Defining Islamic Way of Warfare and Its Comparison with Al Qaeda Doctrine

Along with the rise of Al Qaeda and like-minded militant groups, there have been many discussions and misrepresentations of the phrase Islamic way of warfare. It is important to understand that for anything to be qualified as Islamic, it has to have originated from the core sources of Islam the Quran and the practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad. This research attempts to define Islamic way of warfare based on these fundamental sources, and tries to determine whether or not Al Qaeda is truly Islamic. The research reveals that Islam does not dictate minor tactical matters of warfare, rather it focuses its guidance on warfare in two broad categories the just cause for waging war, and restrictions on conduct during war. Using this two-part test of Cause and Conduct, the thesis shows that although Al Qaeda claims to have an authentic Islamic cause to wage war against the United States and other western countries, it ceases to qualify as Islamic because of its violation of restrictions on conduct. The thesis provides recommendations on how the United States and other western countries can engage militant groups and the Muslim world more effectively.