Islamic Perspective in International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The Concept of Justice in War

Abstract

As far back as the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula, humanitarian rules and principles were specified in the sacred text of the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, to regulate the conduct of war. These rules and principles have predated the evolution of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which universally governs the conduct of war in the present age. An examination of the corpus of Islamic humanitarian law and IHL reveals similarities and areas in both bodies of law, a fact which accentuates the universality of humanitarian principles and strengthens the role of humanitarian law in society.