Is Germany dar al-harb? What is dar al-harb?

People give and take interest and do other similar things saying Germany or Europe is dar al-harb. Somebody says, "Yes, it is dar al-harb here; you can borrow loans on interest." However, somebody else says, "It is not dar al-harb here." How can we decide?

Dear Brother / Sister,

First, let us describe the phrases dar al-Islam (land/country of Islam) and dar al-harb (land/country of war):

Land/country of Islam is the name give to a place which is under the sovereignty of Muslims and in which Muslims live safely, fulfilling their religious duties.

Land/country of war is the opposite of it. According to Islam, Muslims have to act in accordance with the treaty made with the nations and states unless they break the treaty.

• Peace is better. (an-Nisa, 4/128)

• But if they cease (fighting), Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. (al-Baqara, 2/192)

• But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. (al-Baqara, 2/193)

The verses above clarify the issue.

That is, we cannot declare war against the countries and states that we live in the state of agreement. These places are called dar as-sulh (land/country of peace). That is, even if a country is a land of non-Muslims, we cannot call it dar al-harb since we are in peaceful terms with that country. (see Ömer Nasuhi BİLMEN, Hukuku İslamiye, III/394)

In this context, the places like Germany where Muslims live in peaceful terms are called "dar as-sulh (land of peace)". However, this does not mean that it is land of Islam.

will you please click on the link given below;

The Muslims working in countries like Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands deposit their money in banks in order to keep them. Is it permissible to receive the interest given by the banks?

Questions on Islam