Dear Fellows
Assalam-o-Alaikum
Nowadays, evrey one is trying to link SWORD*, *TERRORISM and MILITANCY with ISLAM. Islam actually is a RELIGION OF PEACE. Yes it is true that there had been incidences of violence among its own different sects, but their cuases were more of Political, rather than Religious in nature. On the premise of these incidents, most of the historians have tried to portray Islam as a religion which spread by sword. On the contrary, a close unbiased look at history reveals something else. Let’s see what a non-Muslim has to say;
De Lacy O’Leary, in the book, “Islam at the Crossroads” (London, 1923, p.8) wrote and I quote,
“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have repeated.”
Without criticising any religious denomination of the world, all what I can say is that as compared to other religions and cultures, it is definitely the most peaceful. If you exclude certain eccentrics and fanatics, who took to violence for their own vested interests, you will see the difference yourself. In-fact, and rather unfortunately, the community which suffered maximum casualties at their hands were Muslims themslves in internal strifes. Otherwise, throughout Islamic history, Muslims obeyed the Quranic injunction, “Let there be no compulsion in religion; for truth stands out distinct from error” (2:226).
Let’s find some examples.
ISLAMIC REVOLUTION DURING THE LIFE OF HOLY PROPHET (MPBUH)
During 23 years of preaching, both in Makkah and Madina, Muslims were forced to fight at a number of times. Lets calculate the casualties
Muslims
Fatalities; 459 (martyred)
Wounded; 127
Captives; 11
Opponents
Fatalities; 459
Wounded; Not known
Captives; 6546
Total fatalities in 23 years 459 + 459 = 918 (Strange, yet remarkable)
Fatalities at the Conquest of Makkah; 2 or 3
Now compare other instances with this Islamic Revolution
MAHABHARTA
As per Hindu tradition, all of the India was destroyed with hundreds of millions of casualties.
EUROPEAN RELIGIOUS INQUESTS
During these inter-sect clashes, estimated 12 million people were executed or burnt alive.
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Approximately 4.4 million people were killed on the Guillotine.
RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
Approximately 10 million people were killed or condemned to die in the snow bound prison camps.
FIRST WORLD WAR
Approximately 7.4 million casualties of warring countries, excluding the colonies.
SECOND WORLD WAR
Approximately 10.5 million casualties of warring countries, excluding the colonies.
Considering what is happening in the world today, it is clear that the sword is in the hands of West and not the Muslims (by west I don’t mean Christians, rather western governments). It is still intersting to note that those, who are actually holding the sword, are portraying themselves to be the proponents of Peace in UNO. Those who actually made those certain eccentric, fanatic religious groups in the world are the real Militants, not the Muslims.
Wassalam