Malfuzat - Volume VIII — Page 121
Lecture Ludhiana 121 Hence, when things came to such a pass that the devoted followers of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were martyred, and even old women were most mercilessly and shamelessly martyred, was it not right to punish the culprits? Had Allah the Exalted wanted Islam to disappear, leaving no trace behind, perhaps the question of retaliating with the sword might not have arisen, but He willed Islam to spread throughout the world and become the means of salvation for humanity. That is why the sword was drawn sim- ply for self-defence at that time. I make the claim that Islam’s taking up the sword at that time is not objectionable from the point of view of any law, reli- gion, or morality. Even those who preach that if you are slapped on one cheek, offer the other cannot exercise patience in such situations, nor can those who consider it a sin to kill so much as a worm. So why is an objection raised against Islam? Islam did Not Spread through Force of Sword I also openly say that those ignorant Muslims who write that Islam was spread by the sword, slander Islam and defame the innocent Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him. Remember well that Islam has always spread through its pure teaching, guidance, fruits, heavenly lights, blessings, and mir- acles. The glorious Signs and holy effects of the lofty morals of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, brought about its spread. And those Signs and effects have not come to an end. They are perennial and present in every age, ever fresh and evergreen. That is why I say that our Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Living Prophet. This is because his teachings and guidelines constantly and continually bear fruit.