A Critique of Professor Arnold G. Toynbee’s Understanding — Page 53
53 2. No expansion of the worldly empire is intended. 3. The intent is not to subjugate any nation or people. 4. This verse proves four things very clearly. First, the wars could not be started by the Muslims, rather the disbelievers were the ones who lifted the sword against the Muslims. This is clear from the word: “…. . those against whom war was made. ” Second, the disbelievers were guilty of persecuting the Muslims. This is clear from the words: “because they have been wronged. ” Third, the verse clearly indicates that the disbelievers intended to destroy Islam by force. Fourth, by declaring war the Muslim’s purpose was purely assurance of their own security and self defense. This testimony of the Holy Quran tells us very clearly that all these wars were started by the disbelievers. They wanted to destroy Islam by force. The Muslims were the innocent persecuted party. They lifted the sword for their own security and self defens e, for the purpose of establishing peace and freedom of conscience. They entered the field of combat with heavy and unwilling heart. ( Muhammad Abu Zohra, Khatam - an - Nabiyyeen, Vol. II, p. 66 ). The above position is further established by the ordinances that the Holy Prophet issued regarding the conduct of wars. It is recorded in the book of his sayings that whenever the Holy Prophet would send forth a body of men for the purpose of