Islam is the religion of peace

ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION OF PEACE
04
Abd Ar-Rahman bin
Abd Al-Kareem Ash-Sheha
English

Abd Ar-Rahman bin
Abd Al-Kareem Ash-Sheha

© Cooperative Office for Islamic Propagation in Rabwah , 2018
King Fahd National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data
AI-Sheha, Abdulrahman
Islam is the Religion of Peace. / Abdulrahman bin Abdul Kareem
AI-Sheha.- Riyadh, 2018
96 p; 15.3 x 19.6 cm
ISBN: 978-603-8249-25-3
1- Islam - Geral Principles. 2- Islam and Peace
I-Title
211 dc 1439/9691
L.D. no. 1439/9691
ISBN: 978-603-8249-25-3

In the name of Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful.

Dear Reader,
Islam is a complete and integral Divine religion and
way of life. It has a complete code of ethics for a happy
life, as well as a peaceful and tranquil life after death.
Islam is free from all imperfections and defects.
Any deviant or abnormal behavior observed in a Muslim
should have no bearing on Islam, none whatsoever.
The reason for such deviant behavior is generally a
poor understanding of the faith, and in other cases,
weak faith that leads to the person going astray from
what is proper and noble.
It is unjust and unreasonable for Islam to be assessed
or evaluated based on any individuals’ behavior or
attitudes, with the exception of the Prophet Muhammad,
who is the best example and role model for all humans.

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
8
12
16
26
32
44
48
52
66
68
74
INTRODUCTION
THE MEANING OF ISLAM
THE MISCONCEPTION THAT ISLAM WAS
SPREAD BY FORCE
THE MISCONCEPTION THAT WORLDLY GAINS
WERE THE AIM OF THE ISLAMIC CONQUESTS
JUST WAR THEORY AND PRACTICE IN ISLAM
ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES ENJOIN MERCY AND
CONDEMN AGGRESSION
CONCLUSION
ISLAMIC GENERAL PRINCIPLES CHAMPION
COMPREHENSIVE PEACE
ISLAMIC MORALS PROMOTE
COMPREHENSIVE PEACE
ISLAM ENJOINS BELIEVERS TO OBSERVE
THE FOLLOWING MORAL OBLIGATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROMOTE PEACE
EXAMPLES OF ACTS THAT LEAD TO DIVISION
AND HATRED THAT ARE PROHIBITED IN ISLAM

FOREWORD
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All praise be to God, the Lord of all the worlds, the Creator
of the heavens and earth and all creatures living in them.
May God grant peace and blessings to Prophet Muhammad,
God’s final Messenger, whose message brought mercy to all
mankind. May He also give His blessings to all the prophets and messengers whom He
sent to guide mankind out of darkness and into light.
At the Osoul Centre for Islamic Advocacy, every new release that we produce gives us a
great opportunity to interact with our readers. All our releases have the same overall objec-
tive; to present Islam to mankind, as it truly is. We aim to make people aware of Islam’s fine
aspects and profound teachings and to show clearly that it is the only faith that provides
practical and effective solutions to all the problems faced by humanity. Islam gives clear
and solid answers to all of the questions that have troubled people over many generations,
such as: How did we come into existence and why do we exist? Where do we go from
here? Furthermore, Islam is the only religion that requires its followers to love and respect
all the prophets God sent, particularly Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them both).
We take great care to provide solid and rational proofs for our arguments, so as to give our
readers the reassurance they need, and our releases also refute the accusations levelled
against Islam and provide clarification to people’s misunderstandings of Islamic teachings.
By God’s grace, Islam is the fastest growing religion in our time, as confirmed by a study
undertaken by the Pew Research Centre(1)
, and our motive is to make this great divine
faith known to all people.
Islam is the Religion of Peace, shows with clarity that Islam is the religion of perfect
peace, and that the spread of Islam means the spread of peace throughout the world.
Muslims must always be true to their promises and covenants, and must treat others
with justice and compassion, particularly those who are weak and vulnerable.
The book also makes clear that when the early Muslims overpowered major empires and
took over vast areas, their motives were not to subjugate people or to enrich themselves
by taking away their resources. Indeed, Islam stands firmly against injustice, tyranny and
corruption, and builds a state where all people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, can en-
joy full justice and true compassion. Islam helps people to discard the worship of other
beings so that they worship God alone. It takes them out of the darkness of disbelief,
delivering them into the light of faith.
We hope that readers will find this book useful in adding to their knowledge and understand-
ing of Islam.
Basil ibn Abdullah al-Fawzan
Executive Director
(1) “The Future of the Global Muslim Population”, Pew Research Center, 27 January 2011,
Available at http://goo.gl/uk8y1i

8
ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF PEACE
8
INTRODUCTION
“Terrorism” is of two kinds, and though it may be surprising to some, there is
a form of terrorism that is used to actually prevent warfare and bloodshed.
This type of terrorism is used by many leading governments around the
world and is sometimes called psych-ops (psychological operations). As
an example, the government may distribute photos of its air force arsenal
to prevent criminals or separatists from going forward with crimes. The
objective of such operations are to instill fear into an enemy so that they
surrender or at least desist from their crimes.
Allah says in the Qur’an about this justified form of terrorism which we are
speaking of - which prevents and deters aggression:
“Make ready against them your strength to the utmost of your power,
including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of
God and your enemies, and others besides them whom you may not know
but whom God knows well. Whatever you spend in the cause of God will be
repaid unto you, and you will not be treated unjustly.” (8:60)
The second type of terrorism is the one we most often hear about in the
news. It is evil, and founded upon injustice, double standards, tyranny, and
aggression; in all the hateful connotations that these words imply. It targets
women and children, civilians and non-combatants, trying to force defeat
and difficult political decisions by spreading terror. This kind is what most
people immediately think about when hearing the word terrorism. Often
people associate it with what they have been preconditioned to picture by
various government agencies and segments of the mass media.
Muslims are routinely portrayed as terrorists even though many are either
totally innocent of the charge, or more commonly, the primary victims of
terrorism itself. “Islamic terrorism” is a media and think tank byword, even
though one would be hard pressed to find the equivalent term of Jewish,
Christian, Hindu or Buddhist terrorism in usage. Certain institutions and
individuals - with known agendas and backings - have been instrumental in
fabricating and perpetuating misinformation, exaggeration, and previously
disqualified and refuted misunderstandings and slanders.
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
The government
may distribute photos
of its air force arsenal
to prevent criminals or
separatists from going
forward with crimes.
The objective of such
operations are to instill
fear into an enemy so
that they surrender or
at least desist from
their crimes.
Muslims are
routinely portrayed as
terrorists even though
many are either totally
innocent of the charge,
or more commonly,
the primary victims of
terrorism itself.

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peace upeon you
One might claim that we are using terror here in its linguistic meaning and outside the scope of
the technical legal definition of terrorism, but that definition is hotly under contention because no
universally accepted standard has been agreed upon. It is disturbing to see the now apparent
hypocrisy and double standards of the major powers, those who claim to hold the banner
of justice, as they use state sponsored terror to achieve their goals; noble and otherwise.
Thus, the point we are emphasizing is a return to universal common sense; terror can have a
negative and a positive effect according to circumstance and context.
Terrorism invariably does not arise in a vacuum, but in a historical context of persecutions,
injustices, and grievances that build up over time to the point of explosion and rebellion.
When a people have nothing left to lose, their actions will be unpredictable. A common
form of undeniable terrorism is state terrorism. Yet sadly, this is often purposely neglected
or downgraded in legal and government sponsored examinations of the issues surrounding
terrorism for the simple fact that those who hold power often do not wish that their institutional
and party crimes are exposed as crimes against humanity. Also, they plan that their agendas
of labeling others, but not their own operatives, as criminals and terrorists, are not discovered.
Is clandestine assassination and murder a form of terrorism? Is torture and rape a form of
terrorism? Is deliberate military, political, economic and environmental sabotage resulting in
mass death a form of terrorism? Are wholesale persecutions of one racial or ethnic group or
one class with lynching, killing and beatings a form of terrorism? Is target bombing a form of
terrorism? Is the use of nuclear weapons, and other weapons of mass destruction, on major
population centers a form of terrorism? What is justifiable collateral damage? If these acts are
not terrorism, then what are they exactly? If they are not legal and justified, then what do we
call the numerous examples around the globe during the 20th century of unprecedented human
wars and mass destruction? What do they call the implemented policies of what is coerced upon
the world in this 21st century? Many difficult issues remain under investigation and contention,
and demand serious and reasonable answers from scholars and politicians alike.
Many of the national and secular governments and systems claim to champion human rights,
peace, prosperity, and happiness for man, but in reality we see that they practice narrow
national and party politics meant to empower and enrich selected groups. Furthermore, these
governments are inherently fragmented and self contradictory by seeking to serve various
special interest groups, while professing to serve the general public good. The legislations
of these regimes and agencies enact laws and policies that serve the interests of power and
wealth in their societies. The social, political, economic, and environmental consequences of
unchecked power and greed for profit and luxury is detrimental to the majority of mankind, and
is leading humanity, in general, to irreversible devastation and destruction.

