The Status of Retaliation in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic State from the Qur’anic Perspective

Retaliation” has always been the focus of attention in international relations and the countries’ foreign policies. This principle has its roots in the Holy QurÞan, being raised in jurisprudential discussions under the title of a jurisprudential rule of retaliation. This article seeks to explore the ways in which retaliation is applied in international relations from the Qur’anic perspective drawing upon descriptive-analytic method along with interpretation. From the Qur’anic point of view, retaliation in all affairs, whether of positive or negative kind, has certain applications particularly in connection with peace and war in the realm of foreign policy. This divine Book has provided the Islamic state with the approaches to retaliation and its application in accordance with the existing interests and priorities in interactions and relations with others. The findings of the research show that the Holy QurÞan advises the Islamic state to react in a more positive way against other states in their good and positive acts. However, in cases where countries show their hostility and take harsh measures against the Islamic state, retaliation can be an appropriate policy. However, suggestions have been made that one should avoid using every extreme kind of retaliation as well as non-humane measures, especially against the civilians.