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Al Hamdulillahi Rabbil A'lameen. May the Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad & his pure family

May Allah Guide us to the Truth, Protect us from Deviation & Forgive our Mistakes & Sins

The Objectives of Foreign Policy in Islam

The system of Islam was not just revealed for individuals and inward spiritual change but it was sent to the whole of mankind to direct them towards the correct system of life in all affairs and relations. Islam reveals a structure of government known as khilaafah (or Imaamah) to organize the transactions and relations in society so that the whole community can be fulfilling its purpose of worshipping the Creator by submitting to the guidance of Divine Law. This Islamic society will obviously have to interact with the other existing societies and systems, therefore, Allah (swt) also revealed a complete system of foreign policy so that the Islamic society can also submit to Allah and benefit from the supreme Divine Guidance in the relations of the Muslim ummah and Islamic government with other nations. Today we have seen not only this system of foreign policy abandoned but also the Islamic system of governance as a whole. This means the Muslims in large numbers have abandoned worshipping Allah in the systems of life and in collective transactions and relationships. This leads to a situation where Muslims are being mind controlled and misled towards kufr [disbelief] and riddah [apostasy] as the nations, leadership and systems of disbelief exert their influence on the Muslim ummah by their own domestic law, education systems and foreign policy. We see that the kufr concepts of democracy, nationalism, secularism, freedom, liberalism, socialism, atheism etc. are being propagated continuously in the Muslim world by the agents of the some of the kuffaar [disbelievers] and directly by aggressive educational, cultural, economic and military operations of foreign policy. For Muslims to start to reverse this process and revive the Islamic system as well as the conveying of the system beyond the Muslim world (which at this time has mostly abandoned it) the Muslims must study the systems of Islam generally and in detail, knowing the objectives and the rules so that they can be revived in practise. In truth Islam is comprehensive and an ever living system whereby the Muslims can always submit to Allah individually and collectively. This means that even in the absence of power and an established domain where the hukm [law] of Allah is secured and supreme, the Muslims still have a revealed process of implementing the rules of Islam even in sphere of foreign policy. The Prophet (saw) did not restrict his sphere of influence and concern to his own place of residence before the establishment of dar al Islam. Rather Islam has been sent to mankind as a whole and now with the Muslims existing all over the world, the global perspective on world affairs and the need to understand the rules that relate to these circumstances are ever more pressing. In the absence of a completed and powerful Islamic system, Islam directs the people towards the mechanisms of revival and preparation. However, Islam does not stop there in the time of weakness as people still live and need to maintain relations and engage in transactions so these fall under sharia'h rules for those circumstances. Regardless of the changes of emphasis of the Islamic system due to circumstances there remain some continuous objectives which if not operating in some adapted form (under the guidance of revealed principles) will at least be operating in terms of preparation and the seeking of conditions and modes of activation. The following objectives have been derived from the wahi [revelation] in relation to the foreign policy of Islam or the system of foreign relations:-

1) Da'wah to Allah (i.e. the call to the belief and worship of Allah)
2) Da'wah to the System of Islam
3) Implementation of the Sharia'h on the Whole Earth
4) Defence of the Muslims (That is defending the Muslims internally in Dar al Islam and externally)
5) Removal of Zulm [Oppression]
6) Defence of the Citizens of Dar al Islam (including the Non-Muslims)
7) Strengthening the Position of the Islamic Civilization in all spheres (Military, Economic, Political etc) against all other systems
8) Retaliation by Way of Justice & Prevention of Fasaad [Corruption] and Zulm [Oppression]

1) Da'wah to Allah

The main objective of the Islamic foreign policy is to call people to tawheed, the belief and worship of Allah, this is achieved by the da'wah itself which operates from the government of Islam and its people to other nations and through the systems that are established in their lands when obstacles to its implementation are removed. As seeing as tawheed is the main aim of Islam as a whole then it is clear that this will be intrinsic to the other supporting systems of Islam as Islam is a harmonious system whose parts are in accordance with each other and whose rules are served by its methods. The daleels that connect the objectives of islam in general and the foreign policy in particular to the call to tawheed are many, e.g.:-

<> “Say thou: ‘This is my way: I do invite unto Allah,- on evidence clear as the seeing with one's eyes,- I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah. and never will I join gods with Allah.’” (Yoosuf 12:108)

<> “Call to the way of your Lord with hikmah and the magnetizing speech [mawi’zatul hasanah] and argue with them in ways that are best for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (an Nahl 16:125)

<> "Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day and who do not make haraam what Allah and His Messenger have made haraam, nor acknowledge the deen of Truth from those who were give the Book until they give the jizyah with willing submission and feel themselves subdued." (at Tawbah 9:29)

<> Sulayman bin Buraydah from his father (from Aishah) narrated Whenever Allah’s messenger (saw) appointed an ameer over an jaysh (army) or sareeyah (expedition) he instructed him to fear Allah himself and consider the welfare of the Muslims who were with him. He then used to say “Go out for jihaad in Allah’s name in Allahs path and fight with those who disbelieve in Allah. Go out for jihaad and do not indulge in ghulool, or be treacherous, or mutilate anyone or kill a child. When you meet your enemy the mushrikeen, call them to three things and accept which ever of them they are willing to agree to, and leave them alone. Call them to Islam and if they agree accept it from them, and call them to leave their homes and transfer to daril muhaajireen. But if they refuse then tell them they will be like the desert a’rab Muslims thus they will have no ghaneemah or fay’ unless they participate in the jihaad with the Muslims. If they refuse Islam, demand the jizyah from them and if they agree accept it from them. If they refuse seek Allah ta a’las help against them and fight with them. jizyah” (MUSLIM as reported in ‘Buloogul Maraam’ kitaabul Jihaad’ [no.1089])