10
Islam, on the other hand, is a comprehensive and universal religion for all
races and classes of people not inclined to serve a specific group of people,
but aimed to address the needs of all humanity with its moral, spiritual,
social, legal, political and economic systems. Its moral purity and clarity,
and simplicity in a strict monotheistic creed, and comprehensive prohibition
of all types of criminality, oppression and injustice appeals to all classes of
people, regardless of race, culture, education, social and economic status.
The aim of Islam is to establish the ideal human society and brotherhood
by spreading general benevolence and the Divine guidance among men for
their betterment and salvation. Part of its mission is to establish justice at all
times and at all levels, to maintain amicable relations, even with potential
enemies, as long as there are no open acts of hostilities, and to promote
peace whenever possible. Allah, the Almighty, states in the Qur’an:
“It may be that God will grant love and friendship between you and those
whom you hold as enemies. For God has power over all things; And God is
Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. God forbids you not, with regard to those who
do not fight you for your Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing
kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just. God only forbids
you, with regard to those who fight you for your Faith, and drive you out of
your homes, and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for
friendship and protection. Those who turn to them do wrong.” (60:7-9)
These verses call for peace with those that refrain from the hostile actions
mentioned.
And Allah Most Glorified said in His Majestic Qur’an:
“If they incline towards peace, then incline towards peace, and trust in God,
for He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” (8:61)
This verse states that whenever the enemy suggests peace, it is incumbent
on Muslims to cooperate towards establishing peace.
It is hoped that researchers and scholars will investigate Islam, and its
laws and principles, with impartiality and thoughtful reflection. The true
beauty and awesomeness of Islam is only evident to those who live by
it and practice it, though all students can admire its just laws, universal
brotherhood, noble and rational principles, and excellent moral examples.
One of the evidences of the greatness of this Divine faith is that, regardless
of the weak support extended by the followers of Islam and the vast war
The aim of Islam
is to establish the
ideal human society
and brotherhood by
spreading general
benevolence and
the Divine guidance
among men for their
betterment and
salvation.
Terrorism invariably
does not arise in
a vacuum but in a
historical context
of persecutions,
injustices, and
grievances that build
up over time to the
point of explosion and
rebellion.

11
Foreward
peace upeon you
waged against it by its vicious critics and enemies, it has resisted corruption and distorting
innovations, and continues to spread on its own merits and values in various parts of the world.
What is behind this expansion of Islam, despite the weaknesses of the Muslims, is the inherent
strength of the truth and justice that by nature dissipates and conquers all falsehood and
injustice. In Islam, people find full satisfaction for their spiritual, moral, physical and practical
expectations and needs.
As for the people who refuse to see, hear and investigate the truth, they will undoubtedly
remain mired in false desires, narrow biases and ignorant prejudices. A well-known principle is
that man by nature rejects that which he fears. He fears that which he is ignorant about, and
therefore, makes enemies of what he does not know. Allah has described them in the Qur’an
saying:
“Many are the jinn and men We have made for Hellfire. They have hearts wherewith they
understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, ears wherewith they hear not. They are like
livestock. Nay! They are even more misguided. They are the heedless and neglectful.” (7:179)
Sheep follow blindly, but at least they follow the natural laws and instincts created by Allah for
their survival, while many men blindly follow custom and their leaders, rejecting what Allah has
revealed for man’s own benefit and salvation. As Allah mentions:
“Nay! They say: We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves
by their footsteps.” (43:22)
I do hope and pray that Allah, the Exalted, will bring benefit to you from what has been written
here. Ours is a humble effort, presented with a pure intent, to contribute to the wealth of human
information and to advance understanding. The writer offers, in addition, an open invitation
to all those who are interested in learning more about Islam to communicate with him at
the address given, and would be delighted to answer all inquiries about Islam and provide
additional literature on it.
The author expresses his deep gratitude to Allah, Most Exalted, for His continuing aid. Any and
all shortcomings and omissions in this booklet are those of the author alone for which he takes
responsibility, and requests from all the readers forgiveness, and he seeks the pardon and
forgiveness from Allah the Most Merciful.
May Allah’s Blessings and Mercy be upon the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ the final Prophet and
Messenger of Allah to mankind, and may the blessings and peace of Allah also be upon his
family and companions, and all those who follow their guidance and the footprints until the Day
of Judgment.
Dr. Abdul Rahmaan b. Abdul-Kareem ash-Sheha

12
THE MEANING OF ISLAM
The word Islam means submission to Allah, the Almighty, the Creator
and Lord of all creation, with the entire soul and body, by obedience to
what He commanded and prohibited in His Revealed Law. It requires
compliance and willful yielding of one’s will to His Will and Judgments,
and by acceptance of all that Allah has decreed for man on earth.
Allah is the Most Beneficent and Merciful who knows all man’s needs,
who enjoins all that is good and warns against all that is evil. Thus,
His revealed Law is perfectly suited to the universal needs, rights and
responsibilities of man.
The Almighty states in the Qur’an, in relation to the Prophet Ibraheem
(Abraham):
“Behold! His Lord said to him, ‘Submit.’ He said, ‘I have submitted
[in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.’” (2:131)
The word “Salam” means “Peace” and is derived from the same
Arabic three-letter root (SLM) as the word Islam. “Salam” is also
one of the Attributes of Allah, blessed be His Names and Attributes
and Exalted His Majesty, as the Qur’an states:
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign,
the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the
Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above
whatever they associate with Him.” (59:23)
“Salam” is also one of the names of Jannah (Paradise). The
Almighty states in the Qur’an:
“For them will be a Home of Peace with their Lord. He will be their
protecting Friend, because they practiced righteousness.” (6:127)
The inhabitants of Paradise will greet each other with “Salam” when
they meet their Lord, Allah, as he mentioned:
“Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be ‘Peace’ and He
has prepared for them a generous Reward.” (33:44)
12
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
Even when a
Muslim enters his own
home and finds no
one there, he says as-
Salamu Alaikum since
he offers this greeting
upon the angels who
are present in that place
and upon himself.
Muslims exchange
the purified and noble
greetings “As-Salamu
Alaikum” (Peace be
upon you) when they
meet, when they pass
by one another, when
they call one another.

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peace upeon you
Muslims exchange the purified and noble greetings “As-Salamu Alaikum” (Peace be
upon you) when they meet, when they pass by one another, and when they call one
another. Even when a Muslim enters his own home and finds no one there, he says
as-Salamu Alaikum since he offers this greeting upon the angels who are present in
that place and upon himself. This form of greeting helps to relieve the hearts from
all forms of enmity, grudges and rancor that people may keep within them, replacing
it with good will, mutual respect, tranquility, security and happiness. Often Muslims
greet one another by saying the fuller version, which has been taught by the Prophet
of Allah, “As-Salamu alaikum wa rahmatul'laah”, which means, “may the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon you, and His Mercy”.
In the Prophetic traditions (hadith), we find the words of the Messenger of Allah
‫ﷺ‬ describing how the spreading of this greeting is from among the traits of the
perfection of faith:
“You will not enter Paradise until you acquire full faith, and you will not acquire full faith
until you love one another. Should not I guide you to an action which if you establish
it among one another, you would love one another? Spread the greeting of ‘Salaam’
(Peace) as much as you can amongst yourselves (in the community).” (Muslim)
And the Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“Offer food generously to others, initiate the greeting of ‘peace’ amongst yourselves
to those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The purpose of Islam is to continually seek to please Allah, the Creator and Lord
of the Universe, by universal good and righteous deeds. Allah says in his Glorious
Book, the Qur’an:
“O People of the Book! There has come to you Our Messenger revealing to you much
that you used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary).
There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book by which Allah guides all
who seek His pleasure to the ways of ‘salam’ (peace and safety), and leads them out
of darkness, by His Will, to the light, and guides them to a Path that is Straight.” (5:15-16)
Islam comprises the complete comprehensive meaning of peace that includes the
inner personal and spiritual peace, as well as outer social peace. As the Messenger
of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“A true Muslim is the person from whom other Muslims feel secure from his verbal
or physical abuse and attacks, and a true immigrant is a person who forsakes what
Allah the Almighty has declared unlawful.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

14
14

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Chapter 01
peace upeon you
Moreover, it includes the global vision of general universal peace for all humanity,
since its basic principles include mutual respect and non-aggression to those who
abide peacefully to just terms, especially those who have the basic understanding
of a revealed religion from Allah as the basis of their civilization like the Christians
and Jews.
“O you who believe! Enter into ‘as-Silm’ (the peace of Islam by submission to Allah)
completely and whole-heartedly, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is
indeed an avowed enemy to you.” (2:208)
The invitation of Islam, Allah’s universal religion, is extended to all. Allah Most Exalted
said in His Majestic Book:
“Say, [O Muhammad], 'O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all,
[from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is
no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.' So believe in Allah and His
Messenger....” (7:158)
And He said:
“Truly the religion before Allah is Islam.” (3:19)
And He said:
“And Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in
the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” (3:85)
“When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit’, he said ‘I have submitted [in
Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.’” (2:131)

16
THE MISCONCEPTION THAT ISLAM WAS
SPREAD BY FORCE
One misconception, promoted by the enemies of justice who do not
read historical sources impartially, but instead rehash old propaganda
over and over again, is the false accusation that Islam was spread by
force. Islam was spread by the sword, they say. Yet, various selections
from the Qur’an can rebut this slanderous accusation.
Allah, Most Exalted, says in His Majestic Book:
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right
course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves
in false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy
handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (2:256)
And He, the Most Exalted, says:
“If it had been your Lord's Will, they all would have believed, all the
people on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to
believe?” (10:99)
“And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe;
and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.' Indeed, We have prepared for
the wrongdoers a fire whose walls will surround them. And if they call
for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds
[their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place.” (18:29)
“But if they turn away, your duty is only to preach the Clear Message.”
(16:82)
“Therefore give admonition, for you are indeed one to admonish. But
you are not one to control [them].” (88:21-22)
“Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away - then
upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon
you is that with which you have been charged. And if you obey him, you
will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the
[responsibility for] clear notification.’” (24:54)
16
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
The Qur’an and
Prophetic traditions
make it clear that no
coercion or compulsion
in religion is allowed
- no one is ever to be
forced against his will
to convert to Islam.
One misconception,
promoted by the
enemies of justice who
do not read historical
sources impartially but
rehash old propaganda
over and over again,
is the false accusation
that Islam was spread
by force. Islam was
spread by the sword,
they say.

