Islam: A Religion of Peace or Violence? The Evidence in Quran- Concluding Part
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
06 September 20178
Earlier we have learnt from some verses (Aayaat) that the Quran calls for peace. It also restrains people from being oppressive to others in matters of the choice of faith as a matter of principle. The Quran gives permission to propagate faith but not by any kind of coercive methods.
“So, continuously admonish them, for you are but an admonisher, You are not imposed upon them (as) an oppressor and persecutor” (88: 21-23)
The holy Quran has invited all religions and communities of the entire world to establish peace through the following message;
“........Say (this): ‘I believe in every Book that Allah has revealed, and I have been commanded to do justice between you. Allah is our Lord as well as your Lord. For us are our deeds and for you are your deeds. There is no debate and dispute between us and you. Allah will gather us all together and to Him is the return (of all).” (42:15)
The principles that Islam has formulated for establishing peaceful mutual coexistence can surely help the world get rid of all sorts of oppressions, violence, riots and clashes.
Islam does not like polytheism (shirk) but at the same time the Quran has taught its followers ways to deal with the Mushrikin or idol-worshippers.
The Quran says,
“And, (O Muslims,) do not abuse those whom these (polytheists) worship besides Allah, lest these people should (also, in retaliation,) revile Allah’s Glory wrongfully due to ignorance. Thus, have We made the conduct of every sect (and faction) seem attractive to (their own eyes and they regard only that as truth). Then all have to return to their Lord, and He will inform them of (the results of) their deeds which they used to do.” (6:108)
This verse stops Muslims from speaking ill of other gods, lest their believers should abuse their God in a fit of rage. This is a place to think that most of the riots that have broken among the followers of different faiths have, in fact, occurred because they played the game of mud-slinging against each other’s gods and their eminent personalities. Surely this has been the cause of many communal riots and conflicts.
A trend has also emerged related to Quranic verse 9:5 which asks the believers to kill the polytheists. This verse is being used for brainwashing the gullible people of different faiths. However, this verse is only about those polytheists who broke the treaty of peace and became the terrorists of 7th century Arabia. This verse was particularly meant for war-times and not for times of peace. Another point to consider is that some Muslim scholars believe that it has abrogated other verses of peace and forgiveness. This is a totally wrong perception which must be rejected. This subject has been discussed in details in a recently published article on newageislam.com, which is being referenced below.
Let us now sum up this series of articles by quoting the following verses which seek to establish ideas of peace, harmony, justice, forgiveness and peaceful mutual coexistence among followers of different faiths.
God Almighty says:
“On account of this, We prescribed (this commandment in the Torah sent down) to the Children of Israel that whoever killed a person (unjustly), except as a punishment for murder or for (spreading) disorder in the land, it would be as if he killed all the people (of society); and whoever (saved him from unjust murder and) made him survive, it would be as if he saved the lives of all the people (of society, i.e., he rescued the collective system of human life). And indeed, Our Messengers came to them with evident signs. Yet, even after that, the majority from amongst these people are certainly those who commit excesses in the land.” (5:32)
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly - We have given his heir authority (of retribution as per the legal procedure), but he should not exceed the just limits in [the matter of retributive] killing. Indeed, he is to be helped.” (17:23)
“And these are the people who do not worship any other god apart from Allah, nor do they kill the soul whose killing without any lawful cause Allah has forbidden, nor do they commit adultery. And whoever does this will receive the punishment due for the sin.” (25:68)
“And among men is one whose conversation may please you in the life of this world, and who calls Allah to witness to that which is in his heart, whereas [in truth] he is the most quarrelsome! (2:204) And when he turns away [from you], he goes about the earth to create turmoil in it [i.e. the earth] and destroy crops and lives; and Allah does not like turmoil and violence”. (2:204-205)
“And seek the abode of the Hereafter with what (wealth) Allah has given you, and do not forget your portion of the world, and do good (to others) as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to cause turmoil in the earth; indeed, Allah does not like those who violate peace.” (28:77)
“And those who break the promise of Allah after making it firm and sever all (the relations and obligations) that Allah has commanded to be kept unified, and do mischief and strife in the land—upon them is the curse and for them is an evil home;” (13:25)
“Indeed, Allah decrees the commands of justice and kindness, and of giving to relatives, and forbids immorality and bad conduct and rebellion; He advises you so that you may receive admonition.” (16:90)
“The way (to persecute) is only against those who oppress people, and wrongfully spread rebellion in the land. It is they for whom there is a painful punishment. (42:42) And indeed whoever patiently endures and forgives – this is surely of the acts that demand great courage and determination”. (42:42- 43)
“The retribution of a harmful deed is the harm equal to it; so, whoever forgives and amends, he shall have his reward from Allah; indeed, He does not love the unjust” (42:40)
“Tell the believers to forgive those who do not fear the days fixed by Allah, so that He may give a nation the reward of what they used to earn.” (45:14)
“And if you want to punish, then punish only (as severely) as you were afflicted, but if you remain patient, then certainly that is better for those who keep patience. And, (O Glorious Beloved,) be patient and your patience is by Allah alone. And you should not grieve over their (defiance), nor distress (your gracious and benevolent heart) on account of their deceptive plots. Surely, Allah blesses them who live with God wariness and who (also) live with spiritual excellence with His (special) companionship.” (16:126-128)
“There is no compulsion in Din (Religion). Surely, the guidance has been evidently distinguished from error. So he who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped such a firm handhold that will never (possibly) give way. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (2:256)
“And had Allah so willed, certainly all inhabitants on the earth would have believed. (When your Lord has not made them believe by force,) will you coerce the people until they become believers?” (10:99)
“We know best what they say, and you are not the one to coerce them. So advise by means of the Qur’an anyone who fears My threat of punishment.” (50:45)
Part Three of the Article:
Islam: A Religion of Peace or Violence? The Evidence in Quran- Part 3
Related Article:
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism