Fourthly: Concept of War in Islam:

  Silas (as usual) has picked two passages from a book written by a Pakistani Brigadier, not even a scholar. No specific answer will be satisfactory, the entire concept of war in Islam should be thoroughly explained. Silas has expressed much dishonesty in his article and I refrain from believing him, but I’ll do my best to explain the concept of war in Islam, wa Allah-ul-Must’an.

  Q: Was Islam spread by the Sword? Were the Muslims imperialists and after mundane power and loot?

  Some people like to think about that in affirmative terms; some others in the negative, and some are undecided, perplexed and reluctant.

  The Holy Qur'an makes it clear that, whether we want it or not, war is a necessity of existence, a fact of life, so long as there exist in the world injustice, oppression, capricious ambitions, and arbitrary claims. This may sound strange. But is it not a matter of historical record that humanity – from the early dawn of history up till now – has suffered from local, civil and global wars? And is it not also a fact that, more often than not, victorious allies settle their disputes over their gains and the status of their defeated enemies through wars and threats of wars? Could God overlook these facts of life? Or could the Holy Qur'an fail to deal with the matter in a realistic and effective manner? Certainly not! And that is why Islam has recognized war as a lawful and justifiable course for self-defense and restoration of justice, freedom and peace. The Holy Qur'an says:
“Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike something which is good for you, and that you love something which is bad for you. God knows, and you know not.” (Holy Qur’an 2:216)

“And did not God check one set of people by means of another the earth would indeed be full of mischief: but God is full of bounty to all the worlds” (2:251); “And did not God check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure.” (Holy Qur’an 22:40)

  Although realistic in its approach, Islam never tolerates aggression from its own side (or from any other side), nor does it entertain aggressive wars or the initiation of aggressive wars. Muslims are commanded by God not to begin hostilities, or embark on any act of aggression, or violate any rights of others. Read these verses
“Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, and do not transgress limits (begin not hostility): for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, God is Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more persecution or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.” ( Holy Qur’an 2:190-193)

  War is not the objective of Islam nor is it the normal course of Muslims. It is only the last resort and is used under the most extraordinary of circumstances when all other measures fail. This is the actual status of war in Islam (which after all, stands for and believes in Peace, for ALL humanity and all creatures). If non-Muslims are peaceful with the Muslims or even indifferent to Islam, there can be no ground or justification to declare war to force Islam on others, because if Islam does not emerge from deep convictions, from within, it is not acceptable to God, nor can it help its professor. In fact, we are more afraid of hypocrites amongst our midst than honest non-Muslims who oppose us. That is why we DON’T encourage anyone to convert to Islam without them first being convinced about the Faith and believing in it from their own hearts. We encourage them to know beforehand what they are getting into by converting into Islam - it is a life-long commitment.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear form error; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And God hears and knows all things.” (Holy Qur’an 2:256)

  I will just site one example to show how this verse was practiced in real life:

  During the days when Muslims were severely persecuted and being tortured and murdered publicly in the city of the Prophet, Mecca – the Muslims were naturally eager to find men who would believe in the Message, convert and help them stand up against their oppressors. At this time some men of the city of Yathrib (now Medinah), arrived in Mecca and decided to accept Islam and give the Muslims sanctuary in their own city. In answer to this offer, the response from the Muslims was “O people of Yathrib… if you think you can be faithful to your covenant… then (and only then), assume the burden that you have undertaken”. In other words, come to the faith knowingly and be prepared that you will have to sacrifice and undergo incredible hardship on account of your faith. These handful of people from Yathrib, were destined to become among the most beloved of the Companions of the Prophet (may peace be upon him).

  Tell me, is this the definition of “conversion under the sword”?

  It is clear that even in the propagation of Islam a Muslim is not only forbidden to employ force but is also commanded to use the most peaceful methods. To Muhammad (peace be upon him) God says:
“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.” (Holy Qur’an 16:125)

  Now if Islam is so designated for peace, and if the Muslims are so dedicated to peace, why then did Muhammad (peace be upon him) launch war and command battles? Why does the Holy Qur'an say ‘slay them’ and fight them?