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peace upeon you
“If any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he
may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they
are a people who do not know.” (9:6)
These and many other verses of the Qur’an and Prophetic traditions make it clear that
no coercion or compulsion in religion is allowed; no one is ever to be forced against his
will to convert to Islam. Faith must be by knowledge and free will and based upon firm
conviction in the heart, followed by the testimony of correct words and good deeds. A
mere pronouncement of the creed of Islam, “la ilaha illallah” (There is nothing worthy of
being worshipped except Allah), is not enough to confirm one as a believer, even though,
if said with the kernel of initial faith, one immediately becomes a Muslim. As Allah said
about the Bedouins who professed verbally without firm conviction:
“The desert Arabs say, ‘We believe.’ Say, ‘You do not yet have real Faith, but rather say
only, ‘We have submitted to Allah’, since Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you
obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not slight you [the reward] of your deeds, for Allah
is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (49:14)
It is known that someone cannot be forced to change what is in the depths of his heart,
and that one may profess with his tongue what he does not really believe with certainty.
This is not Islam, nor is it the Islamic faith. For this reason, Allah said the following about
the one compelled under duress to renounce his faith in Islam:
“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief, except for one who is forced [to renounce
his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts
to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment.” (16:106)
Disbelief occurs by opening the heart to disbelieve willingly, and upon this basis, one
speaks evil and commits his criminal acts rebelling against Allah and the revealed
guidance of the Messengers and becomes an apostate after having believed.
Another accusation related to the above is that Islam was spread by force of arms
and warfare. It is an established fact that any system or government, regardless of its
source, requires a protective force to defend it adherents, preserve its values, spread
its principles, ensure a fair application of its law, and enforce the just execution of legal
penalties against criminals. As reported in the tradition of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬:
“Truly, Allah admonishes with the authority of the ruler, more than what He admonishes
with the Divine Revelation of the Qur’an.” (i.e. more by enforcing the punishments justly
than the God-consciousness from reading scripture) (al-Hindi, Kanz-ul-Aámaal)

18
Let us take a glimpse of the early days of Islam and its amazing spread
over the known world to analyze the truth of this accusation in the light
of documented historical fact.
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬, after his commission from
Allah to arise and publicize his divine message, remained in the sacred
city of Makkah for thirteen years inviting his people, and the visitors
to Makkah, to Islam. He engaged every possible way to inform and
convey the message of the revelations of the Qur’an and the Sunnah,
encountering false accusations, slander, persecutions, harassment,
boycotts, threats, attacks, and brutal physical aggression from his
people. Those who believed shared in his sufferings, and since he was
not yet commanded by Allah to meet violence and aggression with
armed defense, his followers persevered and suffered the harshest
forms of persecutions withholding their hands and adhering to the
precepts of peaceful missionary activity.
Many were tortured and some were martyred for their faith in Islam, and
the accounts of these brave souls bear testimony to the long suffering
his followers endured in this period of severe testing. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
soothed the wounds of his companion Ammar ibn Yasir and his parents
who eventually became the first martyrs of Islam with the words, “Be
patient, O family of Yasir! Paradise will be your permanent abode.”
(Al-Hakim)
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ allowed some of his followers to immigrate to Ethiopia
to escape from this oppression and torture. They sought refuge under
the tutelage of its just ruler of the era, the Negus, who himself later
accepted Islam. Even in these dire circumstances, Allah, the Most Wise
and Merciful, commanded His Messenger Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ to be patient,
forbearing and tolerant with his people while propagating the message.
There are repeated examples of his exceeding mercy, graciousness,
magnanimity, and compassion in the face of this continued violence
and aggression. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ and his companions stood firm in
their belief and conveyance of the message, obeying the following
command of Allah:
“Therefore patiently persevere, as did those of determination among
The Messenger of
Allah, Muhammad‫ﷺ‬,
after his commission
from Allah to arise and
publicize his divine
message, remained
in the sacred city of
Makkah for thirteen
years inviting his
people, and the visitors
to Makkah, to Islam.
Faith must be by
knowledge and free will
and based upon firm
conviction in the heart.

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peace upeon you
the messengers and do not be impatient for them. It will be - on the Day they see that
which they are promised - as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour
of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient
people?” (46:35)
And still he would pray for their guidance saying, “O Allah! Please guide my people as
they do not know.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ continued to propagate the message in Makkah, and to seek out any tribe
that would be able to protect and aid him. He would present himself and his mission to the
visiting individuals and tribes in Makkah, and at the times of the great Arab markets and
meeting places. Then it so happened that a group of people from the city of Yathrib (now
known as “Madinah”, or the City of the Prophet) believed in the Message of Islam and
gave him their pledge of allegiance to support and defend him in the same way as they
would defend their own wealth, honor, integrity and household. They encouraged him and
the early believers to seek refuge by immigrating to their hometown. This coincided with
the persecution in Makkah reaching a grave critical stage, and the leaders of the Quraish
tribe even conspired to murder the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him.
The immigration was to be the watershed event in Islamic history, for in Madinah the
Prophet’s first mosque was built, the brotherhood of Muslims expanded, and the nascent
Islamic state was established and developed under his direct guidance.
Note that the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ and his followers never shed a drop of blood
in retribution throughout these long years of persecution and oppression in the city of
Makkah since he was not commanded to fight, but rather to be patient and persevere.
Confrontation and armed hostilities from the Muslim side did not begin until two years after
his immigration from Makkah to Madinah, when the Quraish tribe feared for its dominance
and continued on the path of persecution and obstruction of the message of Islam, and
after all avenues of peaceful propagation were exhausted.
Since the town of Madinah was en route of the Quraish tribe’s merchant caravans to
Greater Syria, the first act of confrontation occurred when Allah’s Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ engaged
a commercial caravan lead by the Quraishi nobleman Abu Sufyan. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
intended to impose a kind of economic sanction on the tribe of Quriash to allow him to
peacefully propagate his faith to others in the open, and to compensate the believers for
the properties, possessions and wealth which were unjustly confiscated by the Quraish
in Makkah before the immigration. The caravan escaped the ambush but after learning

20
about the incident, the leaders of Quraish prepared a relatively large
and well-equipped army to attack the Muslims. Consequently the first
decisive battle took place at Badr, and the smaller and ill equipped
Muslim force of 313 fighters crushed the arrogant Quraish army with a
humiliating and decisive defeat.
Allah, Most Exalted and Supreme, describes the just rationale for this
battle and those to follow:
“[They are] those who have been expelled from their homes
unjustly, only because they say ‘Our Lord is Allah.’ If Allah did not
check one set of people by means of another, many monasteries,
churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is
commemorated in abundant measure, would surely have been pulled
down. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His cause. Indeed Allah is
Full of Strength, Exalted in Might. [They are] those who, if We establish
them in the land, establish regular prayer, give regular charity, enjoin
the right and forbid the wrong. And with Allah rests the end and decision
of all affairs.” (22:40-41)
And Allah, the Wise and Sublime, says:
“And why shouldn’t you fight in the cause of Allah, and for those
who, being weak, are persecuted and oppressed? Men, women, and
children, whose cry is, ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose
people are oppressors, and raise for us, from Yourself, a protector, and
raise for us, from Yourself, a helper.’” (4:75)
And Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress
limits, for Allah loves not transgressors.” (2:190)
In all the battles fought, and all the victories that Allah’s Messenger
‫ﷺ‬ and his companions achieved within the period of 23 years of the
Prophet’s mission, only 375 people were killed in this fighting. In the
ninth year of the Hijra (Immigration) known as the Year of Delegations,
the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ met with about a hundred various delegations from
tribes over the entire Arabian Peninsula. He met them with generosity
and magnanimity and replied to all their questions and concerns about
the Islamic Creed (Aqeedah) and Law (Shari’ah). The majority of them
The immigration
was to be the
watershed event in
Islamic history, for in
Madinah the Prophet’s
first mosque was built,
the brotherhood of
Muslims expanded
and grew, and the
nascent Islamic state
was established and
developed under his
direct guidance.
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
allowed those of
his followers that
wished to immigrate
to Ethiopia to escape
from this oppression
and torture.

