Divine Strategy and Ethics in Surah Al-Anfal: A Study of War and Peace in the Quranic Context

Abstract

This study explores the strategic and ethical dimensions of war and peace in Surah Al-Anfal, a chapter in the Quran that addresses Muslim conduct in battle. It aims to contextualize the divine principles governing conflict and peace agreements, examining how they relate to broader Islamic ethics and practical strategy. Surah Al-Anfal presents guidelines on warfare, promoting justice and compassion while discouraging aggression. By analyzing its verses, this paper examines the chapter's ethical imperatives for leaders and communities during times of conflict, offering insights into how war and peace are balanced within an Islamic framework. Key aspects include divine guidance for war initiation, conduct during battle, and terms of peace. The study employs a thematic approach, interpreting the relevant verses to reveal a coherent moral and strategic outlook on warfare. Moreover, it assesses the chapter's influence on classical and contemporary Islamic thought on war ethics. Findings suggest that Surah Al-Anfal provides a nuanced framework where the use of force is a last resort and is bound by strict ethical limitations. Peace is prioritized whenever possible, aligning with the Quran's overarching vision of a just and harmonious society. This analysis contributes to the understanding of Islamic jurisprudence on war ethics, offering a perspective on how these principles can inform modern debates on just war theory and ethical conflict resolution. The study adds to the discourse on Quranic ethics, suggesting that Surah Al-Anfal embodies a divine strategy aimed at achieving peace and justice, which remains relevant in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Keywords: Surah Al-Anfal, Quran, war ethics, Islamic strategy, divine guidance, peace in Islam, Quranic context, just war theory, Islamic jurisprudence, conflict resolution, Quranic ethics, war and peace in Islam.