In this paper, I will examine the development of a just war theory in the Islamic tradition—one that I will argue is distinct and separate from the holy war idea through which the tradition’s conflict ethics are typically understood. Informed by an extensive tradition of religious jurisprudence and the writings of both religious and secular authorities, I will draw upon a wide array of voices and perspectives from across history to properly convey the rich diversity of thought within the tradition and the many positions held by its adherents (especially as they pertain to warfare and its facilitation). This will, in turn, illustrate the broader principles of Islamic just war theory while also shedding light on the nuances of specific theological debates that have informed the development of both mainstream and dissenting forms of Islamic just war theory. Figures of note include Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Al-Shafi, Ibn al-Qayyim, Al-Kamil, Ibn Taymiyyah, Hassan al-Banna, Muhammad Abduh, Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz, Wahbah al-Zuhayli, and Shaheen Sardar Ali—among many others. I will seek to explain the application of the principles and ethics discussed in my examination of Islamic just war theory in order to demonstrate the importance of religio-ethical frameworks in both guiding and observing the faith-informed policies of contemporary actors inspired by the Islamic tradition. Finally, I will contemplate whether or not contemporary scholars—both religious and secular—should more closely examine Islamic just war theory as a viable alternative (or supplement) to traditional manifestations of just war theory and/or secular understandings of international law and martial ethics. 

This paper is available upon request.