Does Islam turn a blind eye to such religions , and leave them as they are ; or take the attitude of the opponent that does its utmost to eliminate such religions .
few of western writers , use the first part as an answer , one of them is Jote who said in his book ” ethics of Muslims , and their habits ” : a Muslim is selfish, and Islam encourages him to have such selfishness . he does not care whether others go astrayor be guided , be wretched or glad , and whether they go to paradise or the Hellfire .
Whereas , most of writers use the second part as an answer to this question, Islam in their viewpoint , uses sword to force people to accept it , and a Muslim – in their viewpoint – is to strike the necks of non-Muslims wherever he find them.
In fact , none of the two perceptions of Islam’s attitude is correct.
Islam is neither tepid nor introvert doctrine as alleged by the few writers
calling for the right and good deeds is a fundamental cornerstone in Islam , and the continuous activity in such calling is an obligation all the time and everywhere .
Allah orders his messenger to convey his words ( The Qur’an ) and do his utmost to achieve that
Allah says ” So do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with the Qur’an a great striving “ ( 8 – 25 )
Qur’an encourages Muslims to continue such call
Allah says :
” And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness..” ( 41 – 33) also Islam made succession restricted to those callers , Allah says ” And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good ” ( 3 – 63 )
” Indeed, mankind is in loss , Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience “ ( 103 – 1,2 )
But Islam – at the same time – is not as alleged by most writers that it is violent and bloodthirsty , it is not one of its aims to force people to accept it in order to be the only worldwide religion .
The prophet of Islam was the first one knew that any attempt to impose one religion to be the only worldwide religion is a failure attempt . besides, it is Inconsistent with the established way of life and contrary to Allah’s will .
Allah says :
” And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ ” ( 11 – 118 )
” And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers “ ( 12 -103 )
” And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers? “ ( 10 – 99 )
” Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided ” ( 28 – 56 )
Thus , the perfect Islamic rule originated , it devised in the Qur’an in the verse ” There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion “ ( 2 -256 )
So the Qur’an clarified how to invite to Allah , and set its Methodology , and made it based on gentle advice and Argument , Allah said :
” Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best “
Not only does Islam urge Muslims to take such peaceful attitude ( not allowed to force non-Muslims to accept Islam ) but also it proceeds to take positive steps to honor mankind in the person of non-Muslims .
Can you find an advice that is more sublime and noble than what is given by Islam towards paganism from which Islam is farther than such religions come from heavenly revelation. Read – for example – in surat al-tawba in which Allah says ” And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety “ ( 9 – 6 )
You notice that Islam – in this verse – not only grants polytheists protection , ensure safety for them , give them gentle advice , and guide them to the right religion when they are in our vicinity but also Islam grants them protection , and show care for them until they reach the place in which they are safe from any Scourge .
Then do you see a rule that is more just , merciful , and seeking for the union and Cohesion of the nation than the rule set by Islam that is ” non-Muslims have the same rights that Muslims have , and they have the same duties – to be fulfilled – that Muslims have “
This rule ensure Freedom of religion and rituals ,and safety for themselves , property , and honour ; it also grant them the same freedom , safety , justice and mercy that given to Muslims .
Do you see a calling that is more Broadminded , Magnanimous , preceding in generosity , and closer to peace and peaceful Coexisting among non-Muslim nations , than this calling .
Not only does this calling consider such relationship among Muslim nation and other non-Muslim nations as ” an exchange of dealings concerning peace ” Allah says” And if they incline to peace, then incline to it ” ( 8 – 61 ) ” So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for fighting] against them. “
Moreover , this calling urge Muslims to take the attitude of mercy , righteousness , and justice towards non-Muslims , Allah says ” Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly “
That is not all about clarifying the noble humane Practical attitude that Islam takes towards those who are not followers of it .
In conclusion , Islam does not abstain – even for a moment – from Converging on concepts that may achieve justice , spread safety , Protecting blood from being shed , Protecting sanctities from being Violated even though that based on conditions that may apparently seem to be unfair to Muslims .
As a wonderful example presented by Allah’s Messenger – peace be Upon Him – concerning this concept when he said at Al-Hudaybiyah ( a place in which a treaty has been held between Quraysh and the prophet ) ” I swear by Allah that I would accept any plan proposed by Quraysh if it contained joining the tie of relationship , and saving sanctities ” .
That is the worldwide concept of cooperation to achieve peace , that is Formulated by the prophet of Islam and the Messenger of peace .
