An Islamic perspective on the Sudanese conflict

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

The ongoing violent clashes in Sudan’s capital between the armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are deeply concerning from an Islamic perspective. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF are predominantly Muslim, as Islam is the main religion in Sudan. However, the conflict is not based on religious differences, but on political and military power struggles.

As Muslims, we believe in the sanctity of human life and that every human being has the right to live with dignity and without fear of violence. Allah SWT says,

وَإِنْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا فَإِنْ بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُخْرَى فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّى تَفِيءَ إِلَى أَمْرِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ فَاءَتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ 

- "And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." (49:9)

In another verse,

وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ 

- "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." (5:2)

We condemn all acts of violence and urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities, engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. It is heartbreaking to hear that dozens have been killed, including innocent civilians, and that the violence has led to the suspension of vital humanitarian operations in the country.

Quran says: 

..كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad pbuh and his Sunna) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind…” (3:110)

Islam promotes the value of justice, fairness and equality for all. We call on the authorities in Sudan to uphold these principles, respect human rights and ensure that those responsible for violence and atrocities are held accountable.

We urge the international community to work together in solidarity with the people of Sudan to help end the violence and to support efforts to establish a stable and peaceful society. May Allah guide us all towards the path of peace and righteousness. Ameen.