Okay, I went and bought a Qur'an. I need some pointers.?

Question

I am tired of the arguments by so called Christians about the Islamic faith not being peaceful. Please help me by directing me to the passages that mandate tolerance and peace toward "infidels".

Serious answers only. I am truly looking to understand.

Answer 1

Very often, if you contact a mosque, there will be someone there happy to answer your questions.

thank you for your openmindedness.

Answer 2

Tear out the pages and use them as coasters..
You wasted your money...
Yours is a fine liberal attempt to get reason and understanding involved in appeasement and negotions with evil fanatical faschist dictators as happend with Neville Chamberlain & Hitler.
What does the Qur'an have to do with what the fanatical Muslim mullah's are teaching the faithful at the Madras schools ?
What does the Qur'an have to do with what the Taliban was doing ?
What does the Qur'an have to do with Islamofaschism ?
The Qur'an is obviously being used to support the views of terrorists and Islamofaschists, whether it actually "means" that in the Qur'an or not......Your studies will not change anyones mind but your own and you are not the problem...The problem is the fanatical Islamofaschist dictators and their mullahs who twist the Qur'an and mislead the muslim street in the Mosques every friday.

Answer 3

Good start. Now, go out and buy this book to study along with it:
THE MEANING OF THE HOLY QUR'AN
by Adbullah Yusuf Ali.

It will be a long study. But, then studying the whole Bible would take a long time, too.

Answer 4

Islam is a religion of Peace. It was brought to the masses by the Prophet Muhammad (saws) as it was reviled to him by Allah (swt)

The Arabic term 'islam means "submission" and itself comes from the term 'aslama, which means "to surrender, resign oneself." In Islam, the fundamental duty of each member is to submit to Allah (Arabic for "the God") and whatever Allah wants of them. A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim, and this means "one who surrenders to God."

The term Islam is related to the Syriac 'aslem which means "to make peace, surrender" and that in turn appears to be derived from the Semtic stem of *slem which means to be complete.

Islam is closely related to the Arabic word for peace, salem. Muslims believe that true peace can only be achieved through true obedience to the will of Allah. Commitment to Islam is supposed to result in a constant struggle to achieve peace, justice and equality.

Answer 5

I am just wondering what people qualify as "infidels"? Is it because we live in America and are free and a democratic country?

Answer 6

Doesn’t Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an says that Muslims should kill the kuffar where ever they find them?
Answer:
A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.
1. Verse from Surah Taubah
The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:
"Kill the mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]
2. Context of verse is during battlefield
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:
"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]
This verse is quoted during a battle.
3. Example of war between America and Vietnam
We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.
4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle
Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.
5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped verse 6.
6. Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:
"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum,grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."
[Al-Qur’an 9:6]
The Qur’an not only says that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peac

Answer 7

contact the History channel they have one of the most comprehensive easy to understand documentaries on the Quran
I have ever seen an explanation of clarity and truth ...a must for
these times especially

Answer 8

Read this article about Islam that just came out:

http://www.humanevents.com/lists.php?id=16561

Answer 9

oh there are plenty...............

"On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. (The Noble Quran, 5:32)"

"Allah loves not the mischief makers" Quran 5:64

"But if the enemy incline towards PEACE, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in God: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things). (The Noble Quran, 8:61)"

“If they leave you alone and offer to make PEACE with you, God does not allow you to harm them.” (QURAN 4:90)

"But if the enemy incline towards PEACE,do thou (also) incline towards PEACE and trust in Allah:for he is the one that beareth and knoeth (all things)". {8:61}.

