"And strive in the cause of Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He has exalted you and has laid no hardship on you in religion; the faith of your father Abraham." (Qur’an;22:78).“Behold, God has bought of the believers their lives and their possessions, promising them paradise in return,[and so] they fight in God's cause, and slay, and are slain: a promise which in truth He has willed upon Himself in [the words of] the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur'an. And who could be more faithful to his covenant than God? Rejoice, then, in the bargain which you have made with Him: for this, this is the triumph supreme!”(Qur’an;9:111)
Introduction:
In the present environment of universal turmoil especially
in the post 911 scenario, the Muslims have become a target of universal hate
propaganda. Some verses from Qur’an are mostly misquoted to defend killing of
non believers and to project a permanent state of armed conflict (Jihad) between
Muslims and non believers. The ignorant terrorists thus facilitate the anti
Muslim lobbies to propagate and project all Muslims as intolerant, war mongers
and terrorists. Even some ignorant Muslims also fall pray to this fallacy. It
is important that the misconceptions are removed by understanding the concept
of Jihad in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah. ‘Tolerance’ has always been
hallmark of Islamic heritage; as evident from abridged version of the 1927
Lecture of Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, included in the 2nd part below.
Jihad - Important
Doctrine:
Jihad is a very important doctrine of Islam, which lays
down guidelines and principles, to be adhered by a Muslim while striving against various forms of
resistance, internal (against selfish desires and evil temptations) or external
for the cause of Allah. Muslims are required to make persistent effort to serve
the cause of Islam. That effort, whatever its future, falls within the meaning
of the term “jihad-fi-Sabi-Lillah” (Jihad for the cause of Allah). Jihad
is derived from the Arabic word ‘Juhd’,
which means “effort”. The verb Jahida
means ‘to be tried as a result of exerting an effort or energy; striving,
making endeavor’. So Jihad is to contend with difficulties and to work
continually, especially with strenuous effort. The term presupposes that such
an effort will be made against resistance. Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The
best fighting (Jihad) in the path of Allah is (to speak) a word of
justice to an oppressive ruler. (Sunan of Abu Dawood:2040). While term ‘Jihad’
has wider application, the term Qital
is used in the meaning of ‘warfare’ or armed struggle. Qital may be part of Jihad but every Jihad is not necessarily warfare.
After thirteen years of
worst oppression and persecution by the pagans of Makkah, the early Muslims had
to migrate to Medina Medina 22:39 -40).” “Those who believe
and adopt exile and fight for the faith in the cause of Allah as well as those
who give (them) asylum and aid these are (all) in very truth the believers: for
them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.”(Qur’an;8:75).
Later in order to enable
the Muslims to extend the influence of Islam outside Arabia, they were enjoined
to confront the non-Muslim powers to extend the sovereignty of the Islamic
State to grant the freedom to the nonbelievers to accept Islam with free will
or choose to follow their old faith, provided they paid Jizyah (poll tax) for their protection and exemption form military
service:
“O believers! Fight the unbelievers who hem you in, to let them know
how tough you are; you should know that Allah is on the side of the God
fearing.””(Qur’an;9:123).
Misconceptions:
Meanings of Jihad: The term “Jihad” has
much wider significance than a military campaign and open warfare as commonly
perceived. Jihad could be with “the heart” (intentions or feelings), with “the
hand” (weapons etc) a simple action, such as standing firm in defense of the
cause of Islam or “with tongue” (expression through speech or writing etc).
This may require speaking out in public, for extending invitation of Islam to
non believers (Dawah, preaching), against ignoring Islamic principles,
and writing articles or publishing books to promote Islam. Since Islam is the
faith of “Peace”, the early Muslim community was urged to conduct the Bigger Jihad
(Jihad Kabira), through Qur’an,
i.e. preaching of Allah’s message. Allah
says in Qur’an: “therefore, do not yield to the unbelievers, and make Jihad
(strive) against them with this Qur'an, a mighty Jihad (strenuous
striving).”(Qur’an;25:52). The aim of making Strenuous Efforts (Jihad) is three
fold:
(1) The first and foremost is to; ‘Strive Against Selfish
Desires’ (Nafs ammarah), to purify the heart, so that the faith (Eman)
of Islam is deeply rooted in the heart, to become fully subservient to the
commands of God and His Apostle. Allah says: “The Bedouin Arabs say: "We
have believed." Tell them: "You have not believed; rather say 'We
have become Muslims;' for faith has not yet found its way into your hearts. If
you obey Allah and His Apostle, He will not deny you the reward of your deeds;
surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”(Qur’an;49:14), “(We take our) color from Allah, and who is
better than Allah at coloring. We are His worshippers.”(Qur’an;2:138). Abu Bakr
is reported to have said; To fight against the infidels is Jihad, but to fight against your evil self (Nafs ammarah) is
greater Jihad. It may also take the form of reminding people of their Islamic
duties and motivating them to conduct their lives according to Islam. God says:
“The true believers, both men and women, are protectors of one another. They
enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil; they establish prayer (Salah),
practice regular charity (Zakah), and obey God Allah and His Apostle. It is they on whom God
will have His mercy; surely God is Mighty, Wise.”(Qur’an;9:71).
(2) Secondly, making strenuous efforts (Jihad) to convey
the Last message of God (Islam) to the humanity(Dawah) because Allah
says: “Thus We have appointed you (Muslims) a middle nation, that ye may be
witnesses against mankind, and that the messenger may be a witness against
you.”( Qur’an;2:143), : “You (Muslims) are the best of peoples evolved for
mankind enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and believing in
Allah.”(Qur’an;3:110), “We have given
the Book as an inheritance to those of Our servants (Muslims) whom We have
chosen”.(Qur’an;35:32). The Prophet (peace be upon him) in his last sermon
said: “O’ People, no prophet or apostle
will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well,
therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave
behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you
follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on
my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand
my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
As true followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is the obligation
of Muslims to pass on the Guidance and the Religion of Truth (Islam) to the
humanity. This is a great responsibility so Muslims have to gain knowledge of
Islam, practice it and then convey to the humanity.
(3) Thirdly Jihad is to be conducted to provide protection
to Muslims and non Muslims against oppression. Allah says: “He is the Lord of
the east and the west: there is no God but Him, therefore, take Him as your
Protector”(Qur’an;73:9), “And what reason do you (Muslims) have not to fight in
the cause of God, to rescue the helpless oppressed old men, women, and children
who are crying: "Our Lord! Deliver us from this town whose people are
oppressors; send us a protector by Your grace and send us a helper from Your
presence?”(Qur’an;4:75). All out efforts
are to be made to preserve Islam, and to create conducive environments for
freely conveying the message of Islam to all the people, without any coercion.
So that they may ponder and accept or reject it by their free choice using
their reason and intellect in line with the teachings of Qur’an: “as for those
who are bent on denying the truth and on barring (others) from the path of
God - all their (good) deeds will He let go to waste;'”- - - “Now when you
meet (in war) those who are bent on denying the truth, smite their necks
until you overcome them fully, and then tighten their bonds; but
thereafter [set them free,] either by an act of grace or against ransom, so
that the burden of war may be lifted: thus [shall it be]. And [know
that] had God so willed, He could indeed punish them [Himself]; but [He wills
you to struggle] so as to test you [all] by means of one another. And as for
those who are slain in God's cause, never will He let their deeds go to waste: (Qur’an;47:1
& 4). Hence like any other struggle,
Jihad also has defensive as well as offensive implications depending upon
social, geopolitical, socioeconomic, military, religious and other
considerations. According to the traditional procedure of Allah, the rejection
of Message by the direct recipient form the Apostle (Rasool) are entitled to Divine punishment through the messenger and
his followers. This Divine punishment was accomplished in case of Arabs in the
life time of Apostle and for the neighboring powers through his companions. It
is no more applicable now. Jihad is a life-long mission for the Muslim as a
community to struggle against all evils, socio-economic, cultural, educational
and political dogmas; superstitious and mythological concepts; and directing
the Muslims towards obedience to Allah, enlightenment, refinement, scientific
progress, dignified character and honest actions. Its top and most noble form
is to fight the enemies of Islam in battle in order to foil their attempts to
suppress the Muslims and the invitation to Islam.
