Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 295
295 advantage of it. Islam forbids this and enjoins truth and straightforwardness in all matters. The Holy Quran says: 'O believers, act uprightly in all matters for the sake of God, and deal equitably with people; let not hatred of a people incite you to injustice. Do justice, for that is in accord with righteousness. Make God your shield, He is well aware of what you do. ' 144 If these two injunctions are kept in view no Is- lamic government could be guilty of disturbing interna- tional relations, for Muslims are told not to covet the possessions of or the advantages enjoyed by other people; they are enjoined to watch not only over their individual but also over their national morality. In regard to treaties, Islam requires that treaties should be kept not only with those who are parties to them, but also with those who have entered into treaties with any of them. So, an Islamic state is prohibited from making war upon the allies of its friends even when such allies form part of an enemy empire, provided they do not openly join or actively help such enemies. If treachery is apprehended from a people with whom a treaty has been concluded, it should not be attacked unawares nor should any undue advantage be taken of 144 Al-M a ’idah, 5:9