Comparison between Islam and The International Law Concerning War Comparison between Islam and The International Law Concerning War Courtesy of Introduction to Islam Islam permits war but keeps it within the limits of mercy at which the twentieth century civilization has not yet been able to arrive, not even to come near to. Islam has set down certain rules, the most merciful and considerate to people, and required people to observe them. Such rules go in line with the principles of international law in many ways, but differ in that they are divine rules legalized through religion and executed through the faith of Moslems. The principle of international law lack this authority that ensures putting them into practical effect.
Scholars even say that considering international rules as laws is a kind of leniency.
A law is a law only when it is supported by some force that ensures its performance, and there is no such force for international law. The Moslem rules, though they aim at justice and mercy, have the faith of Moslems as an authority to ensure their being carried out. It is an act of transgression to when believers fight those who do not fight them, people like their enemy's children and wives, as well as their sick, old and clergy. B. International law forbids killing the wounded, torturing the enemy, destroying them by treachery or deception, or using bombs, missiles or weapons which add to their torture. C. International law prescribes a number of principles regarding the proper treatment of captives.