  To examine this seemingly innocent inquiry, it is indispensable to mention some historical facts that accompanied and anticipated the Muslim wars against their adversaries.

  After receiving the Command from God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) called a public meeting and told the assembly of what he had received, appealing them to give up their idol-worship and believe in the One True God. His first peaceful and logical appeal was met not only with jeers, mockery and laughter but also with resistance and hostility. He tried patiently to present to his people the blessed Call, with the beautiful example of his own life, but had little success. It was made amply clear to him that he wouldn’t be allowed to propagate Islam in the open. So he had to resort to private preaching for many years to save the lives of his handful followers and mitigate their hardships. When instructions from God came to him to preach in the open, the Muslims faced brutal and relentless persecution – you only have to read it to understand what I mean. But the more they tried, the firmer Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Muslims stood. When the vested powers failed to shake the Faith of the Believers by threats, pressure, confiscation of property, jeers etc., they tried to starve them out with a harsh social and economic boycott and a fierce campaign of ostracism against them. This lasted for a few years, until the unbelievers themselves were sick and tired of its observance and saw that this course of action was harming their own reputation and economy.

  Bringing the severe boycott to an end was no indication of peace or anticipation of tranquillity on the part of the infidels. They knew from the bottom of the heart that if Islam was allowed to spread and survive, their own ‘way of life’, (i.e. ‘Might is Right’ and ‘The Law of the Jungle’ and ‘The Worship of Hedonism’), would inevitably collapse. So, ruthless persecution continued to increase exponentially and many defenseless and underprivileged Muslims were tortured and put to death. But it was all in vain as far as the Faith of the surviving Muslims was concerned. However, since the Muslims were unable to endure the suffering anymore, most of them decided to migrate out of Mecca, till only Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a handful of Muslims remained.

  Seeing all their quarry escape, the infidels finally convened a summit conference behind closed doors and decided that the best way to eliminate Islam would be to get rid of Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself. They appointed a strong man from every tribe and asked them to assassinate Muhammad (peace be upon him), jointly while he slept in his bed. However, God in His infinite Mercy, instructed Muhammad (peace be upon him), to leave Mecca, his dear hometown, and migrate to Medinah to reunite with the native Muslims and the earlier emigrants who had fled there earlier. This was the Great Event of Hijrah or Emigration with which the history of Islam began and by which the Muslim Calendar goes.

  Fleeing from Mecca, the Muslims were forced to leave behind practically all their properties, belongings and even their families. As soon as they settled in Medinah, Muhammad (peace be upon him), resumed his peaceful preaching and his gracious invitation to Islam. Some natives responded favourably to the Call of God and immediately became full-fledged members of the Muslim community. Others did not embrace Islam but maintained their traditional beliefs. Since Muhammad (peace be upon him) was dedicated to dignified peace and reform, he concluded treaties with the non-Muslims assuring them of freedom and security, and creating in their hearts, for the first time, a socio-religious conscience instead of the narrow tribal allegiance.

  While Muhammad (peace be upon him) was engaged in these reforms, trying to organize the Muslim community at Medinah and lay down the foundations of a stable and peaceful society where Muslims and non-Muslims could live side by side, the enemies at Mecca grew restless and worried about the power and strength of the Muslims. The non-Muslims (and the Jews of Medinah too) were getting increasingly envious of the popularity of Islam and the novel spirit of brotherhood among the Muslims. The enemies at Mecca hastened to exploit the situation and (with the aid of their allies in Medinah), stirred internal trouble for the nascent community of Muslims. Plundering and fighting raids were also organized to attack Medinah and get back to Mecca with whatever loot they could lay their hands on.

