Understanding Islam — Page 32
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 32 head of the state, Prophet Muhammad sa enacted a covenant of peace between all parties within the city. According to the treaty, the Jews were not bound by the Islamic Shariah (law) but were bound only by the Jewish laws and customs. This was the perfect example of tolerance and mutual respect Prophet Muhammad sa had for other faiths. By contrast, extremist organizations claim that Shariah law must be enforced on every person, no matter what their religion or background may be, whereas the example of Prophet Muhammad sa is entirely different and diametrically opposed to that. Indeed, this treaty clearly stipulated that no woman was to be forcibly removed from her home, thus nullifying the extremists’ claim that non-Muslim women are their possessions or chattel. According to the treaty, no person would ever be compelled to accept Islam; rather it expressly stated that the Jews and the non-Muslims of Mad ī nah, would be treated with love and compassion and as brothers by the Muslims. History bears witness to the fact that the Muslims followed this agreement to the letter and if the covenant was ever breached it was done so by the