A Rejoinder to Pope's Allegations Against Islam — Page 39
So, the third type of Jihad was started after Muslims being attacked in their new place of refuge following a long period of severe persecution and loss of lives and property. Until then, Muslims were not allowed to retaliate, rather they were commanded to leave Mecca and migrate to Medina, nearly 250 miles away, in a very helpless condition. When they were granted permission to fight, it was for defensive purpose only. These were not offensive wars. If the conditions of this Jihad are studied carefully, it will be found that they are not for any destructive purpose; rather they were permitted only to protect human rights and to give protection to places of worship, like cloisters, churches, synagogues and mosques. Islam does not permit any act of aggression or terrorism against any religion, may they be from Judaism or Christianity. We find specific injunctions in the Holy Quran: ,/ "". . . . . ~~~ ~ ~~'1\ ~ \J~ ~J "And create not disorder in the earth after it has been set in order. " (HOLYQURAN 7:57) " /' " ,; J 0»-. " 0 " j!~1 ~)~\ l/, \~ ~J "And commit not iniquity in the earth causing disorder. " (HOLY QURAN 11:86) Aggression, hostility, mischief and wickedness are condemned in several other verses and Muslims are commanded to work wholly for peace. Islam always encourages the freedom of conscience and the promotion of human welfare. Islam not only preaches peace and brotherhood but also promotes 39