The philosophy of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad provide a profound ethical framework that guides various aspects of human life, including the conduct of warfare. This essay explores the ethics and morality of killing in war, drawing upon the principles found in the Quran and the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad. Specifically, it examines the case of Paul from “All Quiet on the Western Front,” who had no choice but to kill a printer, and contrasts it with the choices made by snipers who willingly choose to kill. Through the inclusion of quotes from the Prophet Muhammad, including “Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old people or religious people” (Sunan Abu Dawud 2614) and “Make peace between yourselves; make peace between your neighbors; make peace between your countries; and war will only exist in history books” (Musnad Ahmad 22166), we will delve into the moral implications of killing in war according to Islamic teachings.

The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad emphasize the sanctity of human life and prohibit the killing of non-combatants. The quote, “Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old people or religious people” (Sunan Abu Dawud 2614), serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical guidelines set forth by Islamic teachings. This principle highlights the importance of protecting the vulnerable and innocent during times of conflict, reflecting a commitment to compassion, mercy, and justice. All Quiet on the Western Front takes you through the story of Paul and his friends going through terrors of war and testing their moral compass.

Paul’s experience in “All Quiet on the Western Front” portrays the profound moral dilemma faced by soldiers in war. In desperate circumstances, he had no choice but to kill a printer. The quote, “We have become wild beasts. It is not against men that we fling our bombs, what do we know of men in this moment when Death is hunting us down” (Chapter 4), captures the dehumanizing nature of war and the struggle to distinguish between friend and foe. The Quran acknowledges that in extreme situations, where self-defense is necessary for survival, the act of killing may become an unfortunate reality. However, many people in the war have choices to kill.

Snipers, in contrast to soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat, often possess the ability to make conscious choices about taking lives. This distinction raises ethical questions regarding their decisions. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad emphasize the importance of mercy and compassion, even in times of war. By deliberately targeting individuals, including non-combatants, snipers may disregard the ethical principles outlined in the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings.

Paul’s reflection on the dehumanizing effects of war resonates with the Quranic philosophy that emphasizes the preservation of life, empathy, and the pursuit of peace. The quote, “Make peace between yourselves; make peace between your neighbors; make peace between your countries; and war will only exist in history books” (Musnad Ahmad 22166), reinforces the Quran’s emphasis on peaceful resolution and the avoidance of conflicts whenever possible. It serves as a reminder that the ultimate goal should be to foster understanding, dialogue, and reconciliation among nations.

The ethical evaluation of killing in war, through the lens of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, underscores the sanctity of life, the prohibition of harming non-combatants, and the pursuit of peace. Paul’s act of killing the printer in “All Quiet on the Western Front” can be seen as a tragic consequence of war, where he had no choice but to defend himself. However, the choices of snipers, who have the ability to make deliberate decisions, present a different ethical challenge.

Snipers, due to their specialized role, often have the advantage of distance and time to carefully assess their targets. Unlike soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, snipers can evaluate the situation and exercise their judgment before taking a life. However, this places a greater moral responsibility on them to consider the principles outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Islamic teachings promote the importance of mercy, compassion, and respect for human life, even in the midst of conflict. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the need to avoid causing harm to non-combatants and innocent civilians. Thus, snipers who choose to kill, especially when non-combatants are involved, may be in violation of these ethical principles.

It is important to recognize that the conduct of warfare in accordance with Islamic ethics is not solely determined by specific actions, but also by the intentions and motivations behind those actions. The Prophet Muhammad taught that the inner state of one’s heart and the intentions behind their deeds are essential aspects of ethical conduct.

In the case of Paul, his act of killing the printer was driven by the necessity of self-defense and self-preservation. While taking a life is always regrettable, it can be seen as a response to an immediate threat rather than a deliberate choice. This aligns with the teachings of Islam, which acknowledge the tragic reality of war and allow for self-defense in situations where there is no alternative.

However, snipers, who often have more time and distance to assess the situation, must carefully consider the consequences of their actions. The principles of proportionality and discrimination are crucial in determining the moral legitimacy of their choices. Deliberately targeting non-combatants or engaging in actions that cause excessive harm would go against the ethical framework of Islam.

Ultimately, the evaluation of ethics and morality in the context of killing in war requires a careful examination of the specific circumstances, intentions, and adherence to ethical principles outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. While Paul’s situation may be viewed as a tragic necessity, the choices made by snipers must be scrutinized with a higher ethical standard due to their ability to make conscious decisions.

In conclusion, the philosophy of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad provide valuable insights into the ethics and morality of killing in war. The sanctity of life, the prohibition of harming non-combatants, and the pursuit of peace are core principles that shape Islamic ethics. While Paul’s act of killing the printer can be understood as a result of dire circumstances, snipers who have choices must carefully consider their actions in light of these principles. The intention, proportionality, and discrimination involved in their decision-making process determine the ethical legitimacy of their choices. By applying the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad, individuals can strive to navigate the complexities of warfare with a heightened sense of ethical responsibility, compassion, and a commitment to preserving life.