Fighting in Islam

In Islam, freedom fight or fighting against aggression have similar set of rules for muslims i.e. fight only against the aggressors not innocents and weaks. In the early part of Islamic history, muslims tried their best to achieve their cause based on share morale but there came the time when they were compelled to reply back or else place the existence of their religion in jeopardy. Since Islam is meant to be propagated within the bounds of this material world, muslims had to confront the evil face to face whenever they were left with no other choice. Hence fighting whenever was required to defend Islam and or eradicate aggression was made made obligatory on muslims in such a way that they won't oppress anyone and fight only the aggressors as long as they continue their mischief and leave them alone and come to peace with them. Since the act of fight results in putting one's life at stake, it is therefore considered by many a tough job and hence Allah(SWT) has promissed believers to fight for justice in His name and He will reward their efforts with His great blessing as a result. Similar idea is given in the following verses:

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. (Chapter 2 Al-baqra:190)

Trangressing from the limits of Allah is forbidden for muslims. In the time of war, the limits according to Islam are as follows:

1. Not to hurt women and Children
2. Not to hurt old and sick
3. Not to kill farmers and people who work in fields.
4. Fight only those(combatants) who fight with muslims
5. Stop warfare if the enemy resorts to a peaceful settlement.

Quran emphasizes the importance of a human life with the following verse:

.. if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any onesaved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. (Al-Maeda:32)

Muslims were commanded to fight the oppression and make constant effort towards establishing a just society:

And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. (Chapter 2 Al-Baqra:193)