Wars have existed almost since the dawn of humanity itself. Competing political and economic interests led people to take arms against one another. Weapons and armies have developed hand-in-hand, and so wars have grown ever more violent and destructive.

However, until the 20^th century, wars took the form of "front battles" in which soldiers of two armies would meet on both sides of a battlefield and the fighting would revolve around this axis. In these conflicts, it was the soldiers alone who were killed.

But in the 20^th century, a new breed of war was born, one targeting not only soldiers but also the masses of people. The effects of such wars would be felt in not just a handful of countries but rather were like they had taken the entire world into their terrible maw.

Throughout history, war has inflicted great suffering and losses to society. A number of prophets who were sent to the people as messengers warned them against this calamity and turmoil.

And to Madyan We sent their brother Shu'ayb, he said, "My people, worship God and look to the Last Day and do not act unjustly on earth, corrupting it." (Qur'an, 29: 36)

Through the voice of their prophets, the Israelites made a promise to God not to shed blood:

And when We made a covenant with you not to shed your blood and not to expel one another from your homes, you agreed and were all witnesses. (Qur'an, 2: 84)