Examining the Proofs of Permissibility or Prohibition of Production and Stockpiling of Weapons Mass Destruction

In jurisprudential teachings, there is a lot of emphasis on defense readiness against the enemies. One aspect of this readiness is being equipped with all types of war and defense tools, some of which are unconventional weapons such as nuclear and chemical weapons that, due to their uncontrollable effects and very high destructive power, are called weapons of mass destruction. Regardless of permissibility or non-permissibility of their application, the main question is whether it is permissible to produce and stockpile such weapons from the viewpoint of Sharia and can the Islamic state do this in order to prepare for defense against the enemies? Although the appearance of some verses and narrations indicates permissibility and even the need to produce and stockpile this type of weapons in order to maintain defense readiness against the enemies, considering the ultimate goal of this readiness which is to strengthen the background for peace and security, it can be said that being equipped with such weapons contradicts this goal and is not covered by those proofs. In addition, for other reasons including the argument that production, stockpiling and increasing the destructive power of such weapons, themselves, cause fear and terror in human society and disturb mental security and peace and imply serious harm to environment and humans and that owning these weapons is not empowering and the resulting security is unreal and subsequently, does not guarantee the consolidation and maintenance of their holder's power; production and stockpiling of these weapons are futile, costly and troublous tasks and examples of extravagance and squandering the public treasury and are not permissible according to Sharia.