Peace in Islam
13 items across 2 content types
Questions (9)
Does Islam support violence against non-Muslims?
No. The Qur'an explicitly states 'there is no compulsion in religion' (2:256) and permits fighting only in self-defense. Verses about warfare were revealed in specific historical contexts of persecution and self-defense, not as blanket commands.
Does Jihad mean 'Holy War'?
No. Many people translate 'Jihad' as 'Holy War,' but the Arabic words for 'holy war' — 'Harbum Muqaddasah' — appear nowhere in the Qur'an or any authentic Hadith. The term 'holy war' was first coined by European orientalists to describe the Crusades and was later misapplied to Islam. The Arabic word 'Jihad' comes from 'jahada,' meaning to strive or struggle.
Does the Qur'an tell Muslims to kill non-Muslims?
No. Critics frequently quote Qur'an 9:5 out of context — 'kill the polytheists wherever you find them' — to claim this. However, this verse was revealed in the context of a specific peace treaty that was unilaterally broken by the Makkan polytheists. The very next verse (9:6) commands Muslims to grant protection to any enemy who seeks it and escort them to a place of safety. Reading any text out of context distorts its meaning.
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
The claim that Islam was spread by the sword is historically false. The word 'Islam' itself comes from 'salaam' (peace). Historian De Lacy O'Leary called this 'one of the most fantastically absurd myths.' Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years without forced conversions, over 80% of India remained non-Muslim after centuries of Muslim rule, and Indonesia — the world's largest Muslim country — was never invaded by a Muslim army.
Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ violent or did he spread Islam by the sword?
No. Historical evidence and his own sayings demonstrate the opposite — he was exceptionally forgiving, patient, gentle, and tolerant, even when he had the power to retaliate. He prohibited harming civilians, instructed kindness toward prisoners, forgave those who persecuted him, and commanded that conquered peoples be treated with justice.
What is the best form of Jihad in Islam?
The best form of Jihad varies according to circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described multiple forms: performing Hajj properly, serving one's parents, speaking a word of truth before an unjust ruler, and striving against one's own evil inclinations. In today's context, conveying the message of Islam peacefully (Da'wah) and correcting misconceptions is arguably the most important form of Jihad.
Who is Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and what was his character like?
Muhammad ﷺ is the final Prophet sent by God to all of humanity. His character was described by his wife Aisha as 'a reflection of the Qur'an.' He was known for extraordinary mercy, forgiveness, humility, equality, and gentleness — even celebrated by non-Muslim scholars like Mahatma Gandhi and George Bernard Shaw as one of history's greatest figures.
Why are most of the Muslims terrorists?
The premise of the question is false. The word 'terrorist' means someone who causes terror. A policeman is a terrorist for a criminal. Labels depend on perspective — the British called George Washington 'Terrorist No. 1,' and Nelson Mandela was labeled a terrorist before winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The Qur'an commands Muslims to verify information before acting on it.
Why does Islam allow Muslims to kill others in the name of Jihad?
Jihad does not mean 'holy war.' The Arabic word comes from 'jahada,' meaning to strive and struggle — against one's own evil inclinations, to improve society, to fight oppression, and to defend oneself. Fighting in battle (qitaal) is only one category of jihad, and is permitted only in self-defense. Killing any innocent human being is explicitly prohibited in the Qur'an.
Hadith (4)
لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
La yu'minu ahadukum hatta yuhibba li akhihi ma yuhibbu linafsihi
Narrated by Anas ibn Malik
لاَ تَحَاسَدُوا وَلاَ تَنَاجَشُوا وَلاَ تَبَاغَضُوا وَلاَ تَدَابَرُوا وَلاَ يَبِعْ بَعْضُكُمْ عَلَى بَيْعِ بَعْضٍ وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا
La tahasadu wa la tanajashu wa la tabaghadhu wa la tadabaru wa la yabi' ba'dukum 'ala bay'i ba'd, wa kunu 'ibadallahi ikhwanan
Narrated by Abu Hurairah
لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ
Laysa ash-shadidu bis-sur'ah, innama ash-shadidu alladhi yamliku nafsahu 'ind al-ghadab
Narrated by Abu Hurairah
مَنْ سَلِمَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ مِنْ لِسَانِهِ وَيَدِهِ
Man salima al-Muslimuna min lisanihi wa yadihi
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As