Abstract
One of the most disturbing developments in the history of warfare under Islamic law and international humanitarian law is the phenomenon of suicide attacks. In this chapter, the author focuses on their use by Muslims from the perspective of Islamic jus in bello . Historically, the first organized suicide attacks in Islam were carried out by the Nizari Isma‘ili, a Shi‘ite community. Under Islamic law “martyrdom” attacks are allowed only if the following conditions are met: they may only take place during a war; they must be carried out by combatants; the soldiers must not pretend to be non-combatants; and the attacks must not harm civilians or civilian property. The permissibility of suicide attacks and combating while feigning by the Layha are strictly prohibited in Islam. The opinions of the ‘ulamā who endorse suicide attacks are their personal opinions; they are not binding on others. Keywords:international humanitarian law; Islamic law; martyrdom; suicide attack
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