Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 20
ISLAM & EUROPE: PEACE, IDENTITY & INTEGRATION 20 spare no effort in promoting a permanent state of peace and harmony and to bring people together. Yet the bitter persecution continued for years and finally, when their cruelties exceeded all bounds, the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers migrated to the city of Medina. Still, the opponents of Islam did not let them live in peace; rather, the disbelievers of Makkah pursued them and soon waged war against the Muslims. Only then, after years of bearing hateful persecution, and after having been driven out of their homes, did God Almighty permit the Muslims to respond with force and to defend themselves. Here, it is very important to note that permission to fight back was not given just to defend Islam or Muslims; rather, the Holy Quran states in chapter 22, verses 40-41 that permission to fight back was given to defend the institution of religion and universal freedom of belief, as those were the real targets of the opponents of Islam. It should also be clarified that the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instructed his followers to abide by the strictest possible rules of engagement. For example, he ensured that prisoners of war were treated with compassion and freed wherever possible. He instructed that no child, woman, elderly or sick person was to be targeted, nor were places of worship or religious leaders to be attacked. Further, he instructed that if the opposing side even hinted towards reconciliation their gesture was to be immediately accepted, so that no opportunity for peace was lost. 5 It is also of note that, where it is commonly suggested that