Islamic Principles of Justice and Peace in the Context of Sudan Crisis
یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّ ٰمِینَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاۤءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِۖ وَلَا یَجۡرِمَنَّكُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ عَلَىٰۤ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُوا۟ۚ ٱعۡدِلُوا۟ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِیرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ
O People who Believe! Firmly establish the commands of Allah, giving testimony with justice – and do not let the enmity of anyone tempt you not to do justice; be just; that is nearer to piety – and fear Allah; indeed Allah is Well Aware of your deeds. (Quran 5:8)
The ongoing clashes in Sudan between the army and Rapid Support Forces have resulted in the loss of many lives and injuries. Islam values human life and prohibits killing of innocent people. The violence and destruction caused by these clashes is against the principles of Islam that promote peace, harmony, and respect for life. In Islam, it is the responsibility of the leaders to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and to protect them from harm. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
"It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing." (tirmidhi:1424)
The deteriorating healthcare situation in Sudan due to the clashes is also a matter of great concern from an Islamic perspective. Islam teaches that it is the responsibility of individuals and society to take care of their health and well-being. The collapse of the healthcare system in Sudan is a violation of this principle and could result in further harm to the people.
مَن قَتَلَ نَفۡسَۢا بِغَیۡرِ نَفۡسٍ أَوۡ فَسَادࣲ فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِیعࣰا وَمَنۡ أَحۡیَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَاۤ أَحۡیَا ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِیعࣰاۚ
" whoever kills a human being except in lieu of killing or causing turmoil in the earth, so it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoever saves the life of one person, is as if he had saved the life of all mankind" (Quran 5:32)
The violation of the ceasefire is also unacceptable from an Islamic perspective. Islam emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises and respecting agreements. The failure to adhere to the ceasefire undermines the trust and credibility of the parties involved and prolongs the conflict, leading to more loss of life and damage.
The ongoing clashes in Sudan are a cause of great concern from an Islamic perspective as they violate the principles of Islam that promote peace, respect for life, and protection of the vulnerable. It is important for the leaders and people of Sudan to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict and ensure the safety and security of their citizens.