International Relations in the View of Holy Quran

Islam, the religion demonstrates peace and tolerance, is an Abrahamic monotheist religion that believes there is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad PBUH as the messenger of God. Islam is currently the world's second-largest religion (after Christianity), it is the fastest-growing major religion with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. "Islam" is derived from the Arabic word "sal’m" which literally means peace. Additionally, the word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.’

Talking about religion, it is not complete without talking about its holy book. Islam has the Quran, a sacred-book of Islam. It was revealed by angel Gabriel to Muhammad PBUH in the West Arabian towns Mecca and Medina beginning in 610 and ending with Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. Quran has 114 chapters and 6236 verses. As a Muslim life guide book, Quran is not only talking about Islam and its rules but also beyond contexts such as etiquette, history, law, even the science knowledge development itself.

The first verse of the Quran that was revealed unto the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his household) were the first five verses of Surat ‘Alaq (i.e. Chapter 96) of the Qur’an.

“IQRA BIISMI RABBIKA ALLAZI KHALQ”.

Read! In the name of your Lord who created (all the exists). Surah Al’Alaq 96:1.

It means that The Quran stresses the importance of reading, studying, reflecting, and investigating, and this is a commandment prescribed to all Muslims both male and female. Prophet (PBUH) said that acquiring knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim, the Knowledge of Truth and Wisdom. Quran regulates many laws included international relations. There are many verses in the Quran that regulate how to maintain relations across nations. Here I have compiled some verses in various chapters in Quran that discuss how Quran as the Islamic holy book manages international relations scope from many aspects such as upholding peace, accepting the difference, managing the war and doing the negotiation.

1. Upholding Peace

- Al Mumtahanah (60) verse 8

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

- Al Nahl (16) verse 126

And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.

- Al Anfal (8) verse 61-62

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah . Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing. But if they intend to deceive you - then sufficient for you is Allah . It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers

2. Accepting the Difference

- Al Hujurat (49) verse 13 :

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

- Ar Ruum (30) verse 22 :

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge

3. The Negotiation

- Al Tawbah (9) verse 7

How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allah and with His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid al-Haram? So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].

- Al Baqarah (2) verse 256

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

4. Managing the War

- Al Baqarah (2) verse 190

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.

- Al Hajj (22) verse 39-40

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah ." And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.