It is not that hard to unequivocally condemn a terrorist atrocity.
You just need to say, “Killing civilians is unequivocally prohibited in our religion.”
There, you did it. No need for an extra, “Yeah but.” No need to waver on, “Where’s your evidence?” No need to add, “But, look, there’s context.”
Just state the facts as you find them. “Killing non-combatants is definitely haram, without a shadow of doubt.”
You could even clarify, “Attacking combatants where there is a high probability that civilians will be injured or killed is a big no-no.”
As for the other side: it’s not that hard to unequivocally condemn a war crime either.
You just need to say, “Intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population is a war crime under International Humanitarian Law.”
As it happens, Islamic law and the Geneva Convention concur that not only must civilians never be deliberately and indiscriminately targeted, but nor should their crops, farm animals or water supplies.
Thus can a humanitarian condemn both sides without pausing to um and ah for a week, offering longwinded justifications on behalf of one side while castigating their opponents.
Just say it as it is: killing civilians, laying siege to them and destroying their properties can never be in any way justified.
O you who have believed, persistently stand firm for God, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear God; indeed, God is acquainted with what you do.
Quran 5:8
Last modified: 21 September 2024