Forced Conversion to
Islam not Permissible:
Conversion by force is
prohibited in Islam. Allah says: “There shall be no coercion in matters of faith. Distinct has now become the
right way from the (way of ) error: hence, he who rejects the powers of evil
and believes in God has indeed taken hold of support most unfailing, which
shall never give way: for God is all-hearing, all-knowing.”(Qur’an;2:256). “So
if they argue with you, tell them: "I have submitted myself entirely to
Allah and so have those who follow me." Then ask those who are given the
Book and those who are illiterates (not having revealed scriptures): "Will
you also submit yourselves to Allah?" If they become Muslims they shall be
rightly guided but if they turn back, you need not worry, because your sole
responsibility is to convey the Message. God is watching all His servants very
closely.”(Qur’an;3:20 ). “Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and best advice,
and reason with them, if you have to, in the most courteous manner: for your
Lord knows best who strays from His Way and He knows best who is rightly
guided.”(Qur’an;16:125). “O Muhammad, declare: "O mankind! The truth has
come to you from your Lord! He that follows guidance (Right Way 18:29 ).
“Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an?..”(Qur’an;4:82). “Say, O Muhammad:
"Would you dispute with us concerning God, who is our Lord and your Lord
as well? We shall be accountable to Him for our deeds and you for yours; to Him
alone we are devoted.”(Qur’an;2:139). “And argue not with the followers of
earlier revelations unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of
them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us
and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we
surrender.(Qur’an;29:46). “Have you ever seen the one who has taken his own
desires as his god? Would you take the responsibility of guiding
him?”(Qur’an;25:43). “If there are some among you who believe in the message
with which I have been sent and others who disbelieve it, then be patient until
Allah judges between us, for He is the best of all judges.”(Qur’an;7:87). “He
creates man out of (mere) drop of sperm: and lo! This same being shows himself
endowed with the power to think and argue”(Qur’an;16:4).
It is well known historic
fact that after eight centuries of the Muslims in Spain Spain India Spain India London
Myth to Kill The Non
Muslims Wherever You Find Them : Killing of innocent people whether Muslim or non Muslim is strictly
forbidden in Islam. Allah says: “..whoever kills a person, except as a
punishment for murder or mischief in the land, it will be written in his book
of deeds as if he had killed all the human beings and whoever will save a life
shall be regarded as if he gave life to all the human beings..”(Qur’an;5:32 ),
“You shall not kill anyone whom God has forbidden, except for just cause under
the law. If anyone is killed unjustly, We have granted the right of retribution
to his heir, but let him not carry his vengeance too far in killing the culprit
through taking the law in his own hands, as he is supported by the
law.”(Qur’an;17:33 ). The verse number 5 & 6 of Surah Tuba (Chapter Number 9 - The Repentance) from Qur’an are most frequently misquoted, out of context by critics
of Islam, to create misunderstanding, as a part of deliberate campaign to malign and project Islam as barbaric
religion. Killing is only permitted in the state of war. Allah says: “But when
the forbidden months are past then fight
and slay the idolaters wherever you 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
practice regular charity then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving
Most Merciful.”(Qur’an;9:5), “If anyone from the idolaters ask you for asylum,
grant it to him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and then escort him to
the place of safety: this should be done because these people do not know the
truth.”(Qur’an;9:6).
It is made to appear that
the Muslims have been given free hand to kill the pagans or non believers. It
may be kept in view that some verses of Qur’an were revealed for specific
occasions and carry instructions for similar circumstances if they ever exist
again, out of context quotation of such verses in parts, by any one is
misleading. Such efforts to twist the meanings with ulterior motives result in
tarnishing the image of Islam. A look at verses (Qur’an;9:1-6) in Qur’an revealed
before conquest of Makkah, provide the context, thereby leaving no room for
misunderstanding. Allah says in Qur’an: “A declaration of immunity from Allah
and His Messenger is hereby made to those of the pagans with whom you have made
a treaty: "You have four months to go around in the land unmolested; but
you should know that you cannot frustrate the will of Allah, and that Allah
will humiliate the unbelievers." This is a public proclamation from Allah
and His Messenger to the people on the day of the Great Hajj (Pilgrimage) that
Allah and His Messenger do hereby dissolve treaty obligations with the pagans.
Therefore, if you repent, it will be better for you but if you turn away, then
you should know that you cannot frustrate the Will of Allah. O’ Prophet,
proclaim a painful punishment to those who are unbelievers. Except (this
proclamation does not apply to) those pagans who honored their treaties with
you in every detail and aided none against you. So fulfill your treaties with
them to the end of their term; for Allah loves the righteous.”(Qur’an;9:1-4),
“But when the forbidden months are past then fight and slay the idolaters
wherever you 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 practice regular charity then
open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.”(Qur’an;9:5),
“If anyone from the idolaters ask you for asylum, grant it to him so that he
may hear the Word of Allah, and then escort him to the place of safety: this
should be done because these people do not know the truth.”(Qur’an;9:6). “How
can you trust them? If they prevail against you, they respect neither treaty
nor ties of relationship. They just flatter you with their tongues, but their
hearts reject you, and most of them are transgressors.”(Qur’an;9:8). “Fight
them; Allah will punish them by your hands and humiliate them. He will grant
you victory over them and soothe the hearts of a believing people.”(Qur’an;9:14 )
The part of verse
(Qur’an;9:5); “fight and slay the idolaters wherever ye find them,” if quoted separately would give
different meanings to what is actually intended. Therefore if complete verses
(Qur’an;9:1-6) are read together the context and meanings are self
evident: The emphasis is on the first
clause; it is only when the four months of grace are past, and the other party
show no signs of desisting from their treacherous designs by right conduct,
that the state of war supervenes-between Faith and Unfaith. When war becomes
inevitable, it must be prosecuted with vigour. The fighting may take the form
of killing, capture, or siege, or ambush and other stratagems of war. But even
then there is room for repentance and amendment on the part of the guilty
party, and if that takes place, then the duty is forgiveness and the
establishment of peace. The repentance must be sincere, and that is shown by
conduct-a religious spirit of true prayer and charity. In that case the gate
against the repentant should not be barred. On the contrary Muslims must do
all they can to make their way easy,
remembering that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Even among the enemies
of Islam, actively fighting against Islam, there may be individuals who may be
in a position to require protection. Full asylum is to be given to them, and
opportunities provided for hearing the Word of Allah. If they accept the Word,
they become Muslims and brethren, and no further question arises. If they do
not see their way to accept Islam, they will require double protection: (1)
from the Islamic forces openly fighting against their people, and (2) from
their own people, as they detached themselves from them. Both kinds of
protection should be ensured for them, and they should be safely escorted to a
place where they can be safe. Such persons only err through ignorance, and
there may be much good in them. These verses contain excellent rules for
conduct of war, which are so humane that never in the history of mankind one
can find grant of privileges and rights to the fallen enemies.
Renowned scholar Muhammad
Asad in his commentary on Qur’an has strongly refuted misconception of deducing
any justification for forced conversion or killing of unbelievers: It may be
kept in view that every verse of Qur’an must be interpreted against the
background of Qur’an as a whole. The verse (Qur’an;9:5) which speaks of a
possible conversion of pagan to Islam with whom the believers are at war, must
therefore, be considered in conjunction with several fundamental Qur’anic ordinances.
One of them: “there will be no coercion in matters of faith”(Qur’an;2:256),
lays down categorically that any attempt at a forcible conversion of
unbelievers is prohibited.-which precludes the possibility of the Muslims ‘
demanding or expectation that a defeated enemy should embrace Islam as the
price of immunity. Secondly, the Qur’an ordains, “Fight in the cause of Allah
with those who fight against you, but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not
like transgressors.”(Qur’an;2:190) ); and, if they do not let you be , and do
not offer you peace, and do not stay their hands, seize them and slay them wherever you come upon them: and it is
against these that We have clearly empowered you (to make war)”(Qur’an;4:91).
“if they desist –behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of
grace”(Qur’an;2:192), and, “If they desist, all hostility should cease except
against the oppressors.”(Qur’an;2:193). As far as the enemy’s conversion to
Islam –expressed in the words; “if they repent, and establish prayer and pay Zakat”,
is no more that one, and by no means the only, way of their “desisting for
hostility”; and the reference to it in verses 9:5 & 9:11 certainly does not
imply an alternative of “conversion or death” as some critics of Islam (as well
as some ill informed scholars) choose to assume. The verse 9:4 and 9:6 give a further elucidation of the attitude
which the believers are enjoined to adopt towards such of the unbelievers as
are not hostile to them: “Except (this proclamation of war does not apply to)
those pagans who honored their treaties with you in every detail and aided none
against you. So fulfill your treaties with them to the end of their term; for
Allah loves the righteous.”(Qur’an;9:4). It is further clarified in Qur’an:
“Allah does not forbid you to be kind and equitable
to those who had neither fought against your faith nor driven you out of your
homes. In fact Allah loves the equitable. Allah only forbids you to make
friendship with those who fought you on account of your faith and drove you out
of your homes and backed up others in your expulsion. Those who will take them
for friends are indeed the wrongdoers.”(Qur’an;60:8-9).
