Among
the concepts that need special handling and deep
understanding of surrounding historical
circumstances are the concepts of dar al-Islam
(abode of Islam) and dar al-harb (abode of
war). This categorization, if taken out of its
historical context, will lead to great
misunderstanding as well as misapplication of the
rulings of Islam, especially those connected with
jihad and relations between Muslims and
non-Muslims.
Muslim
scholars maintain that the labeling of a country
or place as dar al-Islam or dar al-harb
revolved around the question of religious
security. This means that if a Muslim practices
Islam freely in his place of abode, then he will
be considered as living in a dar al-Islam,
even if he happens to live in a secular or
non-Islamic country.
It
is clear that the above categorization does not
entail being in a state of war with all
non-Muslims. Rather, it emphasizes the fact that,
in Islam, war is directed only to those hostile to
Islam and Muslims. This categorization appeared in
a period in which war was the norm between nations
and it was impossible for a Muslim to enjoy
security or to live safely in a non-Muslim
country. Though Muslims advocated and applied the
values of peaceful coexistence and cooperation
between different religions within the Islamic
state, which manifested clearly in the
constitution of Madinah, the treaty held between
Muslims, Jews, and the Arab polytheists who
constituted the population of Madinah after the
Prophet’s immigration, a similar position was
not adopted by other nations. It was impossible
for a Muslim to live in peace or enjoy security in
any place outside the Islamic state.
Nowadays,
the situation is very different. Muslims live in
many non-Muslim countries and practice their
religion without restrictions. Accordingly, such
countries cannot be deemed as dar al-harb
or be exposed to attacks. Rather, Muslims should
try their best to present the glowing image of
Islam and be living examples of the morals and
ethics preached by Islam. In fact, some scholars
call such countries dar ad-da`wah or the
abode of calling, meaning calling people to Islam
and conveying its message to them.
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