Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 248
Malfuzat - English translation of Urdu Volume 10 248 All Islamic Wars were Defensive It is extremely unfair that Islam is labelled as being cruel, whereas the fact is that those who criticize Islam unjustifia- bly out of prejudice, without due consideration and delibera- tion, are themselves being cruel. They refuse to accept, despite repeated explanations, that all the Islamic battles and conflicts were defensive in nature and, after unrelenting oppression and persecution at the hands of the disbelievers of Makkah, were meant to safeguard life and property. Muslims did not commit any act which was not committed and which had not been ini- tiated first by the disbelievers. On the contrary, there were many heinous practices which were explicitly forbidden by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, on his own initiative because of his superior moral standards. For instance, the disbelievers had the most repugnant custom of mutilating the corpses of Muslims [martyred in battle]. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, strictly prohibited the Muslims from that despicable act. This matter is mentioned in great detail and at great length in the Holy Quran, but one must possess the ability to ponder and maintain an impartial heart with the thirst for truth and justice. The Holy Quran has mentioned this issue very clearly: 1 َو ْمُه ْمُكْوُءَدَب َلَّوَا ٍةَّرَم َو ْمُه ْمُكْوُءَدَب َلَّوَا ٍةَّرَم Meaning that every mischief and conflict was first initiated by the disbelievers. In fact, the Holy Quran has explicitly enunciated the prin- ciple that those who confronted you with the sword should be 1. And they were the first to commence hostilities against you ( S u rah at-Taubah, 9:13). [Publisher]