On the expiry of warning
period, the pagans who had violated the treaty, could either accept Islam by
choice, leave the holy places, or face war, yet those pagans who had not
previously taken the Message seriously and seek asylum were to be taken to the
place of safety and provided protection to ponder and make their decision to
accept Islam by free choice. The war orders (Qur’an;9:5) to kill the pagans
were issued for the State of War, it is erroneous to assume that
pagans be killed where ever found even in the normal state of peace, as evident
in verses (Qur’an;9:4, 9:6 & 60:8-9) above. History is witness to the fact
that the non believers have been living peacefully under Muslim rule for
centuries and still continue to live in the countries with majority Muslim
population.
Divine Punishment for
Rejecting the Messenger of God:
Universal Mission Arabia were to be guided to the Truth of Islam and trained to become
torchbearers of Islam. Secondly on the long term basis these devout Muslims had
to pass on this “Torch of Guidance” to the fellow brother to guide whole
mankind till the end of the world. His universal mission could not have been
achieved if Arabia was not purged of disbelief and pantheism during the lifetime of
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hence believer were commanded:
“Believers, fight those of the non-believers who are near you and let them find
you tough; and know that Allah is with those who are Allah-fearing.”(Qur’an;9:123).
Therefore “war was declared against them, as per the war instructions, enough
warning time was given to the pagans of Makkah.
Pagans of Makkah: According to the traditional procedure of Allah, if a Messenger (Rasool) himself delivers the message of
guidance to the community or nations, and if not obeyed, then those nations and
communities were punished by Allah, through the hands of followers of the
messenger if they are strong enough, but if they are weak in numbers and
strength then the Divine punishment befalls upon them through natural calamites
resulting in their destruction. The example of Divine punishment to the nations
of Nuh, Aad, Samood and Loot (peace be upon them) in the form of destruction
through natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, tornados etc are well
known. It is mentioned in Qur’an: “The punishment for those who wage war
against Allah and His Messenger and strive to create mischief in the land is
death or crucifixion or the cutting off their hands and feet from opposite sides
or exile from the land based on the gravity of their offense. This will be
their humiliation in this world and in the Hereafter they will have grievous
punishment, except those who repent before you apprehend them, in such a case,
you should know that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”(Qur’an;5:33 -34),“Messenger
have been mocked before you (O Muhammad), but I always gave respite to the
unbelievers and finally I seized them, so see how terrible was My
requital!”(Qur’an;13:32 ). In the case of pagan Arabs, the Divine punishment for disobeying
him and Allah was in the form of their destruction through killing by the
believers (mostly their relatives) after expiry of warning period continuing in
the same Chapter (Number 9; ‘The Repentance’). Allah says: “Fight them; Allah
will punish them by your hands and humiliate them. He will grant you victory
over them and soothe the hearts of a believing people.”(Qur’an;9:14 ). Similar punishment was ordered for the Jews,
who worshiped the calf (Qur’an;2:54 ) also mentioned in Bible:
“then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Who is on the Lord’s
side? Come to me. "And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together
to him. And he said to them, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel, `Put every
man his sword on his side, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the
camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every
man his neighbor.' And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses; and
there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.”(Exodos;32:26-28).
In 630 C.E the bloodless
fall of Makkah followed by defeat of pagans at Hunain and fall of Taif paved the way for making the whole of Arabia the 'Abode of Islam' (Dar-ul-Islam). The result was that
hardly a year had passed after the Battle Arabia came within the fold of
Islam. The first part of his mission was almost accomplished during the
lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) except few pockets of
resistance in the Arabian peninsula . Arabia was cleansed of pagans and their evil. In 631 C.E Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) personally lead expedition to Tabuk, on information of
concentration of Romans, but on hearing that the Prophet is himself leading the
forces of Islam, they avoided the conflict. This was the year of Deputations
(631 C.E), people form all over Arabia came to accept Islam, thus increasing the numbers many folds.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) died in 632 C.E.
Roman and Persian Empires:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), prior to his
death had invited the rulers of neighboring powers to Islam (Byzantine,
Persians, and in Arabia ) through epistles and emissaries. Due to their negative response,
they were entitled for Divine punishment as per the rule of God. Due to death
of Prophet (peace be upon him), this pending task was accomplished by his
successors through Jihad. It is no more applicable now. Apart from Divine
punishment the object of Jihad was
not to coerce them to accept Islam, but to ensure that freedom of choice is
provided to the people of neighboring areas to choose between truth (Haqq) and falsehood (Batil). Hence they were enjoined to
subdue the non-Muslim powers to establish the sovereignty of the Islamic State.
The world was much different from the present, wherein as per international law
every human being is free to adopt and practice any faith, (at least in theory)
but this was not the case at that time. The great Roman (Christian) and Persian
(Zoroastrian) Empires were the biggest hindrances in conveying the message of
Islam to their population. They were to be prevented from thrusting forcibly
their disbelief upon their subjects and the future generations hence the
conflict with them was inevitable. By the period of Caliph Omar bin Khattab
(634-644 C.E), not only Arabia was purged of non believers but other areas as far as Afghanistan Egypt
Warfare in Bible:
Warfare [armed struggle, Qital] was also permissible in the previous scriptures. It is
mentioned in Qur’an: “Indeed God has purchased from the believers their persons
and their wealth and in return has promised them paradise; they fight in the
cause of Allah and slay and are slain. This is a true promise which is binding
on Him mentioned in Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an; and who is more true in
fulfilling his promise than Allah? Rejoice, therefore, in the bargain which you
have made, and that is a mighty achievement.”(Qur’an;9:111). As regards actual
‘fighting with the sword’ there has been some difference in theological
theories at different times, but very little in the practice of those who
framed those theories. The Jewish wars were ruthless wars of extermination; the
Old Testament does not mince words: “And ye shall chase your enemies, and they
shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and
an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall
before you by the sword.” (Leviticus;26:7-8). “Let the high praises of God be
in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon
the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains,
and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment
written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm;149:6-9).
Moses ordered the killing of Jews, guilty of idol worship; "And when Moses
said unto his people: O my people! Ye have wronged yourselves by your choosing
of the calf (for worship) so turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the
guilty) yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator and He will
relent toward you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.”(Qur’an;2:54 ,
also mentioned in Bible in the book of
Exodos;32:26-28.). “O my people! Go into
the holy land which Allah hath ordained for you. Turn not in flight, for surely
ye turn back as losers: They said: O Moses! Lo! a giant people (dwell) therein,
and lo! we go not in till they go forth from thence. When they go forth, then
we will enter (not till then).(Qur’an;5:21 -22). (Their Lord) said: For
this the land will surely be forbidden them for forty years that they will
wander in the earth, bewildered. So grieve not over the wrongdoing
folk.(Qur’an;5:26 ). “Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after
Moses, how they said unto a Prophet whom they had: Set up for us a King and we
will fight in Allah's way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if
fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah's
way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when
fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them.
Allah is Aware of evil-doers.”(Qur’an;2:246). “So they routed them by Allah's
leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and
taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by
others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to
(His) creatures.”(Qur’an;2:251).
In the New Testament the
Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) says: “But those mine enemies, which would not
that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.”(Luke; 9:27 ).
