Islam and Foreign Policy
Introduction: The word "foreign policy" means a policy pursued by a nation its dealing with other nations designed to achieve national objectives. So the Islamic foreign policy means a policy pursued by the Islamic nation. In Islam, the concept of foreign policy was introduced by Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W) during the establishment of Islamic state in Medina. The basis of the Islamic foreign policy consists of taking the message of Islam to every people and every nation. For Allah say "O Messenger! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed his Message." [Al-Ma'idah, 5:67].
Basic Principles: Basic principles of Islam’s concept of international relations as laid down by the jurists or in other words the fundamental principles of policy which guide the relations of an Islamic state with other countries are: * Promotion of Peace and Security: As the very word implies, Islam means ‘peace’ and ‘security’. It also means ‘submission’ to Allah and hence salvation. Islam is thus, a religion of peace and, no wonder the basic principle of the Islamic state in its relations with foreign countries is ‘peace with all and war against none’ or in other words, ‘friendship towards all and malice towards none’. Al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, does not allow an aggressive war; it allows to take up arms only as a last resort in self-defence. The Qur’an enjoins upon its followers: “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors”. (2:190). History of Islam is witness to the fact that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions resorted to fight only when they had been wronged, persecuted and even expelled from their homes by the enemies of Islam. The Qur’an mentions this fact when it says: “Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah is indeed Able to give
Basic Principles: Basic principles of Islam’s concept of international relations as laid down by the jurists or in other words the fundamental principles of policy which guide the relations of an Islamic state with other countries are: * Promotion of Peace and Security: As the very word implies, Islam means ‘peace’ and ‘security’. It also means ‘submission’ to Allah and hence salvation. Islam is thus, a religion of peace and, no wonder the basic principle of the Islamic state in its relations with foreign countries is ‘peace with all and war against none’ or in other words, ‘friendship towards all and malice towards none’. Al-Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, does not allow an aggressive war; it allows to take up arms only as a last resort in self-defence. The Qur’an enjoins upon its followers: “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors”. (2:190). History of Islam is witness to the fact that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions resorted to fight only when they had been wronged, persecuted and even expelled from their homes by the enemies of Islam. The Qur’an mentions this fact when it says: “Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah is indeed Able to give