Military Code of Conduct

hesitation or even hold the Caliph accountable. Abu Bakr had declared this democratic independence in his first sermon. He said,

“You are bound to obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet. And when I disobey Allah and His Prophet you should not abide by me.” He also said, “Even the weakest among you is strong to me.” He added, “Follow me if I do any good and correct me if I head towards the wrong path.” Umar, the second Caliph, took these democratic values to peak. In fact, these are the true values of a welfare and democratic state where a ruler is answerable to common citizens and owe them explanation to clarify his position. Even today after fourteen centuries, no country in the world has such democratic values and no ruler can execute the norms practised by the Rashidun Caliphs.

Abu Bakr was the wisest among the Muslims of his age and distinguished regarding knowledge. He used to say to Khalid ibn Walid, his army general, “You cannot deny your nobility even if you wish. If you want death, you will be granted with life.”

Ibn Asir says that Abu Bakr had made certain rules for military code of conduct. These regulations were a guideline for the army to follow in their different departments during war and peace. Abu Bakr had instructed the Islamic military:  Army must not be financially corrupt.  No one should lie.  Do not betray your fellows.  Do not disobey your ruler.  Do not mutilate the dead bodies even if they are of your worst enemy.  Do not kill the women, children or elderly people.  Do not cut the fruiting trees and do not burn other trees.  Do not slaughter animals other than to feed on them.