The Emergence of Islam and the Legitimacy of Fighting

The Historical Context and Emergence of Islam

In the early part of the seventh century AD ($7^{th} \text{ Century AD}$), Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. It is described as a light that shone upon the world, bringing virtuous principles that called for goodness and guided people toward what is most upright. These principles were designed to organize the intricate relationships between individuals, groups, nations, and various peoples. Furthermore, Islam sought to address the systemic problems and "ailments" of the era, offering effective and easeful solutions—referred to as the most successful "medicine" for the societal diseases and problems of the time.

The Global and Local State Prior to Islam

At the time of Islam's emergence, the world was characterized by a surge of strife and the prevalence of malicious tendencies that empowered evil and corruption. False doctrines built upon lies, slander, injustice, and tyranny were common. During this period, the Arabs were not closer to goodness than any other people; instead, they were dominated by harmful customs and had deviated significantly from the Hanif religion of Abraham to the worship of idols and pagan images. When the principles of Islam encountered these deviant beliefs and false customs, the Arabian tribes were struck with intense fear. Consequently, they resolved to combat the Islamic mission and resist it through every available means, establishing ambushes at every possible point and brandishing every possible weapon against the new faith.

The Prophetic Response to Initial Harassment and Violence

Amidst the darkness of this trial, the Holy Messenger—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—continued to call people to the path of his Lord through wisdom and fair preaching ($\text{al-hikmah wa al-maw'idha al-hasana}$). He met the overwhelming violence and tyranny of his opponents with contentment, faith, and "beautiful patience" ($\text{al-sabr al-jamil}$). There were frequent occurrences where Muslims would come to the Prophet while wounded and afflicted, complaining of the injuries they had sustained from their persecutors. To these individuals, the Prophet responded specifically by saying: "Be patient, for I have not been commanded to fight" ($\text{Isbiru, fa-inni lam u'mar bi-al-qital}$). This period was defined by a succession of trials and tribulations for both the Messenger of Allah and the early Muslim community.

The Great Conspiracy and the Migration to Medina

The escalation of hostilities culminated in what is described as "the Great Conspiracy," wherein the polytheists ($\text{Mushrikeen}$) plotted to assassinate the Prophet. In response to this threat, Allah revealed to him the command to migrate ($\text{Hijrah}$) from Mecca to Medina. The Prophet departed Mecca in a state of sorrow and regret, as it was his homeland and the land most beloved to him and most beloved to Allah. Similarly, the Muslims were expelled from their homes in Mecca, forced to abandon their dwellings and their wealth without any legal right or justification, other than their declaration that "our Lord is Allah."

The Basis for the Legislation of Fighting in Islam

Based on the historical progression of events, it is evident that the Prophet and the Muslims did not initiate hostilities against anyone. Highlighting the chronology of events shows that the polytheists ($\text{Mushrikeen}$) were the primary initiators of injustice, aggression, and oppression. It was within this context of responding to ongoing aggression and the forced expulsion from their homes that fighting ($\text{al-qital}$) was legislated in Islam. The text emphasizes that the shift toward combat was not an act of initial aggression but a necessary response to those who first used force against the Islamic mission. Further documentation of the specific harms and aggressions suffered by the Prophet and the Muslims can be found in the second part of the Prophetic Biography.