"But Allah doth call to the home of PEACE:He doth guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight." {10:25}

"and the servants of Allah Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility and when the ignorant address them ,they say,PEACE". {25:63}

"But turn away from them, and say PEACE But soon shall they know." {43:89}

"Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. Allah loves just dealers. (The Noble Quran, 60:8)"



PERMISSION OF FIGHT IS ONLY ALLOWED FOR JUSTICE

“Permission to fight is given to those on whom war is made, because they are oppressed. And surely Allah is able to assist them; those who are driven from their homes without a just cause except that they say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’.” (QURAN 22:39-40)

And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, but do not aggress; Allah does not love the aggressors. (Quran 2:190)

"Nor take life - which God has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him nor exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law). (The Noble Quran, 17:33)"

"O ye who believe! Stand out firmly For justice, as witnesses To Allah, even as against Yourselves, or your parents, Or your kin, and whether It be (against) rich or poor: For Allah 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 Allah is well-acquainted With all that ye do. (The Noble Quran, 4:135)"

"But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans or poor, are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak to them words of kindness and justice. (The Noble Quran, 4:8)"

"If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for God. (The Noble Quran, 4:30)"

===================







There is no compulsion in the religion; Truth stands out clear from error; so whoso disbelieves in idols and believes in God, has laid hold of the most firm handle, which cannot break; and God is Hearing, Knowing. Al-Quran (2:256)

"Invite to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preachings, and argue with them in a way that are best and most gracious" (QURAN 16:125)

Quran says in Ch. 109 "Say to those who reject faith. I will not worship what you worship, nor will you worship what I worship. I will not be worshipping what you want me to worship, Nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion"
Quran says in [6:108] "Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did."

29.46. And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."



Quran says that we should deal kindly and justly with those who does not fight with us. irrespective of muslim or non-muslim
"Allah forbids you not, With regard to those who Fight you not for (your) Faith Nor drive you out Of your homes, From dealing kindly and justly With them: For Allah loveth Those who are just. (The Noble Quran, 60:8)"

Answer 10

Islam is uncompromisingly a law of peace and a religion of mercy. Only he who is ignorant of its teachings, hostile to its system, or is arrogant enough not to accept clear evidence, will dispute this fact.

The word Islam is itself derived from the word peace (i.e. salaam). And Muslim is the best description of those who believe in this religion:

‘It is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’an), that the Messenger be a witness over you and you be a witness over mankind!’

(Surat-al-Hajj (22), ayah 78)

The essence of this religion is peaceful submission to the Lord of the worlds:

‘Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follow Allah’s Religion of Islamic monotheism) and he is a good-doer, then his reward is with the Lord, on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 112)

‘When his Lord said to him, "Submit (ie. Be a Muslim)!" He said, "I have submitted myself to the Lord of the worlds."’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 131)

‘"And we were ordered to submit to the Lord of the worlds"’

(Surat-al-An’aam (6), ayah 71)

Even the greetings between Muslims is "May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you." Prayer itself is concluded with the announcement of peace - once to the right, once to the left and once to the front if there is an Imam in front - as if to greet his brothers after he had left them during the brief moments that he turned completely to Allah.

Furthermore the revelation of the Qur’an brought with it the angels of peace and the night in which it was revealed became a night of peace:

‘Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of decree is. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Jibreel) by Allah’s Permission with all Decree, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.’

(Surat-al-Qadr (97), ayahs 1-5)

The servant greets his Lord with no better greeting than the greeting of peace:

‘Their greeting on the day they shall meet Him will be: Peace. And He will prepare for them a generous reward.’

(Surat-al-Ahzaab (33), ayah 44)

The Angels will welcome the righteous into paradise with peace:

‘And the angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying): "Peace be unto you for that you have persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!"’

(Surat-ar-Ra’d (13), 23-24)

Paradise is itself a place of peace:

‘For them will be the home of peace (paradise) with their Lord. And He will be their Helper and Protector because of what they used to do.’

(Surat-al-An’aam (6), ayah 127)

‘Allah calls to the home of peace and guides whom He wills to a Straight path.’

(Surat-Yunus (10), ayah 25)

Allah, the High, the Blessed, has named Himself "Peace":

‘He is Allah other than Whom there is none (that has the right to be worshipped) the King, the Holy, the Peace...’

(Surat-al-Hashr (59), ayah 23)

Of course the Muslim would not hesitate to answer this call to peace, and will never reject it.

