Understanding Islam — Page 76
WHAT IS JIHAD? 74 me will not merely stop preaching in this way; he will recognize the evil of this path and come to know that it invites God’s anger. 21 W AS I SLAM S PREAD BY THE S WORD ? This is a common question raised by people who are either unaware of its teachings or who actively seek to malign Islam. Prophet Muhammad sa is called Ra ḥ matal lil ‘ Ā lam ī n (Mercy for all peoples) 22 and the Holy Quran is also called “Mercy”. 23 How can we assume that this is a religion of terror, brutality, violence and compulsion on others to accept it? The following verses clearly and unequivocally condemn any form of compulsion in faith: There should be no compulsion in religion. 24 And say, ‘It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve. ’ 25