  Now the Muslims were driven to a point where they could not stand any more persecution or threats. Their families had been separated from them by force. Their properties had been confiscated. They had been ruthlessly tortured and murdered. They were forced to leave their dear hometown in three waves of migration: two to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), and one to Medinah. They had endured all this with patience for over thirteen years. With the new tactics of their enemies there was no course for the Muslims except to await their final annihilation in plural massacre or defend themselves against oppression and persecution.

  It must have been a paradox. Islam had come to assure them of dignity and strength, freedom of security, and to ally them with God the Supreme Source of goodness, help, power and peace. Yet here they were helpless and anxious, threatened and terrified. Islam had commissioned them to establish peace, to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, to support the oppressed and emancipate the subjugated, and to prove how reliable and helpful to His servants God is. But how could they achieve that, if they themselves were oppressed, subjugated to terror and made to look pitiable in their impotence?

  What perplexed the Muslims most of all was that the Holy Qur'an had been silent on the matter, and had given them no specific instructions about what to do. Their perplexity did not last long, and God relieved their grief by a Divine revelation to solve their problems and those of ANY who might find themselves in a similar situation in the future. Here is how God words His resolution:
“Surely God will defend those who believe; surely God loves not any that is a traitor to faith or shows ingratitude. To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged; and surely, God is Most Powerful for their aid; (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right, (for no cause) except that they say: ‘Our Lord is God’. Did not God check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure. God will certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for surely God is Full of strength, Exalted in Might, (Able to enforce His Will). (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. With God rests the end (and decision) of all affairs.” (Holy Qur’an 22:38-41)

  With this permission from God there was no more persecution or oppression to be inflicted on the Muslims. They were to resist and restore justice and tranquility, to regain their peace and freedom, to reunite with their families and take back their belongings. Soon there were battles and wars with the wicked and vicious infidels who flagrantly violated all norms of civil behaviour. But never was there any aggression from the Muslim side, or any destruction of homes, crops, cattle etc., or any killing of non-fighting children, women, elders and disabled people. The Muslims observed these rules and remained within the limits of God even though their adversaries continued to flout them. That was something which had never been experienced before nor has been experienced after. It was under these ‘handicapped’ circumstances that the Muslims had to fight, and it was with these principles that they in the end achieved decisive victories.

  So much has been said about the ‘ruthless’ Muslims, who emerged from the deserts of Arabia to conquer the Roman and Persian protectorates, and even to venture around the walls of Europe. Many have expressed that those Muslims were motivated by religious zeal to spread Islam by force as far as they could reach. (By the way, it took three and half centuries for a significant amount of Persians to convert to Islam, after they were ‘conquered’ and the largest Muslim nation in the world, Indonesia, never saw a single Muslim soldier).

Coming back to the topic:

  The idea that Islam was spread by the sword is naïve, because Islam, by its nature, can not be forced; and even if it were supposedly forced on the conquered people, it could not have lasted there for long, and non-Muslims would have been liquidated from the conquered regions. History bears witness to the fact that wherever Islam reached, it survived – with the exception of Spain (where the remaining Muslims were exterminated in the notorious Inquisition). One cannot force a religion like Islam on anyone and find him as much sincere and honest about his faith as were those Muslim converts of the new lands. It needs more than compulsion to develop such good Muslims out of a DEFEATED people, and it requires much more than suppression to make them uphold and cherish the ‘forced’ religion.

  I feel that I am doing an injustice to Islam by shortening the Prophet's struggle in such a small passage. Furthermore, it is impossible for me to present here the viewpoint of Islam in detail concerning each and every war or battle. However there are certain points which should give a fair idea of the whole subject.

1. It should be remembered that Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was commissioned by God as a mercy for all mankind, tried to approach the rulers of the neighbouring territories, inviting them to embrace Islam and share in the Mercy of God. But not only did the reject his gracious invitation but also derided him and declared open wars against the Muslims for such ‘arrogance’. In his lifetime the Roman and Persian soldiers crossed the Muslim borders in various raids. So by the time of his death the Muslims were involuntarily at war with their neighbours.