Saint. Paul, in commending the worthy fruits of Faith, mentions the warriors of
the Old Testament as his ideals: “And what more shall I say? For time would
fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the
prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign
armies to flight.” (Hebrews; 11: 32-34). "Now therefore Kill every male
among the little ones, and Kill every woman (female) that hath known man by
lying (having sex) with him. "But keep Alive for yourselves all the Girls
and all the women who are Virgins."(Numbers;31:17-18). The Jews salvaged
for themselves; “and thirty-two thousand persons in all, women who had not known
man by lying with him.”(Numbers; 31:35). “But in the cities of these peoples
that the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, (O’ Jews) you shall save
alive nothing that breathes,(Deuteronomy;20:16 ). 'And they (the Jews)
Utterly Destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old,
ox and sheep, and Ass, with the edge of the sword"(Joshua;6:21 ),"He
(Joshua) let None remain alive." (Joshua;10:28 ). The
monkish morality of the Gospels in their present form has never been followed
by any self-respecting Christian or other nation in history. Pope Urban II
(1088-99 C.E) coined the phrase ‘Holy War’, launched the Crusades movement
which was subsequently vigorously supported by his followers for two centuries(1095-1291 C.E), causing death and destruction to millions
besides sowing seeds of hatred and enmity among the followers of two great
civilizations which still haunts the humanity. The association of Missionaries
with Crusades posed a moral theological problem that troubled medieval Christian
thinkers. Thirteenth-century Christian theologians held that conversion could
not be forced, but most agreed that force could legitimately be used to
preserve a situation in which peaceful propaganda was possible, and they
continued to support the Crusade. Furthermore, Europe 's fear was such that the
Crusade idea persisted well into the 17th century, and the conviction that, in
certain circumstances, war might be just became more deeply enrooted in the
conscience of the West. Along with the now generally accepted use of the word
‘Crusade’ to denote any ‘Common Endeavour in a Worthy Cause’ (Christian Jihad),
this is one of the most enduring results of the movement. After the
bloodstained conversions in South America , the colonization of most of the free world by diplomacy,
intimidation aggression and coercion took place. Pope
Pius XII was obliged, under the pressures of World War II, to clarify
and redefine the church's teachings on war and peace as well as to work out a
strategy of survival. Pope Pius XII
, tacitly condoned the Nazi holocaust.
The deadly wars and large scale killings of people among weaker nations
mostly Muslim which goes unabated on the pretext of war against terror lead by
the American Evangelist and Neocons, the claim of love and peace by the Western
(Christian) world appears to be hollow. They have forgotten the saying of Jesus
(peace be upon him):“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and
then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”(Mathew;
7:5).
Islam Laid Down Ethics
and Rules for Conduct of Warfare:
It is irrational to ignore
the lust of blood in stubborn man as a form of evil which has to be combated
“within the limits”, set by Allah. At the time of creation of Adam: “The angels
said: Will You place there one who will make mischief and shed blood?
..”(Qur’an;2:30 ). It may undoubtedly be realized that human beings often resort to
war without solid justification, at times over petty matters. One has to look
at history, the past and present. The
motives of war could be many, broadly they are; (1) Pursuit of trade and to
gain economic advantage, (2) Spread of influence or religion, (3) Desire for
security and political power, and (4) Combination of one or more of these
three. At different times and in different places, different motives are
dominant. War is a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict
between political units, such as states or nations or between rival political
factions of the same state or nation. War is characterized by intentional
violence on the part of large bodies of individuals who are expressly organized
and trained to participate in such violence. Wars between nation-states may be
fought to gain reparation for a particular injury; to acquire a particular
territory or advantage; to gain recognition of a particular claim; or to
achieve the extermination or unconditional surrender of the enemy. War may take
defensive or offensive forms or combination of both according to the objectives
and resources. Hence, the great religion
as Islam, that provides a complete code of life, must address the possibility
of war. The Qur’an certainly does so, and the code it provides is more
civilized than any in the whole history of humanity.
Jihad for Allah's Cause
Only: Jihad [including the form of warfare] is not
for self glory or spoils of war but for the cause of Allah only. Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the importance of Jihad and
participants. It is narrated by Abu
Huraira: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said; "The person who
participates in (Jihad by sword) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do
so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either
with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he
is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my
followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya (small force of 5 to 400) going for Jihad and I would have
loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred
and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause." (Sahih
Al-Bukhari Hadith:1.35). Narrated
by Ibn Masud: A man asked the
Prophet; "What deeds are the best?" The Prophet said: (1) To perform
the (daily compulsory) prayers at their (early) stated fixed times, (2) To be
good and dutiful to one's own parents. (3) and to participate in Jihad in
Allah's Cause."(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
9.625).
Non Aggression, Self Defence:
Initially the Muslims were not allowed to fight
even for self defence, however when oppression exceeded the limits, Allah granted
permission to the Muslims to fight for self defense: “Permission to fight back
is hereby granted to the believers against whom war is waged and because they
are oppressed; certainly Allah has power to grant them victory.”(Qur’an;22:39 ).
Allah says: “Fight for the cause of Allah those who fight against you,
but do not commit aggression. Allah does not love aggressors. Kill them
wherever you may find them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you
away; for oppression is even worse than killing. However, do not fight them
near the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you first there. Should they fight
you, then kill them. Thus shall the unbelievers be rewarded. But, if they
desist, know that Allah is Much Forgiving, Merciful. Fight them until there is
no more oppression and submission is made to Allah. If they desist, let there
be no hostility except against the wrongdoers.”(Qur’an;2:190-193). The weakness
invites aggression, hence the Muslims are urged to develop their military
power. God says: “Against them make
ready your strength to the utmost of your power including steeds of war to
strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of God and your enemies and
others besides whom you may not know but whom God does know. Whatever you shall
spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you and you shall not be
treated unjustly.”(Qur’an;8:60).
Just War against Oppression:
Jihad is meant to serve Allah's cause ALONE to
eliminate oppression and to ensure that people are given an opportunity to
freely submit to the will of God. Qur’an says; "Fight against them until
there is no more oppression, and all submission is to Allah
alone."(Qur’an;8:39 ). The whole earth is populated by human beings that are being
subjected to tyranny and oppression by fellow human beings, holding reign of
power. Why does Islam, then, move forward to fight, and why has Allah bought
the believers' souls and property, so that "they fight for Allah's cause,
kill and get killed"? The answer is that jihad has a reason which is
totally different from compelling other people to accept Islam.
Kindness and Equity to
Non Aggressors: Allah says: “As for such of
the unbelievers who do not fight against you on account of your faith, and
neither drive you forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show
them kindness and to behave toward them with full equity. Indeed Allah loves
those who act equitably. Allah only forbids you to turn in friendship toward
such as fight against you because of your faith, and drive you forth from your
homelands, or aid others in driving you forth. Those who turn toward them in
friendship are truly wrongdoers.”(Qur’an;60:8-9).
Killing a
believer, major sin: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his
punishment is hell to live therein forever. He shall incur the wrath of Allah,
Who will lay His curse on him and prepare for him a woeful punishment.”(Qur’an;4:93). How far it is justifiable to kill some Muslim who
believes in all the fundamentals of Islam but lack in practice. Does Qur’an or
any authentic Hadith directly mention to kill such a Muslim? Is there any
example where the Prophet (peace be upon him) executed such a Muslim? If the
answer is not in affirmative, then how stateless groups like Taliban can
justify killing such Muslims on the basis of their skeptical analogy, rejected
by majority scholars including Imam Abu Hanifah.
Killing of
innocent human not permitted: Allah says:
“..whoever kills a person, except as a punishment for murder or mischief in the
land, it will be written in his book of deeds as if he had killed all the human
beings and whoever will save a life shall be regarded as if he gave life to all
the human beings..”(Qur’an;5:32 ); Allah says: “You shall
not kill anyone whom God has forbidden, except for just cause under the law. If
anyone is killed unjustly, We have granted the right of retribution to his
heir, but let him not carry his vengeance too far in killing the culprit
through taking the law in his own hands, as he is supported by the
law.”(Qur’an;17:33 )
Mischief on Land
Rejected: Allah says: “.. and do not seek
mischief in the land, for Allah does not love the mischief
makers.”(Al-Qasas;28:77) Allah says: “When it is said to them: “Do not make
mischief on earth,” they say: “We make peace. Be aware! They are the ones who
make mischief but they do not realize it.”(Al-Baqara;2:11 -12
similarly also at 2:60, 206, 3:63, 7:56 ). “The punishment of those
who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main
for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off
of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their
disgrace In This world, and a heavy punishment is theirs In the Hereafter.
Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: in that case know
that Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.”(Qur’an;5:33-34). The double crime
of treason against the State combined with treason against Allah, and His
Messenger as shown by overt crimes, four alternative punishments are mentioned,
any one of which is to be applied according to the crime committed. In any case
sincere repentance before it was too late was recognized as a ground for mercy.
Kindness to Non
Combatants: Allah says: “As for such of the unbelievers
who do not fight against you on account of your faith, and neither drive you
forth from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them kindness and
to behave toward them with full equity.”(Qur’an; 60:8).