<> A’bdullah ibn U’mar reports that Nabi (saw) said “I have been commanded to fight the people until they testify that that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah and they establish the salah and give the zakah. If they do it their blood and wealth are safe from me except by right (of shari’ah) and their accounting is with Allah.” (MUSLIM kitaabul Imaan [no.33] BUKHAARI)

<> It is reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said, "I was sent with the sword before the Last Hour so that Allah may be worshipped alone." (AHMAD)

<> Abu Moosa said a man came to Rasool Allah (saw) and asked ' A man fights for booty another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off, which of them fights in the cause of Allah?' The Prophet (saw) said "He who fights so that Allah's Word is Highest fights in the cause of Allah" (BUKHAARI)

2) Daw'ah to the System of Islam

We can see from many ayaat that the whole system of Islam was sent to mankind and not just Arabs, Asians or Muslims etc. The significance of this is that the Imaam and the Muslims behind him must be seeking to convey the system of Islam to the people as a whole and not just Muslims. In dar al Islam, it is not only Muslims who will benefit from the laws of Islam but also non-Muslims who are citizens of it under the contract of Dhimmah [the protected non-Muslim citizenship]. Before dar al Islam was established we see that the Qura'n addressed this fact and also the Prophet (saw) directed the guidance of the Qura'n to the whole society around him in all of their transactions. After the Prophet (saw) established dar al Islam with the sahaabah in Madeenah, the foreign policy was enacted on external peoples through da'wah, jihaad and treaties. The fact that people are also called to a system not only shows that Islam is something that can not just be contained in internal spiritual issues but also that it recognises that not all people will embrace it immediately upon encountering it, so Islam allows them to benefit from the system and this may help them study it further and recognise that its origin is Divine. Let us look to some relevant adillah [evidences] on this point:-

Allah (swt) says, "Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion to His slave that he may be a warner to the a'lameen" (al Furqaan 25:1) This ayah was revealed before the establishment of dar al Islam, it makes clear that the Qura'n covers all affairs of life and that the Prophet (saw) was sent to all to warn them about not contradicting it.

Allah (swt) says, “So unto this then call and go straight [i.e. cling to shari’ah] as you are commanded and follow not their desires but say ‘I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book and I am commanded to do justice among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord…'” (ash Shoora 42:15) The command in this verse is to call everyone, all of mankind to the whole of the Quran and the whole of Islam.

Allah (swt) says,"He it is who sent His messenger with guidance and the deen of truth to make it prevail over all the deens even if the mushrikoon detest it" (at Tawbah 9:33) This ayah and similar ones make clear that one of the main physical goals of the deen of Islam is that all of it prevails over all other ways of life.

Allah (swt) says, "And fight them until there is no more fitnah and the deen is for Allah..." (al Baqarah 2:193) and "And fight them until there is no more fitnah and the deen is all for Allah..." (al Anfaal 8:39) These ayaat make clear that the objective is to remove any obstacle preventing Islam being implemented.

“So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them with it with a great striving.” (al Furqaan 25:52) This was revealed in Makkah and at that time fighting had not been revealed. However the command here is to strive with the Qura'n against all of the disbelievers. We can understand that this would involve engaging in a complete intellectual, ideological and political struggle against the kufr system and peoples using the proofs, miracles, information, beliefs and laws of the Quran by interaction and implementation.

3) Implementation of the Sharia'h on the whole earth

Apart from the facilitating the call to the Islamic belief of worshipping Allah alone, the Islamic system of foreign relations is directed to carrying the whole system of Islam to every part of the earth. The earth belongs to Allah and so do the people of the world, we do not even own ourselves. Islam has not only come for the people of the east but also the west, says "Moosa said 'Lord of the east and the west and all that is between them if you did but use your intellect" (ash Shua'aarah 26:27) and "...Say: To Allah belong both east and West: He guideth whom He will to a Way that is straight."(al Baqarah 2:142) and "To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing." (al Baqarah 2:115) and "(He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:" (ar Rahmaan 55:17) and "(He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs." (Muzammil 73:9) and the whole of the heavens and the earth belong to Allah and are part of his dominion and sovereignty, Allah (swt) says, "Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper." (al Baqarah 2:107) and "To Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah hath power over all things." (aali I'mraan 3:189)

The Quran and ahadeeth have made clear that the relations of the Muslim ummah with the rest of the world is that of conveying the Islamic message and system to the rest of the world and applying that all over the world. This means this must be considered in all international relations. This shows that membership of the United nations where countries agree not only to the implementation of man-made international laws but also to a charter which demands that countries adhere forever to national borders (which themselves were mostly drawn up by colonial nations along the principles of 'divide and conquer') is just something which opposes Islamic objectives and allows the larger powers to control nations. There many ayaat which establish the obligation to apply the sharia'h over the whole earth e.g.:-

