550. Commandment – Only defensive wars are permitted

[22:40] Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them —

[2:191] And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.

[2:192] And kill them wherever you meet them and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for persecution is worse than killing. And fight them not in, and near, the Sacred Mosque until they fight you therein. But if they fight you, then fight them: such is the requital for the disbelievers.

[2:194] And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors.

[2:217] Fighting is ordained for you, though it is repugnant to you; but it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you like a thing while it is bad for you. Allah knows all things, and you know not.

[3:147] And many a Prophet there has been beside whom fought numerous companies of their followers. They slackened not for aught that befell them in the way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they humiliate themselves before the enemy. And Allah loves the steadfast.

[3:168] And that He might distinguish the hypocrites. And it was said to them, ‘Come ye, fight in the cause of Allah and repel the attack of the enemy;’ they said, ‘If we knew how to fight, we would surely follow you.’ They were, that day, nearer to disbelief than to belief. They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts. And Allah knows well what they conceal.

[4:75] Let those then fight in the cause of Allah who would sell the present life for the Hereafter. And whoso fights in the cause of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, We shall soon give him a great reward. [4:76] And what is the matter with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and of the weak — men, women and children — who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this town, whose people are oppressors, and make for us some friend from Thyself, and make for us from Thyself some helper?’ [4:77] Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the cause of the Evil One. Fight ye therefore against the friends of Satan; surely, Satan’s strategy is weak! [4:78] Dost thou not know of those to whom it was said: ‘Restrain your hands, observe Prayer and pay the Zakat?’ And when fighting has been prescribed for them, behold! a section of them fear men as they should fear Allah, or with still greater fear; and they say, ‘Our Lord, why hast Thou prescribed fighting for us? Wouldst Thou not grant us respite yet a while?’ Say, ‘The benefit of this world is little and the Hereafter will be better for him who fears God; and you shall not be wronged a whit.’

[9:111] Surely, Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their property in return for the Garden they shall have; they fight in the cause of Allah, and they slay and are slain — a promise that He has made incumbent on Himself in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur’an. And who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? Rejoice, then, in your bargain which you have made with Him; and that it is which is the supreme triumph.