  That state of affairs continued, and whatever happened later in the following generations has to be seen in the context of those first incidents. This meant at the time that all Christendom, including Spain and France, was at war with the emerging world of Islam. The incursion of the Muslims in Europe has also to be seen in the light of these circumstances. The fact that all Christendom was operating as one power, is proven by the unquestionable authority of the Roman papacy over Christians. It is also proven by the general mobilization of Christian powers against Islam during the Crusades of the Middle Ages and even of the first quarter of the twentieth century.

  So, when Rome sanctioned war against Islam, the Muslims could not be denied the full right to fight back on any battleground – whether in Palestine or in the Fertile Crescent, Italy or Hungary. This is what took them to Spain and Southern France. They could not afford to be encircled from all around by the mighty powers of Rome and Persia. Nor could they just wait to be wiped out from the face of the earth. Orders were issued from Rome to slay Muhammad (peace be upon him) and present the Royal Court with his cut head, something which the pagan Romans had done to the early Christian pioneers. However, it must be admitted that some wars of LATER centuries had no relation to Islam, although they were fought by Muslims. They were motivated by certain local and, perhaps, personal reasons. AGGRESSION IS AGGRESSION, whether it be from or against Muslims and the attitude of Islam toward aggression is known and unchangeable.

2. We have to remember the conditions and situation prevalent in those early times. There were no mass media then. There was no way of public information or preaching except by personal contacts. There was no respect for life or property or honour or treaties of the individuals and of the weak nations. There was no security or freedom of expression. Whoever stood for a noble cause or came out with an unpopular belief was menaced by the powers that be. This is revealed from the history of Socrates the Greek philosopher, of the Christian pioneers, and of the early Muslims. Many emissaries commissioned to deliver special messages to the rulers and governors never came back alive as they were cold-bloodedly murdered by their hosts.

  The Muslims of Arabia had to cope with and overcome all these handicaps and impediments, to spread the Message to mankind. They had a contribution to make to humanity, and a formula of salvation to offer. The Holy Qur'an says invite to the Way of God by wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue in the most gracious manner. But who was there prepared to listen to the peaceful call of God? The powers that be had done their best to muzzle the voice of Islam. The early experience of Arabia had taught the Muslims that it is more effective to be peaceful and at the same time stand on guard; that you can move in peace only when you are strong enough to guard your peace; that your voice of peace would echo better when you are able to resist pressure and eliminate oppression.

  Now they had by the order of God to make Islam known to the outside world, but there was no telecommunication system or press or any other mass medium of communication. There was only one course to take, namely, personal and direct contacts – which meant that they had to cross the borders. But they could not do that in small or unarmed groups. So they had to move in large protected groups which must have appeared like an army, but was not an army in the real sense. They crossed the borders in various directions at different times. What took place then deserves consideration. In some areas, they were warmly welcomed by the natives, who had long been oppressed and subjugated by the imperial powers of Rome and Persia. In some other areas they were first to offer Islam to those who were prepared to accept it, and they were many. Those who did not embrace Islam were asked to pay tributes (tax) equivalent to the Islamic tax (Zakah) that the Muslims were contributing. The reasons for demanding this kind of tax were: 1) They wanted to be sure that this taxpayer knew what he was doing, and that Islam was presented to him but he rejected it with his own free-will and choice; 2) That the Muslims undertook to protect the taxpayer and guarantee his security and freedom in a way equal to that of the Muslim himself, because any danger to him was a danger to his Muslim compatriots – and, to defend the Muslim, they had to defend the non-Muslim and ensure his security; 3) That the new state of affairs demanded the support and cooperation of all sectors, Muslims and non-Muslim alike; the former by Zakah, the latter by tributes, which were all spent in public interest; 4) That they wanted to be certain he was not hostile to them and their new brethren, or incline to make troubles for his Muslim compatriots. (This idea is not very unlike what ALL nations of the modern world follow through their institution of Taxing the citizens for the benefit of the National exchequer – which has however evolved with the evolution of modern civilization).

