Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 53
ISLAM – SAFEGUARDING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS 53 those who rejected him. Allah the Almighty reassured His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that a time would come when those who rejected his teachings would recognise its truth. The Holy Quran never once advocated violence or force against those who shunned its teachings; rather, it called on the Muslims to exhibit tolerance and patience. Therefore, if today, so-called Muslims or so-called Islamic governments manifest extremism or fanaticism, the blame lays squarely with them. Their deceitful and abhorrent behaviour, through which the peace and harmony of the world is being shattered, can never be justified or excused in any way. Islam’s teachings are categorical that violent conquest or forceful conversion are strictly prohibited. Indeed, any act or conduct that is detrimental to the peace and security of society is forbidden. At every juncture, the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) manifested compassion and benevolence. He taught that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand all others are safe. 2 He did not differentiate by saying that Muslims should be sympathetic and kind to Muslims alone, rather he made it clear that they must protect and care for all members of society, irrespective of their differences of belief. Consequently, terrorists who commit suicide bombings, attack nightclubs, concert halls or stadiums or manically drive vehicles into members of the public are all guilty of violating the teachings of Islam in the most ghastly and barbaric fashion. Apart from enshrining freedom of belief as a core human