‘But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and put your trust in Allah. Verily, he is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 62)

‘And say not to he who seeks to make peace with you, "you are not a believer". Seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are many more profits with Allah.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 94)

No religious law or social system has encouraged the establishment of peace in the same way that Islam has done, for Islam has ordered the practise of this great virtue through respect and self-restraint even at the most testing of times such as Hajj (pilgrimage). During this sacred time, a pilgrim is strictly prohibited from cutting his nails, shortening his hair, destroying a tree, killing an animal or harming anyone in any way, even if he shall find the killer of his father he is not permitted to hurt him at all:

‘So whosoever intends to perform Hajj then he should not have sexual relations (with his/her wife/husband), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during Hajj’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 197)

These prohibitions establish peace within and between the Muslims.

Islam is a Religion of Mercy

Mercy is the companion of peace in the salutation of Muslims.
The Messenger of Islam is a Mercy to the worlds.
And the slogan of Islam, repeated in every utterance and action is
"In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful."

The behaviour between the believers is one of patience and mercy:

‘Then he became one of those who believed and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to piety and compassion.’

(Surat-al-Balad (90), ayah 17)

The verses of the Qur’an and sayings and practices of Muhammad (PBUH.) exemplify the high position of love and mercy.

For example, the gates of paradise were opened, and Allah’s forgiveness and appreciation of Allah was bestowed upon a man who gave water to a dog overcome with thirst. Muslim and others narrate that Abu Hurairah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:

‘While a man was walking he became very thirsty due to the intense heat of the day. To his relief he found a well into which he quickly climbed down to get some water. After he had satisfied his thirst and come back out of the well he found a dog so thirsty that it was eating the earth in an attempt to quench its thirst. He said to himself: "Thirst has overwhelmed this dog to the same extent that it had done me." So he re-entered the well, filled his slipper and held it with his teeth until he got to the top of the well, where he immediately gave it to the dog to drink from. Allah (the exalted) thanked the man for what he had done and forgave him. One of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Is there reward to be gained from being compassionate to the animals?". The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "In every living being there is a reward to be gained"’

Long before any animal rights organisations were founded in the west, compassion towards animals was, and will always be, a characteristic of Islam and the commandment of Muhammad (PBUH.) to every Muslim. Abu Hurairah (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH.) said:

‘Do not use the backs of your camels as pulpits, for Allah ordained them to take you to places you would only otherwise reach with great suffering, and created the earth for you, so on it carry out your business.’ Narrated by Abu Dawood.

Abdul-Rahman Ibn Abdullah (RA) relates that his father, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

‘While we were on a journey with the Messenger (PBUH.) we saw a Pochard (a type of duck) with two of its chicks. When we took away the chicks the mother started fighting for them back. When the Prophet came and saw what was happening he said: "Who frightened this bird by taking away its chicks? Return its chicks to it immediately". He also noticed that an ant village had been burnt, about which he asked: "Who burnt this?", we said: "It was us!", he said: "It is not for anyone to burn with fire except the Creator of the fire (Allah)"’ Also narrated by Abu-Dawood

Ibn Al-Haakim relates, regarding the life of Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz (the fifth Khalifah of Islam) that he prohibited the riding of horses except for a need, and wrote to Hiyaan, his governor in Egypt, that he had received news that some caravan camels in Egypt were used to carry up to one thousand pounds in weight at a time. He warned Hiyaan that if he (Hiyaan) received his letter, he should not allow a camel to carry more than six hundred pounds. The Fustaat (an ancient village south of Cairo) was named so because during the conquest of Egypt by ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas (RA) a dove built a nest at the top of his tent (Fustaat). When the time to leave the city came, he left the tent exactly where it was so as not to disturb the resident dove. People started building around this tent eventually leading to the growth of the city of Fustaat.

All this is but a small example of the mercy of Islam that can be found within the hearts of the believers. For Islam is indeed a religion of mercy and peace.

But if Islam is a religion of mercy and peace then what is its position towards war and fighting? Was Islam spread with the sword, as those who are hostile to it claim? And is it unique among other religions in allowing fighting, under certain circumstances?

