Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 311
311 19 International Relations: War ISLAM REGARDS WAR AS AN ABNORMAL and destructive activity, to which recourse should be had only as the last resort. The Quran describes war as a conflagration, and declares that it is God’s purpose to put out such a conflagration whenever it erupts, meaning that when war becomes inevitable it should be waged in such a manner as to cause the least possible amount of damage to life and property; and that hostilities should be brought to a close as quickly as possible. “Whenever they kindle a fire for war, Allah extinguishes it. They strive to create disorder in the earth, and Allah loves not those who create disorder” (5:65). If aggression were not repelled by force, the earth would be filled with disorder and all beneficence would disappear (2:252). When the Prophet left Mecca for Medina, it was hoped that the Meccans, relieved of his presence and the presence of the Muslims, would be content to leave them in peace in Medina. But this proved a vain hope. The Meccans immediately announced a reward