Understanding Islam — Page 36
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 36 streets, beaten to near death, and were subjected to such torture which puts to shame the correctional cruelties of today. One must stop and question the reason for unleashing such atrocities against early Muslims. The truth of the matter is, that - much like the disciples of Jesus Christ as - the only crime for which these humble souls were ever charged, was their unwavering desire to worship the One True God. The Makkans even sought to bribe Prophet Muhammad sa into abandoning his faith, offering him fabulous amounts of wealth and the most beautiful women in all of Arabia in lieu of renacting his faith. He was so absolutely steadfast and unflinching in his love for the religion of Islam, that he unequivocally declared, “By God! If these people put the Sun on my one hand and the Moon upon the other, even then I shall not refrain from the fulfillment of my responsibility”. 31 Hence, Prophet Muhammad’s sa reasons for fighting were to adhere to the principle of self- defence in the face of unprovoked attacks, and in defense of his faith, when the Makkans threatened to destroy the religion of Islam with the use of force,