Ikaw at Ang Makamundong Pagnanasa

Sinabi ni Bishr bin Harith رحمه الله

"ِAng Tamis nang Pagsamba ay hindi matatagpuan, Hanggat Hindi mo nilalagyan ng Harang ang Pagitan ng iyong Sarili mula sa Makamundong Pagnanasa"

[As-Siyar, 10/473]

Hostage Taking as Warfare Tactics

Kidnapping and hostage taking are not an invention of our modern times. They go back far in history. But they have become more and more frequent these days because of the grave injustice suffered by weak and oppressed communities at the hands of powerful countries seeking to impose their will on them. Moreover, these oppressed communities seldom have adequate means and weapons to repel aggression. Since some Muslims are resorting to such methods at an increasing rate, thus going beyond the limits of what is lawful, we wish to make the issue surrounding this very clear. This ruling, or fatwa, sums up all the Islamic rules that apply to such acts:

1. Kidnapping is a form of aggression against others, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims. It is a type of transgression which Allah has prohibited, as He says in the Qur'an: "Allah enjoins justice, kindness to all, and generosity to one's kindred; and He forbids all that is shameful, reprehensible conduct and all transgression." (An-Nahl 16: 90) It is well known that the order to ensure justice extends to kindness and being generous to one's kindred and it is not limited to Muslims only. Similarly, the prohibition of what is shameful, and reprehensible conduct and transgression applies to all humanity. By nature, man is keen to repel any aggression directed at him, but Allah permits the repelling of aggression by similar means only. This is stated in the Qur'an: "If anyone commits aggression against you, attack him just as he has attacked you. Have fear of Allah, and be sure that Allah is with those who are Allah-fearing." (Al-Baqarah 2: 194) "Fight for the cause of Allah those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. Indeed, Allah does not love aggressors." (Al-Baqarah 2: 190) Allah also makes it clear that religious differences do not justify aggression against anyone, even though they may reach the stage of open conflict: "Do not let your hatred of people who would debar you from the Sacred Mosque lead you into aggression." (Al-Ma'idah 5: 2)