<> “It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life even if the mushrikoon detest it.” (at Tawbah 9:33 & as Saff 61:9)

<> “It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life and all sufficient is Allah for a Witness.” (al Fath 48:28)

<> “Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous actions, that He will certainly grant them succession in the earth [layastakhlifannahum fil Ard] as He granted succession [istikhlaaf] to those before them and that He will grant them the power for their deen, that which He has chosen for them. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear, they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this they are the faasiqoon.” (an Noor 24:55)

<> "Nay, We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win?" (al Anbiyaa' 21:44)

<> "See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? (Where) Allah commands, there is none to put back His Command: and He is swift in calling to account." (ar Ra'd 13:41)

<> Ubay bin Abi Ka’b reported that Nabi (saw) said “Bring glad tidings to this ummah that it will have the power, the pride, the deen, the victory on the earth. So he who worked to reap the rewards in this life rather than the hereafter he woul have no reward in the hereafter.” (AHMAD [5/114])

<> Nabi (saw) is reported by Miqdad Ibn al Aswad to have said “This affair will reach everything reached by night and day and there will not remain a single house of mud or hair which Allah will not cause this deen to enter, whether by the might of a mighty man or the humility of a humble man, a might by which Allah will exalt Islam and a humility by which He will humiliate kufr.” (AHMAD, TABARAANI, HAAKIM, IBN HIBBAAN)

<> Thawbaan reported that Nabi (saw) said “Verily Allah has cornered the earth for me so I saw its eastern and its western parts. And verily the authority of my ummah will reach the parts of the earth which have been shown to me.” (MUSLIM, ABU DAWOOD [no.4252], IBN MAAJAH [no.2952], TIRMIDHI, AHMAD, AL HAAKIM [4/479])

The fact that this system and belief of Islam was directed to the whole earth and all of its inhabitants is proven from many ayaat e.g. Allah (swt) says:-

<> "Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion to His slave that he may be a warner to the a'lameen" (al Furqaan 25:1)

<> “Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided." (al A’raaf 7:158)

<> “And We have not sent you except to all [kaaffatan] of mankind as a basheeran [bringer of good news] and nadheeran [warner] but most men know not.” (Sabaa 34:28)

<> "O mankind! Verily there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord and We sent down to you a manifest light" (an Nisaa'4:174)

<> “And We have not sent you except as a mercy for the a’lameen.” (al Anbiyaa’ 21:107)

<> “Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur'an: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her,- and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt: (when) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire.” (ash Shoora 42:7)

<> “And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in guarding their prayers.” (al Ana’m 6:92)

4) Defence of the Muslims

This is proven by the fact that the ansaar provide a place of refuge for the Muslims, Dar al Islam is Dar al Amaan [Abode of Security]. Dar al Islam is a place of Hijrah for all Muslims. This was the reality of the Muslims in the time of Nabi (saw). The Muslims of Makkah made hijrah to Madeenah to establish the deen in its entirety and practise Islam and the call to Islam fully. This hijrah is offered to all Muslims external to Dar al Islam once dar al Islam is established. Allah (swt) says:-

<> “And those who believed and made hijrah and did jihaad in the cause of Allah as well as those who gave nussrah, these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and rizqun kareem.” (al Anfaal 8:74)

<> “Verily those who believed and made hijrah and strove hard with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah as well as those who gave help (nasaroo), these are awliyaa’ to one another. And as to those who believed but did not make hijrah you owe no duty of protection to them until they make hijrah, but if they seek your help (astansarookum) in the deen it is your duty to help (nasru) except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance and Allah is the All Seer of what you do.” (al Anfaal 8:72)

<> “And those who before them, had homes and had adopted Imaan, love those who make hijrah to them, and have no jealousy in their hearts for that which they have been given, and give them preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness such are they who will be the successful.” (al Hashr 59:9)

<> “And the saabiqoon, the first of the muhaajireen and the ansaar and also those who followed them. Allah is well pleased with them as they are well pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” (at Tawbah 9:100)

<> A’bdullah bin as Sa’di related that Rasool Allah (saw) said “Hijrah will not come to an end so long as an enemy is fought.” (AN-NASAA’I, as given by IBN HAJR AL ASQALAANI in ‘Bulooghul Maraam min adillatul Ahkaam’ [no.1087] and graded saheeh by IBN HIBBAAN)

This is not the only type of hijrah though. In a time of weakness when no Dar al Islam exists, there are still ahkaam of hijrah and types of hijrah that could become obligatory e.g. the hijrah from zulm in ones deen or person towards a place where there is not such zulm. An example of this is the hijrah to al Habasha [Abysinnia] by some of the Muslims while they were being oppressed in Makkah. There is the hijrah from the place of more munkar to the place of less munkar, the hijrah from one place in order to establish Islam in another place. There is making of hijrah from the fitnah of Muslims fighting Muslims, the hijrah of jihaad (either offensive or defensive). There is also the hijraan placed upon mubtadia'h as a discipline and as a protection for other people.

