Through Force or Faith? — Page 69
Sanctions for Self-Defence in Islam 69 Holy Prophet s as that we are not fighting this war as a transgres- sion or extortion. Indeed it is you who targeted us for persecution in Makkah, and now, too, you are forcing the war upon us. It is being said to the infidels after the Battle of Badr, which was fought shortly after the migration from Makkah. The memories of the atrocities, excesses, and transgressions perpetrated by the infidels of Makkah were still fresh. How the Muslims were persecuted, the pain and suffering inflicted upon even the Holy Prophet s as him- self, these memories were still raw. When, in the battle of Badr, the infidels attacked and suffered defeat; this uplifted the spirits of Muslims. Their faith in the help of Allah, the Exalted, was fur- ther enhanced too. But Allah, the Exalted, had this proclamation made that the heart of a Muslim is far beyond grudge, rancour, and vengeance. Every Muslim is expected that he should be a sym- bol of peace at large. This proclamation was made that we forgive your old transgressions, we even forgive your forcing war upon us, if you wish to make an agreement with us not to fight us again. If you make this pledge, then we will also abide by it. But if you do not abstain, we have no choice. Whenever you will attack, or per- secute our comrades, other Muslims, it will be avenged in order to stop your belligerence. Thus, if we have to fight for the sake of Allah’s religion and for the peace and security of the world, we shall. This is also criticized that it is said: َّو َنْوُكَي ُنْيِّدلا ٗهُّلُك ِهّٰلِل And religion is wholly for Allah. ( S u rah al-Anf a l, 8:40) They revile Islam that it means that Muslims are enjoined to