21
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peace upeon you
were suitably impressed by the call of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ and they accepted Islam. The
Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ also sent letters to the leaders of the surrounding regions calling
them to accept the Message of Allah as will be mentioned below.
In the Prophet’s lifetime and soon afterwards, the entire Arabian Peninsula was for the first
time in its history unified in one just and egalitarian rule of law, under one divine religion.
The majority of Arabs accepted Islam willfully in droves after hearing the Qur’an, seeing
the example of the Prophet in his Sunnah (Way) and his companions, and witnessing
the Islamic system, with only a few holdouts among some Jewish and Christian pockets,
allowed to remain within the Muslim State on their old faith by contracts stipulating specific
rights and obligations. Indeed this revolutionary change was a miraculous achievement
considering the meager material means by which it took place and its lasting worldwide
effect, and Allah Most Great gives success to whom He will.
The rightly-guided Caliphs, companions and righteous predecessors followed the
example of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ after his passing away, defending the Muslim State from its
enemies. They also worked together in conquering the surrounding tyrannical empires
which threatened their existence, and in spreading Islam by the zeal of their faith and
missionary activity and through their excellent upright morals and just relations. These
individuals were, by no standards, equal in number or war equipment, preparations, and
professional military skills, to the people they vanquished, but the vitality of their divine
faith and the moral superiority of their characters conquered the common people’s hearts
and minds before there was a need to vanquish the corrupt tyrannical armies whose
oppression of the masses was unbearable.
One of the new converts to Islam in our time, named Basheer Ahmad, said in reflection
on this issue, “One of the most puzzling questions to me, and one of my most serious
concerns prior to accepting Islam and embracing it as a way of life, was that we Christians
claim that Islam was spread by the sword. Therefore, I posed the following question to
myself, ‘If that claim is true, why, then, do we notice that many people, in every corner
of the world, still adhere to Islam and embrace it, join it, and accept it as a way of life?
Why do we notice people come to join Islam daily, without any compulsion or force by
anyone?’” [Paraphrased from Dr. Imad-du-Deen Khalil: What Do They Say about Islam? p.295]
Norman A. Daniel says on the origins of the fabrication of this myth, “… The West formed a
more or less invariable canon of beliefs about Islam; it decided for itself what Islam was...
The important thing was that it suited the West... it gave Christendom self-respect in dealing
with a civilization in many ways its superior.” [Islam and the West: The Making of an Image, p. 270]

22
De Lacy O’Leary comments on this fallacy, “History makes it clear,
however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the
world and forcing Islam at the point of a sword upon conquered races
is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever
repeated.” [Islam at the Crossroads, London, 1923, p. 8]
Dr. Gustav LeBon states in his book, Civilization of the Arabs [p.127-128],:
“...force was never a factor in the spread of the Koranic teachings, and
that the Arabs left those they had subdued free to exercise their religious
beliefs. If it happened that some Christian peoples embraced Islam
and adopted Arabic as their language, it was mainly due to the various
kinds of justice on the part of the Arab victors, with the like of which the
non-Moslems were not acquainted. It was also due to the tolerance and
leniency of Islam, which was unknown to the other religions.” [Paraphrased
from Dr.Imad-du-Deen Khalil: What Do They Say about Islam? p.314]
He also says, “…the early Caliphs… were remarkably kind in the way
they treated the peoples of Syria, Egypt, Spain and every other country
they subdued, leaving them to practice their laws and regulations and
beliefs and imposing only a small Jizya in return for their protection
and keeping peace among them. In truth, nations have never known
merciful and tolerant conquerors like the Arabs.”
If Islam did spread as a consequence to the wars imposed on the
Muslims from those enemies threatening their survival, and the
conquests of these oppressive and corrupt regimes that followed
consequently, is this unique and unknown in history, especially when
compared to other civilizations? What is truly unique of the Islamic
conquests is that they generally liberated others from oppression, as in
the famous answer that the companion of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ gave to the
Emperor of Persia when he asked him what had brought the Muslims
to their their lands. It is mentioned in the history books, “Allah has
sent us to deliver you from worshiping the creation, to worshiping the
Creator of the creation, and to deliver you from the constriction of this
world, to the vastness of the Hereafter, and from the oppression of the
religions, to the justice of Islam.” [see Ibn Katheer, Bidayah wa Nihayah].
In direct contrast to the many examples of massacres, rapes, pillaging,
In all the battles
fought, and all the
victories that Allah's
Messenger and his
companions achieved
within the period of 23
years of the Prophet’s
mission in Makkah and
then in Medinah, only
375 people were killed
in this fighting.
The first decisive
battle took place at
Badr, and the smaller
and ill equipped
Muslim force of 313
fighters crushed the
arrogant Quraish army
with a humiliating and
decisive defeat.

23
Chapter 02
peace upeon you
and overall injustices in history, we do not find comparable accounts in the history of these
early Islamic conquests.
Thomas Carlyle, in his famous series of lectures, commented on the spread of Islam with
the following words, “Much has been said of Mahomet’s propagating his Religion by the
sword. It is no doubt far nobler what we have to boast of the Christian Religion, that it propa-
gated itself peaceably in the way of preaching and conviction. Yet with all, if we take this for
an argument of the truth or falsehood of a religion, there is a radical mistake in it. The sword
indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely
in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone, there it dwells as yet. One man alone of the
whole world believes it; there is one man against all men. That he take a sword, and try to
propagate with that, will do little for him. You must first get your sword! On the whole, a thing
will propagate itself as it can. We do not find, of the Christian Religion either, that it always
disdained the sword, when once it had got one. Charlemagne’s conversion of the Saxons
was not by preaching. I care little about the sword, I will allow a thing to struggle for itself
in this world, with any sword or tongue or implement it has, or can lay hold of. We will let
it preach, and pamphleteer, and fight, and to the uttermost bestir itself, and do, beak and
claws, whatsoever is in it; very sure that it will, in the long-run, conquer nothing which does
not deserve to be conquered. What is better than itself, it cannot put away, but only what is
worse. In this great Duel, Nature herself is umpire, and can do no wrong. The thing which
is deepest-rooted in Nature, what we call truest, that thing and not the other will be found
growing at last.” [Heroes, Hero Worship, and the Heroic in History, Lecture 2, Friday, 8th May 1840]
In comparison to the above, let us take some passages from the Holy Bible and read what
the Jews and Christians hold as sacred and divine guidance about the conduct of war,
and that which has guided them in the times of their expansions and conquests.
We read in the Book of Deuteronomy:
“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it agrees
to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall
become your forced labor and shall serve you. However, if it does not make peace with you,
but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. When the Lord your God gives it into
your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword. Only the women and
the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for
yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the Lord your God has given
you. Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not of the cities of
these nations nearby. Only in the cities of these peoples that the Lord your God is giving you

24
as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. But
you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite
and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the Lord your God has
commanded you, so that they may not teach you to do according to all
their detestable things which they have done for their gods, so that you
would sin against the Lord your God….” [Deuteronomy 20: 10-18].
On the conquest of the city of Jericho, and the fate of the indigenous
inhabitants therein we read, “So the people shouted, and priests blew the
trumpets, and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people
shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went
up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city. They utterly
destroyed everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and
ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword.” [Joshua 6:20-21]
In the towns of Makkedah and Libnah, they did the same as in Jericho.
[Joshua 10: 28].
A perplexing passage of the Gospel of Mathew on a statement of Jesus
reads, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth, I came not to
send peace, but a sword.” [Matt. 10:35-37; and compare Luke 22:36]
What is this sword? Who has the authority to raise it? This is not clear
and is open to interpretation. Perhaps it will be raised upon his second
coming. Until the reign of Constantine, the early Christians were a
persecuted minority apparently committed to non-violence and waiting
for his imminent return. But thereafter, when Trinitarian Christianity
became the official state religion in the era after Constantine, the
sword was wielded openly by the State, and Christian rulers down
through history conducted numerous wars and conquests in the name
of religion.
The Christian principle of obedience to any authority in power is based
upon the purported statement of Jesus to “render unto Caesar.” This
was increasingly extended by the Christian theologians to rationalize
and legitimize the right of divine rule and then, even national and
secular rule, on the basis of Pauline doctrine as enshrined in his
decree, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,
The Christian
conquerors of
Jerusalem during the
Crusades slaughtered
all of its Jewish and
Muslim inhabitants,
whereas the re-
conquest of Jerusalem
by Salahudeen al-
Ayubi stands as a
noteworthy example
of magnanimity and
generosity.
Dr. Gustav LeBon
states in his book,
Civilization of the Arabs
[p.127-128], force was
never a factor in the
spread of the Koranic
teachings, and that the
Arabs left those they
had subdued free to
exercise their religious
beliefs.

25
Chapter 02
peace upeon you
for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God.” [(NIV) Romans 13:1]
The statements and facts above will be compared with some of the guidance from the
Qur’an, and the Way of the Prophet (the Sunnah), to provide more proofs that indeed
Islam is the religion of peace. This will be illustrated despite the fact that some disobedient
Muslims have distorted, by word and deed, the image of Islam, and despite the venomous
propaganda, slander and misinformation fabricated and distributed by the haters of Islam
in their crusades against Islam and the Muslims.
We do not deny that aberrations and injustices took place occasionally by some of the Muslims,
but the general sweep of historical trends is our evidence, as noted above. And along these
lines it may be pertinent to mention two more examples, since they show a general pattern.
The Christian conquerors of Jerusalem during the Crusades slaughtered all of its Jewish
and Muslim inhabitants, whereas the reconquest of Jerusalem by Salahudeen al-Ayubi
stands as a noteworthy example of magnanimity and generosity.
We also have the contrast of Spain and Anatolia (Asia minor). The Christians expelled
the Muslims and Jews from Spain, or put them to the sword, or forced them to convert to
Christianity during the infamous “Inquisition,” the paradigm of the treatment of Muslims
under Christian rule. In the same era, when the Muslims conquered what is now Turkey,
they were comparatively much more tolerant, and to this day the seat of the Eastern
Orthodox Church remains in Istanbul (the conquered Constantinople).
The noted orientalist, Sir ThomasArnold, rejects this malicious propaganda about Islam saying,
“…of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or
of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had
the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as
easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestantism
penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches
in Asia were entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christendom throughout which
no one would have been found to lift a finger on their behalf, as heretical communions. So the
very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant
attitude of [the Muslim] governments towards them.” [Sir Thomas W. Arnold, The Preaching of Islam, A
History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith, Westminster, Westminster A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p. 80]
The unfortunate reality of history is that European, rather than Islamic, historical trends
have come to dominate the world, and this has led to a degree of bias and distortion.

26
THE MISCONCEPTION THAT WORLDLY GAINS
WERE THE AIM OF THE ISLAMIC CONQUESTS
A third and related accusation is that the swift Islamic conquests,
which startled the known world and by which the Muslim faith was able
to spread North, East and West, were primarily only for war spoils,
worldly pleasures, fame and glory. Let us present some facts about
the biography of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ and about Islamic principles from the
historical record.
The Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ at the beginning of his mission as the
Prophet and Messenger of Allah was approached by his people in
every possible way and by every possible means to back off and
abandon his Call to Islam. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ was asked by the Quraish
leaders, “If you desire a kingdom and dominion over all the Arabian
Peninsula, we will ensure this for you. If you desire women, we offer
you, freely, to marry the most beautiful virgin girls in the Arabian
Peninsula.” The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ was also offered excesses of wealth that
no one ever dreamed of possessing in the Arabian Peninsula, but he
rejected all these offers. Why? The Arab leaders of Quraish made all
their offers with one condition - that the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ immediately cease
calling to his religion of Islam and cease opposing their Pagan beliefs
in idols and superstitions.
The Prophet’s ‫ﷺ‬ simple, direct and honest reply to all their tempting
and lucrative deals was full and final rejection. One famous narration
of the words of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ is recorded as follows:
“By Allah! If they were able to place the sun in my right hand and the
moon in my left hand in order to convince me to abandon the call for this
mission, I would not. I will never surrender, nor accept their requests,
but will continue on my mission until either this Call (of the religion of
Islam) becomes predominant and widely accepted and practiced in the
Arabian Peninsula, or my head is removed from my body.” [Ibn Hisham,
The Biography of Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ vol.1, p.170]
Another fact worthy of noting is that the letters that the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ sent
26
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
The letters sent
by the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ to
the prominent kings,
governors and rulers of
neighboring countries
were very clear in
allowing them to keep
their positions of
leadership, kingdoms,
and possessions if they
accepted Islam and
preserved peace and
justice.
The Arab leaders
of Quraish made all
their offers with one
condition, that the
Prophet‫ﷺ‬ immediately
cease calling to his
religion of Islam and
cease opposing their
Pagan beliefs in idols
and superstitions.

27
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peace upeon you
to the prominent kings, governors and rulers of neighboring countries were very clear in
allowing them to keep their positions of leadership, kingdoms, and possessions if they
accepted Islam and preserved peace and justice.
For instance, the following famous letter to Heraclius, Emperor of the Byzantine Roman
Empire, reads as follows:
“In the name of Allah, the Compassionate and Merciful.
From Muhammad, who is the servant of Allah and His Prophet, to Heraclius.
Peace be upon him who follows the right path. I invite you to the fold of Islam. Therefore,
if you desire security, accept Islam. If you accept Islam, Allah shall reward you doubly and
if you refuse to do so, the responsibility for the transgression of the entire nation shall be
yours. [Allah, the Almighty, says]:
‘Say, ‘O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you -
that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take
one another as lords instead of Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that
we are Muslims [submitting to Him].’” [3:64] (Bukhari & Muslim)
The companion Anas reported that:
“Allah’s Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ was never approached to give a reward to a person who accepted
Islam, but condoned it. Once, a man came and asked for something if he accepted Islam.
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ offered him (from the Islamic treasury) a herd of sheep that was grazing in
a valley between two mountains (in Madinah). As such, the man who received the reward
went back to his people and told them, ‘O My people! Accept Islam, as Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬
gives such rewards that the recipient will never fear poverty’. [All the people related to
this man accepted Islam and joined the Muslims]. Anas continued in his report saying:
‘A man would accept Islam only for materialistic gains, but as soon as he would feel the
sweetness of Islam, the faith would become dearer to the heart of such a person, more
than the entire world and its possessions.’” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Let’s also examine the amount of wealth that the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ left behind as inheritance
after his death. Amr bin al-Harith reported:
“The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ upon his death left no silver or gold coin, slave or anything else, other
than his white mule, his weapon, and a piece of land which he had declared as a charity
for Muslims.” (Muslim)
In fact, the Prophet’s personal armor was bonded to a Jew as collateral against a
measurement of barley for his family’s food at the time of his death. How could any

28
sensible person, then, accuse a man like the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ of
being infatuated with materialistic gains and possessions, ephemeral
status and glory? Emperors, nationalistic leaders, their generals and
warriors seek after glory, land and booty. Yet, the facts above prove
that the aim of the Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ was to spread the religion
of Islam to mankind by peaceful means for their benefit, and to leave
them alone in earning their livelihood and fulfilling their material needs
as they pleased within the boundaries of Islam.
The companions of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ and the followers in truth, show by
example of their righteous, upright and ascetic way of life, that they
were not after worldly possessions and the fleeting pleasures of this
life.
During the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ commented, “Get up to
gain Paradise which is as spacious as all the heavens and earth put
together!” A man named Omair bin al-Hemam heard the Prophet's ‫ﷺ‬
statement. As such, this man raised the question to Allah's Messenger
‫ﷺ‬, “O Prophet of Allah! Did you say the reward is Paradise, which
is as wide as the heavens and earth put together?” The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
answered positively. The Companion said, “Blessed be it! Blessed be
it!” The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked the
man, “What urged you to say what you said?” The man replied, “O
Prophet of Allah! The only hope I entertain is to be one of the dwellers
of this Paradise!” The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him, said, “Surely, you are one of the dwellers of this Paradise.” Upon
hearing such a word from the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, the man took a few dates out
of his bag to eat before the fight began. But, the man threw the dates
in the air saying, “By Allah! If I lived to finish eating these dates it would
be a very long life! He rushed into battle until he was martyred.” (Muslim)
A man called Shaddad bin al-Hadi reported that a Bedouin came to
Allah's Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ and expressed interest in Islam. The Bedouin
soon embraced Islam. The Bedouin expressed his interest to Allah's
Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ to immigrate with him to Madinah. As such, Allah's
Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ asked the Muslims to take care of the Bedouin, which
they did. The Muslims fought a battle against the pagans and as a
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
upon his death left no
silver or gold coin, slave
or anything else, other
than his white mule, his
weapon, and a piece
of land which he had
declared as a charity for
Muslims.
A man would
accept Islam only for
materialistic gains, but
as soon as he would
feel the sweetness of
Islam, the faith would
become dearer to
the heart of such a
person, more than the
entire world and its
possessions.

29
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peace upeon you
result, they won some war spoils. Allah's Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ distributed the booty among his
Companions. The Bedouin was given a share of the booty due to his participation in the
fight. The Bedouin asked, “What is this for?” Allah's Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ stated, “This is a share
of the spoils for your participation in the fight.”
The Bedouin replied, “I did not give you my pledge of allegiance for worldly gains. In
fact, I followed you and embraced Islam hoping that an arrow of the enemy would hit
my throat, then I would die, then I would be rewarded with Paradise.” Allah’s Messenger
‫ﷺ‬ commented on the statement of the Bedouin, “If you are truthful with Allah, surely
Allah would fulfill your desire.” Later on, a battle was fought, and the Bedouin was found
dead with an arrow in his throat. He was carried forward and brought before the Prophet
‫ﷺ‬. Allah's Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ inquired, “Isn't he the same Bedouin?” The people answered
affirmatively. The Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“Verily this man was truthful with Allah. Therefore, Allah Most Exalted is Truthful with him.”
Allah’s Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ gave his cloak to be used as a shroud for the martyred Bedouin.
The funeral was brought forward and they offered a funeral prayer for his soul, using the
following supplication for the soul of the martyr:
“O Allah! This is Your slave-servant, who immigrated for Your cause. He was killed as a
martyr. I am a witness for that.” (Nisaa’e)
The incident is a testimony for this man and his likes who refused to accept his entitled
share of the war booty seeking complete sincerity in his desire for the reward from Allah
alone.
Omar bin Al-Khattab, the famous rightly-guided Caliph and Companion of the Prophet
‫ﷺ‬, whose conquests reached into vast areas in the known world including the Roman
and Persian empires, heard his stomach growl due to lack of a proper diet. Upon hearing
the growl of his own stomach, Omar exclaimed, “O My dear stomach, growl or be still!
By Allah! You will not get properly filled until all the Muslims have enough to eat.” (Baihaqi
in al-Sunan, 9/42]
The spoils of warfare the early Muslims gained by their conquests were sufficient to let
them lead a prosperous and gracious life, but the real motive behind the conquests was
to call other peoples to the Word of Allah and the religion of Islam. This was proven by
the fact that the conquered peoples were given the freedom of choice to accept Islam
as a religion and way of life, and if they did, they would be entitled to all the rights of the
other Muslims. This equalitarian and universal approach was unknown in the world at that
time; a world built upon racial and national empires where some were privileged nobles