Islam and War

Wars are a social necessity: Civil life in Islam is aimed towards peace. Nevertheless, Islam deals with reality and as long as there are people that follow their own desires and self-interest, there will always be conflict and war. But if war is for the sake of stopping an aggressor, aiding truth and achieving justice, then it is a virtue since it encourages goodness and prosperity for the people. It is a source of evil, social vices and degradation for mankind when it is used as a tool for the wrong-doer, corruption, transgression and oppression of the weak. Islam came to deal with this reality. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the worlds.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 251)

The All-Mighty also says:

‘For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily Allah will help those who help His (cause).Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-mighty.’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayah 40)

This shows the Islamic point of view with regards to war - that it is a social necessity or an action from which there is no escape at certain times. An evil that you expect in order to uphold the good.

The purposes of war in Islam: Though Islam acknowledges these realities, it prohibits war, the indulgence in it, the call to it and the encouragement of it, except for justifiable reasons, such as:

i- Resistance of transgression and self-defence as well as defence of family, possessions, nation and religion. In this regard the Holy Qur’an tells us:

‘And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 190)

The first verse that discussed and permitted war was:

‘Permission to fight is given to those, who are fighting because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "our Lord is Allah"’

(Surah Al-Hajj (22), ayahs 39-40)

Muslim and An-Nisaa’i narrate that Abu Hurairah said:

‘A man came to the Prophet (PBUH.) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! what if my belongings are forcibly taken from me?" The Prophet (PBUH.) said: "Ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they refuse?", he said. The Prophet replied: "Again, ask for them back in the name of Allah". "If they still refuse?", the man asked. "Ask for them back, in the name of Allah, yet again", the Prophet stressed. "If they persist in their refusal?", the man inquired. "Fight them, for if you are killed you will enter paradise, and if they are killed they will enter the hell fire." the Prophet explained.’

Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi. Al-Nisaa’i, and Ibn Majah narrate that Sa’d Ibn Yazeed, may Allah be pleased with him said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) say:

‘Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.’

Al-Bukhaari and At-Tirmidhi also narrate that Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with both, said that he heard the Prophet (PBUH.) saying:

‘Whosoever has fought for the protection of his belongings until death; he is a martyr.’

ii- The protection of the freedoms of religion and the doctrine of the believers - those whom the disbelievers attempt to divert and mislead. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

‘They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) in the sight of Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the Holy Mosque (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Fitnah is worse than killing.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 217)

He also says, in another:

‘And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and worshipping others besides Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against the tyrants.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah, ayah 193.)

iii- The protection of the Islamic call so that it reaches and becomes clear to everyone: Islam is a comprehensive message of social reform founded on the noble principles of truth and goodness; it directs people to these virtues just as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an to his Prophet (PBUH.):

‘Verily, we have sent you to all mankind as a warner and a giver of glad tidings.’

Thus, it must remove from its path all sources of hindrance which may delay or prevent the propagation of its message; and the position of every individual and every nation must be clarified with regards to this call. The outcome of this decision would determine the relationship of Islam and its followers with other peoples. The believers are brothers to each other. Those with whom there is a treaty, this treaty will be honoured. Those who are under protection, their protection will be guaranteed. Those who take themselves to be the enemy or are hostile, are warned, and if they correct themselves they will be spared. But if they persist in their tyranny they will be fought, not in an attempt to compel them to accept Islam against their wish but as a tax for their transgression:

‘There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path.’

(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 256)

Many verses and Ahaadeeth refer to and explain the above. For example:

‘If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to them (so as to be) on equal terms. Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 58)

and:

‘Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause of Allah, whosoever fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 74)

and:

‘Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth among the people of the Scripture, until they pay the tax with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’

(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 29)

and:

‘Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Satan. So fight you against the followers of Satan: Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Satan.