Apart from all the many ayaat and ahadeeth about hijrah, connecting the obligation to dar al Islam, there are many ayaat and ahadeeth which both generally and specifically command the Muslims to defend and protect each other:-

<> “And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you...”(al-Baqarah 2:190)

<> “Truly Allah defends those who believe. Verily Allah likes not any treacherous ingrate. Permission to fight is given to those who are fighting them, because they have been oppressed and surely, Allah is able to give them victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said ‘Our Lord is Allah’ For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques wherein the name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly Allah is Qawiun A’zeez.” (al-Hajj 22:38-40)

<> “Fight the mushrikoon altogether as they fight you altogether” (at Tawbah 9:36)

<> “And the believing men and the believing women are awliyaa’ of one another, they command the ma’roof and forbid the munkar, they establish the salah and give the zakah and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah will have His mercy on them. Allah is A’zeezun Hakeem.” (at Tawbah 9:71)

<> Sakhr bin al A’ylah reported that Nabi (saw) said “If the people accept Islam they will protect their blood and their properties.” (ABU DAWOOD with reliable narrators according to IBN HAJR in ‘Bulooghul Maraam min Adillatul Ahkaam’ [kitaabul Jihaad no.1106])

5) Removal of Zulm [Oppression]

One of the main features of Islam, the Islamic system and its objectives in society is the removal of oppression and the establishment of justice. Oppression is to transgress the rights of Allah or other people, even animals have rights and from an Islamic perspective it can even be said that even inanimate things have rights, as the world was made as a trust in our hands which must be utilized with responsibility and not abused. Literally 'zulm' [oppression] means to put something out of place. It is Allah (swt) who decides the correct place for everything, the One Who created them and knows everything about their nature, abilities, needs, desires, interactions and purpose. When people stray from following revelation they refer to their own limited minds, their own incomplete knowledge and they are affected by their instincts, emotions and prejudices. So when man turns away from revelation and refers to his own mind without guidance or refers to the fabricated religions, systems, ideologies, philosophies and concepts of other people, the result is oppression upon himself and others. Allah (swt) says, “Nay but those who oppress follow their own lusts without knowledge…” (ar Room 30:29)

The ayaat which connect the objectives of jihaad and the wider objectives of Islam to the removal of zulm, are many, some of these include the following:-

<> "Permission to fight is given to those who are fighting them, because they have been oppressed and surely, Allah is able to give them victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said ‘Our Lord is Allah’ For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques wherein the name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly Allah is Qawiun A’zeez.” (al-Hajj 22:39-40)

<> "And why should you not fight in the Cause of Allah for those who are weak among men, women and children, who say 'Save us from this town of oppression and its people and give to us from You an ally and give to us from you a helper.'" (an Nisaa' 4:75)

<> "...let there be no transgression except against the oppressors." (al Baqarah 2:193)

<> “And those who when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation His reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them against such there is no cause of blame.” (ash Shoora 42:39-41)

<> "The way is only against those who oppress men and rebel in the earth without justification, for those there will be a painful torment." (ash Shoora 42:42)

<> “If only there had been among the generations before you, persons having wisdom prohibiting from al fasaad in the earth, except a few of those whom We saved from among them. Those who did wrong [zalamoo] pursued the enjoyment of this life and were mujrimoon. And your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully while their people were righteous reformers [muslihoon].” (Yoonus 11:116-115)

<> Anas bin Maalik reported that the Prophet (saw) said “Help your brother whether he is oppressed or oppressing” They asked, ‘We understand to help him when he is oppressed but how do we help him when he is oppressing?’ The Prophet (saw) replied “By stopping him from doing so.” (BUKHAARI, MUSLIM)

The system of Jihaad and foreign relations is part of the Islamic system of Khilaafah as a whole and thus jihaad operates under the authority of the Khaleefah (leader, ruler, ameer, sultaan, wali, Imaam). Therefore it is the khaleefah in his duty to organize the interests of the ummah concerning the deen and dunya and being a successor to the Prophets in leading the call of tawheed to mankind and providing the Islamic system of justice for all the people of the earth, who heads the removal of zulm globally. In relation to this Ibn U’mar reported that Nabi (saw) said “Verily, the Sultaan is a shade of Allah [zillullaahi fi’l ard] in the earth. Every oppressed person [mazloom] goes to him from his slaves when he does justice and there is reward [ajr] for him and for his subjects [ra’iyyah] there is gratitude and when he is oppressive [jaar] there is sin [asr] against him and for his subjects there is patience.” (BAYHAQI, Mishkaatul Masaabih [vol.2 p.601])

6) Defence of the Citizens of Dar al Islam (including non-Muslims)

This is made clear by the fact that there exists the contract of residence for the ahl adh-Dhimmah and the payment of jizya for them. It is also clear more generally from the issue of seeking nussrah itself, which is material support to protect Dar al Islam, its residents and laws. It is also clear from the existence in the daleels and ahkaam of jihaad of the muraabitoon, that is the frontier guarding mujaahideen of Dar al Islam. The matter is also made clear by the contract of amaan [safety] granted to individuals who are given permission to enter dar al Islam.

