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Al-Islam: Religion of Terrorism or Tolerance Q & A
by Nashid Abdul-Khaaliq
Below are a few Christian statements that if practiced by
sincere Christians will lead to understanding and harmony instead of discord and
hatred when looking at another religion.
They are:
"Judge not and ye shall not be judged. Condemn not and ye shall not
be condemned."
"However you want people to treat you, so treat them."
If the time is taken to understand from the language and also historic
circumstances what is truly meant in the statements of other religions there
would be peace, love and an understanding among religious people rather than
animosity and hatred. But if the intent is to condemn, belittle and poison the
minds of others then even the most noble teachings will be slanted. If one
treats others the way they would want to be treated then a lot of care would be
taken to truly understand rather than criticize.
The American Patriot Patrick Henry said "Give me liberty or Give
me death!" But if we tell everyone that Patrick Henry believes in suicide by
only telling them that he said "give me death", we would be liars wouldn’t we?
You will see when I show that what some of the enemies of Al-Islam has written
and said about our religion, that much of the lies against Al-Islam are just
that blatant. They are half truths leaving out the full statements from the
Qur’an.
I will list some of the false charges, misquotes and lies
against Al-Islam and then will provide answers to them:
I. Al-Islam is a religion of war. It was spread by the sword and
it forced people to convert!
Answer:
The Qur’an teaches: "Let
there be no compulsion in religion; Truth stands out clear from error; whoever
rejects evil and believes in G-d hath grasped the most trustworthy hand hold
that never breaks. And G-d heareth and knoweth all things." (Verse 2:216)
"Say, 'The truth is from your Lord': Let him who
will believe, and let him who will, reject (it):…( Verse 18:29)
"If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,-
all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their
will, to believe!" (Verse 10:99)
The above verses and many more in the Qur’an, shows that
Al-Islam is against forcing people to become Muslims. Al-Islam believes in
freedom of expression where we all can choose of our own free will to follow the
religion of our choice. Only Allah can touch the hearts of human beings and as
Muslims we cannot force anyone to accept Al-Islam. Those who force others to
accept Al-Islam are not following what Al-Islam teaches and are not true
Muslims.
The history of Al-Islam has not been one where people were
forced at the point of a sword to convert. In Indonesia where the largest number
of Muslims in the world live, there were never forced conversions. This is true
of Malaysia, India, Africa, Europe, America and wherever Muslims are found.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. After 911, Muslims
experienced one of the highest rates of conversion here in the US despite the
enormous negative portrayal of Muslims as terrorists. What sword did American
Muslims use to make that happen?
When Muslims ruled Spain it became the marvel of the Middle Ages, and when
all of Europe was plunged in barbaric ignorance and strife, it alone held the
torch of learning and civilization bright and shining before the Western world.
The reasons for the rapid advance and conquest of Spain are numerous but one
stands out more than others: The generous terms the Moors offered which
contrasted markedly with the harsh rule of the Visigoth rulers before them.
Approaching Toledo in 711 C.E, the Muslim ruler, Tariq ibn
Ziyad offered that anyone who wished to leave could do so while those
who stayed could retain property, practice their religion freely and be governed
by their own rules and laws.
It is interesting to note that in 1602, after the Christians
recaptured Spain, one of the great charges they brought against the Muslims was
that Muslims were too tolerant in religion. The Archbishop of Valencia, in
recommending the expulsion of Muslims from Spain stated, "that they (the
Muslims) highly praised nothing as much as liberty of conscience in all matters
of religion, which the Turks, and all other Mohammedans, allow their subjects to
enjoy". Although brought up as a negative charge against Muslims, this was
indeed a great compliment paid unwittingly to the Muslims in Spain.
Even Jews who lived amongst Muslims and had their Golden Age
under Muslim rule in Spain and their Silver Age under Muslim rule in Persia were
never forced to become Muslims. They remained Jews under Muslim rule. The idea
that Al-Islam was spread by the sword and forced people to become Muslims is not
sanctioned by the Qur’an or from real evidences in Islamic history. There are
many historians and distinguished people from all over the world who are
non-Muslims who also say the same thing.
