ABSTRACT

Classical Islamic jurisprudence is rich in reflection on war and peace. In depth and breadth of the topics covered, Islamic law in this period (roughly the ninth through the fourteenth centuries) dealt more systematically and comprehensively with international relations-including war, peace, and diplomacy-than any contemporary legal system. The legal compendia produced by early Muslim jurists cover the range of issues germane to Muslim rulers, military commanders, and soldiers of that time, such as the conditions under which armed force is justified, who may authorize and direct the use of force, who is the enemy and how are they to be fought, who among enemy populations are to be spared from direct attack, how is captured enemy property to be disposed of, and under what conditions and for how long may truces or peace settlements be contracted.