Allah (swt) makes clear that the protection of Dar al Islam is not only for the benefit of the Muslims, but it also gives the opportunity for disbelievers to witness the whole system of Islam and its message, in the hope that they may see its truth and embrace it, Allah (swt) says, “If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum grant it to him so that he may hear the word of Allah and then escort him to where he can be secure: that is because they are men without knowledge” (at Tawbah 9:6)

Apart from this, the reality of Dar al Islam is a territory secured by Muslims where Islam is implemented even if the Muslims are in the minority. Therefore the protection of the territory from being invaded by a hostile force or non-Islamic system and law is something that everyone within its frontiers is benefiting from. In the ahadeeth and perhaps indicated in the Quran, is the role of the muraabit. The murabitoon are frontier guards who establish fortresses on the outskirts of Dar al Islam in order to protect it from enemies and to expand from there. Allah (swt) says, "O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy, vie in such perseverance, strengthen [raabitoo] each other, and fear Allah. that you may prosper." (aali I'mraan 3:200) There are many ahadeeth about the importance of the role of the muraabitoon:-

<> Salmaan narrated that Rasool Allah (saw) said, "Ribaat [guarding the frontiers of Dar al Islaam] for a day or night is better than fasting and standing in prayer for a month. If one dies during it, then his deeds that he used to do will continue (to earn reward) and his provision will also be give always and he will be safe from the mischief monger [al fattaan]." (MUSLIM, NASAA'I, TIRMIDHI, TABARAANI)
<> Anas bin Maalik narrates that someone asked Nabi (saw) about the reward for ribaat. He (saw) replied "If anyone engages in ribaat for a night, guarding the Muslims behind him, then for him is the reward of those who stayed behind and kept fast and offered salah." (TABARAANI, MUNDHIRI 'at Targheeb wat Tarheeb')
<> Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said, "Ribaat for a day in the Cause of Allah, is better than the world and that which it contains. And the space of a whip in Paradise for one of you is better than the world and what it contains. And the journey of a slave (of Allah) made in the morning or evening for the Cause of Allah is better than the world and what it contains." (BUKHAARI, MUSLIM, TIRMIDHI)
<> Jaabir reported that Nabi (saw) said "If anyone does ribaat for a day in the cause of Allah, then Allah puts seven trenches between him and hell, each trench being equivalent of seven heavens and seven earths." (TABARAANI in 'Awsaat', MUNDHIRI in 'at Targheeb wat Tarheeb')
<> U'thmaan ibn A'ffaan reported that nabi (saw) said "Ribaat for one day in the Cause of Allah is better than a thousand days spent in other worship at homes." (NASAA'I, TIRMIDHI)

The 'haaris' [guard] can also be applied to the same role. Ibn A'bbaas reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said "Two eyes, the fire will not touch them! An eye that weeps out of fear of Allah and an eye that spends the night keeping guard in the Cause of Allah." (TIRMIDHI) and Ibn U'mar reported that nabi (saw) said "Shall I not inform you of the night that is more excellent than laylatul qadr? A guard who keeps vigil on a fearful place, which is such that he might not return to his family." (HAAKIM) and Abu Hurayrah reports that Nabi (saw) said "Three eyes, the fire will not touch them! An eye that is lost in the Cause of Allah, an eye that stands guard in the Cause of Allah and an eye that weeps for the fear of Allah." (HAAKIM)

The non-Muslims would be influenced by the Islamic teachings, laws and lifestyle if able to live alongside it without any threat to their safety from external enemies or internal hostilities. The following makes this clear:-

<> It is reported that A’li said ‘The blood of all believers are equal, the lowliest of them can guarantee their protection and they are one hand against others. A Mu’min should not be killed for a kaafir nor should one who has been given a covenant (a’hd) be killed while his covenant holds.’ (AHMAD, ABU DAWOOD, NASAA’I and grade ‘saheeh’ by AL HAAKIM as reported by IBN HAJR AL ASQALAANI in ‘Bulooghul Maraam min Adilaatul Ahkaam’ [kitaabul Jinaayaat no.998])

<> Abu Raafi’ reported that Nabi (saw) said “I do not break a covenant (a’hd) nor imprison messengers.” (ABU DAWOOD, AN NASAA’I and graded ‘saheeh’ by IBN HIBBAAN as reported by IBN HAJR in ‘Bulooghul Maraam’ [kitaabul Jihaad no.1121])

<> "On the Day of Resurrection I shall dispute with anyone who oppresses a person from among the People of the Covenant, or infringes on his right, or puts a responsibility on him which is beyond his strength or takes something from him against his will." (ABU DAWOOD)

<> Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet (saw) said “If anyone kills a man whom he has granted protection pre-maturely, Allah will forbid him to enter paradise.” (ABU DAWOOD)

<> It is reported that Nabi (saw) said, "Anyone who kills a dhimmi will not smell the fragrance of the garden." (NASAA'I)

<> A’bdullah ibn U’mar reported that Nabi (saw) said “Whoever kills a Mua’hid will not smell the fragrance of paradise, yet its fragrance can be smelt a distance of forty years journey.” (BUKHAARI) A mua'hid is one who has an a'hd [covenant] of security with the Islamic authority.