Suicide is not
permissible in Islam: Allah says: “.. do not
cast yourselves into destruction by your own hands…” (Al-Baqarah,2:195); Allah
says: “..do not kill yourselves by adopting unlawful means….”(An-Nisa,4:29 ).Narrated
Thabit bin Ad Dahhak: The Prophet said; “whoever commits suicide with
something, will be punished with the same thing in the (Hell) fire”.(Sahih Al
Bukhari Hadith Numbr:8.126). Narrated Jabir ibn Samurah: (The dead body) of a
person who had killed himself with a broad-headed arrow was brought before the
Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him), but he did not offer prayers for
him.(Sahih Muslim Hadith. Number.486).
Resist Persecution: The believers are told; "Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed,
and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah. That is best for
you if you understand" (Qur’an;9:41 ). "And strive in the
cause of Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He has exalted you and
has laid no hardship on you in religion (Deen);
the faith of your father Abraham." (Qur’an;22:78). "So those who have
migrated and were driven forth from their homes and have been persecuted in My
Cause, and have fought and have been slain, verily I shall remit their evil
deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into
Gardens."(Qur’an;3:195). "And whosoever strives, strives only for
himself, for verily Allah is altogether independent of His creatures of the
world" (Qur’an;29:6).
Freedom of Faith: Indeed jihad seeks to guarantee the freedom of belief. Islam lays
down rule stating in Qur’an that: “There shall be no coercion in matters of
faith. Distinct has now become the right way from the (way of ) error: hence,
he who rejects the powers of evil and believes in God has indeed taken hold of
support most unfailing, which shall never give way: for God is all-hearing,
all-knowing.”(Qur’an;2:256). The choice is granted to humanity in the limited
Free-will which involves a corresponding personal responsibility.
Killing by Burning not
Allowed: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle
said: It is none but Allah Who punishes with fire, so, if you find them, kill
them.(Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith, Number.4.259). Narrated Ikrima : Ali burnt some
people and this news reached Ibn Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place
I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with
Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said,
'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him. (Sahih Al Bukhari,
Hadith, Number.4.260).
Mutilation of the Dead Bodies is Prohibited : Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prohibited to mutilate the
dead bodies. (Sahih Muslim Hadith.804).
Treachery: “If you fear treachery from any of your allies, you may fairly
retaliate by breaking off the treaty with them (through properly notifying them
to that effect), for Allah does not love the treacherous.”(Qur’an;8:58 ).
Peace offer be Accepted: Allah says:” If the enemy is inclined towards peace, do make peace
with them, and put your trust in Allah. He is the One Who hears all , knows
all.”(8:61)
Care of Sick &
Hungry Captives: Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet
said, "Free the captives, feed the hungry and pay a visit to the
sick.(Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith, Number.4.282).
Fulfilling Safe Conduct: Muslims have to fulfill commitment and not to kill by false
promise. Yahya related to me from Malik from a man of Kufa that Umar ibn
al-Khattab wrote to a lieutenant of an army which he had sent out, "I have
heard that it is the habit of some of your men to chase an unbeliever till he
takes refuge in a high place. Then one man tells him in Persian not to be
afraid, and when he comes up to him, he kills him. By He in whose hand my self
is, if I knew someone who had done that, I would strike off his head. (Al
Muwata Hadith, Number.21.12).
Grant of Asylum : Allah 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.”(Qur’an;9:6).
Taking Prisoners of War
: Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers in the
battlefield smite their necks and, when you have thoroughly subdued them, then
take prisoners of war and bind them firmly. After the war lay down her burdens,
then you have the choice whether you show them favor or accept ransom. Thus are
you commanded. If Allah wanted, He Himself could have punished them; but He
adopted this way so that He may test some of you by means of others. As for
those who are slain in the cause of Allah, He will never let their deeds be
lost.(Qur’an;47:4).
Offer to Prisoners of War:
Allah says: “O Prophet! Tell the captives in
your custody: "If Allah finds goodness in your hearts He will give you
even better than what has been taken from you, as well as forgive you. Allah Is
Forgiving, Merciful. But if they have treacherous designs against you, O
Prophet, they have already shown treason against Allah. That is why He made
them your captives. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.”(Qur’an;8:70-71).
Providing Cloths to
Prisoners of War: Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: When
it was the day (of the battle) of Badr, prisoners of war were brought including
Al-Abbas who was undressed. The Prophet looked for a shirt for him. It was
found that the shirt of Abdullah bin Ubai would do, so the Prophet let him wear
it. That was the reason why the Prophet took off and gave his own shirt to
Abdullah. (The narrator adds, "He had done the Prophet some favor for
which the Prophet liked to reward him."). (Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith,
Number.4.252).
Prohibitions-of Killing
Religious People, Women, Children, Aged, Sick People, Animals and Cutting Trees in Military Expeditions : Narrated Abdullah: During some of the ghazawat of the Prophet
a woman was found killed. Allah's Apostle disapproved and forbade the killing
of women and children. (Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith, Number.4.257,258). Abu Bakr
advised Yazid, the commander of Muslim Military Expeditions to Sham (Syria
Safety of Mosques, Churches and Synagogues:
Killing of Muslims or
other worshipper is prohibited: “Hence, who could be more wicked than those who
bar the mention of God's name from [any of] His houses of worship and strive
for their ruin, [although] they have no right to enter them save in fear [of
God]? For them, in this world, there is ignominy in store; and for them, in the
life to come, awesome suffering.”(Qur’an;2:114). “Had
not Allah repelled some people by the might of others, the monasteries,
churches, synagogues, and mosques in which Allah's praise is daily celebrated,
would have been utterly demolished.”(Qur’an;22:40 )
Mutilation
of the dead bodies is prohibited:
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prohibited to mutilate the dead bodies.
(Sahih Muslim Hadith.804).
Women’s Role : The women are not required to
participate in Jihad, as per Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 4.128, Narrated by Aish’a (The mother of the faithful
believers); “The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by his wives about the
Jihad and he replied, "The best Jihad (for you) is (the performance of)
Hajj.” However it is evident form a Hadith that in the initial days the women
has been providing support. Narrated Ar Rabibint Muauwidh :We used to take part
in holy battles with the Prophet by providing the people with water and serving
them and bringing the killed and the wounded back to Medina
Exemption for Physical Disability:
Allah says: “Those believers who stay at
home - having no physical disability - are not equal to those who make Jihad
(struggle) in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their persons. Allah has
granted a higher rank to those who make Jihad with their wealth and their
persons than to those who stay at home. Though Allah has promised a good reward
for all, Allah has prepared a much richer reward for those who make Jihad for
Him than for those who stay at home”(Qur’an;4:95).
Exemption of Non Muslim
Subject from Warfaare: The non Muslims subjects who
pay poll tax (Jazya) are exempted form military service and provided
protection by the state.
Multi Religious
Tolerant Islamic Societies:
The Muslims granted the
freedom to the nonbelievers if they chose to follow their old faith, provided
they paid tax (Jizyah) as a sign of
their submission to the Islamic State and protection. The existence of statue
of Buddha for fourteen centuries of Muslim rule at Afghanistan Spain India
Faith, Jihad and Salvation:
There is very strong link
between Faith, Jihad and Salvation .The faith must be strong and find its way
in to the heart. Allah says: “The Bedouin Arabs say: "We have
believed." Tell them: "You have not believed; rather say 'We have
become Muslims;' for faith has not yet found its way into your hearts. If you
obey Allah and His Apostle, He will not deny you the reward of your deeds;
surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”(Qur’an;49:14). The Prophet (peace be upon
him) said, "The head of the matter is Islam, its pillar is the prayer, and
the top of its hump is jihad in the way of Allah."(Fiqh As Sunnah:
1.75). Allah provides the key to
salvation for the believers: “O believers! Should I tell you of a bargain that
will save you from a painful punishment? It is to believe in Allah and His
Apostle and strive your utmost in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your
persons. That is best for you, if you but knew it.”(Qur’an;61:10-11).
Present Environments:
Traditional Zones of War
& Peace: The Muslims are not required to wage
wars for the sake of acquiring worldly glory and power. The concept of Jihad was nevertheless used by some
medieval Muslim rulers to justify wars motivated by purely political ambitions,
keeping in line with the practice in vogue in the world by other powers of the
time. Gradually, however, Jihad came to be interpreted more in defensive than
in offensive terms. In the 20th century the concept of jihad inspired Muslims
in their struggle against Western colonialism. The traditional scholars
considered the world comprising three zones: the House of Islam (Dar-ul-Islam), where Muslims are
ascendant; the House of Peace(Dar-ul-Aman),
those powers with whom Muslims have peace agreements; and the House of War(Dar-ul-Harab), the rest of the world.
