The Role of Masyumi's Book "Djihad dan Qitaal" in Indonesia's Post-Independence War Efforts: A Historical and Legal Appraisal of Islamic Jus in Bello

Abstract

During the post-Independence wars in Indonesia, Masyumi as the largest Islamic political party played a significant role in encouraging the Muslims to fight against the Kingdom of the Netherlands who wanted to reclaim Indonesia. Among Masyumi’s contribution to this effort was the publication of a book entitled “Djihad dan Qitaal” written by KH E. Abdoerrahman. This book serves as an Islamic guide for jihad fi sabilillah by outlining at least three things: (a) the necessity of jihad during that time in history, (b) the virtues of jihad in Islam, and (c) the principles of lawful conduct of jihad or “Islamic jus in bello”. Especially focusing on item (c) above, this research utilizes literature research and interview (obtaining secondary data) to examine the text and context of this book to see the extent of its contribution both from a historical and legal perspective. For the legal perspective, this research explores both the Islamic laws of war (fiqh al-jihad) and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) applicable at the time around the publication of the book. It is hypothesized that Masyumi’s “Djihad dan Qitaal” not only was an essential contribution to the post-independence war efforts at the time, but that it also provides important legal resources and strengthen compliance to the Islamic laws of war and IHL.