Islam’s core aim is to establish peace, justice and human welfare. However, safeguarding peace and justice sometimes requires strength and the capacity for resistance. For this reason, there is at times a need to set aside weakness and helplessness and acquire strength to the fullest extent possible, for self-defense, national security, and the protection of oppressed people. This strength is not limited to weapons or military forces alone; knowledge, technology, economics, strategic skill and moral leadership are also important parts of it. In light of Islam, the need for the Muslim ummah to acquire military strength is discussed below.
Self-defense and repelling enemy aggression
Islam has instructed Muslims to acquire strength to the fullest extent possible and remain prepared, in order to defend themselves and repel enemy aggression. This includes gathering the tools of war, arranging weapons and vehicles, physical training, and military training. The Quran speaks of acquiring strength without naming any specific weapon, pointing to the fact that military capability changes across eras and times. In the past, arrows, swords and spears were the primary weapons of war; later came the age of guns and cannons, and in the present age, rockets, missiles, drones and modern technology-based warfare are the norm.
Therefore, mastering military knowledge, technology and strategy according to the needs of the time is included within Islamic guidance. In the modern world, military strength does not depend on weapons stockpiles alone; technological development, economic capacity, scientific research, education, intelligence capability and national security systems are also essential parts of it. For this reason, acquiring comprehensive strength is essential to ensuring the dignity and security of the Muslim ummah. Allah Almighty 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.” (Surah Al-Anfal: 60)
Protecting the oppressed
One of the purposes of acquiring military strength in Islam is to come to the aid of those who are tyrannized and oppressed. If the weak are not protected, the strong will oppress the weak on earth, and chaos and disorder will spread through society. Allah Almighty says: “Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right, only because they say, ‘Our Lord is Allah.’ And if it were not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Surah Al-Hajj: 39-40)
This verse proves that military strength is important not only for protecting Muslims’ interests, but also for maintaining religious freedom, justice and security within human society.
Protecting the security and stability of Muslim communities
After establishing the Islamic state in Medina, the Prophet (peace be upon him) drafted the historic “Charter of Medina” between Muslims and non-Muslims to ensure national security and mutual coexistence. It gave importance to matters of state security, citizens’ rights, and peaceful coexistence. Islam instructs kindness and justice toward peace-loving non-Muslims. However, when any power poses a threat to Islam, Muslims, or the security of the state, building the capacity to resist that threat becomes essential. Allah Almighty says: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Surah Al-Mumtahina: 8)
The Prophet’s inspiration for acquiring military strength
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to prepare the tools of war, learn archery, practice horsemanship, and acquire military skill. He described these activities not merely as military preparation, but as acts of worship carrying spiritual reward. It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Husain (may Allah have mercy on him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty will admit three people into Paradise through the making of a single arrow: the maker of the arrow, who hoped for good while making it; the one who shoots it in jihad; and the one who assists in its shooting.” He also said: “Practice archery and horsemanship. But I love that you learn archery more than I love that you learn horsemanship. All the games and amusements of a Muslim are vain, except archery, training one’s horse, and playful engagement with one’s wife, because these are beneficial and permitted under Islamic law.” (Tirmidhi: 1637)
It can be understood from this that Muslim society has always been taught to remain skilled, capable and prepared.
In conclusion, from Islam’s perspective, acquiring military strength is not a symbol of any aggressive mindset; rather, it is an essential means of self-defense, establishing justice, ensuring national security, and protecting oppressed people. For the Muslim ummah, it is equally important to grow rich in knowledge, technology, economics, character-building and moral leadership, alongside acquiring military strength. Only then will it be possible to establish a strong, just and peaceful society.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report