  It is of interest to note that on one occasion when the Muslims decided to withdraw from the outlying territories because of their inability to defend themselves they gave back the taxes they had collected from the non-Muslims. The non-Muslims refused to accept the money back and demanded that the Muslims defend them and raised an army themselves to aid the Muslims against the invading Romans!

Those who rejected Islam and refused to pay tributes in collaboration with other sectors to support their state made it hard for themselves. They resorted to a hostile course from the beginning, and meant to create trouble, not so much for the new Muslim comers as for the new Muslim converts and their compatriots, the tribute payers. In a national sense, that attitude was treacherous; in a human sense, mean and selfish; in a social sense, careless; and in a military sense provocative. But in a practical sense it needed suppression, not so much for the comfort of the newcomers as for the sake of the State in which these traitors were living. This is the only time force was applied to bring such people to their senses and make them realize their responsibilities; either as Muslims by accepting freely, or as loyal citizens by paying tribute (tax), capable of living with their Muslim compatriots and sharing with them equal right and duties . (According to Islamic Law, those who refuse paying tributes (Jizya) should be exiled outside the Islamic State with all their properties and belongings guarded by Islamic authorities till the nearest borders.)

3. Finally let us examine the state of the ‘conquered’ people and the condition under which they lived before and after their contact with the Muslims. Any modern historian will attest to the fact that Islam carried the banner of civilization when the Europeans were rotting in their Dark Ages. The best of all universities were not in Mecca but in the ‘conquered’ lands where even the Christians and Jews came to get enlightenment. The Jews themselves attest that their best period was under the Muslim rule of Spain (and not under the Christians, who were there before or came after them).

This was the legacy of the True Muslims.

  I will end this 'lecture' by reminding us how explicit the Holy Qur'an is, about what is expected of the Muslims.
“Let there be a community among you, advocating what is good, demanding what is right, and eradicating what is wrong. These are indeed the successful.” (Holy Qur’an 3:104)

“You are the best community ever raised, you enforce what is right, fight what is wrong, and believe in God.” (Holy Qur’an 3:110)

  The historic role of the Islamic Community is to be the true embodiment of the virtuous, the wholesome and the noble. A truly Islamic community is the alert guardian of virtue and the bitter enemy of vice. The role of the individual Muslim is best described by the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him):
“Whoever of you sees something wrong must seek to rectify it by action or deed; if he cannot, let him try to change it by word; if he cannot, let his feelings of disapproval and condemnation intensify – and this is the minimal degree of faith".

  The Holy Qur'an declares:
“We have made you a middle nation, a well-integrated community, a balanced ‘Ummah’, so that you may be witnesses over other people and the Messenger a witness over you.” (Holy Qur’an 2:143)

  Such a role of witnessing is both highly significant and extremely demanding. It means that the community of Islam must be exemplary. It must set the highest standards of performance and be the reference point for others. To strike a middle course of action, to be steadfast and consistent, to know what to accept and what to reject, to have principles and at the same time remain adaptable is probably the hardest test of the human character and social viability. But this is the role of the Islamic community and the historic mission of Muslims. And it is this very criterion that qualifies the Muslims as the best human community ever to evolve.

  God has promised victory to such a community. On the other hand, God has issued a strong warning to the effect that if Muslims turned away from the right path, THEY would be the losers; He would replace them by other people unlike the failing Muslims (Qur’an 47:38).

  In the light of the above, we know what is wrong with us, and why we are in our present miserable condition, why we are so humiliated. It is a fact that when we were Muslims, God fulfilled his promise to us. When Europe was rotting in the “Dark Ages” we were the torch bearers of Civilization…

  But the good news is that Allah has pledged to protect and preserve His message, the Holy Qur'an. He has promised that (when people turn back from His Faith), He will produce a people whom He will love and they in turn will love Him, – humble toward the believers and mighty against the unbelievers, struggling in the way of God and never afraid of reproaches (Qur'an 5:57).

