Page 90 - Islam Denounces Terrorism

88 Islam Denounces Terrorism

We also need to assess this verse in the light of the perspective and
evidence we have been looking at in detail. It must not be forgotten
that the Medinan period when some verses were sent down was a time
of intense fighting. This was purely the result of injustice perpetrated
against Muslims "who were expelled from their homes without any
right, merely for saying, 'Our Lord is God'..." (Qur'an, 22:40) as stated
in one verse. Moreover, as the verse goes on to say, "If they keep away

from you and do not fight you and submit to you, God has not given
you any way against such people.'' Muslims have a responsibility to
stop the fighting and not to insult the other side when it does come to
an end.

Looking at a few verses before verse 57 of Surat al-Anfal, we see
that communities with which Muslims had reached agreement are
being referred to. As almost every verse that gives permission for legit-
imate self-defence states, these communities are ones which had bro-
ken their truce with Muslims and then immediately attacked them.

It is important to produce a deterrent force in the face of that com-
munity which engages in one attack after another, refuses to listen to