The Principiality of Peace in International Relations

To obtain “a principle for Islamic government in its foreign relations”, this article bases its arguments on two sets of the Qur’anic verses. The first set is concerned with peace and the second with Holy War (Jihad). From the verses denoting peace, it follows that “the establishment of peaceful relations with the non-opposing pagan states is not only legalbut also meritorious and the prohibition against establishing good relations is restricted only to “opposing states.” Thus, to live in peace with pacifist nations is obligatory and, in disputes between the Islamic nation and opposing nations, acts of aggression against neutral and allied nations is forbidden.From the verses concerning the Holy War or Jihad, one concludes that starting a war or holy war requires legal permission from a religious authority. Legal permission to start a war is given in case an opposing nation launches an attack on Muslim territories, persecutes Muslims, organizes conspiracies against Moslems’ religious creeds, persecutes the monotheists and makes people weak and powerless through exploitation and oppression and makes mischief on the earth. Therefore, the main principle in international relations is peace and peaceful coexistence and entering into war is permitted only when a nation commits one of the above-mentioned acts.