30
and the rest were second-class citizens, at best, and more probably
servants, slaves and feudal serfs. If the conquered people rejected
Islam, and remained upon their previous religion and did not wage
war against the Muslims, they were required to pay the Jizyah (“Head
Tax”). This was a symbolic amount of tax in exchange for the protection
of their lives, properties and wealth guaranteed and secured by the
Muslim government. Additionally, payers of the head tax would enjoy
all public facilities offered and maintained by the Islamic government
and were not required to pay any additional taxes, whereas Muslims,
on the other hand, were required to pay the Zakah (obligatory charity
on accumulated wealth, the sum of 2.5% of their annually accumulated
funds or a specified amount of agricultural and husbandry produce).
Zakah is often much more than what the amount of the head tax is
annually. Thus, people actually had to pay more tax upon becoming
Muslim, yet they still converted in large numbers.
If the non-Muslims in a conquered land refuse to accept either option,
and choose to remain belligerent, war would be waged against them in
order to remove the impediment to the delivery of the Message of Islam.
Thus, a potential reason for waging a war against other non-Muslims
is the fact that, some inhabitants of such non-Islamic countries may,
embrace Islam, had they known its principles and mission. For this
essential and noble objective, and Allah Knows best, Islam imposes
on Muslims to wage wars in order to allow for the unimpeded delivery
of the Message of Allah to the non-Muslims.
Khalid bin al-Waleed, the most famous and successful general of
the early Muslims, died while he owned only a horse, a sword, and
a servant. Where could any one find a trace of materialistic life in the
inheritance of such a great Muslim general and warrior?
The books of Islamic history are replete with numerous narratives of
men of this high caliber that confirm that worldly gains were not the
objective of the early Muslims. Rather, they hoped for the reward from
Allah, the Most Generous and Bountiful, for their sincerity in calling to
Islam, the divine religion of guidance from Allah. As was revealed and
promised by the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ when he said:
The spoils of
warfare the early
Muslims gained by
their conquests were
sufficient to let them
lead a prosperous and
gracious life, but the
real motive behind the
conquests was to call
other peoples to the
Word of Allah and the
religion of Islam.
The companions
of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ and
the followers in truth,
show by example of
their righteous, upright
and ascetic way of life,
that they were not after
worldly possessions
and the fleeting
pleasures of this life.

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“If a single soul, male or female, is guided through you to Islam, it is better for you than the
choice red camels (i.e. the most prized possessions on earth).” (Muslim & others)
There are many reliable accounts of early Muslims willingly giving up their entire wealth
and life savings as charity upon their conversion to Islam. The early members of the
Quraish tribe were noteworthy in this regard. Others were deprived of their wealth
because their families boycotted them in anger for their embracement of Islam. Others
had all their possessions confiscated upon immigration to Medina. Others were extremely
involved in the work of Islamic propagation and gave their time and wealth to this activity.
To “cite” one example, in the major and decisive battle of Nahāvand, a companion of the
Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ named an-Nu'man bin Muqrin al-Mozani offered the following supplication,
“O Allah! Honor and Glorify Your Divine religion, and make those victorious who believe
in You. O Allah! Let me be the first to be martyred in the battle. O Allah! Grant my eyes
the true pleasure to see the best conquest that grants honor and dignity to Islam. O
people! Put faith in Allah, He will certainly shower you with His Mercy”. Do you see any
materialistic greed and desire for personal glory in this supplication? The main objective
is surely to seek the pleasure of Allah and the sincere wish to call others to accept Islam
for their own benefit.
The Ruler of Egypt, the Muqawqis, sent his messenger to the Muslim General, Amr bin
al-Aas who conquered Egypt. The Muslim General was holding the Babylon fortress in
siege. The Egyptian Ruler asked his spies to report on what they observed. There was
general consensus on their observation. They said, “We have noticed that they prefer
death over life. They prefer to be modest and humble, rather than proud and arrogant. We
have noticed that they have no interest among them in worldly gains and possessions.
They sit on the floor, and their leader sits like one of them. No one could differentiate
between the leader and the led, the master and the slave. They are all almost alike,
irrespective of their ranks.”
These, and many more, examples show that accumulation of the spoils of war and self-
aggrandizement were not the objectives of early Muslims. Rather the zeal of the mission
of Islam to guide mankind propelled them from their native homeland to the surrounding
areas, carrying with them the universal message of Islam.

32
JUST WAR THEORY AND PRACTICE IN ISLAM
Islam, as we explained earlier, is a divine religion of submission to
Allah and His revealed guidance for man, which teaches peace and
mercy. Although Islam calls for peaceful interactions with all peoples of
all countries, engagement in war may become necessary at times as a
final remedy. Allah has limited the application of the times to go to war
to five situations. “Jihad” according to Islamic terminology, means to
strive and exert one’s utmost effort in the cause of Allah; it can apply to
combat, but is by no means limited to this action. The objective of Jihad,
when referring to combat, is to defend the Muslims and allow their
right to deliver the invitation to Islam. It may also be waged in defense
against aggression, a legitimate reason within certain conditions.
The wars of mankind historically have most often been waged as an
act of aggression and for unjust personal and national vendettas; for
imperial, colonial and corporate expansion and hegemony; for the
control, exploitation, plunder and theft of material and human resources;
or for mere fame, glory and arrogance. Islam does not condone any of
these war objectives and considers them all illegitimate and worthy of
just retribution. There are only five legitimate reasons for Jihad, as follows:
01 Defense against attack upon life, property, and wealth of the Muslim
nation and national borders. This is based on the verse revealed in the
Qurán:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress
limits; for Allah does not love the transgressors.” (2:190)
This is also based on the tradition of the Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ who
said:
“Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a
martyr, whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr,
whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr,
and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.”
(Tirmidhi, Abu Da`ood, Nisaa’I & Ibn Majah)
32
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
The wars of
mankind historically
have most often been
waged as an act of
aggression and for
unjust personal and
national vendettas; for
imperial, colonial and
corporate expansion
and hegemony; for the
control, exploitation,
plunder and theft of
material and human
resources.
Allah has limited
the application of the
times to go to war to
five situations. “Jihad”
according to Islamic
terminology, means to
strive and exert one’s
utmost effort in the
cause of Allah.

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02 Defense against oppression or those assisting in the oppression of the weak and
defenseless. Jihad of this type has a clear and obligatory humanitarian objective. Allah,
Most Majestic, states in His Qur’an:
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the
oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city
of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from
Yourself a helper.’” (4:75)
This command to resist aggression and persecution is also based on the verse revealed
in the Qur’an:
“Those who believed, immigrated, and fought for the Faith, with their property and their
persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave them asylum and aid, these are
all friends and protectors, one of another. As to those who believed, but did not immigrate;
you do not owe them the duty of protection until they come into exile. But. if they seek your
aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a
treaty of mutual alliance. And remember that Allah sees all that you do.” (8:72)
03 In retaliation to the breach and violation of solemnly concluded covenants, pacts
and treaties. This is based on the verse revealed in the Qur’an that states:
“And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the
leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they
might cease. Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel
the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them?
But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers.” (9:12-13)
04 Disciplinary actions against those Muslims who aggress and start hostilities without
any just cause, and continue obstinately on the path of aggression as Allah the Almighty
states:
“If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them. But, if
one of the parties transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight against the
one that transgresses until it complies with the Command of Allah. If it complies, make
peace between them with justice, and be just and fair, for Allah loves those who are just
and fair.” (49:9)
This type of jihad proves that the purpose of jihad is always for law and justice since it is
waged even against Muslim criminals.

34
05 For the invitation to the religion of Islam when peaceful means are
impossible. This type is only a last resort after a series of efforts proves
to the Muslim ruler that peaceful means have become impossible.
The first step is an invitation to allow the peaceful preaching of Islam,
following the practice (sunnah) of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ when, as mentioned
above, he had sent letters to the surrounding rulers inviting them to
Islam. If the ruler refused this invitation, he and his people are offered
the option of becoming dhimmees, that is, people of the protected non-
Muslim community governed by its own religious laws, but obliged to
abide by the general Islamic laws to maintain law, order and security,
and to pay the Jizya tax in lieu of performing military service1
. Only
when the non-Muslims refused these conditions did the Muslim ruler
have grounds for the commencement of open battle for the fact that
they oppose the peaceful propagation of Islam.
Islam is the universal faith and religion of Allah, the Creator and Lord -
Sustainer of mankind, and therefore is not for any specific people, but for
all. Acceptance of Islam and conversion is not the mission or objective
that Muslims seek because guidance is only in the Hands of Allah, Most
Wise and Sublime. All people must have a chance to hear about the
goodness, justice, brotherhood, love, equality and peace that Islam
teaches. The Benevolent and Almighty Lord of Man states in His Qur’an:
“And fight them until there is no more temptation, strife or oppression,
and there prevails justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere.
But if they cease, verily, Allah sees all that they do.” (8:39)
If at any time the enemies of Islam and the Muslims cease their
hostilities and aggressions and sue for, or accept, just terms of peace,
Muslims are obliged to stop the state of war, start negotiations, and it
becomes unlawful for them to pursue any course of warfare against
them. Allah, the Wise and Omniscient said:
“Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves
1 If a community wishes to fight alongside the Muslims against aggressors,
then they are not required to pay the Jizya, and this historically did happen.
If at any time the
enemies of Islam and
the Muslims cease
their hostilities and
aggressions and sue
for, or accept, just terms
of peace, Muslims are
obliged to stop the
state of war.
Defense against
oppression or those
assisting in the
oppression of the
weak and defenseless.
Jihad of this type has
a clear and obligatory
humanitarian objective.

