Through Force or Faith? — Page 56
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 56 relationships with every nation except those who try directly to force war upon Muslims. In this vein, I shall further mention Quranic teachings as to why and to what extent war is permitted. And if war, which Islam sanctioned in its early days, is not waged under specific condi- tions, what kind of harm can be done and what type of horrible consequences are to be expected or were expected at that time. This shall prove that the sanction to fight was for the sake of peace and security of the world, and not for the promotion of unrest and chaos in the world, as the anti-Islam propagandists are clam- ouring about. If we discuss the actions of their own religions and their gov- ernments—of these opponents, or their cohorts, or their support- ers—and the efforts they are making to destroy the peace and secu- rity of the world and its harmony, they would have no rebuttal; but our intent is not to further fan the flames of their malice and the rancour and jealousies of the hearts. Therefore, I shall outline here the Quranic teachings that will further explain the princi- ples for which the permission of war or fighting was granted. This, by itself, will further underscore the sublime teachings of Islam. These are such wonderful teachings that they establish their stat- ure with majesty and elegance when contrasted with the teachings of any other religion. No other teachings can even come close. Therefore, in this regard, no Ahmad i needs to adopt or display a contrite attitude in answering any critic of Islam. Every injunction of the Holy Quran is replete with deep wisdom whose intent is to establish the ‘Rights of God’ and the ‘Rights of Man’. The Promised Messiah as has explained the reasons for the wars that were fought in the time of the Holy Prophet s as or in the times