All peoples and faiths look to inspirational figures for leadership, guidance, and moral support, and as a bulwark against danger. The complex turmoil engulfing the Middle
East calls for strong leaders with the clarity of vision to serve their people and guide them through difficult times. The al-Najaf Religious Authority has shown wisdom and
leadership in guiding the people of Iraq in their defence against the forces that would do them harm and shatter the unity of the country. Hussein Revivalism spoke to al-Shaikh Mahdi al-Masudee and the academic Muhammad Redha from the College of Religion of Karbala University about how the al-Najaf Religious Authority is
directing conduct in the conflict against ISIS.
Redha stresses that the Iraqi people are under attack from barbarous murderers who
kill women and children and behead innocent men in the name of al-Khilafa al-Islamia
(Islamic Caliphate). The word jihad, the struggle for righteousness by morally just
means, has been appropriated by ISIS to refer to terrorist violence that defies all Islamic principles. They deface Islam itself, destroying its teachings by perverting the meaning of jihad in the eyes of the world. Thus it is vital that the Muslims of Iraq,
as they unite to battle these enemies of Islam and liberate our land, restore the name
of jihad by conducting their struggle in a morally just manner.
The foremost principle of the Islamic conduct of warfare is respect for the lives and rights of non-combatants.
The al-Najaf Religious Authority has issued guidelines to those battling against ISIS under the title Advice and Guidelines for the Fighters. This text states ‘O fighters, do not kill innocents or threaten civilians when you liberate Iraqi territory, because God Almighty forbids the killing of innocents, especially old men, women, and children, including those of your enemies’ families. O fighters, do not steal
from anyone’s home or prevent people from living according to their rights.’ It advises fighters to actively 'protect civilians and help others, because they are alike to your brothers and families.’
Redha clarifies that the religious authority also recommends tolerance and empathy towards enemy combatants, saying ‘O fighters, you should know that many of your enemy were obliged to fight you, so you should deal kindly with them, and thus encourage them to return to their homes.’ These principles of humanity and brotherhood follow the famous words of Imam ‘Ali, ‘People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.’
Al-Masudee stressed the importance of demonstrating the original ideas of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet and his descendants through moral conduct. By issuing these guidelines, the al-Najaf Religious Authority is playing a vital role in the nation’s struggle and laying the foundations for victory. For, should a Muslim follow the true path of Islam, he will be undefeatable, as Islam is based upon strong laws that protect man from all external enemies.
Redha concluded that ‘This is our religion and this is the way that we fight and the world should distinguish between the two understandings of jihad.’