A Comparative Study of the Foundations and Scope of Defensive Jihad in Islamic Jurisprudence and Legitimate Defense Against terorisom in Contemporary International Law

Tangestani, MohammadQasem; Heydariandolatabadi, Mohammadjavad

A Comparative Study of the Foundations and Scope of Defensive Jihad in Islamic Jurisprudence and Legitimate Defense Against terorisom in Contemporary International Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

MohammadQasem Tangestani ¹

mohammadjavad heydariandolatabadi ²

¹ .

² /

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of the foundations, conditions, and limits of legitimate self-defense in Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary international law, with particular emphasis on defense against non-state actors. In light of the challenges posed by the state-centric structure of the United Nations system and developments following the rise of transnational terrorism, the research examines the capacity of Islamic jurisprudence to articulate the legitimacy of popular defense and lawful resistance.

The research adopts an analytical–comparative methodology based on library sources. The data are drawn from the Qur’an, Nahj al-Balagha, the opinions of Shi’a and Sunni jurists, the Charter of the United Nations, the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice, resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, and contemporary international legal scholarship.

The study concludes that meaningful integration between Islamic legal teachings and international humanitarian law is feasible and can provide an ethical–legal framework for countering terrorism while supporting lawful resistance. The novelty of the research lies in proposing a practical comparative framework for legitimate popular defense, clarifying the function of the concept of collective obligation (wujūb kifā’ī) in civic participation, and suggesting international oversight mechanisms. The study further outlines future research directions for redefining lawful resistance within customary international law, conducting empirical studies, and designing educational and supervisory frameworks, thereby contributing to the development of a more flexible and normatively grounded international legal order.

Keywords

Defensive jihad

legitimate defense

non-state actors

terrorism

lawful resistance

Subjects

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