Islamic Violence
Critic:-
You may think that the violence in Islam is caused by peoples misinterpretation of their scriptures, but the opposite is true. The Islamic scriptures drive the followers of Islam to more and more violence. Here are some examples:-
"Fight then in the way of Allah." Quran 2:244
"Let those then fight in Allah's way who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter; and whoso fights in Allah's way, then, be he killed or be he victorious, We will give him a mighty reward." Quran 4:74
"Kill them wherever ye find them. " 2:191
Comment:-
There seems to deliberate dishonesty here or superficial reading. Verses have been taken out of their context. Here are the verses in context:-
"Fight in the Cause of Allah with those who fight you, but begin not hostilities; verily, Allah loves not those who transgress (or the aggressors). Kill them wherever ye find them, and drive them out from whence they drive you out; for persecution (or oppression) is worse than slaughter; but fight them not by the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there; If they fight you then kill them, for such is the recompense of those that are faithless. But if they desist, then, verily, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. But fight them until there be no more oppression (or persecution) and that the Din (religion, faith, justice, the attitude and way of life) may be Allah's; but, if they desist, then let there be no hostility save against the unjust oppressors." Quran 2:190-193
"Let those then fight in Allah's way who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter; and whoso fights in Allah's way, then, be he killed or be he victorious, We will give him a mighty reward. What ails you that ye do not fight in Allah's way, and for the weak (oppressed) men, women and children, who cry: Lord, rescue us from this town of oppressive people, and raise for us from Thee a Patron (or protecting friend), and raise for us from Thee a help?. Those who believe fight in the way of Allah; and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Taghut (The Evil One); fight ye then against the friends (supporters, protectors, patrons) of Satan, verily, Satan's strategies are feeble indeed. " Quran 4:74-76
There is certainly a great amount of injustice and oppression in the world and it is increasing. Therefore, if there is more injustice and oppression in the world then Muslims will be more violent.
Violence is, of course wide spread in the world and is a characteristic of human beings. It is also regarded as a legitimate tool. All Governments maintain military forces and police and use violece to enforce their will or to maintain privileges and injustices. Violence is usually abhored and condemned by those in power in those who oppose them. Those who condemn it seldom look into the causes of it. They entirely ignore the frustrations and provocations which lead to it. This ignorance and criminal negligence can itself be regarded as the cause of violence. Indeed, violence exists when there is no other method of fulfilling needs either because of ignorance or inadequacy or because of injustice, persecution and attacks. It is impossible that violence can be removed while these sources remain.
There is also a naive understanding of what violence means. All injury done to people should be regarded as violence. This includes psychological, intelletual, emotional, social as well as physical injury. It should include coercion, deprivation, restriction as well as actions done against the person. Injustices of all kinds are violence against the person. But the term "violence" has been restricted to physical injuries because that seems to be politically convenient. It allows those in authority to ignore and hide the violence they themselves do or condone, which causes the retaliation for which the protestors can be condemned.
More and more people are realizing that only Islam stands against oppression and that is why they are converting to Islam. But, of course, those who wish to maintain their privileges based on injustices, perversions and oppression will continue to oppose Islam. This is expected.
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