Among the miraculous verses of the Qur'an related to creating peace, we mentioned principles such as equality among all people, building relationships based on peace and cooperation between Muslims and other nations, freedom as a right for every human being, and the fundamental principle that relations between Muslims are based on peace, not conflict.
In this article, we discuss the preparation of deterrent power against any enemy who might think of attacking Muslims, which is referred to in strategic thought as "deterrence power."
The Qur'an urges Muslims to prepare power and resources to deter enemies, as Allah says: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing." (Al-Anfal: 60-61).
This is the first step and the beginning of the path to creating peace because the weakness of Muslims tempts their enemies to attack them, destroy their lands, and plunder their wealth.
On the other hand, we find a group of hypocrites whose only concern is to distort the words of Allah and accuse Islam of being a religion of terrorism, often citing the aforementioned verse.
To refute these poisonous claims, we clarify that the word "terrify" in the noble verse does not mean aggression against innocent people, spreading fear among the secure, killing those who differ, persecuting opponents, or destroying civilization and structures, as some claim. Rather, it refers to frightening criminals, deterring aggressors, and preventing the enemies of Allah from harming Muslims and their wealth, as well as protecting peace, spreading security, and building civilization. The term "terrify" in this context is for deterrence, not for killing.
Therefore, we emphasize that whoever seeks peace must possess the necessary strength to protect that peace.
Let us look at the biography of our Prophet (peace be upon him) and his wise strategy during the conquest of Mecca. When he reached the outskirts of Mecca with his army, he wanted to display his forces in front of Abu Sufyan to instill fear in the hearts of Quraysh, allowing him to enter Mecca as a conqueror without battle and bloodshed. He ordered the divisions, banners, and flags of the Muslim army to be displayed, while Al-Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him), stood beside Abu Sufyan, saying: "This is the banner of such-and-such tribe, and this is the flag of such-and-such tribe," until Abu Sufyan said, "The kingdom of your nephew has grown, O Abbas." Al-Abbas replied, "It is prophethood, not kingship, O Abu Sufyan."
The Prophet's plan succeeded in instilling fear in Abu Sufyan’s heart, who returned immediately to the people of Mecca, shouting: "Muhammad has come with an army you cannot resist! Whoever enters their house is safe, and whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe!" Fear spread among the people, and they stayed in their homes, allowing the Prophet (peace be upon him) to enter Mecca without bloodshed, achieving a great victory that the Qur'an describes as a clear conquest. Allah says: "Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest, that Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path and [that] Allah may aid you with a mighty victory. It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith. And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and ever is Allah Knowing and Wise." (Al-Fath: 1-4).
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