11.6.3 Helping Victims of War

Understanding Victims of War

• Definition: Victims of war include a wide range of individuals affected by conflict:
  • Injured Soldiers: Members of the armed forces who have been injured.
  • Families: The families of those who have died or been injured in war.
  • Civilians: Civilians left in war zones where infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving them without basic necessities.

Christian Reasons for Helping Victims of War

• Love Thy Neighbour:
  • Biblical Command: Christians believe they should help others based on Jesus' teaching to "Love thy neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
  • Parable of the Good Samaritan: This parable, told by Jesus, teaches that everyone is considered a neighbour, regardless of race, age, gender, or political beliefs. This implies a moral duty to help all those in need, including victims of war.

Needs of War Victims

Victims of war often require various forms of support to recover from the impacts of conflict:

1. Psychological Support: Counseling and mental health services to help victims cope with the trauma of war.
2. Financial Assistance: Providing money to families if the main wage earner has died, ensuring they can survive and rebuild their lives.
3. Safe Housing: Offering a secure place to live, away from the dangers of ongoing conflict.
4. Medical Help: Access to medical care for injuries sustained during the war.
5. Basic Necessities: Ensuring access to food and clean water, which are often scarce in war zones.
6. Employment Opportunities: Providing means for victims to earn a living, helping them regain independence and stability.

Christian Organisations Helping Victims of War

Summary

• Christian Duty: Christians believe in helping victims of war as an expression of love for one's neighbour, following Jesus' teachings.
• Support for Victims: Victims of war require a range of support services, from psychological care to basic necessities and financial assistance.
• Christian Organisations: Charities like Caritas and Christian Aid play a crucial role in providing this support, working to alleviate the suffering of war victims and help them rebuild their lives.

Islamic Teachings on Duty to Help Victims of War

Helping victims of war is a fundamental aspect of Islamic teachings, rooted in the principles of compassion, charity, and justice. Muslims are called to provide humanitarian aid, support refugees, and engage in efforts to heal and rebuild war-torn communities. Through Zakat, Sadaqah, and the work of Islamic relief organizations, Muslims contribute to alleviating the suffering of those affected by war, fulfilling their religious duty to care for the vulnerable and uphold the values of peace and mercy.

Humanitarian Aid:

Islam teaches that it is a moral duty to assist those who are suffering, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or nationality. This includes providing humanitarian aid to victims of war, such as food, shelter, medical care, and psychological support. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of helping those in need, saying, "Whoever relieves a believer's distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter."

Supporting Refugees and Displaced Persons:

The Qur'an encourages Muslims to help those who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. Surah Al-Hashr (59:9) praises those who "give preference to the refugees over themselves, even though they are in privation." This verse highlights the importance of supporting refugees and displaced persons, who are often among the most vulnerable victims of war.

Healing and Rehabilitation:

Islam also advocates for the healing and rehabilitation of war victims. This includes providing medical treatment for the injured, psychological support for those traumatized by war, and helping individuals and communities rebuild their lives. The Prophet Muhammad's teachings encourage Muslims to care for the sick and wounded, reflecting a broader Islamic commitment to restoring health and well-being in the aftermath of conflict.

Islamic Organizations and Relief Efforts

Islamic Relief Organizations:

Many Islamic organizations are actively involved in providing aid to victims of war around the world. These organizations work in conflict zones, offering emergency relief, medical care, food aid, and shelter to those affected by war. Some well-known Islamic relief organizations include Islamic Relief Worldwide, Muslim Aid, and the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO).

Collaboration with International Bodies:

Islamic relief organizations often collaborate with other international bodies, such as the United Nations and Red Cross, to deliver aid effectively. This collaboration ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and that help reaches those in the most desperate need.

Ethical Considerations in War

Protection of Civilians:

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of protecting civilians during times of war. The Prophet Muhammad instructed his followers to avoid harming non-combatants, including women, children, and the elderly. This principle underscores the responsibility of Muslims to help victims of war, especially those who are innocent and vulnerable.

Post-War Reconstruction:

Islam also advocates for efforts to rebuild and reconstruct war-torn areas. This includes rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and places of worship, as well as providing support for economic recovery. Muslims are encouraged to contribute to these efforts, helping to restore peace and stability in regions affected by conflict.

Justice and Reconciliation:

Islam teaches that peace and justice go hand in hand. Helping victims of war is not only about providing immediate relief but also about working towards justice and reconciliation. Muslims are encouraged to support initiatives that address the root causes of conflict and promote long-term peace, ensuring that victims of war can return to their lives with dignity and security.