Understanding Islam — Page 38
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 38 persecution had become unbearable for many Muslims, and forced them to migrate from their hometown of Makkah. The night when Prophet Muhammad sa left Makkah was the night when the tribes had unaminously conspired to assassinate him in his home. Even after reaching Mad ī nah, the Makkans did not leave the Muslims alone, and kept on pursuing them and instigating tribes against them until the Muslims were left with no choice but to defend themselves by taking up arms in self- defence, despite having no desire to fight for any material gains or for the sake of power. In fact, the Muslims were abhorrent to the idea of spilling blood, and considered peace as the best environment for Islam’s teachings to appeal to the natural instincts of human beings in the society. The reality is that Muslims abhorred combat, not because of any cowardly fear of death but due to their desire to maintain and promote peace. The Holy Quran says: Fighting is ordained for you, though you find it repugnant. 32