The non-Muslim citizens of Dar al Islam are present due to some form of agreement, contract or treaty with the Islamic government or a guarantee of protection [amaan] provided by a Muslim. Muslims are strictly commanded to uphold all such agreements and treaties, generally and specifically, Allah (swt) says:-

<> “Those who fulfil the a’hd of Allah and break not the meethaaq.” (ar Ra’d 13:20)

<> “O you who believe! Fulfil your contracts [u’qood]…” (al Maai’dah 5:1)

<> “And who are shepherds of their trusts and their covenants” (al Mu’minoon 23:8)

<> "And come not near the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength. And fulfil the covenant [a'hd]. Verily the covenant will be questioned about." (al Israa' 17:34)

<> Anas reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said "For every treacherous man, there will be a banner on the day of Resurrection with which he will be recognised." (BUKHAARI, MUSLIM there are also similar hadeeth from Ibn U'mar in agreed upon and from Abu Sa'eed al Khudri in MUSLIM alone)

<> Ibn A’bbaas reported “Ghulool does not appear in a people except that Allah throws fear into their hearts, nor zinaa becomes widespread in a people except that except that death (diseases) become frequent in them, nor does a nation cheat in the scales except that rizq is cut off from them nor does a people give judgement/rule without right except that blood becomes widespread among them nor do a people break their covenant (ahd) except that their enemy becomes powerful over them” (MAALIK)

7) Strengthening the Position of the Islamic Civilization in all spheres (Military, Economic, Political etc) against all other systems

The Muslim ummah is the last legitimate ummah, Abu Amaamah al Bahli reported that Nabi (saw) said “I am the last prophet and you are the last ummah.” (IBN MAAJAH) and Abu Quteelah reported that Nabi (saw) said during Hajjatul Wada’ “No prophet after me and no ummah after you” (HAYTHAMI Majmu’ az Zawaa’id [vol.3 p.273] MUTTAQI AL HINDI in ‘Kanzul U’maal’ [vol.15 p.947 no. 43,638]) and Ibn Zumail Jawhaani reported that Nabi (saw) said “…no prophet after me and no ummah after my ummah.” (TABARAANI, BAYHAQI) They are the followers of the final prophet and the final religion, belief and system of life. The Muslim ummah has been charged with conveying Islam to the world and implementing the system of Islam in their lives individually and collectively, Allah (swt) says, “ You are the best of peoples (ummah) ever raised up for mankind, you command ma’roof, forbid munkar and you believe in Allah” (aali I’mraan 3:110) When the Muslims follow Islam then the people as a whole have a better life and a better opportunity to fulfil their human potential, but when the Muslims abandon their beliefs and laws, then people are oppressed by inadequate systems and false beliefs. The Muslim ummah has the duty to lead the other nations and dominate over them so that by the example of Islam, its call, laws and progressive and correctly balanced civilization the people realize their aim in life and what is best for them in all the worlds. There are many types of daleel [evidence] that prove this point from different angles in the Qura'n and Sunnah.

Allah (swt) says, "And make ready against them all you can of power and fighting horses to terrorize the enemy of Allah and you enemy and others besides whom you may not know but whom Allah does know. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly." (al Anfaal 8:60) This verse has a comprehensive meaning of power and preparation for power, it does not just mean the tools of war as these themselves are also based on a wider meaning of preparation of power. One of the main objectives of this ayah is that the Muslims are manifestly so well prepared that the enemies, known and unknown, are deterred from attacking the Muslims and Dar al Islam as they would expect heavy losses or defeat. It is well known that such a preparation and power is not simply due to individual fighting, abilities, skills and resources of warriors. Rather, such power has to be maintained economically just as the nation which produces these fighters has also to be maintained economically. If the people are starving, in debt and in extreme economic hardship then it will be difficult for them to travel, difficult for them to train and they will be worried about their families and perhaps be driven to rebel or complain against their rulers or the few who are economically strong in their society. We see that the former Soviet Union during the cold war with the capitalist West, although being advanced militarily, was not able to maintain the funding of an arms race and was unable to maintain the support of its people as they looked towards the economic comfort of the west compared to their own poverty. This was one of the causes of their collapse, they considered that power was just military when in reality, power has ideological foundations and other structural aspects in terms of the way a nation's system operates as a whole. i.e. the whole of society must be progressive and functional and not just one aspect of it. When we look to the life of Rasool Allah (saw) and the clear commands and information in the Qura'n we see that the Prophet (saw) and the Qura'n did not only direct the people towards military strength and preparation in order to strengthen the society and ummah. We see that the Qura'n did not direct the Muslims just to start building militarily but they had to build the driving forces for their actions, i.e. the beliefs and the inward purification from erroneous beliefs, thoughts, emotions etc. This was coupled with the refutation of the false beliefs and corruption prevalent in the society (and by extension all other nations of all times). So that the ideological driving force was maintained in the Muslims, as they knew that they were on a correct, evidence based, proven belief with a superior system of life and that the opposing disbelievers were upon false beliefs and a self destructive way of life. The Muslim society was also strengthened because it was being built and prepared from the very beginning with guidance and laws relating to all the aspects of society, economic, social, judicial, educational etc. A society can be damaged or even destroyed by the neglect of any of these spheres, we see for instance in many cases that civilizations have been destroyed internally or by an external calamity hitting them due to their fahshaa' [sexual corruptions, sins and deviations]. e.g. Roman emperors neglected their rule while they engaged in orgies and the people in the community of the Prophet Loot (as) were destroyed partly due to their transgression into homosexuality. If a nation though, has a strong moral and family structure then they will be able to produce warriors and all the other people needed to maintain and develop the society, but if they are plagued by prostitution, adultery, fornication, homosexuality etc then the family structure breaks down, family support is absent, role models and discipline become absent and man power is reduced (as large families are taken over by one parent families etc) Disease and social chaos become widespread leading to many other social and economic problems such as gambling, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, crime and suicide.

