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Blood shed is not a motto but only for self-defense in Islam
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This is the age of war-mongers. They are thrilled with unremitting war and creating peace less world. On the name of mass weapon they attacked Iraq. How many children, women and innocent people died, mutilated, raped, brutally killed and dismantled their houses by soldiers and 'peace workers'. Yet, they couldn't justify their end. They were doing the same in Afghanistan, Vietnam and other countries. Now they are chasing Iran. Won't Iran have the right to use nuclear resources for peaceful purposes? No problem if you are a friendly country of the west. Take the case of Israel, who transgresses all limits against Palestine. Yet, poor Palestinians are blamed to be extremists. They are struggling for their life and freedom; not for conquering their neighboring country |
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Any how, Islam is not a religion of war and never encourages this blood-sucker. In Qur'an there is not even a single verse that orders for war, but for resistance. Allah says: 'Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not violate. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors' (2:190). The purpose of Islamic wars was not to convert any one to Islam. Moreover no one can be converted firmly to Islam. Qur'an says: 'there is no compulsion in religion (2:256). So to embrace Islam, one must declare after firmly rooted in his mind that 'No God other than Allah and Muhammad; may peace and grace of Almighty upon him, is His Prophet' such a confirmation will not emerge by being imposed on, but it should derive from conviction. Allah says to the Prophet: 'invite (all) to the way of your lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and discuss with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Your lord knows best, who have strayed from His path; and who receive guidance' (16:125).
In the Quranic Chapter 'Thouba', Allah asks: 'will ye not fight folks who broke their solemn pledges, and purposed to drive out the messenger and did attack you first? What! Fear ye them? Now Allah hath more right that ye should fear Him, if ye are believers' (Qur'an 9:13). Because of these kinds of verses on war in this chapter, Allah decided not to recite this with his names, that mean the most beneficent and the most merciful. From this anybody can understand He does, but gives permission in the critical juncture. Muslim pundits opined that it is unpleasant to begin 'chapter Thouba' with 'bismi' (the beginning verse of all other chapters) even though the recitation was from its middle. Islam may tolerate anything; but it cannot sit in passive against injustice; oppression; and violation of other people's rights. Allah asks: 'how should ye not fight for the cause of Allah and of the feeble among men and of the women and of the children who are crying: Our Lord! Bring us out this town, of which the people are oppressors! Oh, give us from Thy presence! Oh give us from Thy presence some supporter!' (4:75)
All over the world, Non-violence is accepted as the powerful weapon. Without some degree of tolerance the establishment of equality and justice cannot be brought into reality. Tolerance comes from the recognition of the dignity of human beings, fundamental freedom of thought, conscience and belief. As some think tolerance is not means of cowards, It will be the most secure way to tranquility. Mahatma Gandhi used this method and proved to be successful to a great extent in the last century during India's freedom struggle.
'Obey Allah and obey the messenger, and beware (of evil): if ye do turn back, knoe ye that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (message) in the clearest manner' (5:92). 'Unto each community have we given sacred rites which they are to perform; so let them not dispute with thee of the matter, but summon them unto thy lord. Lo! Thou art assuredly on Right Way' (22:67). This is the tolerant attitude of Qur'an. We must foster tolerance through deliberate policies and efforts among all communities. But we cannot accept different beliefs on the name tolerance. By tolerance Islam does not mean the state of religiousness, but the ability to endure all communities, races and nations. |
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