  So, there is always a mission left for us to accomplish, irrespective of what the current status of Muslims is – as individuals we always have a job to do, whether we are enjoying the fruits of our labour in “victory” or suffering a “temporary setback”. Our aim in life is to be among those of His servants through whom He will fulfill His promise to preserve His Message, (for He certainly is capable of carrying out His Will – whether we participate in it or not of our own volition, is entirely to our own benefit/detriment).

  In the Islamic tradition we are commanded to finish planting the sapling, (meaning, not to get discouraged from performing a good deed), even if we know for certain that the Last Hour has come – because no act of goodness/kindness is ever futile in the big scheme of things. We know that, as individuals, the Last Hour for each of us, is just around the corner – who knows whether I will be here tomorrow – once death overtakes me, the Last Hour will have finally arrived for me as a person (though not necessarily for the world).

  Thanks are due to God first, and to brother Faruq Nurul Arefin for providing this detailed explanation for concept of war in Islam (based upon the book "Islam in Focus" by Dr Hammudah Abdalati, published by American Trust Publications, 2622 East Main Street, Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2703, USA.) I recommend these few articles for further reading
Prophet Muhammad’s Charter to the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery
Prophet Muhammad's Treaty with Christians of Najran
Prophet Muhammad's Treaty with the Jews (622 C.E.)
Morality in War
Tolerance in Islam

  All the above articles belong to Islamic Civilization Website that is rated by Britannica internet guide as one of the best on the Internet for quality, accuracy of content, presentation and usability.

Islam and protection of non-Muslim minorities:

  Much relevant to this topic have been discussed above. I recommend this online book (it is not a big one) due to lack of time …
Human Rights in Islam by. Syed Abul A’la Al-Maududi.

Final remarks and conclusion:

  Whosoever reads Silas’ article will never consider killing Muslims immoral. Since their prophet was a murderer and a terrorist and their book orders them to kill all infidels, then eradicating Muslims will be a great service to humanity. No one fails to recognize that.
  Silas has brought the apocrypha of Islamic sources in order to prove his claims, and we refuted them with authentic Islamic traditions. We also demonstrated that Islam recognizes war as a necessity sometimes and has put moral code for it while Judeo-Christian traditions has no parallel moral code (despite the fact that they were the source of most terrible wars ever in the history of man).

  Osama Bin Laden? In the sight of Muslims, he is no more than a CIA mercenary, but since CIA does not have the habit of fulfilling promises. Bin Laden turned against them and against all Americans. Perhaps this will give them a lesson to fulfill their promises with next mercenaries.

  Clash of Civilizations? This is purely Western concept, it has no echo in Islamic tradition. The Holy Qur’an is explicit that we have been created in order to know and learn from one another, not to despise or fight one another.
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)" (Holy Qur'an 49:13)

  It also emphasizes that we belong to the same origin
“O mankind reverence your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women" (Holy Qur’an 4:1).
See also Qur’an 77:20-23, 86:5-7, 35:11and 23:12-14.

  Silas’ article was written more than two years ago. One can easily recognize from reading it that it was written during Serbian genocide of Muslims in Kosovo. So, the picture now is that while Serbs were faithfully and dutifully exterminating  Muslims in Kosovo and raping their women, Silas wrote his article to justify their actions and remove any sympathy with Muslim victims. Silas and the host of his article used the tragedy of WTC as an opportunity to bash Islam. They were not even honest enough to provide accurate rendering of the facts. These foul ethics bring none but disgrace to themselves (far from honouring the commandment not to bear false witness against one's neighbour). I’m really interested to know what they are going to say about this rebuttal. And God guides only whom He pleases.

“Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed. From selfish envy, after the Truth hath become manifest unto them: but forgive and overlook, till God accomplishes His purpose: for God hath power over all things" (Holy Qur’an 2:120)
And to God is the decision in all affairs.