The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 330
330. Essence of Islam II the propagation of the faith is a prescribed obligation. . There are few of them who do not adhere to this doctrine. . The large majority of them are so committed to this false doctrine which is utterly contrary to the Holy Qur'ān and the teaching of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of. Allāh be on him) that they condemn anyone who differs with them on this score as the Antichrist (Dajjāl) and proclaim that he may be killed with impunity. I have been the subject of such condemnation since a long time. . . . . They should remember that this doctrine of Jihad as conceived by them is not at all correct. Its first result is the sacrifice of human sympathy. Their notion that as. Jihad was permitted in the early stages of Islām there is no reason why it should not be lawful now is utterly misguided. We have two answers to it. The first is that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him) never raised his sword except against those who first raised it themselves and most mercilessly killed innocent and pious men, women and children. They were killed in such cruel manner the recital of which even today brings tears to our eyes. Secondly, even assuming that in the beginning of Islām such Jihad was obligatory, as is mistakenly conceived by these Maulavis, yet in this age it no longer holds good inasmuch as it is written that when the Promised Messiah appears Jihād by the sword and all fighting for religion will come to an end as he will not take up the sword or any other earthly weapon. . His only instrument will be his supplications, and his only weapon will be his firm determination. He will lay the foundation of peace and will gather the goat and the lion together. His age will be the age of peace and kindliness and human sympathy. Why do these people not reflect