A comparative study of Islamic fthies of International Humanitarian Low Warfare and internalional Humanitarian law in the contemporary context

Abstract

War has remained an inevitable yet highly destructive aspect of human history, demanding ethical and legal restraints. Islam provided a comprehensive and morally grounded framework for warfare over fourteen centuries ago, emphasizing the protection of non-combatants, humane treatment of prisoners, prohibition of unnecessary destruction, and strict limitations on the conduct of war. In contrast, modern International Humanitarian Law (IHL)—primarily shaped by the Geneva and Hague Conventions—seeks to regulate warfare through legally binding rules to safeguard civilians and reduce human suffering during armed conflicts.

This research article presents a comparative study of Islamic ethics of war and IHL, highlighting their fundamental principles, similarities, differences, and the moral depth of Islamic teachings. The study also examines these systems in light of contemporary global conflicts, drone warfare, terrorism, and the misuse of state military power. The findings reveal that many principles adopted by modern IHL were articulated in Islamic teachings centuries earlier. Moreover, Islamic war ethics remain highly relevant today due to their emphasis on justice, restraint, and the preservation of human dignity

Key words : Islamic Law of War، International Humanitarian Law، Geneva Conventions، Islamic Ethics، Non-Combatant Immunity، Modern Warfare.