jzubairi@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Junaid Ahmed Zubairi) (01/28/91)
=========================================================== ISlam lays down some specific guidelines for war. These guidelines about treatment of prisoners, treating of non-combatants i.e civilians and general behavior of Army during war time are so comprehensive that you will be amazed at the detail provided if you get a chance to study these teachings. I have not made a specialised effort to read war guidelines but I have learnt from many teach-ins many different things. Some examples are in order: * Muslim army is forbidden to cause unnecessary destruction e.g. cutting down trees without any purpose [environmental safety]. * Muslims are asked not to transgress and if they want, just to take revenge of atrocities committed against them (add to it -->AND IF YOU FORGIVE, IT IS BETTER ----AL-QURAN) * Muslims are not to fight those who did not fight against them [peaceful co-existence] * Prisoners of war during the time of Holy Prophet[PBUH] were let free for teaching children how to read and write. As a practical example of following Islamic teachings by Muslims, please read about Saladin. When he was fighting King Richard, Saladin sent his physician with gifts to Richard on getting the news that he has fallen ill. Also when Saladin conquered Jerusalem, he gave away gifts to women and children of the city. Junaid Zubairi