Murder in the Name of Allah — Page 3
Religion drips with Blood religion corrupted by time or were themselves corrupt. They used force in the name of religion, yet their religion opposed the use of force. . The Quran's religious history is full of examples of force and violence used in the name of religion by people who had no religion. . People were tortured in the name of Allah by those who had not the faintest clue about God. Noahs, who called people to righteousness and piety, was not an oppressor - those who wished to suppress his voice were in the wrong. On hearing Noah's message they said: 'If you don't desist,. O Noah, you shall surely be one of those who are stoned. ' (26. 117). The history of religious persecution, as told by the Quran, clearly shows that followers of true religion are the victims of violence. The. Quran gives the example of Abraham, who called the people to God by using love, sympathy and humility. He had no sword . . . not a single weapon. But the elders of his people did exactly what the anti-religious opponents of Noahas had done. Abraham's father, Azar, said: 'If you do not desist from your belief I shall stone you. ' The words used by Azar were virtually identical to those used by Noah's as enemies. Both Noahas and Abrahamªs were insulted and humiliated, both were beaten and tortured, yet both accepted it all with patience and fortitude. Having lit the fire of oppression and mischief, the tormentors of Abraham tried to burn him alive. . Those who opposed Lots knew nothing whatsoever about religion. . Yet they were his enemies and opposed him and his followers in religion's name. They threatened him with violence; they warned him that he and his followers would be banished. They did their best to stop him teaching his religion. . The persecutors of Shuaib* did the same and told him: ‘Assuredly we will drive you out and the believers with you from our town or you shall have to return to our religion. ' (7. 89). By citing these examples, the Quran proves there is a pattern of conversion to true religion and also to the force used by the enemies of truth against such conversion. Shuaib's reply to the threats typifies the attitude of all God's prophets. He said: 'Even though we be unwilling?". Is it possible to change hearts by force, can a man be reconverted to a religion he has discarded after discovering it to be false? And can he be reconverted after he has discovered the truth of a new religion?. No dictator has ever been able to escape this logic. The historical fact is that the sword has never ruled and will never rule men's hearts. If the human body can be subdued by force, then the soul cannot. Belief is a 3