In the present world all the nations are members of United Nations Organization
and signatory to its charter of peaceful coexistence and basic human rights,
whereby every human being is free to adopt and practice any faith. Hence now
whole world could be termed as House of Peace (Dar-ul-Aman), except the conflict zones, where Muslims are under
oppression and subjugation.
Oppression and
Exploitation of Muslims: It is a well known
fact that most of Muslim societies are under the state of ‘utmost oppression
and exploitation’ by non believers as well as their own brothers in power.
Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar:
“Allah's Apostle said, "A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he
should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor..."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith: 3.622). There
is menace of conflict, injustices, ignorance, illiteracy, corruption and moral
degradation, generally considered as the legacy of colonialism. The ‘Submission
to Allah Alone’ is mostly oral; in actions they mostly follow their vain
desires. According to Qur’an; “And Allah would turn to you in mercy; but those
who follow vain desires would have you go tremendously astray.”(Qur’an;4:27 ),
“..Do not transgress the bounds of truth in your religion, and do not yield to
the fancies of those people who went astray before you, They misled many others
and have themselves strayed away from The Right Way.”(Qur’an;5:77).
Preaching is Bigger Jihad
“Jihad Kibira”: Requirement of “Jihad Kibira”
(Bigger Jihad- Qur;an;25:52) seems to be
the need of hour, which has to be
launched against the evils and deviations, to adhere to the true faith and
establish just Islamic welfare societies. This struggle should be aimed to
provide knowledge (religious and secular) justice, fair play, development and
equal opportunities for their people. This should enable them to become good
practicing Muslims. After Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is the duty
of every Muslim to spread the message of Islam all over the world being true
inheritors of Qur’an: “Then We have given the Book (Qur’an) for inheritance to
such of Our servants as We have chosen (Muslims)……” (Qur’an;35:32). Thus
Muslims will be able to contribute towards the betterment of humanity as a
whole.
Divergent Concepts:
Extremism: Today the Muslim society finds itself at the crossroads. There are
divergent views on conduct of Jihad. One group feels that due to suppression
and exploitation of Muslims by neocolonialist powers (Western) on one hand and
politico-military suppression of Muslims at Palestine , Chechnya Kashmir , Philippines Iraq Afghanistan
Doctrine of Takfir: The doctrine of Takfir; is being used by extremists like
Taliban, in sanctioning violence against leaders and simple Muslims who are
deemed insufficiently religious. Takfir
is a pronouncement to declare any (non practicing Muslim), to be an unbeliever
(Takfir), apostate, (Murtad) hence liable to be killed. It
has become a central ideology of militant groups such as those in Egypt iraq Afghanistan Pakistan 10:36 ).
However through their violent terrorist acts, Taliban are violating the clear
verses (Ayahs) and Hadiths. No Muslim
worth the name will ever dare to even think of rejecting or violating the
unambiguous commandments of Allah, clearly mentioned in Qur’an and Hadith. Such
narrow mindedness has exacerbated the evil of sectarianism and the resulting
intolerance among the masses has led to a dangerous trend towards sectarian
militancy. Recently the Saudi scholars also condemned and strongly rejected the
‘Takfir’ doctrine.
Pessimism: The other group think that
due to the weak state of their faith and non adherence to the fundamental
Islamic practices, the Muslim societies of today in general may be considered
closer the initial Makkan period of Islam (initial 13 years at Makkah, 610-622
C.E) when Jihad with sword (Qital) was
not permitted, they were instructed by Qur’an; “Therefore listen not to the
Unbelievers but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness(Jihad Kabira) with the
(Qur'an).”(Qur’an;25:52). The Bigger Jihad (Jihad
Kabira) through Qur’an is preaching Allah’s message orally, through pen or
other means. They think that this is the time to understand, practice and
preach Allah’s message orally, through pen or other means of communication. The
achievement of the spiritual perfection in faith and Islamic practices, should
lead towards establishment of firm Islamic Welfare States on the pattern of
State of Medina established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and later
by four Rightly Guided Caliphs. These Islamic Welfare states while being politically,
economically and militarily independent may be grouped like European Union.
They should facilitate amicable resolution of problems of Ummah and spread of
the real message of Islam through peaceful means.
The Middle Course:
The Muslim Ummah has to find a solution
collectively. The Muslim states have to first put their own house in order
through Jihad Kabira then decide
about conduct of external Jihad for particular situation to help brothers under
oppression. The decision by a state for the level of participation and type of
support to the Jihad declared by others has to be taken in consultation with
their genuine religious scholars (Ulema) while
keeping in view their national political, economic, social, geographical and
strategic interests. The Organization of Islamic Countries may also play
enhanced role. In any case the Muslim states have to follow the path of
development in all affairs. All out efforts should continuously be made against
tyranny and suppression of humanity especially against Muslims. Efforts of Dawah (preaching) should be enhanced by
teaching and preaching on regular basis. One of the purpose of Jihad is to
provide freedom of choice to the people to opt for Islam or otherwise. In the
modern democracies there is complete freedom of preaching (Dawah) or practicing any faith including Islam (at least in
theory).
Generally most of the governments
in the developed world, do not impose restriction on peaceful preaching,
consequently Islam is considered as the fastest growing religion in Europe and North America . While difference
on their other policies does exist, violence against innocent population is not
justified on this account alone. The European people opposed the attack on Iraq
Such violations have negative effects on
preaching and spread of Islam due to tarnishing of the image of Islam by
presenting it as a religion of violence and bloodshed. The crude reaction by
some European extremist in the form of sacrilege was forewarned: “But do not
revile those (beings) whom they invoke instead of God, lest they revile God out of spite, and in ignorance:”(Qur’an;6:108).
Requirement for tolerant,
moderate, modern, progressive but powerful and strong Muslim society having a
say in the international affairs proportionate to their ideology, population
and resources to safeguard their interests is the need of the hour, which will
help to achieve the main objectives of Jihad.
Challenges Faced by Muslim Ummah:
While violence and
terrorism [by oppressor states] is to be rejected unanimously, it is difficult
to agree to any one thought in totality. One may have to look for the middle
course. There is dire need to lay down the basic parameters for conduct of
Jihad. Firstly the existence of a well recognized legitimate political authority
or government in the area where armed struggle is to be conducted against
oppression be prerequisite. Secondly laying down of objectives to be achieved
and parameters. Thirdly the availability of means and resources to achieve the
objectives. The peace as and when visible should be given a chance. However one has to find answers to the
questions like: Is killing of innocent civilians, women and children whether
Muslims or non Muslims justified on the name of Jihad? Can the declaration of Jihad with arms be left at the discretion of few
individuals, religious zealots and stateless groups? Or should it be the responsibility of the Islamic
states keeping in view the teachings of Islam, national interests and the
prevalent system of international relations (UN, OIC and other forums)? Muslim
scholars and leadership through dialogue with the international community, have
to analyze the reasons of this pathetic state and find out practicable,
realistic and just solutions on long term basis to make the world safer place
for every one.
At present the Muslim
scholars are mostly devout and sincere but (with some exceptions), they
generally lack in the knowledge of science and technology. They know little
about other Social Sciences i.e. sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics,
political science, and history. Only few have studied ‘comparative religions’
in-depth. The research to deal with the issues and challenges of present time
in realistic and practicable way is very limited, rather nonexistent. This
state has been reached over a very long period, due to the negligent attitude,
fixing of wrong priories and lack of interest by the Muslim societies, besides
many other reasons. Consequently a very medieval face of Islam is presented,
which appears to be extremely rigid, primitive, intolerant to difference of
opinion and at times aggressive, which is far from reality. Against all the
odds and despite all these limitations, it goes to the credit of traditional Ulema
(clergy) which is keeping the candle of Islam alight. It is high time that the
Muslim societies besides developments in the field of education, science,
technology and industrialization, address this problem by injecting the fresh
intellect in the field of religious scholarship. Thus the ‘Reconstruction of
Religious Thought in Islam’ proposed by great modern Islamic philosopher
Dr.Muhammad Iqbal over seventy five year ago to meet the challenges of this
time through Ijtehad could be achieved by modern Muslim intellectuals
and scholars. This will enable the Muslims to regains the lost glory and gain
respectable position in the community of nations in this modern world. While
there could be divergent views on the conduct of ‘Jihad’ as an ‘armed
struggle’, in the present scenario, but there is unanimity ‘Jihad Kabira’; the peaceful struggle with the Qur’an.
