Understanding Islam — Page 15
15 people to get to know their Creator. He sought, like other Prophets before him, to promulgate a teaching that would grant them peace – both in this world, as well as the next. Not a single instance can be proven in the life of Prophet Muhammad sa that he ever used coercion to convert anyone, either through warfare or through exploitation. Prophet Muhammad sa did not compel any prisoners of war to accept Islam, nor did he ask relatives of a prisoner to accept Islam in exchange for a prisoner’s release. Under normal circumstances, where no battle was being waged, it was perfectly reasonable to invite people to Islam. During battles, this message of peace was always a primary objective. Each and every battle of Prophet Muhammad’s sa life bears testimony to the fact that wherever reconciliation was possible, it was always the priority, and it was always the Muslims who desired it. In fact, Prophet Muhammad sa clearly forbade the desire to fight when he said: Do not wish for battle with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; (but) when you are obliged to face them in battle, show patience. 13