Preliminary Remarks

(303) A traditional connection is traced between war and Islam by interested writers. It will be interesting to note what Islam has contributed to mitigate the horrors of war and make it more humane. The Prophet of Islam is reported to have said: "I am the Prophet of mercy, I am the Prophet of battle." And again: "Both I smile and I fight." (Arabic type) These two obiter dicta may be taken as striking the keynotes of the whole Muslim Law of war.