Why Arms Are Now Necessary for Every Muslim in the Modern Age of War and Defence

The modern world is defined by uncertainty, conflict, and rapid technological advancement. Nations rise and fall not merely through diplomacy but through strength, preparedness, and the ability to defend their people. Across the globe, we witness wars, invasions, occupations, and the systematic oppression of weaker communities. In this climate of global instability, the Muslim Ummah faces immense challenges—from Palestine to Kashmir, from economic colonization to cultural erosion. History has shown that those who neglect preparation fall prey to aggression, while those who remain vigilant preserve their dignity.

For Muslims, the Qur’an and Sunnah provide a timeless framework of defence. Islam does not call for aggression or oppression; rather, it teaches balance, justice, and preparedness. Arms—whether traditional weapons of the past or modern tools of defence today—remain necessary for survival and protection. It is therefore vital for Muslims to reflect upon the Islamic duty of self-defence in the modern age.

Islamic Foundations of Self-Defence 

For Muslims in Palestine, facing Israeli occupation and decades of systematic oppression, the duty of jihad in its defensive sense becomes a living reality — not as aggression, but as resistance to injustice. Likewise, in Kashmir, where Muslims live under Indian military occupation, defending one’s life, honour, and land aligns with the Qur’anic command: 

“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children…” (Qur’an 4:75).

The Qur’an provides direct guidance regarding preparation and defence. Allah commands:

“Prepare against them whatever you are able of power and steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy” (Qur’an 8:60).

This verse emphasizes that Muslims must always be prepared with strength and resources to deter aggression. Another verse clarifies the principle of justice in warfare:

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (Qur’an 2:190).

This balance ensures that Muslims are never aggressors but are duty-bound to resist oppression.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized the importance of strength. He said:

“A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, though there is good in both” (Sahih Muslim).

Strength here includes faith, physical ability, and preparedness for defence. In another narration, he instructed Muslims to learn archery, horsemanship, and combat skills—demonstrating that self-defence is an Islamic virtue.

In the modern age, “arms” do not merely mean swords or arrows; they include advanced technologies, education, and tools of protection that safeguard Muslim societies from harm.

Historical Examples 

Throughout history, Muslims understood that survival depended upon preparedness. The Qur’an’s guidance was practically applied in the earliest battles of Islam.

At the Battle of Badr, though outnumbered, Muslims triumphed through faith and careful preparation. The Prophet ﷺ strategically positioned his army near the water wells, showing the importance of planning and resources in addition to courage.

Conversely, the Battle of Uhud illustrates the consequences of negligence. When some archers disobeyed the Prophet’s ﷺ command and left their posts, the Muslims suffered heavy losses. This teaches that discipline and preparedness are crucial in defence.

Beyond the Prophet’s era, Islamic civilization invested heavily in knowledge, strategy, and technology. Muslim engineers developed advanced fortifications, naval fleets, and weaponry to protect the Ummah. Cities like Baghdad, Damascus, and Cordoba were centres of both science and military innovation, balancing intellectual growth with defence needs.

These examples remind us that arms and preparation were never for conquest alone but to ensure that Muslims could safeguard their lands, faith, and communities from oppression. Neglecting this duty led to weakness, while maintaining it preserved independence and dignity.

Modern Age of Defence 

The Qur’anic command of preparation remains timeless but applies to the modern era’s realities. Today’s wars are not fought solely with swords or spears; they involve drones, cyberwarfare, satellites, propaganda machines, and advanced armies. Nations invest billions in defence because survival in this age requires vigilance.

For Muslims, this means building collective awareness about security. Communities must prioritize learning self-defence, martial training, and even technological skills to counter modern threats. Protecting families and lands is not a choice—it is an Islamic responsibility.

Importantly, Islam distinguishes between aggression and legitimate defence. Violence for power or domination is prohibited, but resistance against occupation, invasion, or oppression is obligatory. Just as Muslims of the past were required to defend Madinah, today’s Muslims must be capable of defending their homes, nations, and faith against external aggression.

Preparation must also include intellectual defence. In an age where misinformation and cultural attacks weaken societies, Muslims need “arms” of knowledge, media, and technology. Thus, the call to arms in the modern world encompasses both physical and intellectual preparedness, ensuring that the Ummah remains strong, dignified, and capable of facing contemporary challenges.

Scholarly Perspectives 

Islamic scholars have consistently underlined the obligation of self-defence. Jurists state that defending the Muslim community is fard kifayah (a collective duty). However, when Muslims are directly under threat, it becomes fard ‘ayn (an individual duty). Ibn Taymiyyah stressed that jihad in Islam is primarily defensive, while Al-Ghazali emphasized justice and protection as its foundation. Both agreed that aggression is forbidden, but defence is obligatory.

In this context, scholars explain that when Muslims are occupied — such as in Palestine under Israeli control or in Kashmir under Indian oppression — jihad becomes fard ‘ayn (an individual duty), obligating every capable believer to contribute, whether through arms, resources, or advocacy.

Thus, the Islamic scholarly tradition affirms that arms and preparedness are not merely cultural choices but religious obligations when the Ummah faces danger. This principle remains relevant in the modern era.

Conclusion 

In today’s unstable world, arms are necessary for Muslims not as tools of aggression but as shields of defence. Islam commands preparedness, justice, and protection of dignity. By uniting, strengthening, and relying on Allah while embracing modern defence tools, Muslims can ensure survival, honour, and peace for future generations.