Following the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, there are many lessons to learn from past and current wars to ensure our future peace.

God only permits war in self-defence and under well-defined strict limits. These limits must not be transgressed: non-combatant civilians including women, children and old and infirm men should not be molested, nor trees and crops cut down, nor peace withheld when the enemy comes to terms.

God says in 2:190, The Holy Quran: "Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but don't transgress limits, for God doesn’t love transgressors."

And He says in 22:40: "Had not God repelled one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure.

"God will certainly give victory to those who aid His cause, for verily God is full of strength, exalted in might."

Ilford Recorder: Dr Mohammed Fahim is contemplating his final journey.Dr Mohammed Fahim is contemplating his final journey. (Image: Archant)

God also promotes peace and reconciliation and encourages the parties at war to do that.

He says in 8:61: "But if the enemy inclines towards peace, you should also incline towards peace and trust in God, for He is the one that hears and knows all things."

While we must always be ready for the good fight lest it be forced on us, even in the midst of the fight we must always be ready for peace if there is any inclination towards it on the other side.

There is no merit in a fight by itself. It should be a joyful duty not for itself, but to establish the reign of peace and righteousness and God’s Law.

God promises those who were killed while fighting in His cause great reward in the hereafter.

He says in 3:169-170: "Don’t regard those who are slain in God's way as dead.

"No, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.

"They rejoice in the bounty provided by God, and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them in their bliss, they glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they cause to grieve."