Here is a listing of just a few:
1. From a Christian, De Lacy O'Leary, Historian from his
book "the sword of Al-Islam".
Quote:
"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical
Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Al-Islam at the point of the
sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that
historians have ever repeated" (Al-Islam at the Crossroads, London, 1923 p. 8).
2. From an Israeli Jew, Uri Avnery, Journalist, humanitarian
and former Knesset member:
Quote:
"Muslim Spain was a paradise for the Jews, and there has never
been a Jewish Holocaust in the Muslim world. Even pogroms were extremely rare.
Muhammad decreed that the "Peoples of the Book" (Jews and Christians) be treated
tolerantly, subject to conditions that were incomparably more liberal than those
in contemporary Europe.
"The Muslims never imposed their religion by force on Jews and Christians, as
shown by the fact that almost all the Jews expelled from Catholic Spain settled
in the Muslim countries and flourished there.
"After centuries of Muslim rule, Greeks and Serbs remained thoroughly Christian.
When peace is established between Israel and the Arab world, the poisonous
fruits of anti-Semitism will most probably disappear from the Arab world (as
will the poisonous fruits of Arab-hating in our society.)"
3. From a Hindu, Mahatma Ghandi liberator of India from British
colonial rule:
Quote:
'I become more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place
for Al-Islam in those days in the scheme for life. It was the rigid simplicity,
the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges,
his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his
fearlessness, his absolute trust in G-d and his own mission. These and not the
sword, carried everything before them and surmounted every trouble.'
(M.K. Gandhi, Young India, 1924).
4. From an Atheist, Mathematician and Philosopher Bertrand Russell:
Quote:
I have always been told throughout my youth of the fanaticism of the
Mohammedans, and especially that story of the destruction of the library at
Alexandria. Well, I believed all these stories, but when I came to look into the
history of the times concerned, I had a great many shocks. In the first place, I
discovered that the library of Alexandria was destroyed a great many times, and
the first time was by Julius Caesar. But the last time was supposed to have been
by the Mohammedans, and for this I found no justification whatsoever. Nor did I
find that the Mohammedans were fanatical. The contests between Catholics,
Nestorians, and Monophysites were bitter and persecuting to the last degree. But
the Mohammedans, when they conquered Christian countries, allowed the Christians
to be perfectly free, provided they pay a tribute. The only penalty for being a
Christian was that you had to pay a tribute that Mohammedans did not have to
pay. This proved completely successful, and the immense majority of the
population became Mohammedans, but not through any fanaticism on the part of the
Mohammedans. On the contrary they, in the earlier centuries of their power,
represented free thought and tolerance to a degree that the Christians did not
emulate until quite recent times.
Bertrand Russell (Eng. philosopher, mathematician, 1872-1970): "Reading History
As It Is Never Written" [1959]
5. From a Christian, Sir George Bernard Shaw, Writer:
Quote:
'I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its
wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that
assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself
appeal to every age. I have studied him - that wonderful man - and in my opinion
far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the saviour of humanity. I
believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern
world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the
much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad
that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be
acceptable to the Europe of today.
(G.B. Shaw, The Genuine Islam)
As for being a warlike religion and containing verses advocating
war against Christian and Jews in the Qur’an that is totally false. The verses
dealing with war in the Qur’an are not directed towards a specific religion but
to people whom the Muslims were at war with. There are historical
references to these verses detailing a time when Muslims were being
persecuted and brutally mistreated by the pagans of Mecca. These
verses show that war is permitted in self-defence and under well defined limits.
When undertaken it must be pushed with vigour, but only to restore peace and
freedom for the worship of G-d. In any case strict limits must not be
transgressed: women, children, old and infirm men should not be molested nor
trees and crops cut down, nor peace withheld when the enemy comes to terms.
In general, it may be said that Al-Islam is a religion of peace, good
will, mutual understanding, and good faith. But it will not acquiesce in wrong
doing, and its men will hold their lives cheap in defence of honour, justice and
the religion which they hold sacred. They know that war is an evil, but they
will not flinch from it if their honour demands it and it serves the needs of
righteousness and justice.
