Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 315
315 between other Muslim states and who cannot secure the acceptance and implementation of a just and fair settlement without recourse to fighting against the recalcitrant state. In the same way, fighting may become obligatory for the purpose of safeguarding the security of the state. But all such fighting must comply with the condition that it be undertaken against aggression or oppression and not be carried out in an aggressive manner. Should war become unavoidable, every effort must be made to limit its mischief and horror and to bring hostilities to a close as early as possible. Savage practices like disfiguring the enemy dead, and torturing prisoners of war, which were common in pre-Islamic Arabia, are prohibited in Islam. With regard to customs and practices in themselves not barbaric or revolting, the principle laid down is that the Muslims might extend reciprocal treatment to the enemy and might retaliate to the extent to which an injury or a wrong is inflicted upon them, but that the better part would be to endure and to forgive (16:127). Islam does not permit the use of weapons or devices which are calculated to cause destruction on a wide scale unless first used by the enemy. It forbids the killing or capture of non-combatants as well as molestation of ministers and teachers of religion, scholars, old men, women, and children; nor does it permit wanton destruction of property or of sources of