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peace upeon you
and whom is a treaty or those who come to you, their hearts strained at [the prospect of]
fighting you or fighting their own people. And if Allah had willed, He could have given them
power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they remove themselves from you
and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for
fighting] against them.” (4:90)
The causes of legitimate warfare are thus identified above, and other verses in this
context are as follows:
Allah, the Great, said:
“They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, ‘Fighting therein is a great
[transgression] but a greater [transgression] in the sight ofAllah is to prevent mankind from
following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to the Holy Mosque [in
Makkah], and to drive out its inhabitants and [trying to force Muslims to revert from their
religion] is worse than killing.’” (2:217)
Allah, the Great, says:
“And fight them until there is no more [idol worship] and worship is for Allah. But if they
cease, let there be no transgression except against the tyrants.” (2:193)
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Those who believe, they fight in the Way of Allah, and those who disbelieve, they fight in
for their false gods. So fight you against the followers of Satan. Indeed, the plot of Satan
is feeble.” (4:76)
All other types of wars, as mentioned above, resulting in destruction and great loss of
life and property, are banned and declared unlawful in Islam. Wars waged to arrogantly
demonstrate force and supposed superiority are also prohibited in Islam. As Allah, the
Exalted, says:
“And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen
by people and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And Allah is encompassing of what
they do.”(8:47)
Although Islam permits fighting for the necessary reasons mentioned above, it lays down
strict rules and regulations for the conduct of warfare on both the leaders and the soldiers,
and directs all to observe the noble Islamic manners and ethics even in this most difficult
of times. The Muslim fighters are permitted to target and kill only those who fight against
them or assist and support other fighters in the battlefield. As for elderly people, minors,
women, the sick, wounded, or those who isolate and seclude themselves in worship by
belief in non-violence; all these categories of people who are non-combatants are not to

36
be targeted, killed or even bothered in any manner by Muslim fighters.
It is prohibited to kill an enemy soldier who is wounded and fallen on
a battlefield as well. Islam bans mutilation of the bodies and cadavers
of all killed enemies.
Furthermore, Islam bans the killing of the enemies’ animals, and the
destruction of their agriculture and dwellings and infrastructure, except
in very specific circumstances necessary for the immediate battle.
Additionally, Islam prohibits intentional pollution of the water sources
of the enemies and their wells. Islam considers all the aforementioned
activities as acts leading to the disruption of the society and
unnecessary hardship on the common people. As Allah states in His
Qur’an, the intention of this life for a Muslim is to seek the life of the
Hereafter through good deeds:
“But seek with that which Allah has bestowed upon you, the Home of
the Hereafter, and do not forget your due portion in this World. Do good
as Allah has been good to you, and do not seek occasions for mischief
in the land. Indeed Allah does not love those who do mischief.” (28:77)
From among the many teachings and guidance fromAllah's Messenger,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to the fighters, are the
following:
The Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ stated that there is only one legitimate
intention for combat, when he said:
“He who strives and fights in order to make the Word of Allah, the Most
Supreme, is the one who strives and fights for the cause of Allah.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
When a woman was found killed in one of these battles, the Messenger
of Allah mentioned that this one was not fighting and forbade the killing
of women and children. (Muslim)
He also gave the following instructions:
“Begin your fight with the Name of Allah against those who declare the
state of disbelief in Allah. Fight against them, but do not breach your
contracts or covenants. Do not mutilate the bodies of the fighters killed.
Do not kill a newly born baby.” (Muslim)
And he said:
The Muslim fighters
are permitted to target
and kill only those who
fight against them or
assist and support
other fighters in the
battlefield.
All people must
have a chance to hear
about the goodness,
justice, brotherhood,
love, equality and
peace that Islam
teaches.

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peace upeon you
“Go forward in the name of God. Do not kill an elderly person, nor a child, nor a woman,
and do not exceed the bounds.” (Malik & Abu Dawood)
The eminent companion, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq the first Muslim Caliph of the Muslim
State, gave the following advice to the Muslim army he deployed, saying, “Wait before
you leave. I would like to give you the following advice. Do not betray or act treacherously.
Do not steal from the war booty before its proper and lawful distribution. Do not breach
your pledges and covenants with your enemies. Do not mutilate the bodies of the killed
fighters. Do not kill a child, a woman, or an elderly person. Do not cut or burn a palm
tree [or any other tree for any reason]. Do not cut a fruit-bearing tree. Do not slaughter a
sheep, a cow or a camel, except for your food. You may come across people who seclude
themselves for the worship of God, leave them alone. Do not bother them or cause any
disruption to their lives.” [Reported by at-Tabari, Vol.3, p.226, and others]
Similarly, Muslims must declare war prior to the beginning of the fight. This is because
Muslims are neither betrayers, nor dishonest fighters. Islam imposes some of the best of
war ethics and morals onto the Muslim fighters. Islam requires full adherence to justice
and no oppression to the fighting enemies.
Omar bin Abdul-Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, one of the early Umayyad Muslim
Caliphs, was approached by a delegation of fighters of the city of Samarqand who
complained about the Muslim leader, Qutaibah, who had taken them by a surprise attack.
The Caliph sent a letter to the governor of the concerned area commanding him to assign a
judge to investigate this matter, and if the judge deemed that Muslims should get out of the
city and leave it as a result of any breach of trust, they must comply with the judgment. The
governor of Samarqand assigned a judge named Jomai’ bin Hader al-Baji who passed his
verdict that the Muslims should leave the city which they had conquered. The Muslim army
commander must first declare war openly and with a proper proclamation, prior to invading
the land and launching their attack upon the people of Samarqand, give them a chance
to prepare themselves for the fight and to know the reasons for the attack. The people of
Samarqand, seeing the just dealing of the Muslims, decided against restarting hostilities
and accepted the terms of Islamic rule. [see: Countries of the Conquests, by Balathuri, p.428]
As with reference to captives and prisoners, always a sensitive and divisive subject between
warring parties, Islam strictly forbids intimidation, torture, mutilation, or starving them to
death. Indeed, feeding them is a virtue and worthy of the reward of Allah as he says:
“And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive; saying,
‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone. We do not desire from you reward nor
thanks.’” (76:8-9)

38
The Islamic leader reserves the full freedom to release the prisoners of
war free without ransom, set terms for their ransom, or release them in
exchange for the release of Muslim prisoners of war. This is based on
the verse revealed in the Qur’an:
“At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, then secure their
bonds, and either [confer] favor afterward or ransom [them] until the war
lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed,
He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered
armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others....” (47:4)
As for the defeated non-Muslim residents of the conquered countries,
the People of the Book like the Christians and Jews, were treated with
respect, and their security, dignity and honor was maintained. Even
their wealth and properties were secured from aggression and unjust
confiscation. They and their women were never molested or unduly
humiliated in any manner. The homes and dwellings for their families
were left unharmed. In summary, they were dealt with fairly and justly.
Their originally divine faith was honored and dignified, and if they
chose to remain upon it, they were responsible to respect and obey
the Islamic tenants and religion, and maintain obedience to the public
good, security and rule of equitable law. This is based on many verses
and teachings, including what Allah said as follows:
“[They are] those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish
prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.
And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.” (22:41)
One of the best evidences reflecting these teachings is the example set
by Omar bin al-Khattab, the second Muslim Caliph, and the conqueror
of the Roman and Persian empires, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
upon entering it as a victor. Tabari reported that he wrote to them as
follows:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate and Most Gracious.
This is the assurance of safety which the servant of God, Omar, the
Commander of the Faithful, has given to the people of Jerusalem.
He has given them an assurance of safety for themselves, for their
property, their churches, their crosses, the sick and healthy of the city
Islam bans
the killing of the
enemies' animals,
and the destruction
of their agriculture
and dwellings and
infrastructure, except
in very specific
circumstances
necessary for the
immediate battle.
It is prohibited to kill
an enemy soldier who
is wounded and fallen
on a battlefield.

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and for all the rituals which belong to their religion. Their churches will not be inhabited
by Muslims and will not be destroyed. Neither they, nor the land on which they stand, nor
their cross, nor their property will be damaged. They will not be forcibly converted. No Jew
will live with them in Jerusalem2
.
The people of Jerusalem must pay the taxes like the people of other cities and must expel
the Byzantines and the robbers. Those of the people of Jerusalem who want to leave
with the Byzantines, take their property and abandon their churches and crosses will be
safe until they reach their place of refuge. The villagers may remain in the city if they wish
but must pay taxes like the citizens. Those who wish may go with the Byzantines and
those who wish may return to their families. Nothing is to be taken from them before their
harvest is reaped.
If they pay their taxes according to their obligations, then the conditions laid out in this
letter are under the covenant of God, are the responsibility of His Prophet, of the caliphs
and of the faithful. This is witnessed by Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, ‘Amr Ibn Al-’Aas, Abdur-
Rahman Ibn Al-’Awf and Mu’awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan. Executed in the year 15 Hijri.”
Surely, there is nothing comparable in the recorded history of mankind. We believe that
this is the best form of nobility, justice and tolerance from the conqueror’s side towards
the vanquished. Most conquerors strip the defeated people from all rights, freedoms and
honor, including the right to a decent life, subjugating them to labor as slaves or second-
class citizens and to serve the conquerors’ interests. Omar bin al-Khattab could have
easily dictated harsh terms and conditions against the defeated Christians at the time,
but instead he followed the lead of the Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ in his generosity and
magnanimity when he conquered Makkah after years of dealing with their treacherous
warfare and bitter persecution. This justice was aimed at the noble goal of propagating
the word of Allah and not gaining personal or national advantage. These examples,
among others, illustrate the justice, tolerance, and beauty of Islam, the divinely revealed
religion of Allah for universal and just peace. The laws of Allah, the Almighty, must apply
to all people without any exception or favoritism.
Non-Muslims living under the Islamic rule are obligated to pay the Jizyah (sometimes
referred to as head tax) which is a minimal, symbolic amount imposed on the non-
Muslim residents who willingly choose to maintain their previous faith and live under the
government of the Muslim State. The basis of this is found in the verse of Allah:
2 An interesting clause that was demanded by the Christians of Jerusalem.

