In Islam, war is not for oppression, revenge, or the display of power, but rather for defense, establishing peace, and ending injustice. When Islam forbids the killing of women, children, the elderly, and non-combatants even during warfare, it proves that Islam is a religion of peace and humanity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) repeatedly emphasized during battles:
"Do not kill women, children, monks, the elderly, or anyone who is not participating in the fight."
References (10 Key Proofs):
Hadith (Sahih Muslim): The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Do not kill any woman or child." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Jihad)
Qur’an (Surah Al-Mumtahina: 8): "Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought you because of religion..."
Hadith (Abu Dawood): "Do not kill treacherous people, women, or children." (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Command of Abu Bakr (RA): When sending the army to Syria, he said: "Do not harm any woman, child, elderly, tree, or crop."
Fiqh Principle (Islamic Jurisprudence): "Fighting is only with those who are fighting. Harming innocents is forbidden."
Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH): In battles like Khaybar and Badr, non-combatants were granted safety.
Islamic Law of War: The goal of war in Islam is to stop oppression and establish justice—not destruction.
Protection of Minorities: Non-Muslim citizens under Islamic rule were protected from harm during conflicts.
Policy of Umar ibn Khattab (RA): He emphasized protecting civilians even in war.
Principle of Justice in Islam: "Do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors." (Qur’an: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)