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 76)

Bukhaari and Muslim narrate that Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH.) said:

‘I was ordered to fight people until they bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, establish prayer and pay charity, but if they shall do so then they have made their blood prohibited for me and their judgement is with Allah.’

iv- To teach a lesson to those who dishonour a treaty or transgress against the Muslim majority. Allah says in regard to those who reject the just law of equity and reform :

‘But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief - surely their oaths are nothing to them-so that they may stop (evil action).’

(Surat-at-Tawbah, ayah 12)

Also Allah says:

‘And if two parties or groups among the believers fall into fighting, then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily Allah loves those who are equitable.’

(Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), ayah 9)

v- Helping the wronged among the believers wherever they be until they gain their rights (humanitarian intervention). Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an:

‘And as to those who believed but did not emigrate you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allah is the All-See-er of what you do.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (7), ayah 72)

War is strictly forbidden for any other reason

War for purposes other than these humane and beneficial ones is not permissible. This is absolutely clear because Islam follows the word fighting with the phrase "In the cause of Allah". One will not find in any Islamic text the word fighting or jihad (struggle) not accompanied by the phrase "in the cause of Allah". This is because Allah has declared the prohibition of all forms of fighting that have an ignoble motive behind them. This prohibition was confirmed by the many Ahaadeeth, and was recorded in the histories and biographies of the followers of the Prophets (PBUH.) - those who did not seek anything with their fighting except the pleasure of the Almighty alone, and the realisation of the aforementioned aims. The Holy Qur’an tells us:

‘O you who believe! When you go (to fight) in the Cause of Allah, (verify the truth), and say not to any one who greets you with peace: "You are not a believer"; seeking the perishable goods of worldly life. There is much more profit and booty with Allah. Even as he is now, so were you yourselves before till Allah conferred on you His Favours, therefore, be cautious in discrimination. Allah is Ever Well-Aware of what you do.’

(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 94)

‘It is not for the Prophet that he should have prisoners of war ( and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world , but Allah desires (for You) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-wise. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayahs 67-68)

Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said that the Prophet (PBUH.) was asked which among the following is in the Cause of Allah: a man who fights so that he may be called brave, one who fights in revenge or one who fights to be called a good believer by people ? "He who fights for the advancement of the word of Allah is in the Cause of Allah." The Prophet (PBUH.) replied.(Bukhari and Muslim).

Also Abu Dawood narrates that Abu Hurairah said: "A man said to the Messenger of Allah "O Messenger of Allah! A man seeks to struggle in the path of Allah and wants the bounties of this life?" The Prophet said: "For him shall be no reward." The man repeated the same question three times; on each occasion the Prophet giving the same answer- "for him shall be no reward."

The companions of the Prophet (PBUH.), even the Bedouin amongst them, were very affected by this elevated exposition of the objectives of fighting in Islam, to the extent that An-Nisaa’i narrated that Shaddad Ibn Al-Had (RA) said that:

‘A man from the Bedouins came to the Prophet, embraced Islam and asked him whether he should emigrate with him (the Prophet). The Prophet subsequently appointed some of his companions to look after him. It was not long afterwards when the Prophet was fighting in one of his battles in which the Muslims won much booty. When the Prophet gave this man his due from this booty, he (the man) said: "It is not for this that I have followed you, but it is to be shot (with an arrow) here (pointing to his throat with an arrow), so that I may enter paradise. He (the Prophet) said: "If you are truthful with Allah, he will give you what you deserve." They then got up and returned to the battle field. Soon, they brought him back to the Prophet (PBUH.) with an arrow through where he had previously pointed. The Prophet said: "is this him?" They answered, "yes." The Prophet said: "He was sincere with Allah and Allah was sincere with him."’ Then he was covered with the Prophet’s robe and the Prophet prayed over him. Among what was heard from the Prophets prayers for this man was: " O Lord! Verily, this servant of yours emigrated for your sake, and was martyred, and I am a witness to that.’

Islamic History has also recorded many more of these examples of denial of the glories of this life and the spoils of war, and striving for nothing but the elevation of the word of God.

The Preference of Peace, Wherever Possible and its Encouragement

A Muslim only fights when forced to, and after exhausting all peaceful means of reconciliation. If any opportunity of peace arises, then Islam makes it compulsory for the Muslims to take it. A Muslim is also required to extinguish the flame of war whenever and wherever he can. The Qur’an says:

‘But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.’

