The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 40
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 40 the Holy Prophet sa in this defensive war were not only perfectly permissible and correct in light of prevalent events; rather, the standard of the code of conduct in war, as established by the Holy Prophet sa , is an excellent model for the world even today. As such, further inclination towards severity and punishment would have been at odds with justice, whereas a course of mercy and leniency would have proven to be a lethal poison for world peace. In truth, the claim of Islām is that it is a religion which appeals to human nature. Therefore, it does not prescribe a punishment in all circumstances for every sin and every crime, nor does it teach that evil should never be repelled, because both of these teachings are at extreme odds. Acting upon such extreme teachings can never establish peace, nor can the morality of nations and individuals be reformed. Hence, the most perfect and equitable teaching is: “The recompense of an injury or crime should be one which is most appropriate. If however, forgiveness brings about reformation, then one should forgive. A person who forgives in this manner shall be worthy of reward from Allāh. ” 1 Does Islām Permit Compulsion in the Matter of Religion? Prior to analyzing the early wars of Islām, it is incumbent upon us to first study the teachings presented by Islām regarding compulsion in religious matters. In other words, is it permissible - in light of Islāmic teachings - that people should be converted to Islām by force, and that Islām be propagated by the sword? If Islām permits compulsion, then undoubtedly, the issue would become dubious. In this case, the possibility would exist that perhaps the early wars of Islām were also fought for the purpose of converting people to Islām by force. However, if it is proven that in light of the Islāmic teaching compulsion in religion is prohibited, this would be a powerful argument to substantiate that these early wars of Islām were not for the purpose of converting people to Islām by force, rather, there were other reasons for them. For it is not possible in the least, nor can any sensible individual accept, that the Holy Prophet sa himself and his Companions could have acted so openly against that teaching, which they conveyed to the people in the name of God, and upon which their national identity was based. 1 Ash-Shūrā (42:41)