Tawheed-Based Modern State: Islamic Military Strategy for National Security

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Jul 19, 2025

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Islam is a complete code of life. Allah has described its followers as a single Ummah (Surah Al-Imran 3:110). Just as Islam guides individual conduct, it also provides comprehensive policies regarding national defense and military affairs.

In Islam, just like prayer (Surah Baqarah 2:153) and fasting (2:183) are obligatory, so is warfare (2:216).

But the goal of warfare is clearly outlined in the Qur’an: to establish peace. For instance, Surah Al-Anfal 8:39 says, "Fight until there is no more fitnah (oppression)."

This shows that taking up arms to eliminate chaos, injustice, and bloodshed is part of Allah’s directive. Surah An-Nisa 4:75 further emphasizes fighting on behalf of the oppressed—men, women, and children—who cry out for help against tyrannical rulers.

These verses highlight that wherever the strong oppress the weak or violate human rights, the Islamic state's military policy becomes applicable. The Qur’an uses the term Qital—meaning armed combat—indicating the necessity of a formal military force.

When all diplomatic means to establish peace fail, war becomes inevitable. Historically, every civilization has maintained a military force, known today as the defense forces.

In modern nations, military and civilian sectors are separate, but Islam sees national defense as the responsibility of every capable member of the Ummah. In the Prophet's time, military involvement wasn’t limited to a selected few.

The entire nation—including women and youth—took part in warfare when necessary, just as the people of Bangladesh did during the Liberation War.

After colonizing the Indian subcontinent, the British enforced disarmament and demoralization. Following the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, they heavily disarmed the population to make them passive and detached from national consciousness.

Through education and hired scholars, they erased Islamic military spirit. They created a cantonment-based army of paid Indian soldiers, used mainly to protect British interests and suppress resistance. This system eliminated indigenous military awareness.

In contrast, Islam's approach demands that the entire nation stay militarily trained and ready. The Prophet trained the capable population, which modern terminology refers to as a militia.

In today’s technology-driven military system, a regular army is necessary for specialized training in modern warfare and weaponry. They will lead the nation militarily.

However, every capable male and female citizen must also receive basic training—discipline, physical fitness, use of communication tech, weapons handling, first aid, and self-defense—so they can defend the nation and help uphold justice worldwide. Currently, the UN sends peacekeeping missions under Western leadership.

As of 2024, Bangladesh has deployed about 194,856 peacekeepers in 63 UN missions across 43 countries. These peacekeepers have upheld Bangladesh’s reputation through professionalism. Similarly, the U.S. has conducted military operations to "restore democracy" in countries like Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

An Islamic state's military should also serve humanity by upholding justice and delivering Islam’s message of equality and peace. This is a divine duty, as Allah says (Surah Fath 48:28, Surah Tawbah 9:33, Surah Saff 61:9) that He sent the Prophet with true guidance so that Islam may prevail over all other systems.

The nation must be educated with this vision, not only for UN missions but through independent initiatives as well. Soldiers (Mujahideen) who sacrifice their lives in such missions are considered shaheed (martyrs), and the Qur’an forbids calling them dead.

They are alive and sustained by Allah (Surah Baqarah 2:154, Surah Imran 3:169). Islam promises the highest honor for them, and their families are to be cared for by the state.

Military action in Islam is never a personal or group decision. All military operations must be controlled by the sovereign state.

An example from WWII: Hitler invaded multiple European countries but not Switzerland. Despite geographical and political factors, experts believe Switzerland’s militia system—where citizens receive military training—was a major deterrent.

Other nations like Israel, Finland, Turkey, Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Singapore also maintain strong armed citizen systems. The Prophet (PBUH) established a similar system in Arabia 1500 years ago. Given Bangladesh’s current situation, such a system is necessary.

The Qur’an and the lives of the Prophet’s companions show military discipline similar to a modern army. Islam motivates believers to willingly sacrifice their lives, wealth, and comfort for their nation’s honor and independence.

Some criticize military salaries being paid through public tax, but Allah has designated most war spoils for soldiers (Surah Anfal 8:41, Hadith Bukhari 3126, Muslim).

Since the formation of the UN, Muslim-majority states have often been pressured through arms embargoes, peacekeeping conditions, or political interference. Only a strong, independent defense policy can preserve national dignity.

Discontent among military personnel often arises from inequality. In Islam, no distinction exists between a general and a foot soldier. Even the Caliph would eat from the same dish as the common soldiers. Umar (RA) once said, “If I get better food than my soldier, I am not fit to be Caliph.” (Bayhaqi, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba).

Such values eliminate discord and foster love and brotherhood among ranks, making mutiny unthinkable.

Key Strategies for a Tawheed-Based Modern Military System:

Mandatory Military Training for Citizens:

All citizens must undergo basic military training and discipline. While a regular, professional army will be formed to master advanced tactics and weaponry, the rest of the capable population must be trained in basic physical fitness, communication tech, weapon handling, first aid, and self-defense, inspired by patriotism and faith.

Global Peacekeeping Participation:

The military and citizen militia will not only defend against external threats but also intervene wherever injustice and oppression prevail, not just under the UN but also through independent missions.

Military Operations Under Sovereign Control:

Military operations must be state-controlled, not dictated by individuals or groups. The army chief will be subordinate to the head of state.

Wartime Gains Distribution:

Alongside regular salaries, compensation and war gains from peacekeeping or war missions will be fairly distributed among military personnel.

Reducing Class Disparity:

Measures will be taken to reduce economic disparity between officers and soldiers. Officers will receive higher pay based on merit, but fair provisions for soldiers will be ensured. Family needs will be assessed through surveys to determine appropriate salary, allowances, and rations.

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