resort, pursued only after all other solutions
have been exhausted. Even then, it must be conducted with justice and mercy.
Islam’s ultimate vision is a world where peace
prevails, and humanity thrives under divine guidance. May Allah enable the
people of the world to open their hearts to the humanity and mercy within them,
and let their hearts be touched by true submission to their Creator, leaving
behind any kind of rancour or retribution so that human life may thrive upon
this earth. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 16 May 2025~ 17 Dhul Qaddah 1446 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al KhalifatullahMunir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.