Tolerance
in Islam
An
Abridged Version of the 1927 Lecture of Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, Compilation
by Dr. A. Zahoor; by Dr. Z. Haq
In the eyes of history,
religious toleration is the highest evidence of culture in a people. It was not
until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they became
more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious
law that they declined in tolerance and other evidences of the highest culture.
Before the coming of Islam, tolerance had never been preached as an essential
part of religion. If Europe had known as much of Islam, as Muslims knew of Christendom, in
those days, those mad, adventurous, occasionally chivalrous and heroic, but utterly
fanatical outbreak known as the Crusades could not have taken place, for they
were based on a complete misapprehension.
Innumerable monasteries, with a
wealth of treasure of which the worth has been calculated at not less than a
hundred millions sterling, enjoyed the benefit of the Holy Prophet's
(Muhammad’s) Charter to the monks of Sinai and were religiously respected
by the Muslims. The various sects of Christians were represented in the Council
of the Empire by their patriarchs, on the provincial and district council by
their bishops, in the village council by their priests, whose word was always
taken without question on things which were the sole concern of their
community.
The tolerance within the body of
Islam was, and is, something without parallel in history; class and race and
color ceasing altogether to be barriers. One of the
commonest charges brought against Islam historically, and as a religion, by
Western writers is that it is intolerant. This is turning the tables with a
vengeance when one remembers various facts: One remembers that not a Muslim
is left alive in Spain Sicily Apulia . One remembers that not a Muslim was left alive and not a mosque
left standing in Greece
In
Spain Baghdad Spain Morocco Turkish Empire , where their descendants still live in separate communities, and
still speak among themselves an antiquated form of Spanish. The Muslim empire
was a refuge for all those who fled from persecution by the Inquisition.
The
Western Christians, till the arrival of the
Encyclopaedists in the eighteenth century, did not know and did not care to
know, what the Muslim believed, nor did the Western Christian seek to know the
views of Eastern Christians with regard to them. The Christian Church was
already split in two, and in the end, it came to such a pass that the Eastern
Christians, as Gibbon shows, preferred Muslim rule, which allowed them to
practice their own form of religion and adhere to their peculiar dogmas, to the
rule of fellow Christians who would have made them Roman Catholics or wiped
them out.
The
Western Christians called the Muslims pagans, paynims, even idolaters - there are plenty of books in which they are described as
worshiping an idol called Mahomet or Mahound, and in the accounts of the
conquest of Granada there are even descriptions of the monstrous idols which
they were alleged to worship - whereas the Muslims knew what Christianity was,
and in what respects it differed from Islam. If Europe had known as much of
Islam, as Muslims knew of Christendom, in those days, those mad, adventurous,
occasionally chivalrous and heroic, but utterly fanatical outbreak known as the
Crusades could not have taken place, for they were based on a complete
misapprehension. I quote a learned
French author:
“Every poet in
Christendom considered a Mohammedan to be an infidel, and an idolater, and his
gods to be three; mentioned in order, they were: Mahomet or Mahound or
Mohammad, Opolane and the third Termogond. It was said that when in Spain Saragossa
“A Christian poet of
the period says that Opolane the “god” of the Mohammedans, which was kept there
in a den was awfully belabored and abused by the Mohammedans, who, binding it
hand and foot, crucified it on a pillar, trampled it under their feet and broke
it to pieces by beating it with sticks; that their second god Mahound they
threw in a pit and caused to be torn to pieces by pigs and dogs, and that never
were gods so ignominiously treated; but that afterwards the Mohammedans
repented of their sins, and once more reinstated their gods for the accustomed
worship, and that when the Emperor Charles entered the city of Saragossa he had
every mosque in the city searched and had "Muhammad" and all their
Gods broken with iron hammers.”
That
was the kind of "history" on which the populace in Western Europe used to be fed. Those were the ideas which inspired the rank and file of the crusader
in their attacks on the most civilized peoples of those days. Christendom
regarded the outside world as damned eternally, and Islam did not. There were
good and tender-hearted men in Christendom who thought it sad that any people
should be damned eternally, and wished to save them by the only way they knew -
conversion to the Christian faith.
It
was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they
became more tolerant; and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious
law that they declined in tolerance and other evidences of the highest culture. Therefore the difference evident in that anecdote is not of
manners only but of religion. Of old, tolerance had existed here and there in
the world, among enlightened individuals; but those individuals had always been
against the prevalent religion. Tolerance was regarded of un-religious, if not
irreligious. Before the coming of Islam it had never been preached as an
essential part of religion.
For the Muslims, Judaism, Christianity
and Islam are but three forms of one religion, which, in its original purity,
was the religion of Abraham: Al-Islam, that perfect
Self-Surrender to the Will of God, which is the basis of
Theocracy. The Jews, in their religion, after Moses, limited God's mercy to
their chosen nation and thought of His kingdom as the dominion of their race.
Even Christ himself, as several of his
sayings show, declared that he was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of
Israel and seemed to regard his mission as to the Hebrews only; and it was only
after a special vision vouchsafed to St. Peter that his followers in after days
considered themselves authorized to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. The
Christians limited God’s mercy to those who believed certain dogmas. Every one
who failed to hold the dogmas was an outcast or a miscreant, to be persecuted
for his or her soul’s good. In Islam only is manifest the real nature of the
Kingdom of God. [“whereas those who have attained to faith and do righteous
deeds, and have come to believe in what has been bestowed from on high on
Muhammad - for it (Qur’an) is the truth from their Sustainer – (shall attain to
God's grace) He will efface their (past) bad deeds, and will set their hearts
at rest” (Qur’an;47:2)].
The two verses (2:255-256) of the Qur’an are supplementary. Where there is that
realization of the majesty and dominion of Allah,
there is no compulsion in religion. Men choose their path - allegiance
or opposition - and it is sufficient punishment for those who oppose that they
draw further and further away from the light of truth.
What Muslims do not generally consider
is that this law applies to our own community just as much as to the folk outside,
the laws of Allah being universal; and that intolerance of Muslims for other
men's opinions and beliefs is evidence that they themselves have, at the
moment, forgotten the vision of the majesty and mercy of Allah which the Qur’an
presents to them.
In the Qur’an I find two meanings (of
a Kafir), which become one the moment
that we try to realize the divine standpoint. The Kafir in the first place, is not the follower of any religion. He
is the opponent of Allah’s benevolent will and purpose for mankind - therefore
the disbeliever in the truth of all religions, the disbeliever in all
Scriptures as of divine revelation, the disbeliever to the point of active
opposition in all the Prophets (pbut) whom the Muslims are bidden to regard,
without distinction, as messengers of
Allah.
The
Qur’an repeatedly claims to be the confirmation of the truth of all religions.
The former Scriptures had become obscure, the former Prophets appeared
mythical, so extravagant were the legends which were told concerning them, so
that people doubted whether there was any truth in the old Scriptures, whether
such people as the Prophets had ever really existed.
Here - says the Qur’an - is a Scripture whereof there is no doubt:
here is a Prophet actually living among you and preaching to you. If it were
not for this book and this Prophet, men might be excused for saying that
Allah’s guidance to mankind was all a fable. This book and this Prophet,
therefore, confirm the truth of all that was revealed before them, and those
who disbelieve in them to the point of opposing the existence of a Prophet and
a revelation are really opposed to the idea of Allah's guidance - which is the
truth of all revealed religions. Our Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself said that the
term Kafir was not to be applied to anyone who said “Salaam” (peace)
to the Muslims. The Kafirs, in the
terms of the Qur’an, are the conscious evil-doers of any race of creed
or community. I have made a long digression but it seemed to me necessary, for
I find much confusion of ideas even among Muslims on this subject, owing to
defective study of the Qur’an and the Prophet's life. Many Muslims seem to
forget that our Prophet had allies among the idolaters even after Islam had
triumphed in Arabia , and that he “fulfilled his
treaty with them perfectly until the term thereof.” The righteous conduct
of the Muslims, not the sword, must be held responsible for the conversion of
those idolaters, since they embraced Islam before the expiration of their
treaty.
So much for the idolaters of Arabia , who had no real beliefs to
oppose the teaching of Islam, but only superstition. They invoked their local deities for help in war and put their
faith only in brute force. In this they were, to begin with, enormously
superior to the Muslims. When the Muslims nevertheless won, they were dismayed;
and all their arguments based on the superior power of their deities were for
ever silenced. Their conversion followed naturally. It was only a question of
time with the most obstinate of them.
