Understanding Islam — Page 118
DOES VIOLENCE ESCALATE IN EARLY ISLAM? 116 This is a declaration on the part of Allah and His Messenger addressed to the idolaters whom you had promised that Allah and His Messenger would surely triumph, that the promise has been fulfilled and that Allah and His Messenger are absolved of all obligation (Bar ā ’ah) in that respect. 4 In other words, this verse makes a declaration that Islam and Prophet Muhammad sa have been completely vindicated by the Fall of Makkah. Thus the meaning of the Arabic word that applies here, strictly according to the context, is, “absolution from a fault or responsibility”, and certainly not the self- serving mistranslation by the critics, that is, “the disavowal of all previous treaties with non- Muslims”, and an open invitation to engage in a perpetual fighting with non-Muslims. As far as the so-called “violent verses” in S ū rah At-Taubah (Chapter 9) are concerned (9:3, 5, 13), they should be seen in the context of 9:4: Excepting those of the idolaters with whom you have entered into a treaty and who have not subsequently failed you in anything nor aided anyone against you. So fulfil to these the treaty you