The Quran contains 114 chapters with thousands of verses. These verses address
all aspects of human life as well as stories about Adam, Eve, Moses, Abraham,
Jesus and other Prophets of G-d. The Quran addresses the moral, rational and
spiritual needs of the human being. It also provides guidance for man in all
fields of endeavour. To try to discredit Al-Islam, the unG-dly Jews and
Christian Zionists only extract verses related to fighting and war. My
addressing these attacks on Al-Islam in no way is an indication that the Quran
is only about fighting and war. There is so much more to the Quran and each
person should read it for themselves to find out its contents.
The Quran commands the Muslims to protect the sacred places of worship for
people of other religions. The history of Muslims is full of examples of where
the sacred places of Christians and others were protected. The Church of the
Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of St. George in Syria and others are
examples. In dealings with others the Quran endorses, fairness, kindness and
being just even to the detriment of ourselves. This is pointed out in the
following verse:
"O ye who believe! stand
out firmly for justice, as
witnesses to G-d, even as against yourselves, or
your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against)
rich or poor: for G-d can best protect both. Follow
not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if
ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily
G-d is well- acquainted with all that ye do."
(4:135)
The Quran recognizes the universal goodness of all people and religions. It also
acknowledges that G-d will reward all good people for their good actions.
II. Al-Islam is a warlike terrorist religion. It orders Muslims
to fight as in the following verse from the Qur’an:
"Fighting is prescribed for you, and [some of] you dislike
it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for
you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah
knows, and you know not (Sura 2:216)."
Answer:
This is a reasonably good translation. But what is not done is to put the verse
in context. The best way to do that is to look at what the verses before Sura
2:216 is saying. The verse before that is as follows:
They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever
ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want
and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -(Allah) knoweth it well.
(Sura 2:215)
The previous verse is dealing with Charity and verse 216 is a
continuation of that verse. To fight in the cause of Truth is one of the highest
forms of charity. What can you offer that is more precious than your own life as
a charity for the benefit of others? This verse is encouraging Muslims that if
they need to fight for truth and self defence they should not hesitate. They
should consider it as a high form of charity and it should not be something
disliked. At the same time the Qur’an teaches in many places that Muslims should
never be aggressors. We should always fight in self-defence and to never harm
non-combatants. Here are other verses from the Qur’an illustrating that:
Surah 2 Verses 190 - 193
190. Fight in the cause of G-d Those who fight you,
But do not transgress limits: For G-d loveth not transgressors.
191. And slay them Wherever ye catch them, And turn them out,From where they have Turned you out; For tumult and oppression
Are worse than slaughter; But fight them not At the Sacred Mosque,
Unless they (first) Fight you there; But if they fight you,
Slay them. Such is the reward Of those who suppress faith.
192. But if they cease, G-d is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.
193. And fight them on Until there is no more Tumult or
oppression
And there prevail Justice and faith in G-d; But if they cease,
Let there be no hostility Except to those Who practice oppression.
III. Al-Islam suppresses women, treats them badly and considers
women to be inferior to men.
Answer:
These are ugly charges made against Al-Islam that are totally untrue and has no
basis in any of the teachings of Al-Islam. To show how ridiculous these charges
are I will share what Al-Islam teaches regarding the treatment of mother, wife
and daughter.
1. In regards to mother…
The Prophet Muhammad (saaw) was asked, "Who in this world should
be loved more than anyone else?" He answered, YOUR MOTHER. He was asked then who
next? He answered, YOUR MOTHER. Again he was asked who after that? He answered,
YOUR MOTHER. And again he was asked who after that? Then he said, YOUR FATHER.
The Prophet said, "Heaven is at the feet of the mother." This shows the great
importance of women to society. How she raises her children can bring about
heaven for a society if she raises them correctly.
Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye
be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say
not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of
honor. Qur’an 17:23
And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in
travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his
weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is
(thy final) Goal. Qur’an 31:14
With teachings like this regarding mothers both from the Qur’an
and the example of the Prophet (saaw), how could anyone accuse Al-Islam of
treating mothers bad?
