Resort to Force for Self-Defense in Islam with an Eye on Imam Khomeini’s Opinion

The current age is full of regional wars in the Middle East and defending the land and frontiers of Islamic Republic of Iran based on geostrategic theories is not restricted to the national geography of this country. The question of how to defend the country at this juncture is an issue of contemplation by the legal and political circles and thinkers, i.e. diplomacy and action. This paper, developed through an analytical-descriptive method and by using library tools has come to the conclusion that a glance at the jurisprudential fundamentals indicates that self-defense, i.e. use of force to avoid damage is obligatory. A clear example of this is the use of force for defense as exception to the principle of prohibition of resorting to force. Of course, jurisprudential approaches toward the issue are sometimes accompanied by differences. The necessity of jihad for defense is not conditional to the decision of the infallible leader or his private or public vicegerent. However, with the presumption of formation of a powerful Islamic rule headed by just and obedient leader, if possible and in case of lack of serious damage for delay in defense until legal permission, defense at the permission and based on the decision of a legitimate leader will be permissible upon his discernment. This paper, reviewing differences in opinions over the issue, intends to clarify self-defense in view of Islam as well as its jurisprudential fundamentals, the extent of jihad for defense, including defense of Islam against conspiracies of the enemies, defending the land and territory of Islam, defending Islamic states, defending Muslim citizens of Islamic states and other believers, and finally terms and restrictions of jihad for defense, concentrating discussion of the issue on Imam Khomeini’s viewpoints.