40
“Fight against those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the Last
Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His
Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, from among the
people of the Scripture, until they pay the jizya willingly while they
are humbled.” (9:29)
This tax is of three types as calculated by the currency of the time:
The head tax of the rich and the affluent people. This is estimated
as forty-eight dirhams of silver taken from each individual
annually.
The head tax of the middle-class individuals such as merchants,
businessmen, and farmers. This is estimated as twenty-four
dirhams of silver taken from each individual annually.
The head tax taken from the laborers and craftsmen who are in
business. This is estimated as twelve dirhams of silver taken from
each individual annually.
The Jizya tax is imposed on the non-Muslims living in the Muslim
territory as a symbolic payment for the guarantee that their honor,
integrity, wealth and life will be protected by the Muslim government
against external enemies and internal violations, and because they
are exempted from serving in the military. This protection includes all
rights and obligations as specified and agreed upon contractually. In
comparison, Muslims have additional duties, including the obligation to
serve in the military when required, and to pay the Zakah (obligatory
alms) and other forms of sadaqah (charity).
Khalid bin al-Waleed, one of the most renowned Muslim war generals,
in one of his contractual pledges to the non-Muslims living in the
Islamic State said, “I have given you my pledge of trust to accept your
head tax and in return, to protect you against all possible odds (that we
protect ourselves against). If we succeed in offering you the protection
we would take the head tax. If not, then you would not have to pay it
until we can provide you such protection.” (Balathuri’s history)
Most conquerors
strip the defeated
people from all rights,
freedoms and honor,
including the right to a
decent life, subjugating
them to labor as
slaves or second-
class citizens and to
serve the conquerors’
interests.
Non-Muslim
residents of the
conquered countries,
the People of the Book
like the Christians and
Jews, were treated
with respect, and their
security, dignity and
honor was maintained.
Even their wealth and
properties were secured
from aggression and
unjust confiscation.

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L. Veccia Vaglieri, in her book entitled, Defending Islam, says, “Conquered people by
Islamic governments were given full freedom to maintain and preserve their faith and
traditions provided that individuals who elected this option and did not accept Islam as
a way of life, would pay a fair head tax to the Islamic government. Head tax was less
than what Muslims paid to their government. Non Muslims, residing under Islamic ruled
state, paid such tax in exchange for the general blanket protection offered by the Islamic
government extended for its own people.”
One must remember that the three types of the jizya tax calculated above were for the
earning members, whereas other classes of the non-Muslims - namely the poor, needy,
minors, women, the monks, priests, rabbis, the permanently disabled, and the blind -
were exempted entirely from the payment of this head tax, and their protection, needs and
general welfare was undertaken free of cost by the Islamic Treasury.
For example, Omar bin al-Khattab was sitting once when an old Jew passed by asking
people to give him charity. Omar asked about the welfare of the individual and was informed
that the man was living as a non-Muslim under the rule of the Muslim state and protection,
paying head tax. Omar declared, “We have not been fair to you! We have imposed head
tax on you and charged you such tax when you were young and able, and now we are not
providing you with the proper social care and welfare (when you are old and disabled).”
As a result, Omar took the man to his own home, fed him and offered him proper clothing.
Thereafter he commanded the Muslim Treasurer, “Look into the case of this man, and
those of similar situation, and give them a sufficient income from the Islamic Treasury,
along with their families.”
Allah, the Almighty, stated in His Qur’an:
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to
collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or
slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an
obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (9:60)
The poor are the Muslims. The needy are the People of the Book. This is one interpretation
of this command of Allah. [Abu Yousef, al-Kharaj, p.126]
In Khalid bin al-Waleed’s pledge, may Allah be pleased with him, to the non-Muslims of al-
Heerah, in Iraq, the following was written, “Any non-Muslim living under the protection of the

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Muslim empire who grows old and becomes unable to work, or becomes a terminal patient, or
becomes bankrupt in such a manner that he would be entitled for charity by his own people’s
faith, will no longer be required to pay the head tax. Such individuals will be provided their
essential needs from the Islamic Treasury, along with their families.” [Abu Yousef, Al-Kharaj, p.144]
Lis Lictenstadter, a German scholar, in her book titled, Islam and the Modern Age, states,
“The option given to the people of Persia and Rome or the West, during the time of the
spread of Islam, was not to be killed by the sword or accept Islam. In fact, the option was
either to accept Islam as a way of life, or else to pay the head tax (in exchange for protection).
This is a praiseworthy plan which was applied later on in England during the reign of Queen
Elizabeth.” [Islam and Modern Age, p. 67. See also, Ahmad Shalabi, Comparative Religious Studies, vol. 3, p.174]
Non-Muslims living under the rule of the Islamic state are fully entitled for full protection
and respect for their rights. Allah the Almighty states in the Qur’an:
“It may be that God will grant love and friendship between you and those whom you hold
as enemies. For God has power over all things; And God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
God forbids you not, with regard to those who do not fight you for your Faith nor drive you
out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for God loves those who are
just. God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for your Faith, and drive you
out of your homes, and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for friendship
and protection. Those who turn to them (in these circumstances) do wrong.” (60:7-9)
The Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“The one who wrongs a person protected by a treaty or impairs his right or overworks him
or forcibly takes something from him, I will be his prosecutor on the Day of Judgment.”
(Abu Dawood & Nasa’ee)
The Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“The one who kills a person protected by a treaty will never smell the scent of heaven
though its scent is found at the distance of forty years.” (Bukhari)
“And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the
orphan, and the captive, saying, 'We feed you for the
sake of Allah alone, and we do not desire from you
reward nor thanks.’” (76:8-9)

44
Message of Islam
44
ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES ENJOIN MERCY AND
CONDEMN AGGRESSION
The Divine religion of Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, tolerance,
kindness and benevolence. It stands upright against all brutality,
wanton violence, and viciousness in order to promote and protect
justice and peace. Allah, the Most Benevolent, urged all Muslims to
follow the pattern of Allah’s Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ as follows:
“By mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And
if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have
disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for
them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then
rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (3:159)
Allah, the Wise and Sublime, characterizes the mission of Muhammad
‫ﷺ‬ as a mercy to all, when He said:
“We have not sent you but as a Mercy for all creation.” (21:107)
The teachings of Islam call all Muslims to show mercy and kindness to
all of the creation. The Prophet of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“The merciful and kind people will receive the Mercy of the Merciful
Lord, Allah. Be merciful to people on earth, and Allah, Who is in
Heaven, will grant you His Mercy.” (Tirmidthi)
And in another version he said:
“Allah would be Merciful to the merciful people. Be merciful to those on earth,
and the One in Heaven would be Merciful to you.” (Tirmidthi & Abu Dawood)
Allah's Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ said:
“You must be gentle. Verily, gentleness is not in anything except
that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it
disgraces it.” (Ahmad)
The Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon
him, said, “He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in
fact, deprived of all good.” [Reported by Muslim].
The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ said to his wife while educating her:
44
ISLAM IS
THE RELIGION
OF PEACE
The teachings of
Islam call all Muslims
to show mercy and
kindness to all of the
creation.
The Divine religion
of Islam is a religion
of peace, mercy,
tolerance, kindness
and benevolence.
It stands upright
against all brutality,
wanton violence, and
viciousness in order to
promote and protect
justice and peace.

45
45
peace upeon you
Chapter 05
“O Aisha, Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness. He rewards for gentleness what is not
granted for harshness, and He does not reward anything else like it.” (Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said to Ashaj Abdul-Qais, may Allah be pleased with him:
“You possess two qualities that Allah loves, clemency and tolerance.” (Muslim)
Furthermore, Islam requires that mercy and kind treatment should be meted out to all
people, even to the enemies of the Muslims captured during battle, as in the command
of the Prophet of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ when he said, “Be kind and merciful to the captives.” [see Al-
Mu’jammal-Kabeer, 22/393].
If the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ gave this command to Muslims concerning the hostile enemies who are
fighting against them, then the treatment towards the peaceful people would naturally be
even better.
Never is any life to be taken unjustly. As Allah said:
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed
unjustly - We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of]
taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].” (17:33)
More on this topic will be presented below, but here let us note that Islamic mercy and
kindness, not to mention the prohibition of taking life unjustly, is not limited to human
beings, but includes animals and all living creatures as well.
The Prophet of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, noticed someone
shooting a little bird for fun and then leaving it to die for no reason, whereupon he said:
“This little bird would supplicate its case before Allah the Almighty on the Day of Judgment,
saying: ‘O My Lord! This man killed me for no reason to benefit by my death (like hunting
for food which is allowed).’” (Ahmed & Nasa’ee)
The companion Abdullah ibn Omar is reported to have passed by a group of young men
who had captured a bird and set it up as a shooting target. He said: “Who placed this
bird as a shooting target? May Allah's Curse descend on the person who did this! The
Messenger of Allah ‫ﷺ‬ said:
‘Allah, the Almighty curses the person who captures and sets any living creature as a
shooting target.’” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Allah’s Messenger ‫ﷺ‬ commanded Muslims to show kindness in every action, even when
slaughtering an animal, by the words:
“Allah, the Almighty, prescribes perfection in every action... If you slaughter an animal

Islam is the religion of peace

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