Jihad and Justice: The Two Territories

Islamic theology and political theory makes use of a distinction comparable to Augustine’s city of God and city of man. In Islam, this is the distinction between dar al-islam and dar al-harb. These two terms mean the house (or territory) of submission and the house (or territory) of war, respectively. Specifically, dar al-islam refers to all the territory that is under Islamic control—where, at least in theory, the ruler upholds shari’a (Islamic law) and enables the umma to live in accordance with God’s laws. Dar al-harb refers to all territory that is not under Islamic rule. This land is opposed to God and His ways and must eventually be made to submit to Him. Dar al-harb must not be left alone, but must be actively brought into submission to God. The Qur’an states, “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them” and, “And fight them [disbelievers] until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah” and again, “Now when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when you have routed them, then making fast of bonds.”