Aziz Baran
Politics, in its essence, is the art of safeguarding values and interests amid a complex array of global powers. Through a sound grasp of this art, a political system can assert its identity, preserve its independence, and maintain relevance amid a multitude of competing political orders. Within this context, foreign policy emerges as a vital pillar of a state’s political architecture. It is not merely a tool for external engagement, but a strategic necessity directly tied to the survival, security, and stability of nations. In today’s world, foreign policy holds a central position in both bilateral and multilateral diplomatic arenas.
Islam, as a divine and eternal system, offers a comprehensive and principled framework for foreign policy, rooted in revelation and exemplified in the conduct of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The foundations of this framework were laid through his interactions with external powers and neighboring states. The Holy Qur’an outlines broad political directives from which the principles of Islamic foreign policy are derived. These principles rest upon essential assumptions, and any neglect thereof renders the Islamic foreign policy framework fundamentally incomplete.
Foremost among these is the inseparability of religion and politics in Islam. Unlike Christianity and certain other ideologies that advocate secular governance, Islam is inherently political and spiritual. The Qur’anic worldview integrates governance and worship, making the distinction between religious and political domains untenable. Islamic foreign policy, therefore, cannot be approached through a secular lens; it is inherently tied to the values and objectives of the Islamic faith.
Islamic foreign policy is also distinguished by its universality and timelessness. Though its foundational principles were exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his noble companions, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, they are not confined to a single historical context. Islam offers enduring principles and positions applicable across all eras and political climates. It is a religion for all times, equipped with clear guidance on international engagement and global order.
The principles that constitute Islamic foreign policy form the ethical and strategic framework of the Islamic state’s external relations. Among the most essential are:
– Da’wah (Invitation to Islam) and Jihad
– Nafī as-Sabīl
– Preservation of Islamic Dignity
– Adherence to Treaties and Religious Politics
– Ta’līf al-qulūb (reconciliation of hearts)
– Tawallā and Tabarrā (Loyalty and disassociation)
– Amr bil-Ma‘rūf (Enjoining Good)
These principles collectively aim to uphold the sovereignty, dignity, and religious mission of the Islamic state while ensuring just and purposeful engagement with the broader world.
The principle of ta’līf al-qulūb, or “reconciliation of hearts,” holds particular relevance in modern Islamic diplomacy. Through humanitarian assistance and economic support, Islamic states can mitigate hostility and foster goodwill among non-Muslim societies. This principle was vividly demonstrated after the Battle of Ṭāʾif, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) allocated shares of zakāh to newly converted tribal leaders and influential allies to cultivate harmony and reduce animosity.
Equally vital are the twin principles of da’wah and jihad. These represent the active and defensive dimensions of Islamic foreign engagement. Da’wah seeks to peacefully invite others to Islam, while jihad serves as a mechanism to protect the message and secure Muslim interests. These principles are complementary, not contradictory. An exclusive emphasis on either leads to imbalance — da’wah without strength may falter, and jihad without da’wah may lose moral direction. The Prophet (PBUH) maintained this balance, first dispatching emissaries to kings and emperors with the message of Islam, and only resorting to jihad when such peaceful overtures were rejected. As ʿAlī (RA) reported, the Prophet said: “O ʿAlī! If Allah guides a single soul through you, it is better for you than all that the sun shines upon.”
Another cornerstone of Islamic foreign policy is the obligation to honor treaties and agreements. The Qur’an emphasizes the sanctity of covenants, and the Islamic state is duty-bound to uphold its international commitments—so long as they do not compromise the religious, political, or military autonomy of the Muslim ummah. Islam does not sanction treaties that facilitate non-Muslim dominance over Islamic societies in any form—militarily, politically, economically, or culturally. This is encapsulated in the principle of nafī as-sabīl, which mandates the prevention of any pathway that enables disbelievers to assert superiority over Muslims.
Integral to this framework is the preservation of Islamic dignity. Foreign policies that undermine the honor, authority, or exclusivity of Islam are categorically impermissible. Islam is a divinely revealed and complete system, whose superiority over other religions is unequivocally affirmed in the Qur’an: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (Āl ʿImrān 3:19), and “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam—it will never be accepted from him” (Āl ʿImrān 3:85). Consequently, no Islamic foreign policy may contradict or dilute this foundational creed.
Numerous non-Muslim nations and their affiliated frameworks have sought to exclude jihad from the foundational tenets of Islamic foreign policy, often attempting to reframe or suppress it. Nevertheless, jihad remains an indispensable pillar—integral to the strength, coherence, and protection of the Islamic foreign policy framework.
In summary, Islamic foreign policy is not merely a tactical or diplomatic agenda—it is a principled, divinely guided framework rooted in revelation and reinforced by historical precedent. It seeks not only to protect Muslim interests but also to uphold justice, convey truth, and preserve the sanctity of the Islamic message across time and place. By adhering to these divine principles, Islamic states can preserve their dignity, fulfill their global responsibilities, and remain true to their sacred mission without compromise.
