Hadith Text & Reference

"Jabir reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying 'War is deception.'"

Book: Jihad (Kitab Al-Jihad)

Author: Sunan Abi Dawud

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2636

Linguistic Analysis

The Arabic term used is "al-ḥarbu khud'ah" (الحرب خدعة). "Khud'ah" denotes cunning, stratagem, or deception in military context. It does not imply treachery or breaking of covenants, but rather strategic misdirection permissible in warfare.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the permissibility of military stratagems in legitimate warfare. Scholars like Imam Nawawi explain that deception in war refers to misleading the enemy about one's strength, position, or intentions through lawful means.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that this applies only to combatants and does not permit breaking treaties or harming non-combatants. The deception must serve legitimate military objectives while maintaining Islamic ethical boundaries.

Legal Rulings

Permissible deception includes: feigning retreat, concealing troop numbers, using camouflage, spreading misinformation about military plans, and creating false appearances to confuse the enemy.

Impermissible acts include: breaking treaties, betraying trusts, harming civilians through deception, or using deceptive methods that violate Islamic rules of engagement.

Ethical Boundaries

Classical scholars emphasize that while strategic deception is permitted, Muslims must maintain truthfulness in their covenants and dealings. The deception is limited to military tactics against combatants and must not extend to breaking promises or treaties.

This principle reflects the Islamic balance between military necessity and moral integrity, allowing necessary tactics while preserving fundamental ethical values.