Apart from these issues, the preparation of power does not only involve these wider aspects but more specifically all the knowledge that must go into effective, military weaponry. In today's world the military technology involves many spheres of knowledge such as electronics, computing, mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, aeronautics, navigation, meteorology, kinetics etc Many sciences and fields of expertise are behind today's military technology. We should also remember that military technology is not only about weapons of targeted attack but also defence, deception and surveillance mechanisms. So much of what armed forces do today is not an issue of active combat but are issues of deterrence, support and strategy. Let us take an example of some combatants who go to encounter a military only being prepared with hand to hand combat techniques and the use of small arms and artillery etc. i.e. just mobile weapons of immediate and close range confrontation. Now how effective are such resources and training when the force encountered is fighting by long range missiles, medium range guided missiles, air assault, sea to land weapons, aerial surveillance manned or un-manned, covert close range operatives, satellite surveillance, regional logistical support etc? The point is that it will almost be like trying to fight someone out of reach, unseen who possesses reach, speed and all sorts of other advantages. In practical terms it would be hard to see any victory except by Divine Support with miracles etc. Now does Islam tell us to base our methodology on miracles or does it command us to prepare fully and widely as necessary for the threats that are faced? It is very clear that the above ayah commands maximum preparation in order to create a deterrent. That does not mean that if the resources are such that the opposition can not be matched then the defences should be abandoned, but it does mean the maximum effort possesses an object of effect on the enemy. Let us take another example of recent times, North Korea has declared itself to be a Nuclear Power which has developed nuclear missiles. Now do the amount, standard and capability of these missiles match up to those of the worlds superpowers or even the European powers that possess them? They clearly do not, however, just by the fact of them possessing such a threatening weapon, the world's powers would be suitably deterred from risking a military invasion or even a military strike unless they were in a situation where they though such a strike was necessary to prevent immediate and probable harm to their own nation. It is true that North Korea possesses nowhere near the threat that a Muslim country would has any Muslim country that revived itself ideologically and militarily has the potential to connect with the global Muslim ummah and draw on support of all kinds from all parts of the globe. North Korea was not invaded, neither has Iran yet been invaded (Iran possessing some reasonable standard of Military defence) but Iraq was invaded several times. If Iraq had possessed a sophisticated anti-aircraft defence system along with long range missiles of high accuracy and potential would Iraq have been invaded? It is highly unlikely. Why is it that the Soviet Union and the USA never came to direct military conflict during the decades of the 'cold war'? It is partly due to the concept of MAD (mutually assured destruction), if even the stronger nuclear power initiated an attack, the capabilities of either side were enough to also destroy their opponent even if also being destroyed themselves.

It is in fact part of the great mercy of Allah to mankind that He (swt) commanded the Muslim ummah to be so prepared that all opponents would be fearful to attack the Muslims. If the Muslims fulfilled such a commandment then indeed their resources would be much more secure from the constant plunder of foreign corporations facilitated by foreign military invasions sanctioned by institutions of so called international law. More importantly how many lives would have been saved from the Muslims innocent civilians, how much infrastructure would have been preserved? Let us look to the state of the Muslims without following these commands, they have been continuously invaded, bombed, occupied, plundered and massacred ever since the neglect of Islamic government and pillars of Islamic unity were abandoned. Somalia has been bombed and invaded, Afghanistan bombed and invaded, Iraq bombed and invaded, Chechnya bombed and invaded, Lebanon bombed and invaded, Syria bombed and invaded, Sudan bombed, Libya bombed and so many more can be added to the list. If the Muslims applied the sharia'h made walaa' with each other and organized under one Imaam as they were commanded then never would have the enemies of Islam continued these hostilities, and if the Muslims had been militarily prepared, then again they would not have only suspended any acts of military aggression on Muslim territories but they would have also thought twice and thrice about showing any aggressive, hostile and malicious tendencies towards Muslim interests anywhere around the world. It is precisely for this reason why there is such a strong effort by the disbelieving powers to silence Islam, destroy Muslim infrastructure, economies and capabilities and label all teaching of true Islamic beliefs, laws and systems as 'extremism', 'fanaticism', 'terrorism' etc. Muslims will be labelled and accused of terrorism and support for terrorism if they try to defend themselves or revive the true Islamic system which protected them and other oppressed people. It is quite an amazing achievement of mass mind control that religious Muslims who want to establish the justice of the Laws of Allah on earth and have the bravery and conviction to defend themselves against much larger and better materially prepared aggressors, are themselves labelled as the terrorists while the Muslim lands and peoples in Iraq and Afghanistan have been continuously bombarded with weapons of mass destruction resulting in the murder of hundreds of thousands of civilians. Not only this but torture camps set up all over the world, so Muslims can be arrested without evidence, trial or even public knowledge and then tortured into false confessions or even to death. This is all amazingly evil and ridiculous, yet it exactly what happens when the Muslims turn away from the Message, laws and system sent down in the Qura'n and the Qura'n made clear this would be the result.

