The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 112
Seal of the Prophets - Volume III 112 Various western research scholars including Muir, 1 have objected (as per their habit), that the manner in which these murderous pillagers were killed was cruel and barbaric. However, if all the facts are analysed in this case, the mantle of Islām remains absolutely untarnished. Actually, this was not the decision of Islām but of Moses as , 2 the Law of whom the Christian Messiah did not abrogate but upheld. 3 Perhaps, our opponents have the saying of the Christian Messiah in mind , “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ” 4 If so, then verily, our opposition has the right to raise this allegation, but the question is, whether any reasonable individual considers this teaching at all practical. Furthermore, in the last 1,950 years has any Christian man, woman, Christian community or government, acted upon this teaching? Undoubtedly, this teaching is a wonderful one to stand up at the pulpit and exhort in sermons. However, in practical life, this teaching holds no weight whatsoever, nor can a rational individual be prepared to act upon it. Therefore, in such a case, to place these kinds of emotional models before oneself and make the Muslims the target of an allegation, is but to furnish proof of one’s own ignorance. Of course, look at the Law of Moses as , who unlike Jesus as was a law-maker and who understood the essence of the law. Alternatively, examine the practical conduct of the Christians and not just their claims. The truth shall become evident that pragmatically, no religion can compare with Islām because it does as it claims. It does not have double standards and its claims and actions are both so elevated, that no reasonable and unprejudiced individual can object to it. Quite the contrary, one is inclined to praise Islām. For like the Mosaic Law, it does not enjoin revenge in all circumstances and to wage the axe of retribution indiscriminately. Neither does it teach that punishment should never be administered, nor that when a criminal commits a crime, he should be supported and strengthened in his purpose in accordance to Christian Law. Instead, Islām forsakes these two extremes and 1 The Life of Mahomet, By Sir William Muir, Chapter XVIII (Sixth Year of Hegira), Certaub Robbers Executed Barbarously. . . , p. 364, Published by Smith, Elder & Co. London (1878) 2 Exodus (21:23-25), Leviticus (24:19-21), Deuteronomy (19:21) 3 Matthew (5:17-19) 4 Matthew (5:38-41)