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Although realistic <strong>in</strong> its approach, <strong>Islam</strong> never tolerates<br />

aggression from its own side or from any other side, nor<br />

does it enterta<strong>in</strong> aggressive wars or the <strong>in</strong>itiation of aggres-<br />

sive wars. Muslims are commanded by God not to beg<strong>in</strong><br />

hostilities, or embark on any act of aggression, or violate any<br />

rights of others. In addition to what has been already said <strong>in</strong><br />

the previous chapter, some particular verses of the Qur'an<br />

are of significant bear<strong>in</strong>g. God says:<br />

"Fight <strong>in</strong> the Cause of God those who fight<br />

you, and do not transgress limits (beg<strong>in</strong><br />

not hostility): For God loves not transgres-<br />

sors. And slay them wherever you catch<br />

them, and turn them out from where they<br />

have turned you out; for tumult and op-<br />

pression are worse than slaughter; but fight<br />

them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless<br />

they (first) fight you there; but if they fight<br />

you, slay them. Such is the reward of those<br />

who suppress Faith. But if they cease, God<br />

is Forgiv<strong>in</strong>g, Most Merciful. And fight<br />

them on until there is no more persecution<br />

or oppression, and there prevail justice and<br />

Faith <strong>in</strong> God; but if they cease, let there be<br />

no hostility except to those who practice<br />

1<br />

',<br />

oppression<br />

(2:190-193)<br />

War is not an objective of <strong>Islam</strong>, nor is it the normal<br />

course of Muslims. It is only the last resort and is used under

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