Exposing 'War by proxy'

It is also imperative before reaching the final result of a comprehensive peace to expose 'wars by proxy' and prevent them from occurring by a number of means:

a. Changing the relationships between the smaller states and the larger states so that the larger cannot make the smaller proxy in wars as is the custom now.

b. Exposing the military bases of the large states on the land of the smaller states.

c. Exposing the military pacts amongst the small states, which are under the sp here of influence of the large state, and making it clear

that the small states in the pact only want the services of the larger states.

d. Strengthening the relations b etween neighbouring states so that the large states may not cause a war to occur between them.

e. (Most importantly) Bringing about the awareness of the people of the smaller nations so that they do not become as puppets in the hands of their governments which execute the orders of their masters.

It is indeed imperative that awareness is brought about for the people of nations in general so that they do not fall victim to the greed of Cap italists and Dictatorial rulers be they open Dictators like the former Soviet Union, or Dictators clothed in the flimsy robe of Democracy like Britain, France and America. It is these two groups - Dictators and Capitalists - who ignite wars always, backed up by corrupt religious scholars, or civilian experts.

The Messenger of Allah (S) spoke truly when he says:

'There are two groups from my nation who if righteous, my nation will be righteous and if corrupt, my nation will be corrupt.' He was asked: Who are they? O Messenger of Allah.' He said: 'The scholars and the commanders.'

The Messenger of Allah (S) did not mention wealth in this hadith as it had a very small role in the past before the appearance of the corrupt capitalistic practices that play no part in Islam in the least. Those who ignited wars then were corrupt commanders and counterfeiting scholars who used to collaborate in oppressing the populace. Hence the Prophet (S) was alerted to the dangers of these two groups.

It should also be made clear that the Prophet (S) was alerted in Islam to the danger of wealth only "revolving amongst the rich." We have discussed this topic in the chapter on wealth.

Adapted from the book: "War, Peace & Non-Violence" by: "Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq Shirazi"