2. In regards to wives…
The relationship between a man and his wife is captured in these
beautiful words from the Qur’an:
And among His Signs is this that He created for you mates from
among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put
love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who
reflect. Qur’an 30:21
A life of tranquillity filled with love and mercy between their
hearts is what Allah ordained in the Qur’an for husband and wife.
The Prophet (saaw) said, "O People! It is true that you have
certain rights with regards to your women, but they also have rights over you.
Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and
with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right
to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them
for they are your partners and committed helpers."
Instead of suppression, the Prophet (saaw) said: "The best among you is he who is
most kind to his wife."
And the Qur’an says: "Live
with them in kindness; even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something
in which Allah has placed much good" (4:19). Kindness to our wives is very heavily
emphasized. The Prophet also said: "Do not beat the female servants
of Allah;"
O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a
single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered
(like seeds) countless men and women;- reverence G-d, through whom ye demand
your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for G-d ever
watches over you. (Qur’an 4:1)
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a
female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not
that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight
of G-d is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And G-d has full knowledge and
is well acquainted (with all things). (Qur’an 49:13)
Both verses above show that male and female are twin halves of
each other created from a single soul. Our essence is the same and we are
incomplete until we become one with our other half. We are to reverence the
"wombs that bore us" which is an open endorsement by the Qur’an on how we should
regard our women. Hurting them would be the same as hurting ourselves.
3. In regards to daughter…
When Al-Islam was revealed, it decreed a daughter -like a son-
was a gift from Allah, to be granted to whomever Allah wishes of His
worshippers:
"He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He will, and bestows
male (offspring) upon whom He will Or He bestows both male and females, and He
renders barren whom He wills. Verily, He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all
things. [ Surah 42 : 49 - 50]
The Prophet Muhammad taught that the Muslim father who educates
his daughters will go straight to heaven.
Yes, education of daughters will cause a man to go straight to
heaven. That is how important educating women in Al-Islam is. Here is more about
daughters in Al-Islam:
On the authority of Abu Huraira: "The Prophet (saaw) said,
`Whoever had three daughters and showed patience in their keeping, their
pleasure and displeasure, Allah admits him to Paradise for his mercy over them.
A man asked, `And what about two daughters, O Messenger of Allah? He said, `And
two daughters as well." Another asked, `O Messenger of Allah, what about one
daughter?" He said, `And one daughter as well".
In `Aisha's narration, the Prophet (saaw) said, "Whoever suffers
any mishap due to keeping his girls, but still treats them well, they will be
protection for him from the Fire of Hell.
How the Prophet (saaw) regarded his own daughter is an important
example for Muslims to look at. He demonstrated love and the utmost concern for
his daughter. This is shown in what the Prophet (saaw) says about his daughter
Fatima, "Fatima is part of me; what makes
her angry, makes me angry". And, "Fatima is part of me, what makes me sad, makes
her sad, and what pleases me, pleases her". And "`surely my daughter is part of
me; I fear what frightens her, and I am harmed by what harms her".
In the brief history of maybe about 50 years being free from
colonial rule Islamic women were able to accomplish a feat that women in the
more than 200 year history in the U.S. have not been able to accomplish. What is
that you ask? In 3 Muslim countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia women
were ELECTED President of their countries. They became the "head honchos" of
their countries. How could that be if Al-Islam treats women as "inferior"?
Al-Islam gave women the right to vote, to own properties and to
initiate divorce 1400 years ago long before women in the western world got those
rights. When did women get these rights in the U.S.? It was only in the 1920s
and it took a women’s suffrage movement to make it happen.
IV. The Quran says: "Take not Jews and Christians for friends
. . ." therefore Muslims are not allowed to have Jewish and Christian
friends.
Answer: To
understand what the Qur’an is really saying we have to study Arabic. In Arabic
the common word for friend is
"Siddiq". The Qur’an did not
use that word in this verse. The word used is "Wali"
which means protecting friend or guardian. Even today the Governor of a region
in Saudi Arabia is called a "Wali".
