Ahmadiyyat - The Renaissance of Islam — Page 126
126 AHMADIYY AT that fighting in the cause of Allah is only one of the forms of striving (jehad), the pursuit of which is obligatory only in the contingencies specified in the Holy Quran. For instance: Permission to fight is granted to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged, and Allah indeed has the power to help them. They are those who have been driven out of their homes unjustly, only because they affirmed: Our Lord is Allah. If Allah did not repel aggression of some people by means of others, cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated would surely be destroyed. Allah will surely help him who helps His cause; Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty [22:40-1]. Again, there is the clear direction: Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but transgress not. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors. Once they start the fighting, kill them wherever you meet them, and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for aggression is more heinous than killing. But fight them not in the proximity of the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you therein; should they fight you even there, then fight with them, such is the requital of disbelievers. Then if they desist, surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful. Fight them until all aggression ceases and religion is professed for the pleasure of Allah alone. If they desist, then be mindful that no retaliation is permissible, except against the aggressors [2:191-4]. Should the enemy be inclined towards making a truce the Muslims are urged to respond positively, as is said: 'Then if they should be inclined to make peace, do thou incline towards it also and put thy trust in Allah. Surely, it is He Who is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Should they design to deceive thee, then surely Allah is sufficient for thee as Protector' (8:62-3). There are a host of directions in the Quran designed to regulate fighting once it should break out and to bring it to a speedy end. War in the view of Allah is a non-beneficent activity which should be resorted to only when it becomes inescapable and should be brought to an end as speedily as