Islam and the Quran

Libya Situation

Question: As you know, United Nations made a decision to attack Libya these days. It is mentioned that Muslim countries are supporting this decision indirectly. There is an urgent need for a scholar’s opinion. My question is that : Even though a Muslim country is ruled by a cruel dictator, is it permitted for Muslim countries to support non-Muslim forces to attack a Muslim country. Can we find an example for this situation in Quran or in relatings from our Prophet?

Because of the rebellion wave in various parts of Libya, the government  uses violence to put it down.  United Nations declared Libya as no-fly zone and organized air strikes in American leadership which caused a lot more death. It is an unacceptable fault for Muslims that this  decision is made upon Arab Unity’s request, which is gathered in Egypt. In such situations, it is necessary to fix the relations between belligerent parties. Allah  orders:

Hence, if two groups of believers fall to fighting, make peace between them; but then, if one of the two [groups] goes on acting wrongfully towards the other, fight against the one that acts wrongfully until it reverts to Allah’s commandment; and if they revert, make peace between them with justice, and deal equitably [with them]: for verily, Allah loves those who act equitably! All believers are but brethren. Hence, [whenever they are at odds,] make peace between your two brethren, and remain conscious of Allah, so that you might be graced with His mercy. (Al-Hujurat/ The Chambers 49/9-10)

Maintaining an attitude which Allah forbids, instead of obeying Allah, is unacceptable. Allah orders that relations with non-Muslims must be like in the following verse:

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. O you Prophet, seek protection in Allah, and follow not the wishes of the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, Wise. And follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. Verily Allah is well aware of what you do. (Al-Ahzab/The Allies 33/1-3)

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