The obligation of preparation is also proven by the ayah, “O you who believe! Take your precautions and either go forth in parties or go forth altogether [jamee’an]” (an Nisaa 4:71) It is also indicated by the ayah, “And if they had intended to march out certainly they would have made some preparation for it…” (at Tawbah 9:46)

The Muslims must also maximise their preparations and advance their civlization and message as they are the witnesses to the truth for mankind. It should be that all spheres of the Islamic civilization and society point towards the truth, as indeed Allah commanded Islam in accordance with the nature and potential of mankind, Islam is at one with the universe, Allah (swt) says, “…it is He who named you Muslims both before and in this, that the messenger may be a witness over you and you be a witness over mankind…” (al Hajj 22:78) and “Thus, have We made you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves…” (al Baqarah 2:143)

Islam is supreme over other ways of life even if it is temporarily weakened after the accumulative neglect of the Muslims and their small number. However in terms of correctness the Muslims who apply their belief stand superior and if they cling to the belief and the Book of Allah then this supremacy will also manifest individually and collectively, Allah (swt) says, “So do not become weak nor grieve and you will be uppermost [aa’aloon] if you are believers.” (aali I’mraan 3:139) Therefore the Muslims must not be depressed and negative but they should always be positive about the message they are upon and that in following the revelation they are doing the correct thing. This is supported by the following hadeeth, A’aaidh ibn A’mr reported that Nabi (saw) said “Islam is the highest and there is nothing above it” (DARAQUTNI as reported by IBN HAJR AL ASQALAANI in ‘Bulooghul Maraam’ [kitaabul Jihaad no.1126])

The deen of Islam itself was revealed for the outward purpose of Izhaar ad Deen, that is the dominance of Islam over all other religions, systems and ideologies. This goal then must be persued through all actions of the Islamic government and all international relationships, Allah (swt) says, “It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life even if the mushrikoon detest it.” (at Tawbah 9:33 & as Saff 61:9) and “It is He who sent his messenger with the Truth and Guidance so that it may prevail over all the ways of life and all sufficient is Allah for a Witness.” (al Fath 48:28)

8) Retaliation by Way of Justice & Prevention of Fasaad and Zulm

Just as Islam establishes the right for individuals to retaliate against the wrongs done to them, similarly it allows the Muslim ummah to retaliate against the wrongs done to the Islam and the Muslims. If an individual is allowed to go and threaten people, oppress and harm them with no-one retaliating then he transgresses further and feels free to oppress at will. There are nations, or more accurately leading forces and groupings that behave like this. If one nation was free to oppress others without any retaliation then soon they would be oppressing all. The wise law and international law of Islam sends the message that the rights of people will be protected and justice will be sought and enforced.

This was the principle in the past, as Dawood (as) fought against Jaaloot and his forces, "By Allah's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of corruption. But Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds." (al Baqarah 2:251) This is also the rule give to the final ummah and the final religion, Allah (swt) says:-

<> "(They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, "our Lord is Allah.. Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will)." (al Hajj 22:40)
<> "Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths and intended to expel the Messenger while they did attack you first? Do you fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him if you are believers. Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people. And remove the anger of their hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He Wills. Allah is A'leemun Hakeem." (at Tawbah 9:13-15)
<> "And those who when an oppressive wrong is done to them, take revenge." (ash Shoora 42:39)
<> "So whoever transgresses [aa'tadaa] against you, you transgress likewise against him, and have taqwa of Allah and know that Allah is with the muttaqeen." (al Baqarah 2:194)
<> "And if you punish (the enemy) then punish them with the like of that which you were afflicted..." (an Nahl 16:126)
<> "And slay them wherever you catch them and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for fitnah is worse than killing, but do not fight them at al Masjid al Haraam unless they fight you in it, but if they fight you slay them, that is the payment for the disbelievers." (al Baqarah 2:191)

This principle is in fact maintained throughout the Islamic system:-

<> "The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily Allah loves not the zaalimoon." (ash Shoora 42:40)
<> "And indeed whoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such there is no way (of blame) against them." (ash Shoora 42:41)
<> "And whoever has retaliated with the like of that which he was made to suffer, and then has again been wronged, Allah will surely help him..." (al Hajj 22:60)
<> Aisha [r] narrated "...and Rasool Allah (saw) never took revenge on his own behalf for anything unless something forbidden had been transgressed in which event he took revenge for it for the sake of Allah." (BUKHAARI, MUSLIM, ABU DAWOOD and others)

We see from the above objectives of Islamic Foreign relations, that the main issue is conveying the belief and system of Islam to the people of the world and defending that system and its people. It differs from Nationalistic Foreign Policy where the objective is to serve the material interests of a specific land bound nation and government even if those principles of government and nation change. The Islamic foreign policy does not seek to elevate one race, region or ethnicity over another. The Islamic foreign policy also is not something in the hands of an individual to be used and abused for personal gain or the gain of an elite or oligarchy. The Islamic system of foreign relations does not aim to plunder the wealth of other nations as many nations do today (as seen by the aggressive Foreign Policy of the United States, Britain and other European countries which invade a country to gain resources). The Spoils of War in the Islamic system is a ruling and permission within the system but not a major objective of the system, e.g. If the Islamic government saw great resources in an external nation by which they could strengthen themselves with, it would not be permissible to simply invade the nation to steal the wealth without giving the nation the opportunity to embrace Islam or have Islam implemented over it.