Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 296
296 it. It should first be warned that as it has been guilty of a breach of faith, the treaty is at an end, and if it still persists in its treachery war may be declared against it. To be ever prepared to repel aggression, on the other hand, is also a means of promoting peace, lest a perfidious enemy may be tempted to take advantage of one’s unpreparedness. Islam, therefore, enjoins that a Muslim state should be ever ready to defend itself, as there is always apprehension of war so long as there are national governments in different countries. No tempta- tion should be offered to other states to make war by a state neglecting its defences. If war is forced upon an Islamic state, care must be taken to avoid injury to women, children, nurses, old men and those whose lives are wholly devoted to the service of religion. It is permissible to kill in battle only those who are combatants and are actually taking part in the fighting. Quarter must in all cases be given, and unnecessary damage should not be caused. Crops, trees and buildings must be spared, unless their destruction is absolutely necessary for purposes of defence or in order to put the enemy out of action. Damage must not be caused merely to weaken a nation after the war. Propos- als for truce or peace should not be rejected merely on the supposition that the other side is acting dishonestly and only desires to gain time. So long as the dishonesty does not become apparent such proposals ought to be welcomed. For the settlement of international disputes Islam lays down rules which contemplate a body like the