Page 118 - World Religions I - Islam

• According to the Sunnah, a jihad is not lawful unless it involves the summoning of unbelievers to belief.44
o Jihad must end when order is restored, that is, when unbelievers have accepted either Islam or a
protected status within Islam, or when Islam is no longer under threat. This statement is extremely
subjective, and has lent itself to self-interpretation throughout the centuries.
• Early history of jihad.
o During the Early Meccan Period of Muhammad's ministry, his revelations were that of no retaliation.
 Many verses encouraged patience to bear with those who denied the message, to allow the
unbelievers to continue in their unbelief, and to allow God to judge. It is logical that
Muhammad's early revelations would involve a peaceful struggle early on, since the number of
believers was small (hardly an effective fighting force), and Muhammad was being protected by
his uncle until his death, after which he fled to Medina.
• "And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity). And leave
me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny
the truth, and bear with them for a little while." -Al-Muzzammil (The Bundled One) 73:10-
11
 Muhammad was sent as a warner only, not an enforcer.
• ""Say '...I am (sent) only to warn plainly in public.'" - Al- Mulk (The Sovereignty) 67:26
• "Say, 'O men! I am (sent) to you only to give a clear warning.'" - Al-Hajj 22:49
• "Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs (to open your eyes). If any will see, it
will be for (the good of) his own soul. If any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm). I
am not (here) to watch over your doings." - Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:104
 Don't fight with Jews and Christians; rather emphasize Islam's oneness with the former beliefs.
• "And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere
disputation) ... But say, 'We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in
that which came down to you. Our God and your God is One, and it is to Him we bow (in
Islam).'" - Al-Ankaboot (The Spider) 29:46
 Only struggle against unbelievers with God's revelation: the Qur'an.
• "Therefore listen not to the unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost
strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)." - Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:52
 Allah calls to the house of peace with a reward in Paradise.
• "But God doth call to the home of peace. He doth guide whom He pleaseth to a way
that is straight. To those who do right is a goodly (reward) - yea, more (than in
measure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! They are companions of the
garden. They will abide therein (for aye)!" - Yunus (Jonah) 10:25-26
• ""(God has knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, 'O my Lord! Truly these are a people who
will not believe!' But turn away from them, and say, 'Peace!' But soon shall they know!" -
Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments of Gold) 43:88-89
 Other verses centered around peaceful struggle that were revealed to Muhammad's during the
Early Meccan Period:
• Surahs 52:45, 47, 48; 109:1, 2, 6; 76:8, 9; 20:129, 130; 20:134, 135; 16:93; 19:83-84;
23:54; 23:96; 16:125-126; 29:69; 17:54.
o After Muhammad's flight to Medina, the Muslims began looting caravans from Mecca as a way of "striving
in the way of God". This practice instigated conflict with the Quraish of Mecca, beginning with the Battle
of Badr in AD 624.
 At that time, revelations permitting defensive fighting were revealed. The only enemies at that
time were the "unbelievers" of the Quraish tribe.
• "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are
wronged, and verily, God is most powerful for their aid. (They are) those who have been

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