It was otherwise with the people who had a respectable religion of
their own - the People of the
Scripture - as the Qur’an calls them - i.e., the people who had
received the revelation of some former Prophet: the Jews, the Christians and
the Zoroastrians were those with whom the Muslims came at once in contact. To
these our Prophet's attitude was all of kindness. The Charter which he granted to the Christian monks of Sinai is in
existence. If you read it you will see that it breathes not only goodwill
but actual love. He gave to the Jews of Medina, so long as they were faithful
to him, precisely the same treatment as to the Muslims. He never was aggressive
against any man or class of men; he never penalized any man, or made war on
any people, on the ground of belief but only on the ground of conduct.
The story of his reception of Christian and Zoroastrian visitors is
on record. There is not a trace of religious intolerance in all this. And it
should be remembered - Muslims are rather apt to forget it, and it is of great
importance to our outlook - that our Prophet asked the people of the Scripture
to accept the Kingdom of Allah Kingdom of God
But though the Christians and Jews and Zoroastrians refused his
message, and their rulers heaped most cruel insults on his envoys, our Prophet
never lost his benevolent attitudes towards them as religious communities; as
witness the Charter to the monks of Sinai
already mentioned. And though the Muslims of later days have fallen far short
of the Holy Prophet's tolerance, and have sometimes shown arrogance towards men
of other faiths, they have always
given special treatment to the Jews and Christians. Indeed the Laws for their
special treatment form part of the Shari’a.
In Egypt Syria Spain Poland Palestine
To turn to the Christians,
the story of the triumphal entry of the Khalifah
Umar ibn al-Khattab into Jerusalem has been often told, but I
shall tell it once again, for it illustrates the proper Muslim attitude towards
the People of the Scripture....The Christian officials urged him to spread
his carpet in the Church (of the Holy
Sepulcher) itself, but he refused saying that some of the ignorant
Muslims after him might claim the Church and convert it into a mosque because
he had once prayed there. He had his carpet carried to the top of the steps
outside the church, to the spot where the Mosque of Umar now stands - the real
Mosque of Umar, for the splendid Qubbet-us-Sakhrah, which tourists call the
Mosque of Umar, is not a Mosque at all, but the temple of Jerusalem; a shrine
within the precincts of the Masjid-al-Aqsa,
which is the second of the Holy Places of Islam. From that day to this; the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher has always been a Christian place of worship,
the only things the Muslims did in the way of interference with the Christian's
liberty of conscience in respect of it was to see that every sect of Christians
had access to it, and that it was not monopolized by one sect to the exclusion
of others. The same is true of the Church
of the Nativity of Bethlehem, and of other buildings of special
sanctity.
Under the Khulafa-ur-Rashidin and the Umayyads, the true Islamic
attitude was maintained, and it continued to a much later period under the
Umayyad rule in Spain
It was not the Christians of Syria
The great Abbasid Khalifah
Harun ar-Rashid had, God knows why, once sent the keys of the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher among other presents to the Frankish Emperor, Charlemagne. Historically, it was a
wrong to the Christians of Syria, who did not belong to the Western Church
That compliment from king to king
was the foundation of all the extravagant claims of France
When the Crusaders took Jerusalem they massacred the Eastern Christians with the Muslims
indiscriminately, and while they ruled in Palestine
The arrogance hardened into custom, and when Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt Syria
The Muslims never interfered with
the religion of the subject Christians. (e.g., The Treaty of Orihuela , Spain Smithfield
Innumerable monasteries, with a wealth of treasure of which the worth has been calculated
at not less than a hundred millions sterling, enjoyed the benefit of the Holy
Prophet's Charter to the monks of Sinai and were religiously respected by the
Muslims. The various sects of Christians were represented in the Council of the
Empire by their patriarchs, on the provincial and district council by their
bishops, in the village council by their priests, whose word was always taken
without question on things which were the sole concern of their community.
With regard to the respect for
monasteries, I have a
curious instance of my own remembrance. In the year 1905 the Arabic
congregation of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher,
or Church of the Resurrection
as it is locally called, rebelled against the tyranny of the Monks of the
adjoining convent of St. George. The convent was extremely rich, and a large
part of its revenues was derived from lands which had been made over to it by
the ancestors of the Arab congregation for security at a time when property was
insecure; relying on the well known Muslim reverence for religious foundations.
The income was to be paid to the depositors and their descendants, after
deducting something for the convent.
No income had been paid to anybody by the Monks for more than a
century, and the congregation now demanded that at least a part of that
ill-gotten wealth should be spent on education of the community. The Patriarch
sided with the congregation, but was captured by the Monks, who kept him
prisoner. The congregation tried to storm the convent, and the amiable monk
poured vitriol down upon the faces of the congregation. The congregation
appealed to the Turkish government, which secured the release of the Patriarch
and some concessions for the congregation, but could not make the monks
disgorge any part of their wealth because of the immunities secured to
Monasteries by the Sacred Law (of Islam). What made the congregation the more
bitter was the fact that certain Christians who, in old days, had made their
property over to the Masjid al-Aqsa
- the great mosque of Jerusalem Europe .
He was caught at Jaffa Jerusalem
I can give you one curious instance of a capitulation, typical of
several others. Three hundred years ago, the Franciscan friars were the only
Western European missionaries to be found in the Muslim Empire. There was a
terrible epidemic of plague, and those Franciscans worked devotedly, tending
the sick and helping to bury the dead of all communities. In gratitude for this
great service, the Turkish government
decreed that all property of the Franciscans should be free of customs duty for
ever. In the Firman (Edict) the actual words used were "Frankish
missionaries" and at later time, when there were hundreds of missionaries
from the West, most of them of other sects than the Roman Catholic, they all
claimed that privilege and were allowed it by the Turkish government because
the terms of the original Firman
included them. Not only that, but they
claimed that concession as a right, as if it had been won for them by force of
arms or international treaty instead of being, as it was, a free gift of the
Sultan; and called upon their consuls and ambassadors to support them if
it was at all infringed.
The Christians were allowed to keep their own languages and customs,
to start their own schools and to be visited by missionaries to their own faith
from Christendom. Thus they formed patches of nationalism in a great mass of
internationalism or universal brotherhood; for as I have already said the tolerance
within the body of Islam was, and is, something without parallel in history;
class and race and color ceasing altogether to be barriers.
In countries where nationality and language were the same in Syria Egypt Mesopotamia there was no clash of ideals, but in Turkey
Then for a period of about eighty years the Turkish Empire was badly
governed; and the Christians suffered not from Islamic Institutions but from
the decay or neglect of Islamic Institutions. Still it took Russia
After the eighty years of bad
government came the era of conscious reform, when the Muslim government turned
its attention to the improvement of the status of all the peoples under it. But then it was too late to win back
the Serbs, the Greeks, the Bulgars and the Romans. The poison of the Russian
religious-political propaganda had done its work, and the prestige of Russian
victories over the Turks had excited in the worst elements among the Christians
of the Greek Church, the hope of an early opportunity to slaughter and despoil
the Muslims, strengthening the desire to do so which had been instilled in them
by Russian secret envoys, priests and monks.
I do not wish to dwell upon this period of history, though it is to
me the best known of all, for it is too recent and might rouse too strong a
feeling in my audience. I will only remind you that in the Greek War of Independence in 1811,
three hundred thousand Muslims - men and women and children - the whole
Muslim population of the Morea without exception, as well as many thousands in
the northern parts of Greece - were wiped out in circumstances of the most
atrocious cruelty; that in European histories we seldom find the slightest
mention of that massacre, though we hear much of the reprisals which the
Turks took afterwards; that before
every massacre of Christians by Muslims of which you read, there was a more
wholesale massacre or attempted massacre of Muslims by Christians;
that those Christians were old friends and neighbors of the Muslims - the
Armenians were the favorites of the Turks till fifty years ago - and that most
of them were really happy under Turkish rule, as has been shown again and again
by their tendency to return to it after so called liberation.
It was the Christians outside the
Muslim Empire who systematically and continually fed their religious fanaticism: it was their priests who told them
that to slaughter Muslims was a meritorious act. I doubt if anything so
wicked can be found in history as that plot for the destruction of Turkey
Thus religious tolerance is made
to seem a fault, politically. But it is not really so. The victims of injustice
are always less to be pitied in reality than the perpetrators of injustice. From the expulsion of the Moriscos dates the
degradation and decline of Spain San Fernando Seville , Murcia Toledo Grenada Greece Russia Russian Church
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Extremism, Terrorism & Jihad:
