Understanding Islamic Prohibition on Selling Arms to Rebels
Comprehensive Definition:
In Islamic jurisprudence, the sale of arms or warlike stores to rebels is explicitly forbidden. This prohibition stems from the ethical stance that providing arms to those in rebellion is seen as aiding defection and supporting disorder, which contradicts Islamic principles of justice and societal harmony.
Etymology:
- Arabic: The term ‘arms’ translates to أسلحة (asliha). The concept of selling arms (بيع الأسلحة, bayʿ al-asliha) to rebels involves the legal ethical domain of transactions involving weapons.
- Hidāyah: Derives from an Arabic legal manuscript, commonly referring to
الهداية, a classical Hanafi legal manual.
Background:
Hamilton’s Hidāyah is a comprehensive legal manual in Hanafi jurisprudence, documenting a vast number of legal rulings such as sales, trade, criminal law, and personal conduct. Volume II of this text explicitly addresses the implications of selling arms to insurgents.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- In Islam: Selling arms to rebels is forbidden to prevent the spread of violence and ensure societal peace.
- Other Traditions: Various religious traditions and national laws hold similar ethical stances, although the nuances and prohibition levels may vary.
Synonyms:
- Prohibited Transactions
- Forbidden Sales
- Unlawful Dealings
Antonyms:
- Permissible Transactions
- Lawful Sales
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Hijrah (هجرة): The migration undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad and his followers.
- Sharia (شريعة): The Islamic legal system derived from the Qur’an and Hadith.
- Fiqh (فقه): Islamic jurisprudence, the human understanding, and practices derived from Sharia.
Exciting Facts:
- Hamilton’s Hidāyah: Known as one of the most influential legal texts in Sunni Islam, guiding classical rulings.
- Legal Translations: Assisted the western world by translating significant Islamic texts for academic and legal insights.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
"…the sale of armour or warlike stores to rebels is forbidden, because selling arms into the hands of rebels is an assistance to defection." — Hamilton’s Hidāyah, vol. ii. 225.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies:
- “Islamic Jurisprudence” by Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee
- “Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
- “The Ordinances of Government” by Al-Mawardi
- Hamilton’s Hidāyah in multiple volumes
Quizzes & Explanations:
Reflecting on this reading brings us full circle with an understanding rooted in both ethical stance and legal heritage. 🕊
With respect, Omar Al-Karim 2023-11-01