The Qur’an is telling Muslims in this verse that they should not look to Jews
and Christians to be their protecting friends like a Wali. What is it that
Muslims should not want Christians and Jews to be protecting friends of? It is
to protect Muslim interests and Muslim understanding of Al-Islam. Why? Because
Jews and Christians do not know or are sensitive to the special interest that
Muslims have in Al-Islam. Would a Christian go to a Buddhist and say "Mr.
Buddhist here is my Bible I want you to be its guardian and protect the special
interest that the Bible has for Christians." No! That can only be done by a
fellow Christian who shares that interest.
This verse was taken totally out of context by the enemies of Al-Islam. It is
not saying that Muslims cannot have Jewish and Christian friends. There are too
many verses in Qur’an advocating the friendship between righteous Christians,
Jews and people of other faiths with Muslims. Here are a few:
"Of the people of Moses
there is a section who guide and do justice
in the light of truth." (7:159)
"And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who
believe in G-d, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to
them, bowing in humility to G-d. They will not sell the Signs of G-d
for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and G-d
is swift in account." (3:199)
"Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the
Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers
wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst
these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the
world, and they are not arrogant." (5:82)
The Qur’an recognizes the universal goodness of all people and
religions. It also acknowledges that G-d will reward all good people for their
righteous deeds. This is shown in the following verse:
"Those who believe (in the
Quran)
And those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures)
And the Christians and the Sabians, -
ANY who believe in G-d
And the Last Day,
And work righteousness,
Shall have their reward
With their Lord: on them
Shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." Surah 2:62
The Qur’an as well as the example of the Prophet (saaw) leaves
no doubt about whom Muslims should befriend and what kind of treatment should be
given to non-Muslim friends. Here are some more Qur’anic verses and statements
from the Prophet (saaw) regarding that:
[60:8] G-d does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not
fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may
befriend them and be equitable towards them. G-d loves the equitable.
[60:9] G-d enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of
religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish
you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.
"He who believes in G-d and the Last Day should honour his
guest, should not harm his neighbour, should speak good or keep quiet."
(Bukhari, Muslim)
"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me,
and he who hurts me annoys G-d." (Bukhari)
"He who hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state, I am his
adversary, and I shall be his adversary on the Day of Judgement." (Bukhari)
"Beware on the Day of Judgement; I shall myself be complainant
against him who wrongs a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state or lays on him a
responsibility greater than he can bear or deprives him of anything that belongs
to him." (Al-Mawardi)
"Anyone who kills a Non-Muslim who had become our ally will not
smell the fragrance of Paradise." (Bukhari)
Lastly, in Al-Islam we don't have an elitist idea about a segment of
humanity. There are no "chosen ones" in Al-Islam based on race, culture, or
religion as there is among the Jews and the Christians. Nor is there a caste
system designating some human beings to "untouchable class" and others as
superior "Brahmins" based on the colour of their skin.
Muhammad, PBUH, stated on Mount Arafat that there was no such
thing as superior or inferior people of whatever race or colour - except in
piety and submission to the will of G-d. His words were, "An Arab was not superior to a
non-Arab, A non-Arab is not superior to an Arab, A Black is not superior to a
White and a White is not superior to a Black. The superior one among you is he
who is most conscious of his duty to G-d and society."
The world should understand that the attack on Al-Islam by Zionists and
Christian Zionists is not only because the Muslim countries have oil. It is for
the same reason that the Jews in Christ's (pbuh) day attacked and tried to have
him crucified. The real reason is because of the truth Al-Islam exposes. It
exposes the ugly plot of those who follow Satan and want to control the world.
It also gives Muslims instructions on how to live having their whole life
devoted to Allah and not under the control of evil ones. Not all Jews are un-G-dly
and many of them have been outstanding and have shown true humanity by
identifying more with truth than with their tribe. Men like Israel Shahak,
Israel Shamir, Adam Shapiro, Benjamin Freedman, Jack Bernstein, Norman
Finkelstein, Arthur Koestler and others have been at the forefront of exposing
the wrongs of their own people. We owe them much for their true examples of
humanity and the knowledge they have brought us. Our war is against the ugly
Zionist and other evil people who twist the truth to have good people hate and
kill each other. Those who want to use the method of divide and conquer against
all of humanity.
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