Fight in self-defense without transgression and cease when the enemy ceases

Verse: 2:190-193
Arabic Text

وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ ۝ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ ثَقِفْتُمُوهُمْ وَأَخْرِجُوهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ أَخْرَجُوكُمْ ۚ وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ ۖ وَلَا تُقَاتِلُوهُمْ عِندَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ حَتَّىٰ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِيهِ ۖ فَإِن قَاتَلُوكُمْ فَاقْتُلُوهُمْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ الْكَافِرِينَ ۝ فَإِنْ انفَتَرَوْا فَلَا عُدْوَانَ إِلَّا عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ ۝ وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ لِلَّهِ ۖ فَإِنِ انتَهَوْا فَلَا عُدْوَانَ إِلَّا عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ

Translation

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you; and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al-Ḥarām until they fight you there, but if they fight you, then kill them—thus is the recompense of the disbelievers. And if they cease, then there is no aggression except against the oppressors.

Description

Defend yourself if attacked, but do not go beyond limits and stop when they stop fighting.

Detailed Explanation

These verses from the Quran guide Muslims on the principles of self-defense. They teach you that if someone fights against you, it's allowed to protect yourself, but you must not go beyond what is necessary. It's important not to hurt others unfairly or cause harm once the conflict has stopped. According to Islamic teachings, aggression should only be towards those who oppress others, emphasizing justice and fairness even in conflict. Scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this rule was provided during the time when the Muslims were being persecuted, offering them the right to defend themselves in a justified manner. The instruction “do not transgress” is a crucial aspect, as it reflects the importance of self-control and preventing unnecessary violence. Even if a fight occurs at a place as sacred as al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, the Muslims were to only fight back if attacked first, highlighting the respect and sanctity of holy places. Additionally, this rule underscores the importance of peace. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always encouraged the pursuit of peace and to cease hostilities when others do the same. This principle is mirrored in many Hadiths and scenarios from the Prophet’s life, where restraint and forgiveness were preferred over conflict and revenge, illustrating a broader ethical and moral framework in Islam of promoting peace, justice, and mercy.