posed by Richard B. Boddie
answer by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.
Q. Where is the "balance" in Islam (re: killing,
etc. )?
A. The balance is in the Qur'an:
"To those against whom war is made permission is given (to fight)
because they are wronged and verily God is Most powerful for their aid.
(They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of
right (for no cause) except that they say 'Our Lord is God.' Did not
God 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 God is commemorated in abundant measure. God will
certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for verily God is Full of
Strength Exalted in Might (Able to enforce His Will)." (22:39-40)
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you but do not aggress; for
God loves not aggressors. And slay them wherever you catch them and
turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and
oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred
Mosque unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you slay
them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they
cease God is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. And fight them on until there
is no more tumult or oppression and there prevail justice and faith in
Allah; but if they cease let there be no hostility except to those who
practice oppression." (2:190-193)
"Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power
including steeds of war to deter the enemies of God and your enemies
and others besides whom you may not know but whom God knows.
Whatever you shall spend in the cause of God shall be repaid unto you
and you shall not be treated unjustly. But if the enemy incline towards
peace do you (also) incline towards peace and trust in God: for He is
the one that hears and knows (all things). Should they intend to
deceive you truly God is sufficient for you: He it is that has
strengthened you with his aid and with (the company of) the believers.
And (moreover) He has put affection between their hearts: not if you
had spent all that is in the earth could you have produced that
affection but God has done it: for He is Exalted in might Wise."
(8:60-63)
"And the Firmament has He raised high and He has set up the balance (of
Justice) in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So
establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance."
(55:7-9)