Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 17
THE NEED FOR OUTWARD AND INNER PEACE 17 God Almighty desired for all people, irrespective of their ethnic background or beliefs, to live in peace and for human values to be recognised and upheld. It is often alleged that the early Muslims engaged in warfare or were intolerant of the beliefs of others. Yet a fair-minded review of Islamic history proves that these are completely unjust and false accusations. When Islam was founded, the early Muslims were themselves the victims of merciless persecution in Makkah. Some were brutally martyred, others were savagely tortured but the Muslims remained patient and never retaliated. After bearing the most horrific imaginable cruelties, some of the vulnerable Muslims migrated to the land known today as Ethiopia. Yet still, the opponents of Islam did not let them live in peace; rather they followed them and presented themselves before the King of the land and pleaded with him to banish the Muslims and force them to return to Makkah so they could continue to persecute them and ensure that Islam did not spread. The disbelievers of Makkah told the King that the Muslims had established a new faith and had condemned idol worship. They claimed the Muslims spread disorder and disturbed the peace of society. Upon being instructed by the King to present their defence, the Muslims declared their belief in the One God, who was the Creator of all creation. They worshipped Him alone, but at the same time, sought peace with all people and communities and believed that people of different faiths and beliefs should respect one another. They expressed their belief that the mighty and rich should