(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 61)

Abu Dawood narrates that Haarith Ibn Muslim said that his father said:

‘The Prophet sent us on an expedition, and we reached the grotto, I prompted my horse thus beating my companions and leaving them behind. I reached the village first and the occupants welcomed me with reverberation and I said to them: Say that there is no God but God and that Muhammad is His Messenger, so they accepted the call of Islam. My friends reproached me for denying them the opportunity of spoils (which they would have had, had these people remained disbelievers). When we went back they related to the Prophet what I had done. Subsequently, he called me to him and praised my actions and said to me: "Allah has given you such and such a reward for every soul amongst them."’

Mercy in War and the Preservation of the Highest Human Morals

If indeed war became essential a Muslim provides the highest example of mercy, virtue and the maintenance of the most noble of human moral principles. For if the scale tilts towards the side of the believers, and they become victorious, then the Qur’an obliges them to restrain themselves from fighting, preserve the prisoners they have taken so that they may offer them, afterwards, their freedom or exchange them for their brothers who have been taken by the enemy; thus doing good to two groups of Allah’s servants. In this respect the Qur’an says:

‘So when you meet (in fighting), those who disbelieve (and fight you), smite at their necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly. Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity, or ransom, until the war lays down its burden.’

(Surat-Muhammad (47), ayah 4)

As for the slaves, we will talk about them in detail on another occasion. For now it suffices to say that Islam replaced the historical sentence for a captive from capital punishment (death) to life imprisonment. through enslavement. However, Islam has made it very easy for the slave to regain his freedom. Islam does not, in any way permit slavery except in these circumstances.

Furthermore, a Muslim, during the course of his combat does not transgress, corrupt, destroy or steal; nor kill women, children or elderly persons; nor does he follow a deserter (enemy deserter), kill an injured person or mutilate a dead person; neither does he mistreat a prisoner or a man of religion, nor intend to strike any one in the face.

Abu Dawood has narrated that Ibn Mas’ud (RA) said that the messenger of Allah said:

‘The most gentle and honourable of those who kill are the follower of the faith’

And Bukhaari relates on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Yazeed Al-Ansaari (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH.):

‘Forbade robbery (at the time of war) and the degradation of the dead.’

Abu Dawood narrates that Abu Ya’laa (RA) said that when once we were in a battle with Abdul-Rahman Ibn Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed (RA), four of the elders of the enemy were brought to him. He ordered that they be killed slowly with arrows. When news of this reached Abu Ayoob Al-Ansaari (RA) he said:

‘I heard the Prophet (PBUH) prohibit slow killing." : "By He in whose hands is my soul, if it be a chicken I would not subject it to slow death." Immediately subsequent to hearing this, Abdul-Rahman went and freed four slaves.’

The six Imams, except An-Nisaa’i, narrate that Umar (RA) said:

‘During one of the Prophets battles, I found a woman that had been killed. In response to this the Prophet prohibited the killing of women and children during war.’

Muslim, Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi narrate that Bura’dah (RA) said:

‘Whenever the Prophet of Allah briefed one of his army commanders, he reminded him to fear Allah in his actions, and to treat well those believers who are with him. Then the Prophet would tell him to fight in the name of Allah those who turn away from him. Fight and do not exceed your limits, do not transgress and do not kill a child’

This commitment was taken further by all the subsequent khalifahs and amirs; always entrusting the leaders of their armies with it on their conquests. Abu Bakr (RA) commanded Usama (RA) with it when he said:

‘Do not deceive, do not dishonour a treaty, do not mutilate the dead; nor should you kill a child, an old man or a woman. Do not destroy palm trees nor burn them, neither are you to cut a fruitful tree, do not kill a lamb, a cow or a camel except for purposes of food. You will come across a people who have devoted themselves to the monasteries; leave them, and what they do.’

Have you seen, anywhere, hearts more tender than these ?